Commanding oak stands as a tangible testament to Sheriff Leon Lott’s 26 years in office so far By W. Thomas Smith Jr. In the Spring of 1997, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott planted three trees – two crepe myrtles and an oak – just outside the back door of hisContinue Reading

Turning Pages SC, an adult literacy nonprofit, and Richland Library have joined forces in a partnership aimed at improving literacy in the community. This collaboration supports Turning Pages tutors and adult learners, providing free and accessible learning experiences in a supportive environment. Turning Pages SC provides more than 50 freeContinue Reading

On May 26, a ceremony at Richland County’s Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center honored seven detainees for completing their GED certification coursework. Since 2017, 64 detainees have successfully completed the 12-week GED testing program, which consists of coursework in math, reading, science and social studies.Continue Reading

National EMS Week (May 21-27) celebrates the emergency medical service profession and its providers, shining a spotlight on first responders. This year, Richland County EMS recognized a paramedic and an EMT from each shift who consistently work well with others, maintain a positive attitude and are dedicated to fulfilling theContinue Reading

New associate commissioners Mary Beth McSwain and Sarah Burnham have joined the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD). McSwain and Burnham join the existing team of five commissioners and five associate commissioners who direct the RSWCD’s conservation efforts. McSwain participates in conservation activities with her husband, Tim, an RSWCDContinue Reading

FBI director’s award recognizes “outstanding contributions to our nation’s communities” By W. Thomas Smith Jr.   BUILDING BETTER COMMUNTIES (BBC), a Columbia-based nonprofit which helps support marginalized and struggling communities across the Midlands, received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award during ceremonies at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., Friday, MayContinue Reading

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department’s (CRFD) 10th annual Firetruck Pull helped the effort to end childhood cancers. More than $26,000 was raised at the April 1 event, as 21 teams of competitors tried their luck pulling CRFD fire engines. All proceeds will go to support Curing Kids Cancer and its ongoingContinue Reading