Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Columbia, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Columbia, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
Funds raised at the event are donated to a local charity.COLUMBIA, S.C. — The 15th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival and Parade is Saturday, and final preparations are well underway. Organizers are excited to bring the community together for a day filled with celebration, live music, delicious food, and a festive parade.Tracie Broom, Queen of this year's Mardi Gras Parade and member of the Krewe De Columbia-Ya-Ya, says the goal of the festival is simple: "We want to help lift the community up and just come together...
Funds raised at the event are donated to a local charity.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The 15th Annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival and Parade is Saturday, and final preparations are well underway. Organizers are excited to bring the community together for a day filled with celebration, live music, delicious food, and a festive parade.
Tracie Broom, Queen of this year's Mardi Gras Parade and member of the Krewe De Columbia-Ya-Ya, says the goal of the festival is simple: "We want to help lift the community up and just come together to make life better and have a good time while doing it."
The parade kicks off the day’s events on Saturday, March 1st, starting at 11 a.m. at Owens Field. The parade lineup begins at 10 a.m., and participants are encouraged to walk or bring leashed dogs to join the fun.
Following the parade, the festivities will continue with a festival offering live local music, food, drinks, and vendors.
“It's an opportunity to bring the community together to enjoy great live local music, great food and drink delicious beer by Abita Brewing, which is a legendary Louisiana beer brand, and really just to enjoy each other's company,” Broom said.
As final preparations are being made, Broom says planning for this event starts months in advanced.
“Planning starts the day after the festival for the next year. The bulk of the planning tends to happen six to eight months in advance of the festival, but there's a lot of work that's done by our board of directors, who are our captains of our crew, and by volunteers in the community,” she said.
Dick Moons, a long-time attendee of the event, looks forward to Mardi Gras Columbia every year. "I’ve been coming from day one," Moons said. "This is our 15th year, and I was fortunate enough to be here for the first year, and I haven't missed a year since."
Moons added that beyond the festivities, it’s the community aspect of the event that makes it special.
“The people, the music, the obvious things, the food, just the community, the fellowship but beneath that, the core is that really what this is all about, the group that puts this on and the volunteers that all put this on,” he said.
The event is not only a celebration but also a chance to give back. All funds raised at the festival will benefit a local charity, continuing the tradition of supporting the community.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase at the event for $10, and children under 12 can attend for free.
COLUMBIA, S.C.– The Gators faced another challenging road matchup, ultimately falling in Gamecocks' territory. The final score stood at 4-0, with UF being tested in both doubles and singles play.Florida had a strong showing in doubles, but South Carolina ultimately pulled ahead to take the initial point of the match. Rachel Gailis and ...
COLUMBIA, S.C.– The Gators faced another challenging road matchup, ultimately falling in Gamecocks' territory. The final score stood at 4-0, with UF being tested in both doubles and singles play.
Florida had a strong showing in doubles, but South Carolina ultimately pulled ahead to take the initial point of the match. Rachel Gailis and Talia Neilson-Gatenby fell first for the Gators, dropping 6-1 to Olympe Lancelot and Bella Larsson on court two.
Alicia Dudeney and Bente Spee had an incredible showing for Florida in doubles, earning a solid 7-5 win over the No. 57 ranked pair, Kaitlyn Carnicella and Sarah Hamner. Dudeney and Spee found their rhythm to pull out a promising win for the Gators to leave the doubles split at 1-1.
The freshman duo of Noémie Oliveras and Nikola Daubnerova fought hard on court three but came up short against Helena Buchwald and Jana Stojanova. Their 7-5 loss solidified South Carolina's win on the doubles side, giving the Gamecocks a 1-0 advantage heading into singles.
