2015, the year in review.>> thanks for being with us for this news 19 special report. 2015 in review. we will take a look back at some of the stories that made headlines in the midlands and across the world. he began with a natural disaster no one thought could even be possible in our state. it was called 1000 year flood and it ended up causing pain and heartache across the state. lives and homes and businesses were lost after 20 inches of rain fell in early october. our state's infrastructure took a major hit with hundreds of roads and bridges damaged or destroyed. richland county was especially hard hit causing major water problems for the city of columbia. the court of south carolina was brought on wednesday, june 17 when a gunman walked into the whether a manual church in charleston sat in a bible study

the next today the suspect 24- year-old dylan group was arrested in shelby with carolina. six women and three men died they will be church. the youngest was 26 and the oldest was 87. a state lawmaker died and survivors told police roof shouted racist remarks. family members of the victim told roof they forgave him for his murderous ways. a trial date of july 11 has been set and the state is seeking the death penalty. the tragedy brought president obama to the lowcountry. the first family got to know the slave master during the 2008 -- slain pastor join the 2008 campaign.

public servant by 23. what a life he lived.>> at the end of his address, the president let the people in singing of amazing grace. the shooting sparked a push to remove the banner from the grounds of the state house where it had flown for some 50 plus years. lawmakers debated for than 15 hours over the past a bill to remove the flag and place it at the confederate relic room in state missing. the governor signed the bill into law on july 9.>> we are a state that believes in history and respect. so we will bring it down with dignity and we will make sure that it is put in its rightful place. but this is a story about action. this is a story about the history of south carolina and how the action of nine individuals laid out this long

showed the state of south carolina was -- what love and forgiveness looks like. >> the flag came down on july 10 were 10,000 people attended the ceremony. many cheered usa as the flag made its way down the pole and off the grounds. the discussion over how much it would cost to display the flag continues. a no trust police officer was charged with murder in the shooting death of walter scott. michael seger was arrested in april after a bystander recorded cell phone video of him shooting scott during a traffic stop. scott was unarmed and posed no threat when slater shot him. the case left the passage of a law that requires all agencies to cross the state to wear body cameras. the oscar james small jr. first laker has yet to be decided. in october a richland county school resource officer was fired for three a student

senior deputy benfield was caught on cell phone video clipping a teen backwards and tossing her across the classroom at spring valley high school. goes was called to the class after the sixth your girl if used to comply to requests by her teacher and administrator to meet the classroom. sheriff leon lott says the maneuver was not based on a training or acceptable procedure. when we asked the fbi to initiate the student was charged with disturbing school and recently a push was made by concerned citizens to get those charges dropped. solicitors are waiting for the fbi to conclude the investigation out before making any sort of position. in january justice was served with the friendship nine who were arrested after stand out for their civil rights more than 50 years ago. a group of college students were jailed 54 years ago after a sit in protest at a white only lunch counter at a rock hill department store.

jail because they refused to pay a $100 bond. . momo sparked the tail now failed movement during the civil rights movement. a judge threat or sentence and conviction and apologized on behalf of the state. in july a quadruple murder roroed the small orangeburg county town of holly hill. four people were found dead inside a home on old state road and an 8-year-old boy who was also shot survived the attack. 36-year-old christopher dean wright is the father of three victims. investigators say he is not the killer they say put the victims in harms way because of the lifestyle that he leads. they say he sold jugs from the home where the shooting took place and no arrests have been made for the murders but investigators believe at least two people are responsible. in february a murder suicide took place on the campus of usc. the richland county coroner

fayed died after he was shot several times by his ex-wife who then turned the gun on himself. the shooting happened at the new school of public health where he worked. in 2015 two midlands police officers were killed in the line of duty. forest acres police officer greg alia was shot and killed while responding to a call at the richland mall on september 30. the 32-year-old left behind a wife and young son. he was the first forest acres police officer to die in the line of duty in 41 years. in november the columbia police department lost one of their own officer stacy case she died in a car accident by responding to a call of shots fired in the vista. the 37-year-old collided with a usc police sergeant who was also responding to the scene. accident has led to a policy change columbia police officers must now stop before entering an intersection when responding

