Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why West Columbia reversed course on a once-rejected triplex project

Coming up on the Columbia Patch calendar: EXIN Blockchain Essentials 1 Day Training in Columbia, SC

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Hello Columbia! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why West Columbia reversed course on a once-rejected triplex project
  • When will Rosewood’s fire-damaged Dollar Tree finally reopen?
  • How Columbia firefighters turned a devastating blaze into Christmas smiles

Also on today's calendar: Release and Renew: A Sound Healing Journey into 2026 and 3 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 79 and low of 53 degrees.
  • Friday: Clouds giving way to some sun, temps: high: 69, low: 55.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 79 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Midlands city approves two-story triplex after initially denying plans (thestate.com) — A new two-story triplex in West Columbia is moving forward after the city’s planning commission reversed earlier denials and voted 6-1 to recommend an infill overlay at South Witt and Spring Streets. Neighbors and a nearby spa owner raised concerns about construction impacts and parking, while the developer says all work and materials can be contained on-site. City council must still give final approval.
   

2. Well-known discount store that caught fire will return to Columbia neighborhood (thestate.com) — The Dollar Tree on Rosewood Drive in Columbia is preparing to reopen after an April fire, with new shelving installed, workers on-site, and a city-issued permit for updated signage. Neighbors can expect the familiar discount spot to rejoin roughly 20 other Columbia-area Dollar Tree locations, restoring a convenient option for everyday essentials in the Rosewood community.
   

3. Fire survivors receive Christmas surprise from Columbia Fire Department and local complex (wach.com) — Families displaced by a recent apartment fire in Columbia got a much-needed lift when Copperfield Apartments and the Columbia Fire Department teamed up to deliver toys, $50 gift cards, and fire-truck rides for affected children. Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins and community manager John Black focused on easing trauma and making sure the kids still experienced a joyful, memorable Christmas close to home.
   

4. Santa brings Christmas joy to children at Columbia hospital (wistv.com) — Children spending Christmas at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia were treated to an in-person visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, complete with photos, gifts, and a ‘secret shop’ for parents. Hospital staff joined in to deliver presents to rooms, helping local families facing RSV, dialysis, and other challenges still feel the magic of the holidays.
   

5. South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 24, 2025 (greenvilleonline.com) — If you bought a lottery ticket in South Carolina, you can now check the Dec. 24 Powerball, Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash Pop and Palmetto Cash 5 numbers and see if you’ve won. Columbia residents with prizes up to $100,000 can mail claims to the Columbia P.O. Box, while larger jackpots must be claimed in person at the Assembly Street headquarters downtown.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • When I was struggling as a single mom, I never asked for a handout—I asked for a hand up.
    The biggest difference for me was accountability. When people shared job leads, volunteer opportunities, or organizations that offered resources, I… (Nextdoor South Meadowfield)
  • I would like to thank everyone who has donated gifts to NHC Parklane.
    We have all 180 residents gifts for the Holiday. (Nextdoor Longreen Pkwy)
  • On Monday, #RichlandCountySC showed the benevolence at the core of all we do by participating in @ColaFire's annual “Firefighters Feeding Families”... (X: RichlandSC)
  • 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)
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 1455 in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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