Florida's singles play was pressured with courts four through six ultimately going South Carolina's way. Neilson-Gatenby fought hard but couldn't overcome Misa Malkin, ultimately falling 6-3, 6-4. Bente Spee was edged out by Bella Bergkvist Larsson, who won 6-4, 6-3, despite Spee's comeback in both sets. Lastly, Oliveras struggled against Helena Buchwald, losing 6-1, 6-2 on court six.
UF's top three singles courts were left abandoned due to the Gamecocks sweep. Gailis was locked in a battle with No. 29 Sarah Hamner. She fought hard in the first set and was leading 4-3 in the second when the match went unfinished.
On court two, Dudeney had a strong start, dominating the first set 6-1, but her match with No. 68 Kaitlyn Carnicella was left unfinished with the second set tied at 6-6. Daubnerova was the final Gator left playing when the match was called. Daubnerova was going back and forth with Olympe Lancelot, falling 6-3 in the first set, but was leading 4-3 in the second.
FINAL RESULTS: Final Singles Results: 1. Rachel Gailis (UF) vs. #29 Sarah Hamner (SC) 6-7, 4-3, unfinished 2. Alicia Dudeney (UF) vs. #68 Kaitlyn Carnicella (SC) 6-1, 6-6, unfinished 3. Nikola Daubnerova (UF) vs. Olympe Lancelot (SC) 3-6, 4-3, unfinished 4. Misa Malkin (SC) def. Talia Neilson-Gatenby (UF) 6-3, 6-4 5. Bella Bergkvist Larsson (SC) def. Bente Spee (UF) 6-4, 6-3 6. Helena Buchwald (SC) def. Noemie Oliveras (UF) 6-1, 6-2 Order of finish: 6, 4, 5
Final Doubles Results: 1. Alicia Dudeney/Bente Spee (UF) def. No. 57 Kaitlyn Carnicella/Sarah Hamner (SC) 7-5 2. Olympe Lancelot/Bella Larsson (SC) def. Rachel Gailis/Talia NeilsonGatenby (UF) 6-1 3. Helena Buchwald/Jana Stojanova (SC) def. Noemie Oliveras/Nikola Daubnerova (UF) 7-5 Order of finish: 2, 1, 3
TEAM RECORDS: Florida: 3-4, (0-2 SEC) South Carolina: 6-4, (1-1 SEC)
UP NEXT: Florida will continue its three-match road stretch and play at No. 2 Georgia on Sunday afternoon. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m. and will mark UF's third test of SEC competition.
at No. 2 Georgia (9-1, 2-0 SEC)
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) - The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert on Friday that is effective until further notice.SCFC says the alert discourages people from burning outdoors due to the elevated risk of wildfire from weather conditions.“In addition to dry fuels resulting from the lack of significant rain, forecasts are calling for very low relative humidity values – below 30% – and gusty winds across much of the state through the weekend," a statement read from the com...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) - The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert on Friday that is effective until further notice.
SCFC says the alert discourages people from burning outdoors due to the elevated risk of wildfire from weather conditions.
“In addition to dry fuels resulting from the lack of significant rain, forecasts are calling for very low relative humidity values – below 30% – and gusty winds across much of the state through the weekend," a statement read from the commission.
According to the commission, a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, but it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires.
Several bans were instated across Horry and Georgetown counties on Thursday, as crews battled several fires.
“Much of it’s unavoidable, but a lot of it is human caused, and a lot of that human cause involves carelessness. That’s why, you know, our message is, you know, when the weather’s like it is right now...wind, low relative humidity, and dry....we just ask people to postpone their burning,” said Doug Wood, Director of Communications for SCFC.
One area that’s no stranger to wildfires, or burn bans-- the north strand, which took a hit during the Highway 31 fire back in 2009.
“Once it burned through the Barefoot community, it continued right back into the wooded areas. It impacted the unincorporated parts of Horry County, so that was something that we dealt with for a couple weeks off and on,” said Billy Floyd, chief of the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department.
Floyd told WMBF News after that devastating fire, the Barefoot area has become a ‘fire wise’ community, where residents have to follow a list of regulations.
