🌱 Youth Violence Prevention Week + Missing Midlands Teen + Mama Rock

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:

Mostly sunny and warm. High: 86 Low: 62.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. Apr. 24 through Apr. 29 is Youth Violence Prevention Week, and the City of Columbia is partnering with the Parks and Recreation Department and the Columbia Police Department for a series of community events. The commemoration kicked off yesterday at Hyatt Park, where guests enjoyed music, games, food, and more. Today, Columbia youth can head to Earlewood Park for "The 'X' Factor," an interactive play about emotions and triggers. Visit the link for the full list of Youth Violence Prevention Week events. (Abccolumbia.com)
2. The Richland County Sheriff's Department is seeking the public's health in finding a Midlands teenager. 15-year-old Romell Noble was last seen on Friday, Apr. 22 in the Summit area of Columbia and was publicly reported missing on Sunday. Noble's family reported to the sheriff's office that the teen has a diagnosis of autism. Anyone with information on Noble's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact CrimeStoppers. (The State)
3. Rose Rock, the mother of Chris Rock as well as a South Carolina native, made a stop in her home state on Friday. "Mama Rock" was in town for the Columbia Neighborhood Awards, which took place Saturday at the Columbia Museum of Art. During her trip, she took the time to speak with local students and sign autographs. (WLTX.com)

Today in Columbia:

• Screening Of "Trigger: The Ripple Effect Of Gun Violence" At Nickelodeon Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a fun place to cool off with the family this summer? Head over to Columbia's Elwood Roy Lynch Park, which features a splash pad, playground, zipline, and more. (Kidding Around Greenville)
• Find your next home right here in Columbia with the five latest properties to hit the market. (Columbia Patch)
• The Columbia Fire Department's annual Firetruck Pull to benefit Curing Kids Cancer is fast approaching! Register a team or learn more about the fundraising event here. (Facebook)

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• National Hug A Plumber Day (April 25)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! 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.