CoolSculpting Near Orangeburg, SC

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A music teacher at Lockett Elementary School in Orangeburg County is facing charges after deputies say she dragged a 5-year-old student down a hallway by his feet and arm, authorities said.

According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Department, the incident occurred on April 9 and was captured on school surveillance video. An arrest warrant states that a witness reported the child became upset when another student received a treat. The child reportedly began tearing up the music room and hitting the teacher.

Deputies say the teacher, identified as Cadra Salley, allegedly responded by carrying the student by his feet and dragging him by the arm down the hallway to the principal's office. Salley has been charged with assault and third-degree battery.

The Orangeburg County School District confirmed Salley is no longer employed by the district.

In a statement to WLTX, the district said:

“As your questions pertain to a specific incident for which an investigation is currently underway, Orangeburg County School District will not respond at this time. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure that all matters are handled thoroughly and appropriately. Please know that the health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we remain committed to maintaining safe, supportive, and orderly learning environments across all schools in the district.”

Sherry East, president of the South Carolina Education Association and a longtime teacher, said safety in the classroom is becoming an increasing concern across the state.

"Unfortunately, yes ... we receive too many calls of children that are putting their hands on teachers. The number one concern that our members have right now is discipline in the classroom," East said.

According to Orangeburg County School District policy, when a teacher is assaulted or threatened, staff are required to notify supervisors, involve law enforcement if needed, file written complaints, and take disciplinary action when appropriate.

East explained that in some situations, teachers are trained to use a “clear the classroom” method, removing other students from the room to de-escalate situations involving distressed or aggressive children.

“If a child starts being aggressive or displaying any of these behaviors, the teacher's job is to clear the room to make sure everyone's safe, so they clear the classroom, and then we call for help, and then somebody has to come in and calm down this child that has, you know, become disruptive or aggressive, you know, so hopefully no one gets hurt,” East said.

News 19 reached out to Salley’s lawyer but did not receive a response before publication.

Chipotle, Longhorn, Dunkin’ and more are coming to Orangeburg County, marking a wave of growth and new dining options for residents across the region.

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County is cooking up something new—literally!

A wave of popular national restaurant chains is coming to the area, serving up more than just fresh flavors.

From Chipotle and Longhorn Steakhouse to Dunkin’, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and another Waffle House, big-name restaurants are setting up shop across the county.

“We would have to basically take a like hour trip to just get Chipotle, so it's very nice because I live like 10 minutes from here,” said residents Karmen Hyman and Malayshia Bradley.

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County officials say this uptick in commercial development is more than a sign of economic growth—it reflects recent infrastructure investments beginning to pay off.

“It definitely shows that the investment that county council is making into infrastructure is paying off and the understanding that the citizens of Orangeburg County, um, are there to support these businesses,” said County Administrator Harold Young. “These are name brand businesses that wouldn't come if the market wasn't there for them to be successful. So we say that is a good, good trend for Orangeburg County, and we hope to see more. I know there's a lot of things that are happening. And as you see growth, you see development.”

Beyond convenience, officials and community leaders emphasize the job opportunities these establishments are expected to bring, especially for students from South Carolina State University, Claflin University and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

“So, one of the things that we're seeing is that a lot of young people are looking for opportunities to get work experience and these restaurants are a great place for that to happen,” said Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce President James McQuilla. “But then on the other end of the spectrum, you have some folks who have retired and they're just looking for some part-time work and again these franchise restaurants offer that.”

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Residents also expressed excitement about finally getting more variety when dining out.

“We're really excited. We feel like Orangeburg really needed a variety of foods and so we think it's great for the community, um, and for our family, Personally, our boys like to eat different options, and so we think this is great,” said resident Rachel Burroughs.

“Yes, and we're about to go to college, so it's coming a little late, but it's good. You know, we come back home, we got all these new restaurants to try,” said Hyman and Bradley.

“Because, see all of the restaurants we have now are leaving, so we need something new to support our community. We need these,” said resident Hercules Busby.

County Administrator Harold Young also confirmed that the town of Santee is expected to welcome new restaurants soon.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - It’s the end of an era for a historic Orangeburg high school.

Howard Middle School, which was once Wilkinson High School and Orangeburg’s first African-American high school, is being demolished to make way for the new Robert E. Howard Elementary School.

Wilkinson High School alumni made their way back to walk through the school’s halls one last time on Wednesday.

Former students said that the pride found within the school gave them the strength to overcome barriers, even though their educational resources were limited.

“We were segregated,” said Evia Thomas. “We had used books from the white high school, however, we were not deprived academically. Our motto was ‘strive to excel, not to equal’ and that is what promoted and encouraged us.”

While news of the historic school’s demolition created mixed emotions throughout the community, many alumni say they see the change as just another way Wilkinson High School is promoting progress.

“It’s kind of bittersweet tearing down the building,” said Debra Brunson, another Wilkinson High School alumna. “But I feel good because I know in the end that I’ve done what’s best for children, and the pride now (is) in all of the communities in Orangeburg County. They have upgraded facilities.”

The demolition process has already started. In total, it will cost $55.6 million, $40 million of which was donated through a Department of Education grant. The projected timeline for the project’s completion is December 2026.

Orangeburg School District Superintendent Shawn Foster said the new school will help preserve the history of Wilkinson High School.

“The foundation still remains, but the opportunity to merge history with the future doesn’t mean some parts have to be forgotten,” he said. " This is an opportunity for us to ensure this community that the legacy, the things that Wilkinson has meant to this community, will remain and that history will not be forgotten.”