in april the state dmv put new policies in place when it comes to taking your drivers license photo after settling the lawsuit with the transgender update team. chase culpepper was born male but identifies as a female and wears makeup every day. in march she went to get her first drivers license and was told she had to take the makeup off. drivers will be able to wear makeup when they take those photos regardless of their gender. the state's longest-serving sheriff begin serving a federal prison sentence of april. for more likely to share jimmy was sentenced to one year and one day in prison on the federal charge of harboring illegal aliens. he was also pay a fine and will be on the two years probation when he gets out. reported to the government facility in boxer north carolina the all-male prison is the same person that houses bernie madoff. in september

richard combs pled guilty to misconduct in office in connection with the shooting death of baby. he was unarmed when he was shot and killed back in 2011. combs shot the 53-year-old doing an arrest. since then, there have been two trial that ended in a hung jury. he was sentenced to 10 years but he will spend a year under house arrest and five years probation. in may the former board chairman of south carolina state university was sentenced to by chris in prison for taking federal money from projects. then falsifying paperwork to get more funds. jonathan penton was ordered to pay more than $337,000 in restitution you also have to serve five years of supervised release once he gets out. five other men including the school's former police chief have been sentenced to probation for their part in that corruption scheme. in 2015 another claimed his innocence for more than a year former state senator robert ford

campaign money. guilty police them from a's senate ethics investigation. ford pled guilty to four of the eight charges he was facing. however, afterwards he said he is not guilty at all. and only pled guilty to save himself from spending money on an expensive trial. he was sentenced to five years probation. in much the president went to the capital city and spoke to more than 1100 people at but it cost about his initiative call my brother's keeper. before obama went to benedict he stopped and grab lunch at brookland baptist church and was columbia. he spent 20 minutes at the church where he chatted with about 100 diners. he also grabbed some lunch and even paid for it with cash out of his own pocket. >> protect and defend.>> the constitution of this state. >> and of the united states.>> so help me god.

[ applause ] governor haley was sworn in for her second term in january. at her inauguration she said she would spend the next ore years trying to improve on her ideas for the state and continue to make the palmetto state trait. one of her goals is to bring more jobs to south carolina and the innocent south carolina will be home to their first auto factory in north america. the $500 million facility is about 30 miles northwest of charleston. the new plant should be operating in three years and could eventually employ as many as 4000 people. the plant will build the company's new as 60 sedan. in sports both the usc gamecocks and clemson tigers made national headlines. in october football coach steve spurrier announced his resignation. he said the program have

he cited it as a factor in recruiting and police walking away will help the situation. he was the school's all-time winningest coach with 86 victories from 2005 to 2015. >> this is the best thing for south carolina football and for our university to start another building process and we have an accident coach and it is -- excellent coach and it is their turn to have a go at it.>> the man selected was will muschamp the former florida coach. he was introduced in early december and spent four seasons at florida before he was fired after last season. he worked as opera's defensive coordinator this past fall his contract starts at $3 million per year with increases every year. he describes himself as a blue- collar overachiever. he says he will bring the attitude to the gamecock

gamecocks slipped the clemson tigers sort. they posted a undefeated regular season and won the acc championship. the tigers were ranked number one in the college football playoff. dabo swinney was named coach of the year and deshaun watson was a finalist for the heisman trophy. still ahead we will recap

that's coming up nex welcome back. the mass shooting in san bernardino california was one of the biggest news stories in the country this past year. jamie you chris has a look back at the biggest stores in the country for 2015.>> reporter: the december attack on a holiday party in san bernardino california was the country's worst mass shooting since sandy hook elementary school.

radicalized this has been nyt and opened fire. >> this was an act of terrorism.>> reporter: another must shooting took place at a louisiana movie theater and a colorado springs planned parenthood clinic. police in both death of african- american men sparked outrage across the country. in baltimore freddie gray died of spinal injuries. in chicago video of laquan mcdonald 2014 death touched off community protests and charges of murder against police officers. racial incidents sparked protest on several college campuses including the university of missouri. with the president resigned after the football team refused to play. boston marathon bomber and colorado movie theater gunman james homes were found guilty. homes received 12 life sentences and the death penalty.

same-sex marriage causing solutions and nuptials nationwide. kentucky county clerk kim davis than five days in jail after refusing to issue licenses because of her religious beliefs. two escaped killers in upstate new york triggered a massive manhunt the weeks later, police shot and killed one convict and captured the other. the ship el faro and its 30 three-person crew sank off the bahamas during a hurricane. eight people died and more than 200 hurt when a speeding amtrak train derailed in philadelphia. california's governor declared a state of emergency as the record drought got worse. and boston had the most snow ever more than 110 inches. pope francis captivated americans on his first trip to the states. is in washington dc new york and philadelphia. the nfl this super bowl tom brady was suspended over deflate gate but a judge

an american won the triple crown the first to do and 37 years. jimmy you could cbs news. stay with us. when we come back, we will take