The city of North Myrtle Beach also bans most types of outdoor burning, but Floyd said even in places with less strict burn bans, residents should still be cautious.
“Just because the burning may be allowed, you really need to make sure that the weather is appropriate before you go out and do things like that, so we don’t run into these situations that we’ve seen happen in Horry and Georgetown these weeks, where the fires are getting out of control real quickly,” said Floyd.
Wood said SCFC is a proponent of controlled burns, and doesn’t want to call a burn ban, but if risky conditions persist, they may have no other choice.
“The dangerous conditions we’re going to see over the next few days make a good portion of the state vulnerable to fires that can spread rapidly and be difficult to control,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “These kinds of spring weather patterns are what make this time of year the traditional peak of our wildfire season.”
To check local restrictions, residents can contact their local fire departments.
The agency statement says SCFC firefighters responded to 183 wildfires in January alone, nearly double its five-year average for the first month of the year. The agency has already recorded more than 300 wildfires in February, and more than 100 in the state’s coastal region alone.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.
Looking for a little culture around the Midlands this month? You’re in luck. March is full of recitals, programs and performances that put the “art” into “arts scene.” Here are a few of the different arts programs and non-pop-concert events coming to Columbia this month.March 7: Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo @ Colonial Life ArenaBrave cowboys trying to hold on to the meanest bulls for eight very long seconds — now that's culture. In addition to a day of bucking broncos and scared clowns runn...
Looking for a little culture around the Midlands this month? You’re in luck. March is full of recitals, programs and performances that put the “art” into “arts scene.” Here are a few of the different arts programs and non-pop-concert events coming to Columbia this month.
Brave cowboys trying to hold on to the meanest bulls for eight very long seconds — now that's culture. In addition to a day of bucking broncos and scared clowns running for barrels, you can also enjoy pony rides, meet the cowboys, get up close and personal in the bucking chutes on the live photo bull or play it safe and take it all in from your seats. Visit coloniallifearena.com for more info.
Yes, we are talking about that Malcolm Jamal-Warner, the ever-mischievous Theo on "The Cosby Show," but if that’s all you know, you need to catch up. Warner is an Emmy- and Grammy-Award winning musician, author and poet, and he’ll be doing two sets of spoken word pieces backed by jazz from local talent, including vocalist Brittany Turnipseed and saxophonist Connie Sawyer. Visit chayzlounge.com for showtimes and ticket info.
Since the ukulele can be used both for beautiful music and comedy, The Ukulele Orchestra is bringing a bit of both to the Newberry Opera House. There performances are half genre-bending playing and half tongue-in-cheek performances, all of which makes for an unforgettable musical adventure. Enjoy an evening of classic rock, jazz and folk stylings, all played on ukuleles. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.
Comedy must be in the air as March comes to an end, as there are two big standup shows coming to town. The Harbison Theatre hosts comedian Tom Cotter, the breakout star from the 7th season of "America’s Got Talent." Cotter’s no flash in the pan, though. He’s got appearances on "The Tonight Show", "Last Comic Standing" and he also landed his own Comedy Central special. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.
Prepare for stunning choreography and mesmerizing performances as the SC Ballet presents "Giselle." Whether you’re a seasoned ballet lover or a newcomer, it’s difficult not to lose yourself in Adolphe Adam’s evocative score and the passion, beauty and artistry of the dancers. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for showtime and ticket info.
Rather than relying on well-worn classical pieces for this recital, the USC Wind Ensemble has done something a little more daring. They’ll perform Joseph Schwantner’s groundbreaking 1977 work … and the mountains rising nowhere, which features singing, whistling and extensive percussion. And the concert also includes the world premiere of a work composed by USC School of Music graduate student Zach Cook. This event is free to attend. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for showtime info.
