South-Carolina
South Carolinians encouraged to ‘give from the heart, but give smart’ this holiday season
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The season of giving is now upon us, and many South Carolinians will be opening their wallets and checkbooks over the next month to support causes they care about.
Each year, Americans collectively donate hundreds of billions of dollars to charity, with much of that giving during the holiday season, according to the National Philanthropic Trust.
But South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond wants donors to be wary of charities that might take advantage of that kindness.
“There’s a lot of organizations out there that sometimes give less than 10% toward their charitable purpose, and we know that our charitable donors want the best bang for their buck, and they want to make sure that their donations are actually going to those missions and to serve those purposes,” Hammond said.
Hammond recommends anyone in the giving spirit do their research before they open their wallets.
People can look up organizations through the Secretary of State’s public database to find out how much of their expenses were allocated to program services in their most recent year’s filings. They can also call the Charities Division at 1-888-CHARITI or email the division to learn more about an organization before they give.
This information is also available through the free “Give Smart SC” app.
“It will tell you how much they’ve raised, how much goes to their charitable programs. It will give you all the information that you need to make a wise giving choice,” Hammond said.
If you have concerns about a charitable organization, you can file an online, confidential complaint with the Secretary of State’s Office.
And the secretary of state has one final piece of advice for South Carolinians in the giving spirit.
“Give from the heart, but please give smart,” Hammond said.
Each year, the Secretary of State’s Office recognizes 10 charities as “angels” that follow state law and spend at least 80% of their revenue on charitable work.
The following organizations were honored this year:
- AccessHealth Horry, Inc., Conway, SC – 96.1% of expenditures went toward program services last year
- Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen, Bluffton, SC – 82.6%
- Ezekiel Ministries, Inc., Columbia, SC – 85.4%
- Family Promise of York County, Inc., Rock Hill, SC – 88.4%
- Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity, Inc., Florence, SC – 85.0%
- Rabbit Sanctuary, Inc., Simpsonville, SC – 93.6%
- Ride To Work Ministry Nonprofit, Inc., Seneca, SC – 91.4%
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Inc., Pocatello, ID – 95.1%
- The Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, Inc., Johns Island, SC – 82.9%
- United Way of Pickens County, Easley, SC – 85.7%
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Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.
South-Carolina
Former Pa. high school football star, record-setting college QB dies at 52
Former Altoona Area High School multi-sport star Steve Taneyhill died this past week after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.
Taneyhill went on to attend the University of South Carolina and played quarterback for the Gamecocks following his impressive high school career.
South Carolina announced Taneyhill’s death Monday morning.
“Gamecock Nation mourns the loss of Steve Taneyhill, a pillar of Gamecock history,” South Carolina posted on X. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Steve.”
Taneyhill played for the Gamecocks from 1992-95, setting numerous school records during that time.
He finished his college career with 8,782 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns. He was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
Steve Taneyhill was named the Freshman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 1992.
In 1994, he led South Carolina to its first bowl win in program history as the Gamecocks beat West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl.
Taneyhill led South Carolina in passing all four of his college football seasons. He finished his college career with eight 300-yard passing games, including six during his senior year.
Following his playing career, Taneyhill was a successful high school football coach at both Chesterfield High School and Union High School in South Carolina.
Gamecocks fans took to X and shared memories of Taneyhill following his death.
“Gamecock Football wasn’t cool when they entered the SEC. But, Steve Taneyhill made it ok to feel like they belonged,” one fan said. “He was a great, honest guy. Thank you, Steve. Thanks so much, man.”
Former South Carolina assistant coach Justin Stepp added: “Absolutely loved Steve Taneyhill! Was an incredible player and even better person! Praying for his family & those that were close with him!”
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 20, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 20, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 3-9-7, FB: 7
Evening: 5-9-6, FB: 9
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 4-8-4-2, FB: 7
Evening: 6-7-5-5, FB: 9
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 08
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
05-08-11-17-26
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
05-08-19-23-43, Powerball: 06
Check Powerball Double Play 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.
South-Carolina
South Carolina pastor indicted, accused of cyberstalking estranged wife Mica Miller before her death
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WTVD) — A South Carolina pastor has been federally indicted, accused of cyberstalking his wife and posting a nude photo of her online before her death by suicide last year.
John-Paul Miller, 46, of Myrtle Beach, faces charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
His estranged wife, Mica Miller, 30, was found dead at Lumber River State Park on April 27, 2024. Her death was ruled a suicide, but the case gained national attention amid allegations that John-Paul had abused her before her death.
Online records show that Mica and John-Paul were in the process of getting a divorce at the time of her death. Police documents indicate that Mica “was afraid for her life” in the month leading up to her death.
SEE ALSO: Mica Miller’s husband says he’s not to blame in her death: ‘I did everything I could to protect her’
Prosecutors claim that from November 2022 until her death, he sent “unwanted and harassing communications” to Mica, including posting a nude photo of her online without her consent and contacting her over 50 times in a single day.
The indictment also alleges that John-Paul interfered with her finances and daily activities, damaged her vehicle tires, and lied to investigators about his actions. Despite purchasing a tire deflation device online and discussing the victim’s vehicle with others, he denied damaging her tires when questioned.
If convicted, John-Paul could face up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years for making false statements, along with a fine of up to $250,000. His arraignment is set for January 12, 2026, in Florence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide — free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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