South-Carolina

New Leadership for South Carolina National Guard as Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell Assumes Command

Published

1 year ago

June 2, 2025

New Leadership for South Carolina National Guard as Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell Assumes Command

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – A new era has begun for the South Carolina Military Department as U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell officially assumed command from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty during a change of command ceremony held on May 31, 2025. The transition took place at the Lexington District 2 Performing Arts Center in West Columbia, witnessed by a large gathering of friends, family, Soldiers, Airmen, State Guard members, and state and federal government officials. The 246th Army Band of the South Carolina National Guard provided musical accompaniment for the dignified event.

Governor Henry McMaster presided over the traditional passing of the colors, a symbolic gesture signifying the transfer of authority. Governor McMaster received the colors from Maj. Gen. McCarty, marking his relinquishment of command, and then presented them to Maj. Gen. Stilwell, formally recognizing him as the 30th Adjutant General of South Carolina.

Governor McMaster lauded the incoming leader, stating, “Major General Stilwell’s years of experience and proven leadership within the South Carolina National Guard have prepared him to take on this critical role. I know that he will serve our state with honor and distinction, ensuring the National Guard remains ready to protect South Carolinians and support our communities in times of need.”

Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette echoed these sentiments, highlighting Maj. Gen. Stilwell’s qualifications: “Major General Stilwell brings decades of proven leadership, operational experience, and a deep understanding of the South Carolina National Guard to this new role. His commitment to readiness, resilience, and service make him the right leader to carry on Major General McCarty’s legacy and guide the National Guard into the future.”

Maj. Gen. Stilwell, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, began his military journey by enrolling in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at The Citadel in 1985, commissioning as an Infantry officer upon graduation. His extensive career within the South Carolina National Guard includes serving as director of joint staff and deputy commanding general-reserve affairs at the U.S. Army War College. He has deployed to Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Kuwait, earning numerous awards and decorations for his dedicated service.

Beyond his military achievements, Maj. Gen. Stilwell is a Circuit Court Judge for the State of South Carolina, bringing a unique blend of legal and military expertise to his new role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The Citadel, a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, where he was a Distinguished Graduate. He is also a Level III, joint qualified officer and a Liberty Fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, actively serving on various community boards. Maj. Gen. Stilwell is married to Charlotte Whelan Stilwell and they have three children: Eli, Dee, and Joseph. In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Stilwell praised the efforts of his predecessor and committed to continuing to build upon the success and effectiveness of the South Carolina National Guard.

The outgoing Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, a native of South Carolina, leaves a remarkable legacy after more than 42 years of service. A 1982 graduate of The Citadel with a United States Army Reserve commission in the Field Artillery, he commanded units at every echelon from Battery to Brigade. His previous command assignments include Battery Commander, Alpha Battery, 4th Battalion, 178th Field Artillery; Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery (Operation Iraqi Freedom); Regional Police Advisory Commander (Operation Enduring Freedom), 218th Enhanced Separate Brigade; Commander 59th Troop Command, Assistant Adjutant Army, and Deputy Adjutant General. Maj. Gen. McCarty plans to enjoy a well-deserved retirement with his wife Susan, daughter Madelynn, four sons, and six granddaughters.

As the 30th Adjutant General of South Carolina, Maj. Gen. Stilwell will serve as the top military advisor to the Governor, leading both the SC Army and Air National Guard, the SC Emergency Management Division, and playing a critical role in planning disaster preparedness and response efforts with agencies like FEMA. The South Carolina National Guard looks forward to a new chapter of leadership under Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell.

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for June 2, 2026

Published

10 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for June 2, 2026

The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 2 drawing

15-26-43-48-60, Mega Ball: 12

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 8-7-6, FB: 6

Evening: 3-8-3, FB: 6

Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 2-8-6-6, FB: 6

Evening: 7-1-4-4, FB: 6

Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 06

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from June 2 drawing

01-04-05-07-34

Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:

For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.

Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.

SC Education Lottery

P.O. Box 11039

Columbia, SC 29211-1039

For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.

Columbia Claims Center

1303 Assembly Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South-Carolina

South Carolina store owner found not guilty of murder in fatal shooting of Black teen

Published

20 hours ago

June 2, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina store owner found not guilty of murder in fatal shooting of Black teen

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Chikei Rick Chow has been found not guilty by a South Carolina jury on murder charges in the shooting death of a Black 14-year-old in Columbia.

Chow was charged in the May 28, 2023, shooting death of Cyrus Carmack-Belton outside Chow’s Shell gas station on Parklane Road.

Carmack-Belton ran from the store while being chased by Chow and his son, according to prosecutors.

Authorities said the pair pursued the teen after accusing him of stealing four bottles of water from the store.

Chow shot Carmack-Belton once in the back after his son claimed the teen had a gun. He was arrested the following day.

In November 2025, a judge denied Rick Chow immunity under South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law and also denied bond, ruling the 60-year-old store owner was a danger to the community and a flight risk.

The ruling came after prosecutors presented surveillance video and photos in court showing Carmack-Belton running from the store. Authorities said the allegation of theft was not supported by surveillance video.

Chow has served three years in prison.

The unanimous decision came Monday evening after eight hours of deliberation.

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South-Carolina

Anderson County voters to weigh in on Statehouse races. Who’s on ballot?

Published

1 day ago

June 2, 2026

Press Room

Anderson County voters to weigh in on Statehouse races. Who’s on ballot?

