Asking for a friend: Is the topic of public works one of those things that you know about but would have a hard time explaining in detail? Well, if there are any Soda Citizens out there curious about how the Public Works Department works in our city, we’re here to help — and so is the department.
The Public Works Department performs daily tasks that support the infrastructural maintenance, repairs, and improvement of 831 miles on the County Road Maintenance System.
🛠️ What do public works projects look like around our city?
Road maintenance and repair — filling in potholes, smaller paving jobs, curb and gutter maintenance, sidewalk repairs, and more.
Drainage maintenance —clearing pipes, reinforcing concrete in pipes, installation of drainage pipes, and more.
Traffic control and traffic safety — installing stop signs, speed humps, road painting, and other traffic operations.
Vegetation maintenance — trimming trees back so you can see road signs, unclogging drains, and various mowing needs.
Emergency maintenance and road hazards — time-sensitive requests, like removing any obstacles that block the flow of traffic.
Roads and drainage – projects section — complex, lengthy infrastructure projects that exceed repair maintenance, like addressing flooding concerns.
Capital improvement projects — smaller sidewalk construction or road paving.
🛠️ Who pays for the projects?
Funding for each project is derived from two main sources — The Road Maintenance Fee + “C” Funds(County Transportation Committee funding.)The funds are collected from Richland County residents’ personal property taxes on vehicles or given on a discretionarycase-by-case basis for projects that meet established criteria.
If you need street or sidewalk maintenance, you may submit a request here or contact Street Maintenance at (803) 545-3790.
After you submit a request, Street Maintenance will determine who maintains the street or sidewalk. If the City maintains it, your request will be added to the maintenance list. If not, Street Maintenance will notify SCDOT of your request and you can contact SCDOT directly at (803) 786-0128.
Use the buttons below to share this story with your BFFs, your neighbors, and anyone else who loves learning about the ins and outs of how our city functions.
Nashville Nights | Fri., Aug. 5 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St. | Johnny & Heidi Bulford will be performing on the outdoor stage in the beer garden.
Devine Street Sidewalk Sale | Fri., Aug. 5-Sun., Aug. 7 | All day | Devine St. | Free | Check out the amazing deals + specials offered by the merchants along Devine. 🛍️
Adaptive Waterski Warriors Fun Day | Sat., Aug. 6 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Geiger Field Trail | Free | The day includes lunch, snacks, beverages, swimming, games on shore, music + water skiing. 🌊
First Sunday at SC State Museum | Sun., Aug. 7 | 12-5 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St. | $1 | Enjoy $1 admission on the first Sunday of every month thanks to BlueCross BlueShield.
Roll Bounce Skate Party | Sun., Aug. 7 | 5:30-10:30 p.m. | Skate Station USA, 129 Oak Dr. | $30 | This adults-only rollerskating party will feature adult beverages, access to the arcade + a large open rink. 🛼
Columbia Fireflies: Sunday Funday | Sun., Aug. 7 | Segra Park | 5:05 p.m. | $5+ | Kids are invited to run the bases after the game.*
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The exterior of the 763 Meeting St. Antique Mall | Photo by COLAtoday team
It’s back-to-school season, meaning it’s time to update your wardrobe, elevate your personal style, and grab some new books. Instead of shopping at a retail store, opt to buy at a second-hand store.
Ways shoppers benefit from buying vintage:
First, it’s eco-friendly, meaning you are lengthening the “life” of an article of clothing or item.
Second, there are higher chances of finding unique pieces that’ll help you stand out from your peers.
Third, you’d be directly supporting local businesses.
Here are three thrift or antique shops to stop by in West Columbia:
Ed’s Editions, 406 Meeting St. | Head to Ed’s to find gently-used books.
Old Mill Antique Mall, 310 State St. | This antique mall has multiple levels + nooks you can look through.
763 Meeting St. Antique Mall, 763 Meeting St. | The more you look, the more you’ll see in this antique mall full of items, furniture, tableware, and more.
What’s your favorite thrift or antique store to peruse around town? Let us know here.
NEWS NOTES
Weather
94º | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain
Eat
Boku Kitchen and Saloonis kicking off its new
Dim Sum Brunch this weekend. Drop by 916 Gervais St. on Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to be some of the first people to try the new dim sum menu + tasty cocktails, like a 64 oz Bloody Mary. 🍳
Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear barbecue sauce — especially the Pit Masters at Lowes Foods, who smoke up Applewood-smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, thick-cut bacon + so much more on the daily. Major dinner inspiration, if we do say so ourselves.*
Festival
Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Craft Beer Festival coming to the Icehouse Amphitheater. “For The Love of Hops” will take place on Sat., Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $30 and include unlimited samples of50 different craft beers, live music + a souvenir sampling glass. 🍺
Drink
Riverbanks Zoo and Gardenis hosting Brew at the Zoo today from 7-9:30 p.m. Grab your friends and flock to 500 Wildlife Pkwy. for an evening of craft beer, live entertainment, and animal encounters. Tickets are $70 + only those over the age of 21 are koalafied to attend. 🐨
Celebrate
Scoopy Doo Gelato Shop is celebrating eight years of serving gelato in Five Points. The shop, connected to Drip in Five Points, will be giving away free small gelatos all day on Wed., Aug. 10. Come out to 725 Saluda Ave. + help commemorate the sweet celebration. 🍨
Arts
The Columbia Parks and Recreation Departmentis holding a free gardening class at the Ernest A. Finney, Jr. Cultural Arts Center (1510 Laurens St.). The four-week master class, led by expert Mike Gibson, will teach residents about the connection between art and topiary. (WLTX)
Sports
Head to your local Costco to check out a major deal on Gamecock Football tickets. In partnership with The Gamecock Club, two upper west deck tickets, a parking pass + all-you-can-eat passes are available for $89.99. 🎟️
Community
The Meeting Street Artisan Market announced new hours beginning tomorrow. The market will now be held every Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 425 Meeting St.and every second Thursday of the month beginning Thurs., Aug. 11 from 4-8 p.m. Enjoy original local art, fresh produce, and food vendors.
Edu
Parents and students of SC schools can apply for the free lunch program. The aid waiver was extended into the upcoming school year. Qualifying for this program will depend on income + number of children. More information can be found here. 🍎 (The Post and Courier)
Calling all visual learners. Get the data and visuals you need to actually understand current events (and kill it at dinner parties) with Chartr’s visual newsletter. More than 200,000 data-driven subscribers already use Chartr to stay up to date on biz, tech, entertainment + society, so you know it’s good. Subscribe. 📈 *
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
REWARDS
Points Balance
zero? That can’t be right
EARN FREE GEAR
Keep earning and learn other ways to earn points here. Then redeem them for exclusive Columbia swag at Six and Main.
Share now with your friends, family, and all Columbia lovers! Just click the buttons below:
Here is your unique referral link : ⤵️
Copy, paste, share + save this in a safe spot… or check here each morning anytime you need it.
Editor’s Pick: In the spirit of thrifting, I went on a little treasure hunt around in West Columbia a few months ago. Check out this post to see what I snagged. Feeling inspired? Grab a friend and go on a thrifty adventure of your own.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Take a quick look at what the Lower Saluda Greenway means for Soda Citizens.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
