09.30.2024

Today’s Forecast

86º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. | Sunset 7:08 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Hurricane Helene update

The Midlands continues to recover from Hurricane Helene

The Saluda River on Sunday, Sept. 29 with waters expected to rise. | Photo by COLAtoday

Hurricane Helene knocked out power to 1.3+ million South Carolinians, and while many lights are back on in our area, the storm’s effects are still being felt across the Midlands. More than 840,000 people in SC remain without electricity, and some in the Midlands may be in the dark through the week as crews work around the clock to restore power.

Governor Henry McMaster has asked for federal assistance through an expedited FEMA disaster declaration to help people impacted by the storm. If approved, it would provide financial help for homeowners with uninsured damages and cover some recovery costs for local governments and non-profits.

Flooding

The flooding isn’t over yet. The Congaree River is projected to crest at 31 ft, reaching major flood stage — just below the level seen in October 2015. Flooding is expected in Cayce’s Riverland Park neighborhood, areas along the Broad River, and significant flooding in the floodplains, fields, and swamps downstream of Columbia.

School closures

Many schools across the Midlands have canceled classes or shifted to virtual learning due to power outages and road conditions.

Screenshot 2024-09-29 at 3.27.30 PM.png — Dominion Energy power outage map on Sunday, Sept. 29.
|
Image via Dominion Energy

Resources

Need help? Shelters are open with resources available throughout the Midlands to support those affected. For those in Forest Acres, Rockbridge Club has charging stations and hot showers available. Blood donors are also needed, so if you’re able, consider scheduling a donation with The Blood Connection to help local hospitals.

Have power or flood issues? You can report outages to

Dominion Energy
Duke Energy
For help with flood-related damage, check out the SC Emergency Management System or Disaster Assistance.

Events

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Prosecco Tuesdays | Tuesday, Oct. 1-Tuesday, May 12 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Grill Marks - COLA | Bring on the bubbly, COLA. Enjoy $2 glasses of Prosecco every Tuesday — perfect for a midweek treat or fun night out with friends.*

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $67.75+ | Expect an evening of country, jazz, and storytelling with the legendary singer-songwriter.

Thursday, Oct. 3

First Thursday on Main | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Boyd Plaza | Free | Local acts Numbtongue, Jeff Gregory and the Runout, and DJ Prince Ice will headline the plaza stage.

Friday, Oct. 4

Great American Whiskey Fair | Friday, Oct. 4 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | 701 Whaley | $90+ | This evening is dedicated to celebrating America’s indigenous spirit and its rich cultural heritage.

Saturday, Oct. 5

Cayce Fall Fest | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 12-6 p.m. | Granby Gardens Park, Cayce | Free | Fall into an afternoon of fun at this family-friendly celebration in Cayce featuring food trucks, live music, arts + craft vendors, face painters, balloon artists, a petting zoo, a hayride, and more.*

Plan your week

Click here to have your event featured.

Columbian

🩺 A day in the life of a new local physician

TJ Wallace walking down the hospital hallway

After residency, Dr. Wallace would like to stay in the Midlands and go straight into outpatient medicine. | Photo by Lexington Medical Center

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a new physician? Meet Dr. TJ Wallace, a second year Family Medicine resident here in Columbia.

Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Wallace attended undergrad at USC and medical school in Georgia before returning to the Midlands to complete his training at Lexington Medical Center. “I knew attending residency here would set me up for success to be a better doctor,” he said.

“I chose family medicine because it’s all-encompassing — I care for kids all the way up to elderly patients,” Dr. Wallace said. “Every day is different; I treat entire families, which allows me to personally get to know patients.”

Dr. Wallace said he enjoys the hospital’s culture, and how leaders consistently talk to residents about ways to provide better patient support. He also shouted out ICU physician Dr. Matthew Day: “He’s a great teacher who helps me learn and grow.”

When Dr. Wallace isn’t at the hospital, he likes to run on the Riverwalk and play golf. His go-to source of caffeine? A latte from Drip in Five Points.

Find a physician who's right for you

News Notes

Civic

Columbia Public Works is clearing 170+ debris sites after Hurricane Helene, focusing on roads with downed power lines. Dumpsters are available at Heathwood, Hyatt, and Rosewood Parks for residents.

Biz

Graduate Columbia has joined Hilton Honors after Hilton acquired Graduate Hotels in March. The hotel, near the USC campus, now accepts Hilton reservations.

Legacy

Riley’s Drugs, a family-owned pharmacy in Lexington, is celebrating 100 years in business. Founded in 1924 by Dr. Sid Riley, it has a history of mentorship and community service. (Cola Daily)

Eat

Vicious Biscuit is welcoming fall with a seasonal pumpkin menu available today through Sunday, Nov. 24. Enjoy Pumpkin Bites, Pumpkin Cream Pancakes, and a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Menu items are also available for catering.

Community

The Columbia Garden Club’s fall plant exchange will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. in Talbots’ parking lot in Forest Acres. Attendees can bring labeled plants to swap. Donations are accepted from 9:15-9:45 a.m. This free, semiannual event has been held since 1927.

Sports

Will Clemson or Miami dominate the ACC? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Community

Heads up: This local love story will pull at your heartstrings. Frank and Sarah Brown got engaged on Dec. 19, 1962 — exactly one year after their first date. They’ve faced life’s ups and downs together, but when Sarah was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Frank knew he needed help caring for her.*

Listen

Ready to silence the chaos and hear what matters? These next-gen hearing aids are here to crush the noise and put you back in control. With razor-sharp sound and a stealthy design, they’re your little secret. Hear the difference.*

Finance

Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*

Civic

Election season is here — be sure to check your sample ballot, polling place, and voter registration. Vote early from Oct. 21 to Nov. 2, or on Election Day (aka, Nov. 5). Prep for the polls.*

The Buy

The Buy 9.30.24 (Affiliate)

Fast-dissolving melatonin mints that support sleep hygiene. They’re sugar-free and formulated with a natural blend of lemon balm, chamomile, passion flower, and elderberry — all ingredients that help regulate your sleep cycle and promote relaxation.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

The National Water Prediction Service forecasts that the Congaree River will peak at 31 ft around 2 p.m. today — above the major flooding level. This means flooding of roads and structures in the area is likely. Stay alert and be sure to avoid those affected areas.

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