Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How West Columbia’s new rental rules could affect Columbia-area hosts.
Coming up on the Columbia Patch calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Good morning to you Columbia! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How West Columbia's new rental rules could affect Columbia-area hosts.
- How Columbia's flood scars are turning into a new riverfront district
- Shooting in St. Andrews: what deputies say happened on Beatty Road
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 50 degrees.
- Saturday: Nice with plenty of sun, temps: high: 83, low: 55.
- Sunday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 81 and low of 56 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. This Midlands city is the latest to set new limits on short-term rentals (thestate.com) — New rules in neighboring West Columbia could affect how Columbia-area residents use or invest in short-term rentals, especially with Columbia having already tightened its own regulations after a 2025 shooting. West Columbia now requires permits, business licenses, strict occupancy limits, and parking and noise rules, with fines and permit suspensions possible for noncompliance starting Oct. 7.
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2. How a water infrastructure crisis became a riverfront opportunity in Columbia, South Carolina (smartcitiesdive.com) — Columbia is moving ahead with major upgrades to its canal and water intake system while planning a new Congaree Riverfront District that will link parks, trails, and mixed-use development. City leaders emphasize resilience after the 2015 flood, while residents are helping shape plans for river access, walking and biking corridors, and future businesses that could boost the local tax base and quality of life.
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3. One man was shot and another is in an SC jail, Richland County sheriff says (thestate.com) — A man was shot Wednesday morning in the St. Andrews area of Columbia near Beatty Road and Broad River Road, and deputies quickly arrested a suspect who allegedly admitted to the shooting. The victim was taken to a local hospital, while the accused is being held at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing and a November 20 court date.
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4. Harry Lester Oakes Jr. (thecolumbiastar.com) — Local readers are informed of the passing of Harry Lester Oakes Jr., 79, who moved to Columbia, S.C., in 2021 with his wife, Gloria. He is remembered by his wife, five children, and six grandchildren, with a memorial service to be held privately at the family's convenience.
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5. Newly classified boundaries go into effect in November (thecolumbiastar.com) — Richland County Council has finalized clarified boundary lines with neighboring counties that will take effect November 16, potentially shifting some Columbia-area residents' jurisdictions, schools, and voting precincts. Council also strengthened the county's smoking ordinance to cover vaping and hookah lounges, and heard calls to improve animal welfare oversight, signaling several policy changes that could touch daily life around Columbia.
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📸 Around Columbia
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness →
Belk, 100 Columbiana Cir, Columbia
10:00 am - Craft Market →
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 195 Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin
9:00 am
Friday September 25
Saturday September 26
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Yard Sale →
119 Normandy Rd
9:00 am - Meet the Author: Sarah Vowell →
Richland Library (Main), 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia
7:00 pm - Cabaret at Trustus Theatre →
Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia
7:30 pm - Run With All Your Heart 5k →
Columbia SC - Pilates with Nikia — Soft Launch →
6615 Two Notch Road, Columbia - Shoujo Night @ Babylon Kino →
Babylon Kino, 631 Harden Street, Columbia - Columbia, SC WALK to End Hydrocephalus →
Two Medical Park, 2 Medical Park Rd, Columbia - Decker Boulevard Cleanup →
Family Dollar, 1735 Decker Boulevard, Columbia
8:30 am - South Carolina Interviews →
Russell House, 1400 Greene St, Columbia
8:30 am - The South Carolina Black Film Festival with Queens (NY) Underground International Film Festival →
South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia
1:00 am
Friday September 25
Saturday September 26
Saturday October 10
📣 Columbia Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Columbia PatchAM possible:
- Palmetto Roofing Specialties — (888) 597-6720
- John W. Molony Law Firm, LLC — (843) 762-5732
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Coopers is my "go to" for all my plant and flower needs.
They have such a great variety. The prices are very fair. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. (Nextdoor Sandwood) - Lost pups spotted on my security camera this morning at 11:05am.
Sharing in case someone in Whitehall is looking for them. Please note that I do not have the pups. (Nextdoor Whitehall)
- National Mentor Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for AR Billing Specialist in Columbia. Apply here.
- Walgreen Company posted a job opening for Inventory Specialist 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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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