We hate to give you a bumpy start this Monday morning but since it is something everyone in Columbia is familiar with, it’s time we talk about potholes.
DYK that South Carolina has over 90,000 lane miles or roadways that are owned by the South Carolina Department of Transportation? Potholes are all too common across the state, leaving roads rocky and oftentimes expensive damages to motor vehicles that can average $79 to $700.
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Pothole off Huger Street | Photo via COLAtoday Team
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Just last year, SCDOT patched approx. 679,300 potholes in South Carolina, according to the 2020 performance report. To help put that in perspective, that’s an average of 1,861+ patches per day. This is also an increase from 2019 when the department patched 514,000 potholes.
From July-December 2019, the South Carolina Insurance Reserve Fund paid out $916,743 to 635 damage claims that were caused by potholes, manholes, and drains. The average amount for a damage claim was $1,082. In the 2020 calendar year, SCDOT paid $627,615 to 3,161 damage claims (which is separate from what the SC Insurance Reserve Fund pays out.)
SCDOT has two programs to help smooth over any turbulence if you’re still all shook up from your ride to work this morning.
1️⃣ Drivers can report potholes that need to be patched through the SCDOT website here. To report a pothole by phone, call (855) 467-2368 toll-free or (888) 324-3100.
2️⃣ If a pothole damages your vehicle, you can file a report with SCDOT for the repairs. Complete this damage claim form up to one year from the date of occurrence to file a damage claim. South Carolina residents can file these claims under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.
After you complete the form, submit it along with 2 repair estimates or a paid invoice to the SCDOT Maintenance Office in the county where the incident occurred. SCDOT can then accept or deny the claim.
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| Have you ever filed a claim for pothole damage? |
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| Share this if you have ever spilled your coffee because of a pothole. 🚙 Send this to someone who drives the same commute as you so you can report the potholes together. |
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Weather
○ 84º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain
Announced
○ Congaree National Park will host a modified synchronous firefly viewing this year on May 20-22 and 27-29. A lottery will open on Thurs., April 15 at 11 a.m. to register for the chance to receive 1 of 25 vehicle passes that will be allowed per night. Entering the lottery will cost $1 and the results will be posted on April 23. 🎟️
○ Dr. John Gould III has been appointed president of Palmetto Primary Care Physicians’ Columbia division. As president, Dr. Gould will oversee regional projects + initiatives to strengthen PPCP’s mission and impact throughout the Midlands. 🩺Ⓟ
WaterCooler
○ South Carolina Women's Basketball Head Coach Dawn Staley has been selected to lead the 2021 USA AmeriCup Team coaching staff, along with Arizona Head Coach Adia Barnes + US Olympic Assistant Coach Jennifer Rizzotti. The team will consist of current collegiate athletes who will be invited to try out April 18-21 at UofSC. 🏀 (Gamecocks Online)
Dish
○ James R. Sease Farms (aka The Patch) in Gilbert (3807 Augusta Hwy., Gilbert) has reopened for strawberry picking this season. Safety precautions are in place for the “u-pick” option and pre-picked berries will also be available for purchase. 🍓 (Cola Daily)
Listen
○ The Columbia Fireflies are now accepting auditions to perform the National Anthem for the regular season home games. Individuals and groups of all ages may submit an audition tape by April 16 for consideration. Those selected will receive 4 tickets to attend the game the night they perform. 🎤
Health
○ Prisma Health and Life Point Health announced that the deal to acquire several hospitals in the Midlands would not happen after a year-long effort. The local hospital system planned to acquire Providence Health, Providence Health Northeast, Kershaw Health, and an emergency room in Fairfield County + cited complications with the FTC and state regulatory offices. (WLTX)
Arts
○ Last week, the Koger Center for the Arts celebrated the grand opening of the 1593 Project, which features Irmo-based photographer, Kimberly Case, as the main exhibitor in the Upstairs Gallery. The display can be viewed now through Aug. 13 by appointment. (Soda City Biz Wire)
Number
○ $60,000. The amount that The NORD Family Foundation awarded to The Salvation Army of the Midlands to support the Meals Service to the Homeless program. This program helps provide 3 meals a day to Transitions Homeless Center. 🍽️
Holiday
○ Ramadan begins today as the start of the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, where fasting is paramount from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan runs for an entire month, until May 12, and focuses on prayer, reflection, and intentionality. To keep up locally with April’s prayer schedule, visit Masjid al Muslimiin Islamic Center of Columbia here.
Coronavirus
○ South Carolina and its Life Sciences program has continued to play a vital role in the vaccine development process. DYK? Part of Nephron Pharmaceuticals’ expansion includes building a wing dedicated to finding a vaccine partner for distribution in the Lowcountry. Ⓟ 💉
RoadTrip
○ Last call for tickets for euphoria Spring Fest in partnership with Beam Suntory, taking place April 22-25 in Greenville, SC. Tickets are still on sale for several of the events, from a Michelin-starred dinner and classrooms to Roast & Toast and Chicks & Brews. (Read: There’s something for everyone to eat, sip + listen to.) 🍴 Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
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Did you peep these blooms last week? To celebrate Hotel Trundle’s 3-year anniversary + National Unicorn Day, Fern Studio Flowers set up a flash flower pop-up outside of the boutique hotel.
There is also a giveaway to win a staycation from Hotel Trundle and fresh flowers from Fern. Follow this post for all the details on how to win. |
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#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #COLAtoday on social media.
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Cause
○ The Drive Virtual Golf Tournament | Mon., April 12-Fri., April 30 | Various times | Cobblestone Park Golf Club | $1,000 per 4-person team | Tee off for a cause + support Prisma Health Cancer Centers. ⛳
PlanAhead
○ Business Forum Featuring Coach Nick Saban | Wed., April 14 | 12 p.m. | Virtual | Free | A live-streamed interview with the head football coach we all love to hate. 🏈
○ Cocktails & Cooking with Chef Mike Ellis | Thurs., April 15 | 6-9 p.m. | The Grand | $90 | Enjoy a cocktail and learn how to make The Grand’s secret NY Strip recipe. 🥩
○ Artista Vista | Fri., Apr. 16-Sun., April 18 | Times vary | The Vista | Pricing varies | Take to the streets or the computer screen this year in support of the arts. See the full list of events, times, and pricing here.
FeaturedEvent
○ Let’s Talk Recruitment | Tues., Apr. 13 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn the tactics, techniques and communication strategies that savvy marketers are using for better recruitment in 2021. Ⓟ
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Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
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DYK? Today is Columbia’s first Meatless Monday | Photo via Let’s Meat Less
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ICYMI, the City of Columbia issued an official proclamation making every Monday Meatless Monday in partnership with nonprofit Let’s Meat Less. The weekly initiative aims to benefit the planet and our bodies — and it starts today. 🗓️
Impossible Foods is celebrating by donating 5,000 plant-based burgers to Harvest Hope on behalf of Let’s Meat Less. At 3 p.m., one of their chefs will be going live on Let’s Meat Less’ Instagram. Ⓟ
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Greenville, SC 29602
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