Voters in Anderson County will decide four contested South Carolina House primary races this June as incumbents face challengers on issues ranging from taxes and government spending to immigration, education, and public safety.

For the 2026 primaries, there are four contested races in Anderson County.

Candidate filing for the 2026 election cycle closed in March, officially setting the stage for the June primaries and November general election.

Polls opened for early voting on May 26, and election day will be on Tuesday, June 9. For residents looking to find where to vote, scvotes.org lists precinct locations.

State House District 6

April Cromer

Age: 49

Family: Cromer has a husband, Brent Cromer, and two children

Experience: She has been the incumbent since being elected on Nov.14, 2022. Outside of that, she’s an internal operations auditor for her family’s business, Cromer Food Services.

Top issue: She said the state government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and argued lawmakers should focus on reducing inefficiencies before considering any tax increases.

“As a businesswoman who has helped run a company of more than 100 employees, I know that throwing money at broken systems never works. Rather than raising your taxes, yet again, increase our state budget, I’ll work to bring down costs and make our government more efficient by slashing wasteful spending,” Cromer said.

Kyle White

Age: 41

Family: Kyle is married to his wife, Ashlea, and they have a daughter and a son.

Experience: White is currently an attorney. He works at the White, Davis, and White Law Firm in Anderson.

Top issue: White said he supports conservative policies focused on gun rights, lower taxes, stricter immigration enforcement, and support for law enforcement, veterans, and small businesses. He also pledged to improve infrastructure and public education, expand school choice, protect natural resources and property rights, and push for government reform and accountability in Columbia.

“I will hold all branches accountable to ensure they work for us, not themselves or any special interest group. I am not a politician, and I have spent most of my career holding the government accountable in our courts, and I will take that experience to Columbia,” White said.

District 8

Sherry Hodges

Age: 70

Family: Sherry is married to Scott Hodges, and the pair has several children and grandchildren.

Experience: Hodges serves as vice-chair of the Anderson County Foster Care Review Board and an executive committee member of the Anderson County Republican Party. She served as chair of the Coalition Against the Anderson County Sales Tax Referendum.

Top issue: Hodges presents a platform focused on limited government, lower taxes, fiscal restraint, and redirecting state spending toward infrastructure, roads, and core services while opposing what she describes as wasteful government spending and tax increases.

She also emphasizes positions on a range of social and constitutional issues, including abortion, education and parental rights, gun rights, election integrity, immigration enforcement, and medical freedom, while advocating for stronger support for families, law enforcement, and small businesses.

Don Chapman

Age: 60

Family: Chapman is married to his wife, Amy.

Experience: Chapman is the incumbent in District 8 and was sworn in on Nov. 14, 2022. Chapman owns anarchitectural firm, Chapman Design Group, based in Anderson. He was formerly on the Anderson City Council from 2008 to 2021.

Top issue: Chapman points to efforts to strengthen public safety, secure the border, support education and school funding, protect life, and pass laws to safeguard children and expand parental and constitutional rights.

“Serving my hometown of Anderson County has been the honor of my life, and I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. I remain committed to fighting for our conservative values and the families of District 8,” Chapman said.

Patrick Orr

Age: 53

Family: Orr has one daughter

Experience: Orr served in the U.S. Navy and currently works as the vice president of information security in Anderson.

Top issue: Orr has cited his commitment to budget transparency, ending state income taxes on active-duty military, and judicial accountability.

“My background has reinforced the importance of transparency, discipline, and practical decision-making. I believe South Carolina deserves leaders who understand real-world challenges, respect taxpayers, and focus on solutions that work. I am running to bring experience, accountability, and steady leadership to the State House,” Orr said.

District 10

Thomas Beach

Age: 51

Family: Beach is married to Glair DaSilva, and they have three children.

Experience: Beach is the incumbent and is a former U.S. Army Ranger. He is currently a licensed realtor. He was elected on Nov. 8, 2022.

Top issue: Beach listed his goals as limiting government power, enforcing immigration laws, protecting taxpayer dollars, and opposing corporate subsidies and government waste, while emphasizing transparency and fiscal accountability. He also highlighted his support for stricter immigration enforcement, pro-life legislation, child protection policies, and Second Amendment rights, including the passage of Constitutional Carry in South Carolina.

“I am a principled constitutional conservative. I have and will continue to base all of my legislative activity on the enumerated rights laid out in the Declaration and the Constitution,” Beach said.

Stewart Watson

Age: 48

Family: N/A

Experience: Watson is a former professor at Mississippi State and Miami University Ohio. He’s now the owner of Antonio Pasta and Pizzeria in Powdersville.

Top issue: Watson said he’s looking to bring transparency, fight for abortion legislation, improve road infrastructure, and fight against undocumented immigration.

“I was raised to prioritize kindness, integrity, and being present for others when it matters most. It is now my desire to bring those same principles to Columbia by representing every resident of this district with dedication and honor,” Watson said.

District 11

Craig Gagnon

Age: 65

Family: He has two children, Leah Gagnon Crumley and Anna Gagnon Smith.

Experience: Gagnon was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2012. He operates the Abbeville Chiropractic Center.

Top issues: He’s highlighted improving S.C. roads, increasing state education funding, and boosting the economy through job creation.

“I believe our area is very special and our workers can compete with any workers anywhere. We deserve the chance to show it. I have and will continue to work to help our district grow through bringing more economic opportunity here,” Gagnon said.