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🌱 Patch AM: How four Columbia High teens joined an elite group of drone pilots

Also check out First Sundays Comedy Series on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Greetings Columbia! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How four Columbia High teens joined an elite group of drone pilots
  • Why Columbia’s Statehouse dome is turning green again—and who cares?
  • What Destiny Littleton revealed about her Gamecock days and overseas life

Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Columbia and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Sun followed by clouds, with a high of 64 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Saturday: Cooler with periods of rain, temps: high: 55, low: 39.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 60 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Three Columbia High students earn FAA Part 107 Certification (thecolumbiastar.com) — Four Columbia High School students in Richland One’s BLAST aerospace magnet program have earned FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification, making them among a tiny fraction of teens nationally with this credential. Their success highlights growing aviation and STEM opportunities available to Columbia students right now.
   

2. As the SC Statehouse dome continues to go green, is anyone interested in polishing it? (postandcourier.com) — If you’ve glanced up at the Statehouse lately, you’ve probably noticed the copper dome over downtown Columbia slowly turning green again as its natural patina returns. Lawmakers say there are no current plans or funding push to re-polish it, and most are more concerned about the dome’s structural health than its color.
   

3. Destiny Littleton talks Gamecock career, playing overseas on 'South Carolina Sideline' (wach.com) — Gamecock fans in Columbia can hear former South Carolina guard Destiny Littleton revisit her national championship run and life after USC on the locally produced “South Carolina Sideline” podcast. She also shares how growing up in California shaped her and what it’s like chasing WNBA dreams by playing overseas.
   

4. Flu hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise across South Carolina, DPH reports (wltx.com) — Flu hospitalizations and deaths are climbing fast in South Carolina, with state health officials reporting 735 people hospitalized and 16 deaths so far this season. Datelined from Columbia, the report highlights that older adults and very young children are being hit hardest, and more than 5,700 new flu cases were confirmed just last week.
   

5. South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for Jan. 1, 2026 (greenvilleonline.com) — If you play the South Carolina Education Lottery, you can claim smaller prizes at retailers and must visit the Columbia headquarters on Assembly Street for winnings over $100,000. The article lists Jan. 1 Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash Pop, and Palmetto Cash 5 results, and explains how to mail in mid-range prizes to the Columbia claims center within 180 days.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Happy New Year.....
    I pray that everything you ever wish for comes true. Don't ever let someone rain on your parade without an umbrella. Protect your peace. (Nextdoor Graeme Drive)
  • Happy New Years.
    May the next year bring us good health, wealth and great family blessings. (Nextdoor Longreen Pkwy)
  • County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper will host a #townhall on proposed rezonings in District 7 at 6. Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 7494 Parklane Road,... (X: RichlandSC)
  • For the second night in a row our crews responded to a fire involving multiple homes in The Summit subdivision in northeast Richland County... (X: ColaFire)
  • South Carolina Staffing posted a job opening for Porter in Columbia. Apply here.
  • ServiceMaster posted a job opening for Gym Cleaner 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 just lost interest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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