🌱 Community Helps Family Who Lost Home+ Devine Street Water Leak

Up and at 'em, Columbia! Let's get you started this Friday with everything you need to know going on in Columbia today.

First, today's weather:

Chilly with sunshine. High: 47 Low: 27.

Here are the top two stories today in Columbia:

1. A water leak has rerouted traffic on Devine Street in Columbia. An 8 inch water main along the street has a leak and is being fixed by officals. The damage has been isolated and is no longer leaking but still needs repairs. (WLTX.com)
2. The Columbia community is helping Columbia family of six who lost their home in a late Tuesday fire. The Evans family escaped their home before firefighters arrived on the scene. Neighbors and community members have come together to help the family, starting a GoFundMe and donating diapers and medical supplies. (WLTX.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Columbia:

• Community Blood Drive At Columbiana Center (1:00 PM)
• Beckett Financial First Friday At 825 Meeting Street (2:00 PM)
• J. J. Williamson At The Comedy House (11:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Feeling the need to suddenly book that flight to #RealColumbiaSC? Yeah, Lake Murray views can have that effect on folks 🤷🏾‍♂️ 📷: @charleshitephotographicart #columbiasc #discoversc #lakemurraysc #southcarolina #sunset #optoutside (Instagram)
• The Flood Advisory for the Congaree River at Columbia has been canceled. The Riverwalk may be a good option for tomorrow with highs around 60. Flood Warnings continue downstream at Carolina Eastman and the Congaree National Park. (Facebook)
• Was your new year's resolution to get more involved in our community? If so, help is needed at the Transitions Homeless Center tonight from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Volunteers help with checking in clients, bed assignments, handing out toiletries and bed linens, and general assistance. (Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you tomorrow for 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.