🌱 Patch AM: Why Columbia hospitals are suddenly hiring more armed security officers

Greetings Columbia! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why Columbia hospitals are suddenly hiring more armed security officers
• How Richland County's new vaping rules will change Columbia hangouts

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call advice from a cow ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Columbia Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Columbia Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Columbia.

Weather forecast:

• Monday: A t-storm late this afternoon, with a high of 94 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 88, low: 70.
• Wednesday: A stray t-storm; not as warm, with a high of 76 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Hospital Access in Columbia, SC (news-usa.today) — Hospitals in Columbia are stepping up security and hiring armed officers to manage access points and respond to potential threats, creating new opportunities for licensed security professionals in the area. For Columbia residents working in or visiting local medical centers, this shift means tighter screening at entrances and a more visible security presence as facilities balance safety with a welcoming environment.
   

• Richland County adds vaping to its indoor smoking ban (wltx.com) — Richland County has expanded its indoor smoking ban to include vaping, meaning many Columbia workplaces, restaurants, and bars must now be smoke- and vape-free inside and within 15 feet of entrances. Supporters say the change should reduce secondhand exposure and curb constant vaping, especially among younger users, while violators face $25 fines and potential penalties for repeat-offender businesses.
   

📸 Around Columbia

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday September 24
• Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness →
  Belk, 670 Promenade Pl, Columbia
  10:00 am
Friday September 25
• Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness →
  Belk, 100 Columbiana Cir, Columbia
  10:00 am
Saturday September 26
• Craft Market →
  Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 195 Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin
  9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Tuesday September 22
• South Carolina Interviews →
  Russell House, 1400 Greene St, Columbia
  8:30 am
• 2026 - Employers - Columbia Hiring Fair - 09/22 →
  Columbia SC
  9:00 am
• 2026 - Job Seeker - Columbia Hiring Fair - 09/22 →
  Columbia SC
  9:00 am
• 2026 - Employers - Columbia Hiring Fair →
  Columbia SC
  9:00 am
• 2026 - Job Seeker - Columbia Hiring Fair →
  Columbia SC
  9:00 am
• Fall 2026 Study Abroad Fair: Winthrop University →
  Columbia SC
  10:30 am
• Community Artisans & Farmers Market at North Springs Park →
  North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Rd, Columbia
  2:00 pm
• Blythewood at Ridge View →
  Ridge View, 4801 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia
  6:45 pm
Saturday October 10
• The South Carolina Black Film Festival with Queens (NY) Underground International Film Festival →
  South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia
  1:00 am

📣 Columbia Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Columbia PatchAM possible:

• Palmetto Roofing Specialties — (888) 597-6720
• John W. Molony Law Firm, LLC — (843) 762-5732

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• She's slept through construction, an earthquake, and just about everything else.
  Meet Rayna: 11 yo professional napper, the unbothered Diva Queen, my Sleeping Beauty. Nothing — and I mean nothing — wakes this girl up except the… (Nextdoor Bush River Rd)
• Dog found!
  Found off of Windsor Lake Blvd. Shelters are all closed. Update: Vet found no microchip :( PLEASE let me know if you are able to foster until owner… (Nextdoor Downtown)

• Goodwill Industries of South Central Virginia, Inc. posted a job opening for SCVIA Custodian-Full Time-Fort Jackson in Columbia. Apply here.
• Entrematic posted a job opening for Warehouse Worker/Back Up Driver in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

🗞 Nearby News

West Columbia

• This Small Midlands South Carolina BBQ Restaurant Has Quietly Served Since 1957 (takingthekids.com)
• A Full Plate And A Big Smile Await At This South Carolina Barnyard Buffet (takingthekids.com)
• Spinx Plans New West Columbia Store (whatnow.com)

Blythewood

• Google internet safety roadshow teaches S.C. students digital citizenship (wrdw.com)
• High School Football Week Five Highlights and Scores (wach.com)

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: Beef Tips (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook