Columbia’s popular Johnston Paint and Decorating will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. The company was founded in 1925 by Columbia businessman LD Johnston and his sons, Paul and Lennie. It started across from what’s now the Blue Note and has had four locations in the past 99 years: the original spot, where CJ’s is now on Broadway, at 7th and Ash and where it’s currently located on Buttonwood. Current co-owner Blair “Murph” Murphy joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” to discuss the upcoming 100th anniversary and Mr. Murphy’s perspective on Columbia’s homebuilding and remodeling business at this time. They also discussed what Columbia business leaders can do to improve Columbia:
Como Smoke and Fire still hiring for both Columbia restaurant locations
Columbia’s popular Como Smoke and Fire has opened its second location in town.
The readers of Zimmer’s “Inside Columbia” magazine have voted Como Smoke and Fire as the city’s best barbecue. Matt Hawkins, who’s the general manager at Como Smoke and Fire’s north location on Paris road, says the restaurant on south Columbia’s Buttonwood opened earlier this month. It’s in the former Buckingham’s location.
Hawkins tells 939 the Eagle that they’re hired about eight people, and are still hiring at both locations. The restaurants are open from Tuesday through Saturday.
UPDATE: Columbia Police warn about prowler; residents urged to keep exterior lights on
Columbia Police are urging you to lock your doors and windows and to turn on exterior lights, as they say a suspected prowler’s activity may be escalating.
His first incident happened at the Aria apartments near Highway 63 and Grindstone on August 9, when the burglar entered the apartment of a woman while she was home. Click here to see video of the suspect from that incident. CPD says he became frightened and left.
Columbia Police now say the same suspect likely tried to gain entry into numerous other apartments at the same complex: all of the residents were females who lived alone. There have also been similar incidents at an apartment complex on Old Highway 63 south, and police say another incident happened Sunday night on south Columbia’s Buttonwood when the prowler chased a female resident to her door. She was able to reach safety and call 911.
Columbia Police have worked with a victim and a professional sketch artist for the rendering in this story. CPD says the suspect may have light facial hair or a shaved face. His hair is described as balding, although he’s been known to wear a hat. Authorities describe the suspect as a light-skinned African-American or Hispanic male, about five feet nine to six feet tall with a slim athletic build.
CPD is not releasing some details of the cases out of respect to the victims and to assist investigators in solving this case. Anyone with information about the suspect should call CrimeStoppers at (573) 875-TIPS.