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💧 Water works

A new Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC) is tasked with developing a state water plan

congaree river
Walk along Columbia’s trails to enjoy river + skyline views. | Photo by @realadampowell
Gov. Henry McMaster issued + announced Executive Order 2024-22, establishing a new Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC), tasked with developing a water plan to protect the state’s water resources while balancing economic + environmental interests.

The working group will be led by the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), which took over many of the Department of Natural Resources’ responsibilities regarding water policy at the beginning of July.

“South Carolina has been richly blessed with abundant water resources, but with increased demand driven by historic economic development and a booming population, we must take action now to ensure these resources are managed in the best interests of all South Carolinians,” Gov. Henry McMaster said.

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.
SCDES will also select up to 25 additional representatives from various sectors, think — academia, public water suppliers, conservation, agriculture, forestry, energy, tourism, historic preservation, experts in engineering, environmental protection, and more to ensure collaboration and solicit guidance.
Prisma Health
 
Events
Wednesday, Sept. 25
  • 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.
Thursday, Sept. 26
  • 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.
Friday, Sept. 27
  • 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.
Dozens of more local events
Click here to have your event featured.
United Way of the Midlands
 
News Notes
Open
  • 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.
Biz
  • 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)
Edu
Travel
  • 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)
Weather
  • 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)
Development
  • 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)
Sports
  • 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.
    Now Open
    • 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.*
    Health
    • 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.*
    Number
    Finance
    • 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.*
     
    Community

    🍪 Ginger spice and everything nice

    The South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition returns for year three

    Gingerbread House.jpg
    Show off your creative side with your gingerbread house. | Photo by South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition
    The third annual South Carolina Gingerbread House Competition is set for Thursday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 6 at AIA Columbia on Main Street to benefit Home Works of America, a nonprofit that repairs homes for neighbors in need across South Carolina.

    Locals can browse hand-crafted gingerbread creations from amateur and professional teams during First Thursday on Main (December 4, 5-9 p.m.), Friday, Dec. 5 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), and Soda City Market on Saturday, December 6 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Awards will be announced that afternoon at 2 p.m.

    “We’ve loved seeing the community engagement over the last couple of years, and I’m really looking forward to what the teams bring this year,” said Cole Davis, SC Gingerbread House Competition President. “Our goal was to create a family-oriented event while offering a fun team-building opportunity for local businesses.”

    Competition categories

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

    The event is free for spectators, but participants will pay an entry fee. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 28, and proceeds from entry fees and donations will support Home Works of America.
    The Buy
    Shop the best shoes to pair with your fall wedding guest look, from Nordstrom’s “Wedding Guest” selection:

    🥿 Save your ankles with sparkly Betsey Johnson flats.
    👡 Choose champagne or silver for this five-star rated sandal.
    💎 Add a touch of sparkle to your outfit with jeweled slingbacks.
    👠 Go for style + function with a kitten heel on pointy-toe pumps.
    More worth The Buy
     
    The Wrap
     
    Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

    Today’s edition by:
    Sam

    From the editor
    The New York Times dropped its Restaurant List of the top 50 spots across the US — and City Limits Barbecue made the cut. Soda Citizens won’t be surprised. We didn’t need a list to tell us this local, James Beard Award Nominee barbecue spot is good.
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