2015. in 2015 we said goodbye to

ancococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococococo no doubt 2015 was a busy year in south carolina and it is unclear what the new year will bring. we here at news 19 permanency we will be on your side on air and online and on social media. we leave you now with a sample

playing ] good you need is thank you for joining us tonight. i am andrea mock. >> and i am j.r. berry. it has been a busy year in south carolina. we watched as our state support through tragedies and natural

>> but we have seen the midlands come together to support each other and our entire state. today we will look back at some of the greatest moments here in 2015 in south carolina. >> the thousand year flood that hit the midlands affected everyone and as the cleanup continues, some things that were lost can never be replaced. >> but one kent from -- gift to a complete stranger has brought baseball families together. daniel bonds has their story. >> fortunately the floodwaters on the outside work 88 inches and on the inside for 5 feet. and everything was lost. >> reporter: steve marshall has lived in columbia for for four years. >> i thought some antiques that had been handed down them generation to generation in my family.

had a big collection of baseball cards.>> reporter: marshall has collected since 1971 60 was empire dad who died 15 years ago -- umpire dad who died 15 is ago. the love of baseball friends deep in his family. that is what using the cards hurts. >> is something that has really bonded me. i am a big baseball fan.>> reporter: his story may have touched stacy the most. she also has a love for the game . >> i lost my first has been in 2000 and to a 13 year battle with brain cancer. the one thing that brought him joy was going through his baseball cards. i knew it would mean more to him than anyone else. >> this brings back -- such

because i remember ralph thing with the greenwood braves. >> reporter: with these cards being given from one come to another, she said this is what her husband would have wanted. >> i think he would be thrilled to know where those cards have gone. >> for her to have never met me and to think i would be worthy of receiving such a gift that i'm sure her husband thought of them as, it just shows the true human spirit of people rallying in this time we have all faced over these last five weeks. it has brought out the best in south carolina. thank you so much. >> reporter: in columbia, daniel bynes, news 19 , wltx. >> after the story aired, a man from new jersey was touched as well. >> he reached out to news 19 saying he wants to get his

>> the tragedy changed our state forever. is something many are still recovering from emotionally. that is why minnesota native rows making decided -- rose minke -- mcgee delivered her sweet potato pies to the church. >> reporter: numbers at emmanuel were in for a sweet surprise following the bible study. >> you are getting money, visitors, but no sweet potato pie. >> reporter: 86 sweet potato pies were delivered to the church thanks to rows -- rose mcgee. she said she typically passes them out during the more than luther -- martin luther king jr. weekend. but she decided following the

>> i wanted to somehow express love.>> and you for your kindness. >> reporter: the presiding elder says he was thankful for the act of kindness toward mother emmanuel. >> the nourishment by the price is most helpful -- pies is most helpful. >> reporter: members are enjoying it. >> it hits the spot. >> i feel the warmth of knowing that love wendy to making the . >> thank you to minnesota.>> reporter: each pie came with a home to add more love to be treat. >> today remember to eat, pray, and love as he partake in making a difference. for there is much to be proud of. enjoy.>> reporter: loren

>> certainly pies are one way to help. music is another. in honor of the palmetto state for the very first time in history the university of south carolina marching band and clemson university tiger band performed together at the football game. the bands shared the field during halftime paid trip it to the victims killed. the group played a tribute to a song called s see strong -- s.c. strong. the branch directors said they thought this was a wonderful way to do something for the state. both usc and clemson have paid tribute to the victims all season long. >> that was such an amazing sight to see. in february in a small

a like was changed. >> he put his own life at risk to make sure a man he had never met lived. he said he was just at the right place at the right time doing what he had to do. >> reporter: 19-year-old nick floyd doesn't consider himself a hero. >> anybody else would have done the same thing. i think i did what i had to do. >> reporter: but when you hear what he did, you can judge for yourself. last weekend, nick was driving when four people flagged him down. they had just been involved in an accident. one car was on the bridge and another on the water. so was the driver. >> my guess was he rolled down his window and the water started rushing in. the car was completely submerged and i think i had a choice. i jumped in and swim underwater

i opened the door and pulled him out of it. i don't know if he was in the right state of mind. he couldn't really speak to me.>> reporter: there is no doubt without nick's actions, james would have died that they. no one else on the bridgegecould d swim. that is make waiting to make sure everybody was okay. his father couldn't be more proud. >> he has always been a good kid. i am real proud of him. very proud of him. to jump in that cold water in february, i am very proud of him. >> it was cold. it was really cold. honestly, you cannot really think in that situation.

