🌱 Waffle House Robbed At Gunpoint + SCSM Kids' Summer Camps

Good day, neighbors! It's me again, Dan Casarella, your host of the Columbia Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 59 Low: 33.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. Local authorities are attempting to find a suspect who robbed the Waffle House on Bluff Road early Thursday morning. Richland County deputies believe the male suspect pointed a gun at an employee while demanding money, then left the scene with roughly $570. The suspect was caught on surveillance video wearing a two-tone hoodie; anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact CrimeStoppers. (WLTX.com)
2. The South Carolina State Museum recently announced its lineup of spring and summer breaks camps. The day camps include hands-on activities for kids between the ages of 6 and 14, each themed around a different topic of learning and exploration. Registration is now available online for all programs. (ColaDaily.com)
3. Officials have identified the 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot by a Columbia man on Saturday night. The victim, Zeloni Canyus Ellison, was pronounced dead at the scene following multiple gunshot wounds. 42-year-old Lavon Bernard Julius has been arrested for the murder and is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. (ColaDaily.com)

From our sponsor:

Today's Columbia Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in Columbia:

• Monday Evening Book Club - Irmo Branch Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Columbia firefighters responded to a structure fire on Toms Creek Road on Friday evening. Thankfully, crews were able to control the fire and no one was injured, though the blaze did cause significant damage to the home. (Facebook)
• Free Times' Annual Manual series is back! Check out guides for all things Columbia, from neighborhoods to nonprofits and everything in between. (Instagram)
• Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and PETSinc has a purrrfect gift for the animal lover in your life! Donate a minimum of $30 and the shelter will send your Valentine a personalized pop-up keepsake card. (Facebook)

Loving the Columbia Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

Alrighty, 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.