🌱 Randolph Cemetery Seeking Maintenance Support + Collision On I-77

Good day, people of Columbia! Dan Casarella here with a brand-new copy of the Columbia Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 80 Low: 58.

Here are the top three stories in Columbia today:

1. A historic cemetery in Columbia is seeking help in restoring and caring for its gravesites. Randolph Cemetery, the first formal, private cemetery for Black people in Columbia and Richland County, has no ongoing source of funding and just recently reached its 150th year of service. The fundraising effort comes in conjunction with the 150-year commemoration on Saturday, May 21. (Columbia Star)
2. A crash on Wednesday caused injuries and slowdowns on I-77, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The crash, which took place at the ramp for exits 9A and 9B to U.S. 76 near the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, resulted in a backup of about one mile of traffic. As of Thursday evening, no further information on the injuries or cause of the crash is available. (The State)
3. A grandmother in Columbia won $300,000 in the Midlands lottery by playing the ages of her grandchildren. Two, four, 13, 16, and 21 were the lucky numbers in the Palmetto Cash 5 ticket. When the woman scanned the ticket a couple of weeks after purchase, the prize turned out to be much more than the $500 the retailer was allowed to cash out. Read more at the link. (WLTX.com)

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Today in Columbia:

• More Than Rhythm at Columbia Museum of Art (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Columbia Fire Department honored the life of Cayce Police officer Drew Barr. Barr was killed in the line of duty on Sunday. (Facebook)
• Columbia Police Department is teaming up with the DEA for the 22nd Annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event will occur this Saturday and is an opportunity to dispose of unwanted and expired prescription medications. (Facebook)
• The U.S. News and World Report says that two Columbia area schools are among the best in the state. Dreher High School and A.C. Flora High School both ranked in the top 25 schools. (The State)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.