🌱 Outdoor Inauguration For Rickenmann + SCDE COVID Quarantining

Happy Monday, Columbia! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note. Here's what's happening around Columbia today.

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First, today's weather:

Cooler; a little morning rain. High: 51 Low: 28.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Columbia today:

1. At 3 p.m. tomorrow (Jan. 4), Daniel Rickenmann will be inaugurated as the new Mayor of Columbia in the 1700 block of Main Street, in view of City Hall. The City of Columbia said the City Hall backdrop is meant to symbolize the "hope and spirit of our city, while also highlighting the resilient spirit of our community." An outdoor venue for the inauguration will open the event up to the general public while also offering a safer environment for those with COVID-related health concerns, said city officials. (WLTX.com)
2. The South Carolina Department of Education has updated its COVID-19 quarantine requirements to follow recent changes made by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 can now end their quarantine after five full days if a viral test collected no sooner than day four is negative and the individual has shown no symptoms. Those who test positive must also wear a mask for five to 10 days. More information on these guidelines can be found in DHEC's School and Childcare Exclusion List. (FOX Carolina)
3. A Columbia police officer was first on the scene following the discovery of human remains in a drainage ditch near Saturn Parkway in Lexington County Friday evening. Based on an anthropologist's analysis, the skeletal remains are believed to belong to a white male who is over age 40, at least 6'5" tall, had ankle surgery, and had no natural teeth. Anyone with information that may help to identify the remains is asked to call the Lexington County Coroner's Office at (803) 359-8439. (ColaDaily.com)

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Today in Columbia:

• Four-Day Hiring Event At The Columbia Hobby Lobby, 254 Harbison Blvd. (9:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Columbia College announced the passing of first-year exercise science major, Akiah McMillan. Counseling services for students are available, and the school will share details regarding a campus memorial service. (Facebook)
• On Saturday, Jan 15., the Columbia Museum of Art will kick off "More Than Rhythm," a new music series that offers a "musical journey through several eras of Black musical expressions." The first event features Dr. Tony McNeill and The Heritage Celebration Chorale, an aggregation of choral music educators, enthusiasts, and vocal artists from the Carolinas and Georgia. (Facebook)
• Looking for a new home in 2022? Check out these five new properties for sale in Columbia.(Columbia Patch)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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.