🌱 Columbia Gas Rewards Programs + Man Charged With Shooting

Hello again, Columbia! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Columbia Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Columbia Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Columbia long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy with a little rain. High: 58 Low: 44.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. Gas prices in Columbia have reached over $4 a gallon for the first time since 2008. The rising prices are due to inflation and look to continue into the summer. To help Columbians combat these rising prices, The State has listed the best gas rewards programs in the area. (The State)
2. A Columbia man has been arrested in connection with a shooting and robbery. James Harris Jr. is charged with attempted murder and armed robbery for a Feb. 12 shooting. Harris Jr. allegedly shot a man in the lower body during a hold-up. (WIS News 10)
3. Richland County School District One is getting closer to lifting its in-school mask mandate. COVID risk has eased in the area as cases go down. The change could come as soon as Mar. 14. (Charleston Post Courier)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Columbia:

• Equestrian Escapes—Spring Trail Ride At Congaree Land Trust (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Do you want to learn more about severe weather while providing critical information to your local NWS office? The US National Weather Service of Columbia, South Carolina is offering two SKYWARN Spotter courses this month in conjunction with Carolina Weather Group and just added a second basic class for April. Classes are free and done online. (Facebook)
• Office of South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis explained that Future Scholar is designed to be flexible, so your college savings can help your child be whatever they want to be! Visit https://futurescholar.com for more information. (Facebook)
• A new South Carolina Artists exhibit is featuring Gina Benacchio! Visit 14 Carrot to view all these lovely works of art. (Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Divorce & The Home – the Spring Housing Market – Vesta's South Carolina Hub (March 22)
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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.