classed -- crossed my mind was the man might die. i didn't want that to happen so i did what i could.>> as we mentioned, nick jumped into the water without hesitation. in the process, he damaged his phone. when at&t heard about this, they wanted to help. they presented nick with a brand-new phone shortly after the accident. >> very cool. he certainly deserves it. now another great example of a support system within the midlands is the story of 5-year- old gabe kennedy. his only way to communicate was a tablet app. >> one of our viewers decided that was one of -- unacceptable and paid for the app in full. here is savannah levins. >> that really tugs at your heart. >> reporter: spend some time

and you would know why a community came together to help them. unable to speak his home like, we brought you a story when the tablet he used was no longer covered by insurance. his going -- voice was going to be taken from him. his mother said donations from our viewers became flooding in. >> thank you doesn't seem like enough to say. i am truly thankful that people wanted to help and get. it means -- give. it means a lot to us. >> reporter: the $3000 app was paid for in full. >> every day i see he is getting better.>> reporter: gabe 's 8-year-old sister hannah says she is grateful too. >> it talks for him. and people wouldn't be able to

it.>> reporter: now they will. little gabe who can now go to kindergarten will keep fighting . >> he has taught me a lot about perseverance and determination. he has increase my faith in god . >> reporter: savannah levins, news 19 , wltx . >> we have some grade viewers. -- great viewers. >> when there is a call to action, you guys reach out to anybody who need to. still ahead, graduation is a day to celebrate with family

one man made a home to walk way up in the north pole, a penguin loaded a toy car onto a racetrack. zoom! it took off... ...going faster and faster, and twisting and turning, until finally, it stopped... ...right in our driveway. but dad, penguins live in the south pole. the lexus december to remember sales event is going on now, with some of the most magical deals of the year.

a great reunion at a once in a lifetime event. >> for one high school senior it couldn't have been any more special moment. news 19's sonia gutierrez takes

[ applause ] >> i would hate to have missed this. you only get one chance in a lifetime to do this.>> reporter: a chance for sergeant ray bell hale and his daughter almost didn't get. >> i honestly have to come to terms that you were not going to be here. >> reporter: sergeant hale was deployed six months ago.>> he got back to south carolina on thursday and has been staying in a hotel to surprise his entire family at the graduation.>> nervous, scared. why are you here? how did you get here? >> reporter: writing schuyler graduated with 400 other students at the colonial life arena.

enjoyed the simile from the stand, sergeant hale hid behind the curtains waiting for his daughter's name to be called. these were some of their first moments together. accommodation of tears and laughter had them both speechless -- a combination of tears and laughter had them both speechless. writing schuyler sign up for the national guard in charleston. the sergeant has 14 days left to enjoy his family afterthe big surprise. [ applause ] sonia gutierrez, news 19, wltx. >> sergeant hale said he is so thankful for everybody who made this surprise possible. especially his wife, kathy davis, and his commander. many parents like to dress up with their children for halloween.

to surprise his son. >> my name is loren to do. i am in the u.s. army. i can stationed in hawaii and i just did a nine-month tour to korea. by seven by 7-year-old son isaiah thinks i am come to visit sunday on the first. i flew in earlier to surprise him tonight at his school halloween dance.>> reporter: while isaiah did the same thing any 7-year-old was do, he had no idea. separated from his father since last december, his mother said his first thought in the morning is how long it will be until they are reunited. >> he says mommy guess what, 10 more days. nine more days. and he kept going down and down. it was hurtful not to say it's today.

i've always wanted to see him and he had to work. >> reporter: while characters danced, first sergeant duke got into position. and prepared to reveal his identity. >> two more days, isaiah. >> i knew it was him by his voice. [ cheering ] >> reporter: shirley said she will now give the boys the space they need to make up for lost time. >> is an amazing kid. he deserves it. >> i think this is something he will never forget. this is my first time being gone away from him. i wasn't here physically, emotionally and mentally i was always there. >> reporter: colby gallagher,

duke spent time with his 18- month-old. nice story. coming up next, a midlands teen is not letting an illness

we will see her take on usc welcome back. go syndrome isn't something everybody has heard on. 15-year-old serena williams is the only african american in the country who is known to have the illness.>> the dawn staley brought her a game. here is a look at what she calls the best day of her life. >> [ laughter ]>> reporter: she is soft-spoken in her seat. >> how did it feel to meet her?

