🌱 Missing USC Student Identified + No COVID Shut Downs

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 58 Low: 36.

Here are the top stories in Columbia today:

1. A body that was found in a Columbia lake was identified as a missing USC Aiken student. The Richland County Coroner's Office identified as University of South Carolina student Theron Wallace, who went missing on Dec. 25. The cause of death has yet to be determined. (The State)
2. In a statement yesterday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said there is no need to close schools and businesses. Despite rising cases, McMaster said health officials have gained experience since the beginning of the pandemic and the current omicron variant doesn’t seem to be as severe. (Abccolumbia.com)
3. Six people have been displaced after a house fire in Columbia. The fire occurred on Allans Mill Drive on Tuesday evening. There were no injuries or deaths. (WIS10)

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Today in Columbia:

• Free First Thursday At The Columbia Museum Of Art (10:00 AM)
• The Senior Network: A Virtual Education Program At Senior Resources (10:30 AM)
• Dillon Carmichael At The Township Auditorium (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you know you can get notified when an #earthquake hits #SouthCarolina? Download the SC Emergency Manager App on your smartphone. Don’t forget to sign up for the notifications after the install. Download the app in the App Store. (Facebook)
• Columbia Fire Department (SC): "6 people were left displaced after fire broke out at a home on Allans Mill Drive this evening. 2nd Shift crews responded to the scene just before 10:30 Tuesday night." (Facebook)
• You can access many of the State Library's resources from home or work with a free South Carolina State Library card. All SC residents age 18 and older may apply at https://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/get-library-card. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox 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.