Hello Friday.
April 26 2024
Meet Columbia's new mayor
The votes are in, Columbia. You’ve done your civic duty + it’s time to welcome our city’s newest officials.
To recap: This year we cast votes to elect a mayor, along with City Council seats for at-large, District 1, and District 4. While District 1 + 4 races were decided on Nov. 2, the races for mayor and the City Council at-large seat went to a runoff.
You can stop refreshing those election trackers, because we’re here to share the results. Say hello to...
🏛️ Daniel Rickenmann, Mayor
A longtime resident of Columbia, Daniel Rickenmann was first elected to City Council as an at-large member in 2004, and again in 2017 where he served District 4. A 1992 graduate of the University of South Carolina, he was owner and partner in several restaurants in the city, including Birds on a Wire, MO MO’s Bistro, Ben and Jerry’s, and The Filling Station. He is currently a partner in several ventures including renewable energy development and a food production company.
Rickenmann’s campaign focused on seven areas:
- Prioritize public safety
- Support small business owners
- Repair infrastructure
- Build better and more affordable housing
- Create job opportunities that promise advancement
- Generate growth by finishing projects
- Bring innovation to our city government
🏛️ Aditi Bussells, City Council at-large
Aditi Bussells is a public health researcher who received her PhD in public health at the University of South Carolina.
🏛️ Tina Herbert, City Council District 1
Tina Herbert is currently an attorney with the Mickle & Bass firm in Columbia and is a resident of North Columbia. She previously worked as the director of the Office of Business Opportunities.
🏛️ Joe Taylor, City Council District 4
Joe Taylor is the former S.C. Secretary of Commerce and currently a businessman and developer in the Midlands.
Meet all of Columbia’s 2021 elected officials below. ⬇️
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who wants to learn more about our elected officials.
Today
Thursday
- Vista Lights | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | 1200 Lincoln St. | Free | Celebrate the official kickoff to the holidays in Columbia at the 36th Annual Vista Lights + enjoy artistic performances, live music, dancing, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. 🎄 Ⓟ
- Brett Young | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 8 p.m. | Township Auditorium | $33+
- Movember Stache Bash | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 7 p.m. | Tin Roof | Free | This partnership with the Movember Foundation helps to raise money + bring awareness to men’s health.
- Wag Night | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Market on Main | Free | Bring your furry friend for food, drinks, + a free pup cup. 🐶
Friday
- Santa’s Coming to Studio 221 | Fri., Nov. 19 | 3-6 p.m. | Studio 221, 536 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | All ages are welcome to have a photo taken with Santa. 🎅
- South Carolina Country Showdown | Fri., Nov. 19 | 5:30 p.m. | Segra Park | $30+ | This show will be headlined by Corey Smith + will feature performances from other various artists.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
There are 2.1 million online retailers in the US alone, which means that being smart about your shopping is more important than ever | Photo provided
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but unfortunately, they’re also the most active time for hackers + scammers. Before you start swiping your card (physically *or* virtually), brush up on your cybersecurity knowledge.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself? Add card control features through your bank. For example, United Community Bank’s Card Controls app features real-time alerts, spending limits + more. Setting it up takes minutes, but could save hours of frustration. 💸 Ⓟ
Weather
- 77º | Sunny skies | 4% chance of rain ☀️
Biz
- The Donut Guy’s replacing The Peanut Man. A long-time food truck staple at Soda City Market, The Donut Guy is moving into a new brick + mortar location at 1215 Lincoln St., formerly the location of The Peanut Man, which is now on Fernandina Road. 🍩 (The State)
Number
- $135,000. The amount of a grant from Colonial Life to the Midlands Technical College Foundation to support software engineering development through Create Opportunity. The workforce development program partners with area businesses to fund software engineering education + apprenticeships for diverse participants. 🎓
Announced
- Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multi platinum artist Maxwell announces his tour stop at Colonial Life Arena on March 9. Tickets for the blacksummers’NIGHT tour go on sale Nov. 29, at 10 a.m. 🎶
Cause
- Colliers | South Carolina and LCK staff and associates pledged $100,000 in contributions to United Way of the Midlands along with others around the state. In addition to the funds raised, it donated books to the United Way of the Midlands’ Be a Book Bunny Initiative and Transitions Homeless Center in Columbia. 📚
Edu
- Midlands Technical College is offering every qualified South Carolina resident free tuition for the upcoming spring semester. The offer is part of the Workforce Scholarships for the Future Program to provide training + education for high-demand careers. (Cola Daily)
Sports
- For the third time in the Dawn Staley era, the Gamecocks Women’s basketball team have sold over 10,000 season tickets. South Carolina opened Colonial Life Arena to full capacity this season, after capping it at 3,500 previously amid COVID-19 restrictions. 🏀 (The State)
Holiday
- Dominion Energy encourages customers to remain vigilant about utility scams this holiday season. This Utility Scam Awareness Week (Nov. 15 - 20) offers four tips: slow down, stop, hang up + verify. For more information call their Columbia customer service line at 1-800-251-7234. 📱
Community
- Friarsgate Skatepark Committee + Universal Leadership & Steam Academy are working to provide a skateboarding program free to children that attend the after-school program. The organizations are currently seeking donations of new and used skateboard equipment. 🛹 (The Irmo News)
Older Adults
- Merrill Gardens is making the holidays even sweeter with their Holiday Move-In Special (one month free). Call them at (803) 234-5214 + ask about the special to learn more. Ⓟ
Eat
- As you prepare to celebrate the holidays, it’s time to think about your main course: the turkey. Prisma Health registered dietitian Lisa Money shares six tips to help you safely prepare your turkey for yourself and your guests to enjoy. 🍽️ Ⓟ
Featured Job
- CommunityWorks is looking for a Business Coach to provide high-quality coaching to potential and existing clients. Learn more about the job and apply here. Ⓟ
Built in 1904, these tracks are from the former Seaboard Air Line Passenger Depot — the city's third depot. The depot and baggage room — where Blue Marlin is currently located — served passengers on the Seaboard Air Line Railway (later the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad) until 1991.
The relocation of the tracks across Gervais Street was an important step in the revitalization of The Vista in the 1980s and 1990s.
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