🌱 Boil Water Advisory + West Columbia Apartment Fire

Rise and shine, Columbia! Let's get you all caught up to start this Wednesday, March 16 off on an informed note. Here are the most important things going on today in Columbia.

First, today's weather:

Rain and a t-storm; cooler. High: 64 Low: 55.

Here are the top three stories in Columbia today:

1. There is a boil water advisory issued for some Columbia Water customers. These customers are being asked to vigorously boil their water for one minute before drinking or cooking it. The advisory has been put in place due to a four-inch main break. (WACH.com)
2. A family has been displaced after a fire at a West Columbia apartment complex on Tuesday morning. The fire occurred at a complex on Riverbend Drive in West Columbia. No injuries have been reported. (WIS News 10)
3. The Drayton family of Columbia is honoring Deonka Ditra Drayton, who was killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting, through a new nonprofit. The 3D Initiative will help provide doctors and counselors to at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. A majority of the cases have been virtual but some are locally in Columbia. (WLTX.com)

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Today in Columbia:

• Outdoor Family Storytime At Richland Library Main (10:00 AM)
• Touche Amore At New Brookland Tavern (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Every Wednesday, the City of Columbia Public Works Department holds open interviews from 9 to 11 a.m. at 2910 Colonial Drive for multiple vacancies! For more information about job opportunities with the City, please visit the link. (Facebook)
• Visit Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane this week to adopt your lucky charm during their adoption special! All pet adoptions are $17 this week! (Facebook)
• Please take a few minutes to complete the Columbia Senior Population needs assessment survey that is being conducted state-wide by the regional Area Agencies on Aging in SC. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Divorce & The Home – the Spring Housing Market – Vesta's South Carolina Hub (March 22)
• American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day: Understand Your Risk (March 22)
• Add your event

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.