Background

Recent developments

• Phase one completion: As of August 7, DHEC confirmed the completion of phase one of the cleanup within the Area 1 Cofferdam. Over 26,000 cubic yards of material, including coal tar and sediment, have been successfully removed. High-pressure water cannons were employed to ensure thorough cleaning, reaching down to the granite river bottom.
• Bank stabilization: Post-cleanup, workers have placed rocks along the river’s edge to prevent erosion and ensure the riverbank’s stability.
• Area 1 Cofferdam dismantling: In the coming weeks, the Area 1 Cofferdam will be taken apart, with materials being used in the construction of Area 2.

What’s next?

• Area 2 Cofferdam Construction: As the Area 1 Cofferdam removal progresses, the construction of the Area 2 Cofferdam will commence. This dam will be much smaller, being only a fifth of the size of Area 1. The completion of the Area 2 Cofferdam is anticipated by October 30, weather permitting.

• Sew Divine: A Gathering of Crafters | Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Richland Library Southeast, Southeast Social Meeting Lab 1 7421 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia | Free | If you’re interested in knitting, needlework, scrapbooking or other crafts, bring your own portable craft project, and share some fun with fellow crafters.
• Backyard Beekeeping For The Curious: Summer Dearth | Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $35 | Due to high demand, a second class is being offered for those curious about keeping honey bees in your backyard.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Miller Lite $2 Tuesday ($2 hot dogs, popcorn, fountain sodas & 12oz Miller Lites). *

• The Lunchbox Lift | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | femme x Columbia, 1501 Richland St., Columbia | Free | Grab your lunch box and enjoy time with other women to be inspired and get your midweek boost so you can conquer the rest of the week.
• The Market at Richland Library | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Shop your community to get fresh produce, meet your new favorite author, or pick out an interesting piece of art.

• Design/Development Review Commission Meeting | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 4 p.m. | City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main St., 3rd Floor, Columbia | Free | This week’s meeting includes a review of the former Columbia Tire Company location at the corner of Taylor and Pickens Streets.

• DOWN IN THE HOLLER | Friday, Aug. 18-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia | $28 | Winner of the 2020 Trustus Playwrights’ Festival, “DOWN IN THE HOLLER” will now receive its world premiere on the Thigpen Mainstage.

• Love, Peace and Hip-Hop presents: Hip-Hop Family Day | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 12-6 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | Free | Founded a decade ago by FatRat Da Czar on the principles of love, peace, unity, and having fun, Hip-Hop Family Day offers a free, family-friendly hip-hop music festival.
• Gamecock Central Kickoff Party at Steel Hands Brewing | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 1-11 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | Enjoy beers, Gamecock football players on site, and live music from Patrick Davis and The Midnight Choir.

• Word of God Church and Ministries International is under contract to purchase Columbia’s oldest enclosed mall, Dutch Square Center. The church plans to revitalize the 1970-established mall. (The State)

• Batter up. Lexington’s Sports & Skate Station USA is set for the grand opening of its advanced batting cages on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 129 Oak Dr., Lexington. In partnership with River’s Edge Retreat, the facility boasts three high-tech, customizable batting machines for all skill levels.

• Own your own food truck. After nine successful years, The Belgian Waffle Truck owners Jean-Louis and Yvette are retiring. The business is up for sale and includes the fully equipped truck, recipes, 5,000+ follower social media accounts, training, and more. Reach out for this turnkey opportunity.

• The Columbia Chamber is accepting applications for the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator (MMBA) Class of 2024 through Saturday, Oct. 14. This SC initiative, backed by Bank of America, supports minority-owned businesses with development resources.

• $13 million. That’s how much United Way of the Midlands invested in community organizations this year, including $2.1 million in impact grants. These grants, benefiting 29 programs across six counties, aim to create generational change, support basic needs, and empower individuals.

• The dog days may be over, but it’s still heating up in Cola. With temps expected to feel well over 100 degrees, we’re curious, what temperature do set your thermostat to in the summer?

• Looking to earn more with your money? With AllSouth’s 12 Month Certificate, you could earn up to 5.09% APY (read: annual percentage yield). Stop by one of their convenient locations to get started.*

• What does a facility that produces lifesaving medications look like? Take a peek inside Nephron.*

• The heat is on to save lives. Did you know? One blood donation can help up to three people. Blood centers usually struggle to collect enough blood products during the summer months. Bonus: Blood donors receive at least $50 in rewards in August (drives + dates may vary). Donate.*

• Explore Lake Murray Country.

• We agree.

• Visit SC State Parks and become an Ultimate Outsider.

• Stay at the B and B and learn canning or to shear a sheep.

• 30 minutes outside of Cola, enjoy a relaxing winery.

• Check out our five driveable beach destinations article.