🌱 Police Expanding Mental Health Services + Water Boil Advisory

Hello again, Columbia! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Columbia Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Columbia Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Columbia long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and very warm. High: 83 Low: 48.

Here are the top three stories in Columbia today:

1. The Columbia Police Department announced that it will be expanding its program to help those in mental health crises. The expansion will add additional counselors to the department's Pathway Unit, a mental health support system. The unit, which was established last fall, has made contact with 120 citizens who have experienced mental health crises. (WACH.com)
2. There is currently a water boil advisory in parts of Columbia. Those who live near Vallejo Circle and Juarez Ct are advised to boil their water for one minute before consuming it. The advisory is due to a four-inch water main break. (WIS News 10)
3. The Columbia School District will continue to require masks, even as other South Carolina schools are dropping mandates. As of now, there is no indication of when this is going to change. This decision is controversial as many parents want to see the mandate end. (Charleston Post Courier)

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Today in Columbia:

• Wacoal Fit For The Cure Event At The Dillard's in Columbiana Center (9:00 AM)
• First Thursday On Main At Main Street (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This April, join the South Carolina State Museum as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 16 lunar mission and South Carolinian Charlie Duke’s historic walk on the moon with a new exhibition, planetarium show, and special events! (Facebook)
• March is Social Work Month, and the theme for 2022 is The Time is Right for Social Work. During this month, Transitions Homeless Center will take time to highlight contributions of the profession, from its social work staff. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Divorce Boot Camp – Vesta's South Carolina Hub (March 8)
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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.