🌱 DMV Clerk Arrested For Bribes + Elmwood Ave. Accident

Welcome back, Columbia! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy and cold. High: 47 Low: 32.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. A former Columbia DMV clerk was arrested on Thursday for taking bribes. Othinell Arthur Jenkins III was charged with three counts of receiving anything of value to influence the actions of a public employee. According to officials, Jenkins accepted money and concert tickets in exchange for passing people on various driving tests. (The State)
2. Columbia Police say three people were hurt after a collision on Elmwood Ave. The accident occurred late Wednesday around 10:00 p.m. Two cars collided with each other and Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident. (Abccolumbia.com)
3. The Columbia Children’s Theatre is putting on a production of “Peter and The Starcatcher” this weekend. The shows will run on Jan. 28 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., Jan. 29 at 7:00 p.m., and Jan. 30 at 3:00 p.m. The musical is inspired by the stories of Peter Pan. (Columbia Star)

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Today in Columbia:

• Columbia RV Expo At South Carolina State Fair (3:00 PM)
• Ward Davis At New Brookland Tavern (7:00 PM)
• Niko Moon At The Senate (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Lincoln Street is bringing it with art galleries, a new donut shop, and the #RealColumbiaSC visitors center. Check it out on your next outing! (Instagram)
• Yesterday, the Columbia Fire Department reported that 30 of its technical rescue specialists completed annual refresher training on Paratech collapse shoring equipment. These tools play a big part in safety when firefighters respond to the scene of a collapsed structure where there are victims are in need of rescue. (Facebook)
• The US National Weather Service Columbia South Carolina is reporting that accumulations of snow will be small and will fall mainly late tonight. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! See you all tomorrow morning 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.