This year South Carolina peanut farmers planted a record 105,000 acres of peanuts.  Ten years ago that number was just 10,000 acres. The increase is keeping inspectors and crews busy at the nine drying and buying stations across the state. On average, this year’s peanut crop is yielding nearly two tons to the acre. 

This October 7-13 the American Red Cross encourages families and businesses to learn how to protect themselves and others from fires in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.  Last year, the Red Cross responded to about 63,000 home fires across the country by providing comfort and basic necessities to more than 82,000 families.

“We respond to a disaster every eight hours across the Columbia Region,” said Scott R.