🌱 Lifesavers Blood Drive + Columbia Water Frustrations

Happy Monday, people of Columbia! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, a little rain; cold. High: 45 Low: 38.

Here are the top three stories in Columbia today:

1. The City of Columbia is hosting the 12th Lifesavers Blood Drive set for this Friday. The Red Cross says the need for blood is critical, and Columbia is making it easy for the public to give. The drive will happen Friday, Feb. 11 from 9:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. (Abccolumbia.com)
2. The debate over whether to legalize medical marijuana in South Carolina is going on its third week in the state Senate. Senators are planning on voting on the bill this week. Sen. Tom Davis' nearly 60-page proposal includes banning the smoking of the drug. (WIS10)
3. City leaders and residents are frustrated with Columbia Water as boiling water advisories continue and water mains keep breaking. Columbia Water is citing staffing shortages which are resulting in delayed responses to calls. It has a backlog of up to 4,000 requests. Columbia Water is hiring private contractors to help with the backlog; the city is creating a service line for emergency requests. (WLTX.com)

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Today in Columbia:

• February Harvest Dinner - City Roots Farm (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congrats to Sergeant Baire of the Columbia Police Department who recently received his 15-year service pin and certificate! (Facebook)
• South Carolina State Museum took live pics of the Orion Nebula! Check out its Telescope Livestream from over the weekend. It answered questions from Facebook or YouTube comments on the air. (Facebook)
• Looking for some fun in the fresh air on Valentine's weekend? Don't miss FAAAC presents Topiary Workshop with Mike Gibson: Black Art Through Horticulture at the Columbia Museum of Art. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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.