Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Columbia plans to turn temporary PARK(ing) ideas into lasting changes

Be sure to catch Spotless Service Saturday on the Columbia Patch calendar

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What's up Columbia! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Columbia plans to turn temporary PARK(ing) ideas into lasting changes
  • How Richland One students can earn up to $1,500 in Columbia
  • Columbia convenience store sells $200,000 winning lottery ticket

Also on today's calendar: The South Carolina Black Film Festival with Queens (NY) Underground International Film Festival and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 91 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, temps: high: 86, low: 70.
  • Sunday: Humid with rain and a t-storm, with a high of 75 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Columbia shifts from PARK(ing) Day to focus on longer-term interventions and demonstration projects (thecolumbiastar.com) — Columbia's planning department is retiring its one-day PARK(ing) Day event to focus on longer-term street and public-space demonstration projects that can be tested for weeks or months. Residents, neighborhoods, and business districts in Columbia are invited to propose locations and stay involved through the Columbia Compass e-newsletter as the city experiments with people-first street designs.
   

2. Richland One students can apply for up to $1,500 through MLK Dream Keeper awards (wltx.com) — Richland One students in Columbia can now apply for larger MLK Dream Keeper scholarships, with high school awards reaching up to $1,500. The City of Columbia is accepting nominations through Dec. 4, 2026, for students showing strong community service and commitment to Dr. King's ideals, with winners honored at a January 2027 celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
   

3. Midlands man wins $200,000 on The Price is Right scratch-off (abccolumbia.com) — A Midlands resident just claimed a $200,000 top prize from The Price is Right scratch-off after buying the lucky ticket at H & E Mart on N. Beltline Blvd. in Columbia. The winner, a longtime fan of the TV show, was stunned by the six-figure payout, while the Columbia store also earned a $2,000 commission from the sale.
   

4. Pastor and first lady arrested for stealing from Columbia church, sheriff says (thestate.com) — Richland County authorities say a former pastor and first lady of SonRise Baptist Church in Columbia are accused of misusing more than $200,000 in church donations for personal expenses. After a financial audit by a Columbia CPA firm and a member's complaint, the couple turned themselves in and now face multiple financial crime charges, though both were released on personal recognizance bonds.
   

5. Benedict to honor late athletic director Willie Washington in first home game since his death (wistv.com) — Benedict College will honor late longtime athletic director Willie Washington at Saturday's home football game in Columbia, their first at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium since his death. Players, coaches, and Washington's family will gather at the 2 p.m. kickoff against Clark Atlanta to celebrate his decades of leadership and mentorship on and off the field.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Very responsive to my concerns.
    I got an appointment right away with Dr. Lily-Barre. She has been our Vet for almost 20 years. I recently found a lump on the leg of my 8 year old… (Nextdoor Highlands)
  • Soda City Market is now huge!
    So be prepared for the Saturday crowd. Also, many of the vendors NOW have meatless products! (Nextdoor Graeme Drive)
  • Richland School District 2 posted a job opening for School Counselor I, Available 2026 - 2027 School Year in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Graybar posted a job opening for Area Manager Customer Service in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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