You might want to keep your doctor on speed dial for this one, because there’s no way you’re not busting a gut at the “We Them Ones” show. This is a standup comedy blowout hosted by Mike Epps and featuring sets from Kountry Wayne, Karlous Miller, Lil Duval, Corey Holcomb, Mojo Brookzz, Bubba Dub. That’s a lotta laughs. Visit coloniallifearena.com for showtime and ticket info.
Get ready for classical music to meet casual cool at the SC Philharmonic’s program, “Beethoven and Blue Jeans.” No need to dress up; just throw on some jeans and settle in for an evening of remarkable music. The program kicks off with Fang Man’s Noir, and then the Noah Kim, winner of the 2023 Arthur Fraser Competition, takes the stage to perform Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. The grand finale is Beethoven’s epic and revolutionary Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for showtime and ticket info.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the greatest (and perhaps most missed) legal minds in American history, and "All Things Equal" pays exhilarating and detailed tribute to her. Written by Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes, this one-woman show starring Michelle Azar is an inspiring portrayal of one woman’s extraordinary journey, all the way to her historic fights for justice. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for showtime and ticket info.
Bring the entire family out to the Koger for an afternoon of classical music and renowned musicians — and it's all for free. The SC Philharmonic's free family day encourages youngsters and oldsters alike to get up, dance and sing along in a "barrier free" performance. Pups and other animals will be on-hand to provide sensory-inclusive experiences. Find out more about the 3 p.m. concert at kogercenterforthearts.com
Have a question about city life you want answered? Email Zoe at znicholson@free-times.com with the subject line "From Z to You." Question: What's the deal with Busted Plug ... has the city found a new home for it? Answer: When Busted ...
Have a question about city life you want answered? Email Zoe at znicholson@free-times.com with the subject line "From Z to You."
Answer: When Busted Plug came down from its home on Taylor Street two years ago, there was lots of talk about where it would go next. Some, tongue-in-cheekily, suggested a dog park for the 40-foot fire hydrant sculpture. Others wanted the city to keep it in storage. Our own columnist offered Finlay Park up as the public art installation's new home.
It's been two years since Busted Plug came down — and more than a decade since the city took over stewardship of it. And, as of Feb. 27, there are no plans for where the larger-than-life fire hydrant will go.
The city is "trying to locate a spot near the river, but that spot is still to be determined," according to spokesman Justin Stevens.
That was the city's answer back in 2023 when asked for the plans for Busted Plug.
The sculpture, which was commissioned for AgFirst Farm Credit Bank more than 20 years ago, has been sitting in storage on property owned by the contractor who removed it.
The sculpture's creator, Blue Sky, said his lawyer is trying to negotiate with the city for Busted Plug to be returned to his possession. The artist behind "Tunnel Vision" and Main Street's "Neverbust Chain" said the city "wants to destroy it," but several people have offered to host it on private property.
"Several people came forward with locations for it, and (the city) turned it down," Blue Sky told me. "... and so that shows they don't really want to relocate it. They're liars."
Blue Sky added that a church offered to host the sculpture near Elmwood Avenue and Main Street, but that went nowhere.
The riverfront parcels the city has tentatively identified as Busted Plug's future home are between Huger Street and the river. Those plots include plans for pedestrian pathways and green space in an effort to utilize the Midlands' three rivers — the Saluda, Broad and Congaree — into a major amenity for the city.
But those plans will take quite some time to make reality.
For Blue Sky, it's a battle between himself and a "hostile city government," which has evolved into fines and complaints about his personal property.
"I have proposed at least two dozen public art projects since I've been here, the city of Columbia has never approved anything that I've ever proposed, nothing, and the city of Columbia has never given me one cent toward any project," he said.
So, until a resolution is found, Blue Sky and his Busted Plug will continue to exist out of sight, but certainly not out of mind, for downtown Columbia.
Zoe is the Senior Features Editor of The Post and Courier and Free Times. Reach her at znicholson@free-times.com or on X @zoenicholson_
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