WaterSC’s tasks

• Protect SC’s water resources while balancing SC’s economic + environmental interests as development demand increases.
• Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan by the end of October, considering relevant stakeholder opinions when shaping the state’s new water policy.
• Create + provide a report to the General Assembly’s Surface Water Study Committee by the first of the year, outlining the current state of surface water.
• Offer recommended changes to current laws advocating for sustainable surface water withdrawal practices.
• Assist SCDES while developing a water resources policy so an updated State Water Plan can be completed by December 31, 2025.

• USC Fall Literary Festival | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 6 p.m. | Campus Room, Capstone Hall | Free | This book reading + signing features two-time National Book Award-winning novelist and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Jesmyn Ward.
• Comedy + Beer at Old Mill Brewpub | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with SC comedians and get there early to order pre-show food.
• College Night | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | Times vary | Cantina 76 - Devine Street | Free | College night features $2 PBR cans, half off original house margs + house pitchers, and $10 Mi Campo Buckets.

• Book Talk + Signing | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6:30-9 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Join All Good Book for a book talk and signing with Rickey Smiley for his new book “Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith.”
• Candlelight: Tribute to Queen | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Junction 800 | $31 | Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen under the gentle glow of candlelight.
• Book Donation Day | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 2-5 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library | Free | Books may be dropped off curbside at the side entrance to the library, where Friends volunteers will assist in unloading.

• Bierkeller Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Bierkeller Columbia | Free | Enjoy festive fun at Columbia’s original riverfront biergarten, brewery, and restaurant.
• The Night Shift at Re•Find | Friday, Sept. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Re•Find | Free | Browse this monthly night market in the Rosewood neighborhood, featuring local goods, antiques, food, music, and more.

• The City of Columbia hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Got Milk Cereal Bar. The new spot offers a variety of cereals, milks, toppings, and dessert options + opened at 3730 North Main St, Suite B.

• Cirba Solutions — an EV battery manufacturer — may receive $200 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for its Columbia facility. The increase in funds will help to increase capacity + give the facility the ability to process 60,000 tons of batteries per year. (Columbia Business Report)

• USC + Columbia College made US News and World Report’s “Best National University Rankings.” The international business program at USC’s Darla Moore School of Business ranked No. 1 for the 26^th year in a row + Columbia College ranked in four of the 13 lists. Educate yourself on other great schools in the area.

• Choo choo — a new Amtrak route will temporarily connect SC residents to Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and more via the “Floridian Line” which will link the “Silver Star” + the “Capitol Limited” lines. Beginning Sunday, Nov. 10, hop on a direct line via Columbia, Camden, or Denmark. (The Post and Courier)

• Tropical storm weather is forecasted for the end of this week and will affect local high school football games. The State has the updates for the football schedules + we recommend staying up-to-date with WLTX’s Hurricane Central. (The State)

• Henbet Drive subdivision — a 23-lot development with lots ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 sqft — gained initial approval from the West Columbia Planning Commission. The subdivision is still pending approval from several government entities. (The Post and Courier)

• Clemson Tigers’ record-breaking QBR: Klubnik’s impressive feat. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

• Prisma Health’s new retail imaging center is officially open in West Columbia. Before you visit, you may have some questions. That’s why Prisma Health experts are here to chat all things radiology. Ask your questions + we’ll be back soon with the answers.*

• September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month + National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Have questions? Prisma Health’s Dr. Stuart Cramer shares what you need to know about both diseases.*

• $453. That’s a real flight deal from CAE to Ireland this year. Sign up for Going’s two-week free trial + never miss a great deal again.*

• Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds pumpkin-spice bananas. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*

Competition categories

• Best in Show
• 2nd Place
• 3rd Place
• People’s Choice