🌱 Columbia Sends Armor, Food To Ukraine + Drive-Through Fair Food

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:

Pleasant with periods of sun. High: 76 Low: 53.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. On Saturday, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann announced the City of Columbia would send body armor, ready-to-eat meals, and other supplies to Ukraine. The mayor announced the move during a rally at the State House, where attendees marched to show their solidarity with the invaded nation. According to a spokesperson for Rickenmann, the donation will be a joint effort between the mayor, the chief of police, and city staff. (WLTX 19)
2. Columbia's own South Carolina State Fair is returning this year with a drive-through fair food event. From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day between Tuesday, Apr. 19 and Sunday, Apr. 24, drivers can head to the fairgrounds to collect fried Oreos, turkey legs, cotton candy, and more. According to South Carolina State Fair Manager Nancy Smith, "This event has been very popular with the community, and we are bringing it back again with hopes of making it a new fair tradition." (The Times and Democrat)
3. If you're headed to the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater this summer, you may notice some fitness equipment along the trail. Officials with the City of West Columbia have announced they will be installing eleven pieces of equipment along a one-mile stretch of the Congaree River. The goal of the project is to offer a well-rounded workout for residents walking, running, or biking along the path. (WACH.com)

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Today in Columbia:

• Exhibit - The Art Of Being: Woman At Richland County Library (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a missing 15-year-old girl and asking for the public’s help finding her. Toteanna Wheeler-Thomas was last seen on Mar. 31 on Concourse Drive in Columbia. (The State)
• If you're looking for a home nearby, you'll want to check out the five latest properties to go on the market right here in Columbia. (Columbia Patch)
• Looking for fun, educational activities for the kids while they're out of school? EdVenture Children’s Museum will be hosting a series of Spring Break activities and classes from Apr. 8 until Apr. 24 for students ages 4 to 10. (WIS News 10)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new 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.