Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Columbia police flooded two local high school campuses Tuesday morning

Spotted on the Columbia calendar: Santa Claus at Top Dawg Tavern in Columbia

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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Good morning Columbia! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Columbia police flooded two local high school campuses Tuesday morning
  • How a $70M luxury hotel could reshape downtown Columbia
  • How one Columbia teen got the surprise hug of the holidays

Also on today's calendar: Santa Claus at Top Dawg Tavern in Columbia.

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Columbia? Post it to Columbia photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 60 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Thursday: Rain; breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 59, low: 54.
  • Friday: Windy in the morning, with a high of 63 and low of 32 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Large police presence is seen at two high schools in Columbia. Here's why (thestate.com) — Two Columbia high schools, Eau Claire and Dreher, had an increased police presence Tuesday after receiving violent threats, but all students and staff remained safe, according to Columbia police. Extra officers joined school resource officers on both Richland 1 campuses while officials investigate. Anyone with information is urged to contact Columbia police and encourage students to report suspicious activity.
   

2. 'Defining moment for our future': $70M redevelopment project eyed for Columbia (wach.com) — A $70 million project could soon transform Washington Square into Columbia’s first four-star Grand Bohemian luxury hotel, with a spa, gallery, ballroom, and cultural programming. City Council has approved first reading of a $2.9 million sale, with plans for streetscape upgrades, 450 parking spaces, and new jobs to boost downtown’s economy.
   

3. Air Force father surprises daughter at Ridge View High School after 7-month deployment (wistv.com) — A Ridge View High School freshman in Columbia got an early holiday gift when her Air Force dad returned from a 7½‑month deployment to South Korea and surprised her at school. The emotional reunion, secretly organized by her mother, included similar surprises for his other children before he deploys again in about a month.
   

4. South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Dec. 16, 2025 (greenvilleonline.com) — If you bought a winning South Carolina lottery ticket, you’ll need to come to Columbia for the biggest prizes. The latest Mega Millions and other draw results are out, and the Education Lottery explains how to claim winnings by mail, at retailers, or in person at its Assembly Street headquarters and Columbia claims center.
   

5. Eviction records follow tenants for years, new legislation could clear those records (wltx.com) — From Columbia, lawmakers are proposing bills that could let South Carolina renters clear old evictions or even some filings from their records after several years. Supporters say the changes would ease access to housing in a tough rental market and reduce long-term penalties for past instability.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: he has been found!!!!!!
    Can anyone please be on the lookout in the Irmo high school vicinity for a light brown shih tzu. Door didn't fully close this morning when kids left… (Nextdoor Bush River Rd)
  • Does anyone recognize this cat?
    S/he visits regularly and I would like to know if s/he has a home or if I should take her to shelter and offer possible adoption. (Nextdoor Bradley)
  • Evacuations ordered in 3 south Seattle suburbs after levee fails after week of heavy rain/... (X: wis10)
  • #ColumbiaPDSC Update: Today, Traffic Safety Unit officers have arrested 32-year-old Shanekea Brown in connection w/last week's hit & run of a child... (X: ColumbiaPDSC)
  • State of South Carolina posted a job opening for Program Coordinator II (Nurse Aide Facilities Coordinator) / 60013312 in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Corporate Cleaning Group posted a job opening for Day Porter 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 don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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