🌱 Columbia Man Faces Five Charges + Holiday Season In Columbia

Happy Saturday, people of Columbia! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 59 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Columbia:

1. A Columbia man is facing five charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. Officials say 46-year-old Mark Edward Matthews is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, second-degree, and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third-degree. Each of these offenses is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. (Abccolumbia.com)
2. A group of Columbia community members came together to give back to the city's less fortunate Thursday. They hosted a drive-thru event to collect adult-sized sleeping bags, gently-used clothes, hand sanitizer, and toiletries in addition to folding towels and pop-top canned goods. Organizers will be holding additional drives on Saturday, December 4th, and Christmas Day. (WACH.com)
3. Hundreds of Midlands residents got into the holiday spirit Thursday night for the annual Vista Lights celebration in downtown Columbia. (ColaDaily.com)
4. Check out a comprehensive list of everything happening this holiday season in Columbia. (COLAtoday)

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Today in Columbia:

• Semi-Annual Heartworm Clinic (10:00 AM)
• Amazon Presents Better for You Tailgate Tour (1:00 PM)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you back in your inbox Monday morning with another update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.