🌱 Free Vaccine Clinics In Columbia + Rerun Bicycle Emporium

Get on up, Columbia! Let's get this Tuesday started off right. These are the most important things happening in town today.

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First, today's weather:

Chilly with rain. High: 44 Low: 38.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Columbia:

1. With only 51% of all eligible South Carolinians fully vaccinated, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the City of Columbia are holding a number of free vaccine clinics. The last of this years' clinics will be next Wednesday and Thursday from 1-5 p.m. Additional clinics will be held in the new year. (Abccolumbia.com)
2. A Columbia church is making a difference in the community thanks to their very own bike shop. Volunteers at Downtown Church's Rerun Bicycle Emporium are working hard to refurbish, then donate used bikes. Rerun's volunteers ramp up work during the holidays so children in need can get a special gift in time for Christmas. (WLTX.com)
3. A 13-year-old was killed in a shooting incident at Harbison Gardens Apartments Sunday night. The incident occurred shortly before 11 p.m; investigators say they currently believe the victim and a friend were handling a firearm. Authorities with the Columbia Police Department are still working to determine how the two obtained the gun. (Abccolumbia.com)

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Today's Columbia Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Columbia!

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Today in Columbia:

• Winter Solstice Lantern Parade - Columbia's Riverfront Park (5:45 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Every donation to the Columbia Children's Theater is being matched dollar for dollar until they reach their goal of $30,000. (Facebook)
• The Columbia Food and Wine Festival is coming up on its fifth year, and limited pre-sale tickets are available now through Christmas Eve. (Instagram)
• The Columbia Fire Department reminds everyone to check that their Christmas tree lights are safe for use this holiday. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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.