Goals

• These projects aim to improve transportation infrastructure for citizens and businesses, making roads safer and more reliable for commuting. Think — road improvements, resurfacing, intersection upgrades, and transportation options for growing neighborhoods.

• Projects focusing on enhancing major roadways + expanding transportation infrastructure to support economic growth. They aim to align with the county’s strategic goals for equitable development.

• Funds from the penny tax will help support and sustain the operations of the COMET.

Proposed projects

• Work to separate rail lines from Assembly Street ($300 million)
• Widening portion of U.S. 76 near Lake Murray ($63.5 million)
• Widening Spears Creek Church Road in Pontiac ($62 million)
• Widening Langford Road between Blythewood’s Main Street + Hardscrabble Road ($59 million)
• Widening Broad River Road between Interstate 26 and Chapin Road ($46 million)

• The BRBR Oyster Roast | Friday, March 15 | 6-10 p.m. | 701 Center for Contemporary Art, 701 Whaley St., Columbia | $75 | All proceeds from this event will support the Big Red Barn Retreat’s programs and services for Veterans, Active-Duty service members, First Responders, and their families.
• The Love Hard Tour | Friday, March 15 | 8 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $62.50-$132.50 | The Love Hard Tour features Keyshia Cole and Trey Songz with special guest Jaheim.
• 2024 Tail Waggin’ Ball | Friday, March 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Bloomsbury, 1707 Lyttleton St., Camden | $70-$150 | Get ready to dance the night away with your furry friends at the 2024 Tail Waggin’ Ball, where humans and dogs come together for a pawsome cause.
• Ask An Attorney | Friday, March 15 | 1-4 p.m. | Richland Library-Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | You have an opportunity to sit down, one-on-one with a lawyer to ask for guidance and direction on any number of legal issues you are facing.

• St. Pat’s in Five Points | Saturday, March 16 | 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Five Points, 728 Harden St., Columbia | $25 | St. Pat’s in Five Points is back on Saturday, March 16 with a full day of festive events from a parade and playland to VIP experiences and a mocktail lounge + the most bands ever.
• Poets on Stage at Good Life Cafe | Saturday, March 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Good Life Cafe, 1216 Taylor St., Columbia | Free | Don’t miss unique performances, a little music, and an open mic night.
• Savage St. Paddy’s Bash | Saturday, March 16 | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish beer + live music performances by Charleston’s Irish favorites, The Bograts, and the Steel City Rovers at Savage Craft in West Columbia.*
• Snow White by South Carolina Ballet | Saturday, March 16 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $35-$60 | Columbia City Ballet, now South Carolina Ballet, is thrilled to invite audiences of all ages to witness the enchanting tale of Snow White come to life on the Koger Center’s stage.*

• Free Sundays | Sunday, March 17 | 1-4 p.m. | Mann-Simons Site, 1403 Richland St., Columbia | Free | The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free.
• 2024 Midlands Spring Arts & Crafts Market Extravaganza | Saturday, March 16-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia | Free | Over 170 Crafters and vendors from all over the Midlands will be showcasing their talents and creations.

• Light Up The Night Paper Lantern Workshop | Select Saturdays, now through April 13 | Get crafty and learn how to make your own lantern from Flavia Lovatelli, one of Columbia’s best. Supplies + materials will be provided.
• Light and Lantern Parade presented by Architrave | Saturday, April 20, 8 p.m. | Showcase your lantern masterpiece + illuminate the night as you stroll through The Vista in this visually stunning parade. Bonus: You could score $300 for having the best lantern or best use of light.

• Lexington-Richland 5 school district is considering a $239 million bond for a new school + renovations. Proposed projects include rebuilding Dutch Fork Elementary, facility upgrades, and security enhancements. A $15M bond was approved for immediate capital projects. (The State)

• The Gamecock men’s basketball team defeated Arkansas yesterday in the second round of the SEC Tournament 80 to 66, meaning they move on to the quarterfinals in the bracket and will play Auburn today at 3:30 p.m.

• The Columbia Police Department announced the road closures for St. Pat’s in Five Points. Closures start Friday at 6 p.m. and additional closures will take place on Saturday at 5 a.m. for road races and the festival. CPD officers will assist with traffic. (WIS TV)

• Dining on the Dam will return to Lake Murray on Sunday, April 7, and feature a catered meal by Southern Way Catering, live entertainment, and beverages. Limited parking will be available but shuttle buses are provided from designated lots. Tickets are $165 per person. (Cola Daily)

• USC English professor Claire Jimenez is a finalist for the prestigious Pen/Faulkner Award for her novel “What Happened To Ruthy Ramirez.” The book was also recognized by USA Today and you can hear her speak at Open Book 2024. (ABC Columbia)

• Who are the potential trade deadline targets for the Carolina Hurricanes? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricanes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*

• Curious about how chiropractic care can enhance your well-being? Explore 10 benefits of chiropractic care with Dr. Nemastil, a chiropractor at Your Health Physician’s Office. Learn more + schedule.*

What to know

Current and recent airport updates

• Jimmy John’s
• Dunkin’
• Samuel Adams Columbia Brewhouse
• Friendly Caterer To-Go
• Vista Trading — a local marketplace concept that will feature products from Midlands’ vendors
• Opening soon, Explore Columbia — a retail space featuring outdoor and adventure gear.