Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could your rising sixth or ninth grader thrive at C.R. Neal Academy?

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Good day Columbia! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could your rising sixth or ninth grader thrive at C.R. Neal Academy?
  • Why have three Columbia-area Slim Chickens locations suddenly closed?
  • Why Columbia police cited volunteers feeding people near Richland Library

Also on today's calendar: The South Carolina Black Film Festival with Queens (NY) Underground International Film Festival and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 90 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Warm with periods of sun, temps: high: 90, low: 68.
  • Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 86 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. HBCU-Authorized Charter School Coming to Columbia; Applications Open Oct. 28 (ognsc.com) — Families in Columbia's southeast neighborhoods will soon have a new option as C.R. Neal Academy, a free public charter middle and high school on Atlas Road, opens applications October 28 for its August 2027 launch. Authorized by Voorhees University, the school will start with sixth and ninth graders, blend college-prep academics with career pathways, and has already cleared key city zoning approvals.
   

2. A third Columbia location of a national chicken chain closes. What we know (thestate.com) — Columbia diners have lost another Slim Chickens, with the Garners Ferry Road location in Lower Richland now closed and locked during normal hours. This marks the third Columbia-area Slim Chickens to shut down in recent months, following closures on Beltline Boulevard in Forest Acres and off Killian Road, leaving only three locations statewide in other cities.
   

3. Citation over sidewalk ordinance sparks debate on feeding homeless (wistv.com) — A Columbia volunteer with Food Not Bombs Midlands was cited under the city's sidewalk ordinance while handing out free meals near the downtown Richland Library, sparking debate over how to feed people in need. Police say the concern is sidewalk safety and suggest alternate sites or permits, while city leaders plan to revisit the issue in an upcoming meeting.
   

4. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Recognizes Seven Columbia Residents During its Statewide Conference;Commemorates the Memory of the Emanuel Nine (carolinapanorama.com) — Columbia residents will soon host Alpha Phi Alpha's statewide district conference at the DoubleTree on Bush River Road, where seven Midlands leaders will receive Emanuel Nine Awards. The three-day gathering will focus on community impact, civil rights legacy, and strategies South Carolina chapters can bring back to communities across the state, with several honorees closely tied to Columbia institutions and churches.
   

5. South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Sept. 29, 2026 (greenvilleonline.com) — If you bought a South Carolina lottery ticket in Columbia or anywhere in the state, here are the Sept. 29 winning numbers and exactly how to claim your prize. Smaller wins can be handled at retailers, while bigger jackpots require mailing forms or visiting the Columbia claims center with proper ID.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbia

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday October 1
  • Called Cohort →
    South Carolina Woman's Missionary Union, 190 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia
    6:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Columbia Shout Outs!

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

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Soda City Market is now huge!
    So be prepared for the Saturday crowd. Also, many of the vendors NOW have meatless products! (Nextdoor Graeme Drive)
  • I just wanna take the time to thank everyone that donated women clothes, handbags and shoes.
    I ended up with 10 bags that went to 3 different halfway houses between Columbia and Sumter. I have some more coming the end of the month. Will be… (Nextdoor Burton Height)
  • JCPenney posted a job opening for Seasonal Operations Associate - Columbiana Ctr Mall in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Hot Topic posted a job opening for Part-Time Assistant Manager - Level 2 in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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