Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Columbia’s new design boards change future building projects?

Coming up: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Columbia on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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Hello again Columbia! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Columbia’s new design boards change future building projects?
  • Remember that giant red “G” on Leaphart Road? It’s for sale.
  • Could Columbia’s tap water soon lose fluoride entirely?

Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Columbia and 3 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 56 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 61, low: 36.
  • Friday: Turning out cloudy, with a high of 62 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Columbia to split design review into 2 boards for targeted expertise in preservation, urban projects (wltx.com) — Columbia is overhauling its design review process by splitting the Design Development Review Commission into two new boards, one for historic preservation and one for urban design, starting in March. City planners say the change should shorten meetings and better match expertise to projects, while developers expect a more predictable path for construction without altering review timelines.
   

2. A large, red letter ‘G' is for sale in Lexington County. Where did it come from? (postandcourier.com) — If you’ve ever driven Leaphart Road between West Columbia and Lexington, you’ve probably seen the huge red letter “G” that marked Gasque Marketing & Advertising’s farmhouse office. With the longtime local business closing, the iconic sign is now for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $1,400 as the owners clear out their space.
   

3. South Carolina bill seeks to ban fluoride in water, sparking health debate (wltx.com) — From Columbia, lawmakers are pushing a bill that would ban adding fluoride to all public water systems in South Carolina, igniting a statewide health debate. Local dental professionals and federal health guidance warn the change could increase tooth decay, while supporters argue it’s about cleaner, safer drinking water.
   

4. 98-year-old salon owner shares a lifetime of legacy in Batesburg-Leesville (wistv.com) — A nearly 99-year-old salon owner in nearby Batesburg-Leesville still draws strength from roots that include earning her beautician license at Poro College in Columbia. Corine Johnson’s long career, civil rights-era experiences, and preserved artifacts highlight Black resilience, community support, and the powerful legacy she continues to share with Midlands residents today.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We found a young Staffordshire terrier.
    He was very scared dodging vehicles near Garners Ferry Road. His microchip was scanned at the veterinary clinic and his registered owner doesn’t… (Nextdoor Pinewood)
  • REMEMBER LADIES...
    if you are at a club or bar and you are in danger, ask the bartender for an ANGEL SHOT. They will ask what is in it so tell them to Google it. It… (Nextdoor Central Rosewood)
  • If your plans include alcohol this New Year’s Eve, don’t get behind the wheel impaired. That bad decision can turn a night of celebration into... (X: SCHP_Troop1)
  • 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)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Precoat Metals - AZZ, Inc. posted a job opening for Production Supervisor 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 heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
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