she is a much different person on the court. i cannot believe you. >> reporter: the 15-year-old challenged dawn staley to a one- on-one. >> i challenge you on basketball. >> reporter: and daily accepted -- stately accepted. >> many who would crumbled meeting their here. -- hero. board with go syndrome -- born with goat syndrom at birth she was given only a year to live. >> watching her play and hearing her dad tell her story, she was confident. >> reporter: her parents are proud she is fat long enough to see such a dream come through.

thanking god for these moments. >> reporter: soft-spoken or loudmouthed on and off the court she is a fighter. >> it is a ray of hope to anyone that has can't do anything in their life.>> reporter: and staley is a dream believer. >> getting ready for your season at w. -- ow.>> reporter: giving opportunities for plenty of exposure to the game. >> she is invited d to practcte. yes, you will have tickets. she can sit on the bench as well. >> reporter: with just one condition. >> you cannot talk trash to the officials and our opponents. >> reporter: joyce koh, news 19, wltx . >> she doesn't have to tell

we've talked everybody.>> got to love dawn staley. the carolina clemson football game is the big day for all fans but it was especially big for one fan.>> sonia gutierrez caught up with him at his 70th consecutive rivalry match. >i love big thursday. that is always special. i was sad when they moved the game to the end of the season. but it didn't affect my life. when they moved to gain to clemson also i made it to clemson this past year. [ laughter ] and have all those years. >> reporter: only a long time gamecocks been will remember that. -- fan will remember that. >> the first couple games i was a student at the university. >> reporter: he hasn't missed a game since 1946. >> my first job out of college

that i got paid to come to the ballgames. i resent i have to pay now. [ laughter ]>> reporter: he was even honored i the gamecocks club as a legendary than. -- fan . what makes him the proudest is -- >> my four kids are my greatest achievement.>> we are very proud. why father is the best gamecocks fan ever.>> reporter: his daughter says she is not as committed. >> 70 consecutive carolina clemson games. >> reporter: there is a lot -- that is a lot. >> it is exciting and fun and i am lucky to have been able to come to that many games. >> reporter: sonia gutierrez, news 19, wltx . van neumann says next year might be the first match he misses.

without you. still ahead the story of

meet his do you remember the story of a sumter county 8-year-old who couldn't wait to serve our country because of a medal of honor recipient? >> he wrote a letter to wltx and then you make me wantntto be a soldier when i grow up to, carpenter. savannah levins has the story.>> i am seven years old.>> reporter: second-grader says he gave a hero after watching a news 19 special on metal of honor recipient, carpenter last year. >> it was such an pirational story. at that time looking at what he went through.>> reporter: carpenter received the honor after jumping on a grenade in

marine. he decided to write kyle and better. >> you are my hero and you make me want to be a soldier when i grow up. >> reporter: sincere is doing this interview and hope this letter will reach the american hero. what he doesn't know is that it already has. >> we just have somebody he wanted to give you something. let's see. >> [ gasp ] oh my goodness. >> we did get in touch with kyle. he did read your letter. >> oh my goodness. >> the personalized signed photo from his hero and then another surprise. >> there is one more thing. because mr. carpenter wanted to say something as well. >> reporter: a visio -- video message from kyle carpenter himself.

or handshake of encouragement people give me. >> reporter: a heartfelt gesture from a hero to a young boy. >> i am appreciative you did that because it helps keep me motivated to continue doing the things i do.>> reporter: sign semper fi always faithful. >> thank you for the picture. and you -- thank you for being my hero. >> that is so sweet. what a year it has been. we are looking forward tubing with all of you right now on news 19 at 6:00, thousands wait for the hot new year's celebration.

however, about the weather. will the rain hold off for those that plan to celebrate? and a neighborhood struggles to move forward following the flood due to the recent rain. news 9 at 6:00 starts right now. good evening d thanks for joining us. news 19 is on your side getting you ready with everything that you need to know leading up to the big party and after the ball drop. six hours and counting until the start of 2016. last year 20,000 people came out to enjoy the celebration. ficials are hoping for even bigger numbers this year. this is a live look at the celebration as they are prepping. you can't see much. hopefully we'll be able to show you shots from the street and as soon as we can. and now planning for the event