Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Can you help solve this deadly Northeast Columbia hit-and-run?

You won't want to miss Release and Renew: A Sound Healing Journey into 2026 on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Good day Columbia! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

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Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In today's newsletter:

  • Can you help solve this deadly Northeast Columbia hit-and-run?
  • Why a new Rosewood Drive housing project just hit the brakes
  • How long will Woodcreek Farms drivers face risky detours?

Also on today's calendar: Release and Renew: A Sound Healing Journey into 2026.

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 66 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 76, low: 49.
  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 77 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cracking down on hit and runs in Richland County (wach.com) — Richland County officials are urging Columbia residents to help solve a deadly hit-and-run near Two Notch Road and Fashion Drive in Northeast Columbia, as the victim remains unidentified. With more than 1,300 hit-and-run crashes in the county this year, authorities hope new state traffic laws and more community tips will reduce these dangerous incidents.
   

2. Proposed Rosewood Drive housing project on hold: Here's why (wltx.com) — A proposed three-story housing development at Rosewood Drive and Fulton Street in Columbia is on hold while city leaders weigh safety concerns from Jim Hamilton–LB Owens Airport about flight path regulations and building heights. Airport officials argue the site lies in a protected approach zone, and City Council has delayed a decision while asking the developer to find options that meet those rules.
   

3. Columbia bridge closure forces year-long detours for Woodcreek Farms residents (wistv.com) — Drivers in northeast Columbia’s Woodcreek Farms neighborhood face nearly a year of detours after the city closed an unsafe bridge and pushed repairs into late 2026. Residents say the long timeline and risky alternate routes are hurting daily life and want clearer communication and faster action from city officials.
   

4. A Change in Leadership at Allen University in South Carolina (jbhe.com) — Allen University in Columbia has parted ways with President Ernest McNealey, whose contract was not renewed and whose last day was December 15. Veteran higher-education leader Stanley Pritchett Sr., known for stabilizing Morris Brown College’s finances, has stepped in as interim president while the HBCU searches for a permanent successor.
   

5. Columbia Police spread holiday cheer with Christmas giveaway (wistv.com) — Columbia families packed the Busby Street Community Center as city police hosted a Christmas giveaway filled with toys, snacks, and holiday activities for local kids. Officers mingled with residents, emphasized community relationships, and even added a financial literacy lesson to help parents and children learn basic money skills while celebrating the season.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • A 68-year-old woman opened her barn to 79 Hells Angels during a deadly tornado.
    She served them coffee, wrapped them in blankets, and kept them safe through the longest night of their lives. Five days later, 300 bikers returned… (Nextdoor Central Rosewood)
  • As you're out shopping, remember many of the young people in retail and fast food are working out in the public for the first time.
    Good customer service is important , but so is being a respectful customer. I recently witnessed a young cashier brought to tears by a loud, rude… (Nextdoor Briarwood)
  • The next free trainings on the application process for #RichlandCountySC's Neighborhood Enrichment Grants are 2. to 3:30. and 6. to 7:30... (X: RichlandSC)
  • COLUMBIA - Dozens of professionals graduated from the 2025 South Carolina Economic Development Institute. Among this year's graduates is Sharmane... (X: theitem)
  • Mark Anthony Group Inc posted a job opening for Warehouse Associate (Shipping and Receiving in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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