🌱 Testing Site Moving + Public Art Piece In The Vista

Morning, people of Columbia! Dan Casarella here with your Wednesday copy of theColumbia Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 54 Low: 30.

Here are the top two stories today in Columbia:

1. Columbia’s busiest COVID-19 testing site is relocating and extending its hours. The sites will relocate from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control parking lots to the Columbia mall starting this Thursday. Officials are moving the site to reduce test wait times and prevent any further backup on Bull Street. The sites will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (MSN)
2. The city of Columbia recently unveiled a new public art piece in the Vista. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann presided over the ceremony unveiling the “Vista Peace Pole” which carries the message “may peace prevail on earth” in eight different languages. The sculpture was created by artist Eileen Blyth. (The State)

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Today in Columbia:

• Open Studio-Choose Your Painting At Painting With A Twist (11:00 AM)
• Art Class: Oil Painting At The Columbia Museum Of Art (6:00 PM)
• Mark Rapp Group: Music of Benny Golson At The Joint (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• South Carolina Emergency Management Division reported a 2.0 magnitude earthquake centered near Lugoff, South Carolina at 8:31 yesterday morning. (Facebook)
• Columbia Fire Department reported 2nd & 3rd Shift crews responded to a house fire just after 7 a.m. yesterday on Stanford Street in Richland County. Heavy fire was seen coming from the home when the first units arrived on scene but all occupants made it out safely. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. 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.