🌱 Economy Inn Victim ID'd + Blood Drive Today

Get on up, Columbia! Let's get you all caught up to start this Friday, Feb. 11 off on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing around town today.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 69 Low: 38.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. A coroner has identified the man killed during a domestic dispute at the Columbia Economy Inn. Deshon Richmond, 49, died from a stab wound he suffered during a domestic dispute with Shayla Dickerson, 45. The incident occurred on Feb. 8 and Dickerson has been charged with Murder and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. (WLTX.com)
2. Today's the day! The City of Columbia is partnering with the Red Cross for its annual blood drive. The 12th Annual Columbia Lifesavers Blood Drive will occur today from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Residents are highly encouraged to participate as there is currently a national blood shortage. (Abccolumbia.com)
3. Four female artists are slated to have their work displayed at Columbia Metropolitan Airport for their 2022-23 Art in the Airport program. The women who were chosen are Emily Ward, Marie Boyd, Cait Maloney, and Laura Rohlfing. Their work will be displayed from March 2022 to February 2023. (columbiabusinessreport.com)

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Today in Columbia:

• Focal Points: Valentine Inspirations At 1515 Main Street (6:00 PM)
• February Wine Tasting At The Blended Bakery (6:30 PM)
• Vision Tour At Hampton Inn Columbia (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A huge thank you to Jay Kilmartin with The Melting Pot for donating gift certificates for the Columbia Police Department monthly employee birthday raffle! (Facebook)
• For utility crews and anyone who works in trenches, the dangers of a collapse are all too real.
  Every trench is at risk of caving in at any time without warning! That's why many of the Columbia Fire Department crews are learning and drilling in highly specialized techniques for making trench rescues. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 18)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning 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.