Now, as former students look ahead to the future of the historical land, they said they’re confident Wilkinson High School will never stay ingrained in the community.

“A lot of great memories for that school, but we hold dear in our hearts the nurture that those teachers gave us. They could see potential in us that we didn’t see in ourselves,” said Judith Salley, another Wilkinson High School alumnus.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. - According to the college prep organization Top Tier Admissions, roughly 3.4% of applicants were accepted to Harvard’s 2025 class.

One of those freshmen will walk the high school graduation stage this weekend here in the Midlands.

Orangeburg County School District says Tyrese Keitt is the first student to be accepted to Harvard since the district’s consolidation.

And if getting accepted to Harvard wasn’t enough, Tyrese Keitt is going to the Ivy League on a Gates scholarship.

Local high school visited Millbrook Elementary on Friday morning to do a senior walk. We talked to one senior about the experience.

The scholarship covers college tuition to the last dollar for college students that come from low-income households.

Keitt says getting the scholarship and his acceptance were both a testament to his mother and a childhood story that gave him the push to reach for the stars.

The Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School senior says Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the “Toy Story” movie served as inspiration.

“Toy Story has been more than just a series of movies for me. It has been a source of comfort, inspiration and a reminder that I can conquer any obstacle with determination and support,” said Keitt.

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While his demeanor is reserved, his accomplishments bring the excitement out of everyone around him.

“I started yelling,” said Keitt’s mother, Joycelyn McFarlin. “And then, I started clapping and I said, ‘You know what?! That’s what I’m talking about! Your name’s got to be called all by itself.’”

After this weekend, Keitt will not only have his high school diploma, with the title of valedictorian, but also a college associate’s degree.

“It’s surreal. I can’t believe it really. Everything came so fast,” said Keitt.

Keitt says his success in the classroom is despite drastic life changes for him and his mom before he started high school.

“When I first started high school, I didn’t really believe in myself that much,” Keitt said.

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Keitt says his parents divorced before he started high school which he wrote about in his acceptance essay.

“When my parents divorced, I faced many hardships, including moving and mental exhaustion,” said Keitt.

“We had lost everything during the divorce. I remember there was times that I didn’t even go to sleep, because I don’t only work at the mill, but I also do hair. So, I may leave the mill and go to the shop...come here. Give him a hug and a kiss. Then wash and go straight to work,” said McFarlin.

Keitt says at first, he struggled academically because of the changes at home.

It was then that he started collecting “Toy Story” replicas to cope. As he filled his toy shelf, Keitt says the movie and his mother’s work ethic began to shift his perspective.

As he silently competed against himself in the classroom, Keitt climbed to the top of his class by his senior year while balancing a job working at a shoe store.

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As graduation approaches, mother and son reflected on a tough journey and some of the messages they’ve shared.

McFarlin read a text Keitt sent thanking her.

“It’s the way you raised me. You taught me to show up and to apply myself. To push through anything and give it my best no matter what the situation looks like,” it read.

Keitt says his story is still being written.

“As I look forward to college and a whole new world, I carry these lessons ready to face new challenges and reach for the stars. To infinity and beyond,” said Keitt.

Keitt says he also helped tutor other students in his class. He will walk across the stage with a 5.2 GPA, and a 1300 SAT score.

Keitt says he plans to major in computer science at Harvard. He says he hopes to become a computer software developer after he receives his degree.

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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - You probably wouldn’t imagine getting your college degree before getting your high school diploma, but that was the reality for 15 students from the Orangeburg County School District.

The school district’s Advanced College students received their associate degrees on Tuesday. The Advanced College program was introduced by their Superintendent, Shawn Foster, Ed.D, who was just named Superintendent of the Year for South Carolina.

Mixed among Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (OC-Tech) graduates are the 15 high school students.

“I never thought I’d say that,” said graduate Mason McCormack. “And it’s kind of weird because this is my first graduation and everybody here seems like they already know what they’re doing.”

These students will join a growing network of more than 50 Richmond County School System alumni preparing to become the next generation of teachers.

“Graduating college before high school?! To be honest, I think that’s a flex,” said Alyx Foster.

Each student, from various schools in Orangeburg County School District, has been attending OC-Tech since they were high school freshman.

“Freshman year, for example, we were taking seven classes at one time,” said graduate Riley Glenn. “It was mom who was like ‘You’re gonna do this. You’re gonna do good at it. Let’s go ahead and get it done.’”

“I saw the benefits of her being able to not only walk across the stage with an associate degree, but eliminate some of the college debt,” said Riley’s mother, Allison Glenn.

The program has been said to be a push to pull out potential early.

Superintendent Foster also said making college more affordable was one of the leading principles for introducing the program to the district.

It’s graduation season and a local teenager is making history at Aiken Technical College.

“A student who graduates from the Advanced College can now enter college virtually as a junior, which has now saved parents a significant amount of money towards their post-secondary opportunity,” said Shawn Foster.

As the tassels turn. Students and parents have a message for anyone considering a head start.

“I can’t put into words,” said Allison Glenn. “She has set the pace for her siblings behind her.”

“It’s definitely given me confidence and will definitely give a step up above other people,” said graduate Emily Crider.

“It gives you a jumpstart for whenever you go to that four-year university,” said Alyx Foster. “Or if you don’t decide to go. I feel like it still puts your foot in the door to the real life.”

The school district said they expect to have between 25-40 students enroll in the Advanced College program next year.