<b>McMaster names acting Director<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>of SC Department<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>of Public Safety</b>

Governor Henry McMaster named South Carolina Highway Patrol Major Robert G. Woods, IV as the acting director of the S.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS). Woods is a 30-year veteran of the S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP) and is currently serving as the agency's Major of Administrative Support.

<b>All SC counties<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>now drought free</b>

The S.C. Drought Response Committee met Thursday, Jan. 30, via conference call to update the drought statuses of all counties in South Carolina. Due to above average rainfall totals statewide during December and January, it was a quick decision and a unanimous vote to remove the drought status of 27 counties, meaning all S.C. counties are now drought free.

"South Carolina has been dealing with drought since May 2019," S.C. State Climatologist Hope Mizzell said in a release. "Last year’s drought brought significant impacts to agriculture, low streamflows and increased wildfires. It is good news to see all drought indicators return
to normal."

December's statewide rainfall totals placed it among the top 10 wettest Decembers on record in South Carolina. December's statewide total was 6.74 inches, which is 3.13 inches
above normal.