| USDA helps cover capital expenses for 22 S.C. farms The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant program has invested $4.1 million in Value Added Producer Grants to 22 farms across the state, including operations in Orangeburg and Chester counties. Initial unemployment claims drop for 2nd consecutive week For the week ending Oct. 10, 4,884 claims were filed in South Carolina, a decrease of 218 from the previous week. The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce has also paid $246 million in Lost Wages Assistance program benefits. | 