On July 14, Richland County held a swearing-in ceremony for Treasurer Kendra Dove. After serving as deputy treasurer for the past 16 years, Dove is the first Black person to serve as treasurer for the County, having recently run for the position unopposed by either party. At the ceremony, formerContinue Reading
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
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department once again wins tri-agency competition By W. Thomas Smith Jr. For the eighth year in a row, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) edged past the Columbia Police Department (CPD), and the Columbia Fire Department (CFD) to win the annual BATTLE OF THE BADGESContinue 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
The wreath-laying ceremony begins National Police Week for RCSD By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The families of fallen deputies gathered at the gates of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) headquarters’ memorial garden for a special service honoring the families’ deceased loved ones, Monday, May 15, the date officiallyContinue 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
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott helped launch the Life Engagements Town Hall series at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia, Wednesday, May 3. “The Sheriff did a fantastic job of sharing safety tips with seniors,” said Eli Wishart, a retired U.S. Army SpecialContinue Reading
With the adoption of a new fireworks ordinance, Richland County Council is introducing major changes to the county’s fireworks laws. County council passed the ordinance March 7 with residents and businesses in mind, aiming to prevent negligence and mitigate loss or injury from the use of fireworks. With the updatedContinue Reading