What's up Columbia! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Brown Horse @ The Senate and 3 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Best and Brightest: James Bowens (columbiabusinessmonthly.com) — A 35-year-old assistant recreation center supervisor with Richland County Recreation in Columbia describes how faith and service shape his work creating inclusive programs for all ages and abilities. He shares his definition of leadership, favorite Bible verse, and advice to his younger self, emphasizing perseverance, compassion, and building welcoming spaces for the local community.
2. West Columbia passes new regulations on short-term rentals, impacting occupancy and licensing rules (wltx.com) — If you own or stay in short‑term rentals in West Columbia, new rules taking effect October 7 will tighten occupancy limits, ban rentals to people living within 25 miles, and require business licenses. City leaders say the changes respond to complaints about parties, parking, and noise, while some owners worry responsible hosts could be pushed out of the market.
3. USC is serving more students than ever before, as systemwide enrollment tops 60,000 (thestate.com) — The University of South Carolina's Columbia campus is serving a record 41,650 students this fall, part of more than 60,000 enrolled systemwide. With applications surging, USC is drawing students from all 46 South Carolina counties and across the country, while keeping a roughly even balance of in-state and out-of-state freshmen.
4. September Carolina Champion: David Phillips, South Carolina artist (wach.com) — Columbia artist David Phillips, a Brookland-Cayce High graduate, has spent decades helping Midlands residents discover their creativity through drawing and painting. From leading the About Face group at the Columbia Museum of Art to teaching weekly at Still Hopes in West Columbia, he's inspired artists of all ages and is being honored as this month's Carolina Champion.
5. Survivors and advocates recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (abccolumbia.com) — Cancer survivors, families, and advocates gathered at the South Carolina State House in Columbia to mark the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with prayer and personal stories of survival. Speakers, including an eight-year-old leukemia survivor and her mother, highlighted the emotional and physical toll of treatment and encouraged support for programs like Camp Happy Days that help children facing cancer.
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Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
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