The South Carolina state Christmas tree is up now in front of the Statehouse, and once again, it appears there are problems with the tree. People walking by the tree on Monday complained that it’s much shorter than previous trees, and it also has big bare spots around the base. But, the volunteers who bought the tree and decorate it say, not to worry. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle tells us what happened…and how it’ll be fixed.

DHEC H1N1 clinics have been scheduled in some Aiken County schools, for November and December. This list does not include all Aiken County schools, as the Aiken County Board of Education has not received available dates from DHEC for January, but all Aiken County schools will be holding H1N1 vaccine clinics.

A passenger train hit a vehicle late Monday night near Hardeeville, South Carolina, killing several people.  Ted Felder, interim city manager for the city of Hardeeville says a vehicle was apparently trying to go around the arms of a crossing gate that was down and did not make it.  He says the vehicle was then dragged around a mile down the track.  At a press conference Hardeeville Fire Chief Dan Morgan confirmed that 4 people were killed in the accident.

Aiken County is one step closer to getting a new County Complex building. It’s a project that’s more than a decade in the making, and now, the Aiken County Council is narrowing down designs for the new building. WJBF News Channel 6’s Joy Howe has more.

You can buy groceries, tires, glasses, get your nails and hair done, and now get a health check-up. A local Wal-Mart now has a nurse practitioner staffed medical clinic. WJBF News Channel 6’s Paige Tucker reports.

Cudos, a local gift shop, was named Small Business of the year at a luncheon Monday in Augusta.  The award is sponsored by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Boat owners on the Riverfront Marina woke up to a surprise Monday morning. The “B” dock parking lot is flooded with several inches of water from the Savannah River. Longtime residents say they believe the waters of the river are rising and are backing up into marina’s storm water system, causing the parking lot to flood.

It’s a local rescue group inspired by one dog, and has now saved hundreds of pets. But now, this Burke County group needs your help to win a national competition for their service, hosted by a very famous “foodie.” WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop has more. UPDATE: ‘Old Fella Animal Rescue did not win during Tuesday night’s round, but did receive $4,000…$1,000 for each round that they made. Congratulations!

A McCormick County Sheriff’s deputy in stable condition tonight after being shot.  Investigators say it happened around 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning on President’s Drive.  We’re told the deputy was shot after he responded to a shooting.  The suspect was arrested after a brief standoff. Neither the suspect nor the deputy’s name is being released at this time.

There’s a different type of therapy helping children with special needs across the C-S-R-A. Saturday afternoon those taking part in the therapy showed off what they’ve learned. Count on our Fraendy Clervaud. He has the story.

Aiken, SC—Take a look….it’s a brand-new view of our solar system just released by NASA this week. And it was unveiled right here in the CSRA, at USC Aiken.

Soldiers, the Installation Chaplain, and the General gathered to hold a prayer vigil, Friday, to honor the 13 lives that were lost at Fort Hood, by respecting their memory at Fort Gordon. WJBF News Channel 6’s Joy Howe reports.

For the first time, those in Augusta can log-on and weigh in on city spending. Should taxes go up, or should services get cut? The city website is offering a budget survey for those who want to give their two cents. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

Friday morning, Augusta State University conducted mock trauma and other emergency situations for its senior nursing class.  The students participated in a mock car accident, a campus shooting, a patient with no pulse and a burn situation.

The city of Augusta wants feedback from residents on budget issues. The catch? You must be a resident of Richmond County, and over the age of 18 to take part.

They are the talk of the town…country group Lady Antebellum takes home two major awards at the CMA’s. Two members of the group are from Columbia County. WJBF News Channel 6’s John Hart sat down with the parents of guitarist Dave Haywood.

North Augusta Department of Public Safety (NADPS) Chief John Thomas tells WJBF News Channel 6 that Club Fusion has been closed down.

There is a power outage in Columbia County early Friday Morning.

Some Aiken County parents and teachers voiced their concerns at a local restaurant amongst each other, Thursday night. This comes after two Aiken County teachers were charged with sexual misconduct at Leavelle McCampbell Middle School this fall. WJBF News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud has more.

After more than two years of work I-20 is returning to normal. One of the main parts of the project was a new interchange at Bobby Jones Expressway…where motorists are now going up, up, up…as they drive away. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has more.

One man is dead and two Richmond County deputies are on paid administrative after the Sheriff says they shot and killed a murder suspect. WJBF News Channel 6’s Crime Tracker Barclay Bishop has the latest.

Want to get kids to read? Bring an award winning author to them. That’s what Hammond Hills Elementary School did Thursday morning.

A Columbia County animal rescue group will be able to keep its doors open. Thursday morning, a judge dismissed 2 citations that went against CSRA Happy Tails founder, Barbara Gleitsmann.

A Burke County woman is behind bars, charged with hit and run in Myrtle Beach, SC. Wednesday night, 31-year-old Kathryn Michelle Johnson was arrested where she works, in Columbia County.

South Carolina’s jilted first lady is endorsing a candidate to succeed her husband when the term-limited politician leaves office. Jenny Sanford issued a letter in support of Republican state Rep. Nikki Haley that was made public Wednesday. The first lady is a former Wall Street executive credited with helping her husband’s political rise.

South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford will be recognized as one of this year’s 10 most fascinating people on an upcoming network television special.

The first steps to the possible impeachment of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford are expected next week. The SC House of representatives Judiciary Committee’s chairman plans to use a special committee to handle the work.

Police in South Carolina have charged a man in connection with a drive-by shooting in which three people, including a 20-month old toddler, were killed. ‘The Post and Courier of Charleston’ reported Wednesday that 19-year-old Danziel Chapman of Walterboro is charged with murder and being held in the Colleton County jail.

Many Wednesday took the time to remember those who fought and are still fighting for our country this Veterans Day. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud for more. He spoke to three local veterans who share their insights about this day.

One of the people who sued to stop the state from issuing the “I Believe” Christian license plate says he has no problem with a private group going through the process to get the DMV to make the plates. A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that the plates were unconstitutional because they were created by the state legislature, which meant the state was endorsing one religion. Now, the Palmetto Family Council has announced plans to have them produced. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.