Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s replacing Bitty & Beau’s at Gervais and Park streets?

Also, don't miss Release and Renew: A Sound Healing Journey into 2026 on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Hi there, Columbia! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What’s replacing Bitty & Beau’s at Gervais and Park streets?
  • Which Midlands shelter pup could be your next best friend?
  • How a Columbia-based nonprofit is helping Midlands dads see their kids

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: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Sunshine, with a high of 76 and low of 53 degrees.
  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 79, low: 53.
  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 70 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bitty & Beau's Coffee Shop closes, owners open new inclusive project (wistv.com) — A well-known downtown Columbia coffee shop that hired people with disabilities is closing as Bitty & Beau’s and reopening as Shiloh Trading Company, a western-style bistro with more food options. The same local owners will keep hiring workers with disabilities and are also planning a Columbia food hall and a Swansea ranch to create even more jobs and training opportunities.
   

2. Midlands Pup Shots! December 22 (abccolumbia.com) — Midlands pet lovers can meet a whole lineup of adoptable dogs from nearby communities, including an affectionate young Chihuahua in West Columbia and a smiling Bichon Frise in Chapin. From tiny Aiken Chihuahuas to playful Summerville mixes, these pups are vaccinated, many are house-trained, and all are looking for local families to bring them home.
   

3. SC Center for Fathers & Families helping fathers maximize time with their children (wach.com) — In Columbia, the South Carolina Center for Fathers & Families is stepping up to help Midlands dads who are divorced, co-parenting, or struggling to see their children. Through classes, job bootcamps, and health screenings, the group works to equip fathers with tools to stay involved and build stronger relationships with their kids.
   

4. Former Gamecock, Panthers CB Jaycee Horn named to 2026 Pro Bowl (foxcarolina.com) — From Columbia, fans are celebrating former South Carolina Gamecock and current Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn earning his second straight Pro Bowl selection for 2026. Horn, the only Panther chosen, has five interceptions this season, showcasing the continued impact of a player many local residents watched during his college years.
   

5. Corey Mitchell transforms diagnosis into community lifeline through MS foundation and rare blood drive (wltx.com) — A former Columbia police officer is turning his multiple sclerosis diagnosis into a powerful way to serve his city again, launching an MS foundation and organizing high-impact blood drives. After learning he has a rare blood type that helps sickle cell patients, he’s mobilizing Columbia neighbors to donate and reminding others not to struggle with illness or hardship alone.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Thank you to everyone who reached out and helped.
    I’ve found my dogs and they’re safe. I really appreciate the community support. (Nextdoor Southeast Columbia)
  • I want to say thank you to those of you on here, whom I've met or spoken to, who have gave kinds words of encouragement, or helped supported us in anyway.
    I am VERY blessed to say the kids christmas is taken care of and WE MOVE ON FRIDAY!!!!!. (Nextdoor Belmont)
  • Our 1st Shift crews found heavy fire coming from the front window of a triplex on Duke Avenue when they responded to a call there early this morning... (X: ColaFire)
  • 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)
  • Corporate Cleaning Group posted a job opening for Day Porter in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Fresh Express, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitor 2nd Shift 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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