🌱 Park Playground Grand Opening + Student Brings Gun To School

Up and at 'em, Columbia! Let's get you started this Thursday with everything you need to know going on around Columbia today.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 66 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Columbia today:

1. An eight-acre park playground is now open for business in Columbia. Mayor Steve Benjamin and city leaders cut the red ribbon at the T.S. Martin Neighborhood Park Playground on Edison Street Wednesday afternoon. The park comes equipped with a jungle gym, asphalt basketball courts, walking trails, and a covered shade shelter. (Abccolumbia.com)
2. Another student was arrested for bringing a loaded handgun to a Richland County school. The Richland County Sheriff's Department says a 14-year-old male student at St. Andrews Middle School was arrested Wednesday after administrators found a loaded weapon in his backpack. The student is charged with having a gun on school property, unlawful carry, and being in possession of a gun under the age of 18. Officials say another student alerted faculty that the student had a gun and the school resource officer located the weapon. (WIS10)
3. A local store owner is finding ways to spruce up Columbia's Booker Washington Heights neighborhood by adding a weekly produce stand. On Wednesdays, The Dollar Sto' on Farrow Road in Columbia sees upwards of a hundred people at its produce stand. Fresh fruits and vegetables every Wednesday is just one part of the store's offerings. Inside the store, there is an array of breakfast items, and cleaning supplies, including peanut butter, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. (WACH.com)
4. The City of Columbia is gearing up for its 43rd Annual Veterans Day Parade. The event, known as one of the Southeast's largest Veterans Day parades, will be held Thursday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department. (ColaDaily.com)
5. Columbia investigators are asking for help identifying a man wanted on robbery charges. Deputies were called to the Walmart at 321 Killian Road on Oct. 23 around 6 p.m. for a strong-arm robbery. (WIS10)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you around! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. 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.