Richland County Council approved a paid parental leave policy for all full-time and part-time employees during Council’s regularly scheduled meeting October 3. The new policy will take effect January 1, making Richland the second county in the state to adopt one. Eligible staff will receive: • Six weeks of paid leaveContinue Reading
Family fan, great baseball action, and an exciting K-9 demonstration By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) and the Columbia Fireflies will host RCSD K-9 TEAM NIGHT at Columbia’s Segra Park, Wednesday August 30, beginning at 7:05 p.m. The event is part of the regularlyContinue Reading
Toys will be presented to children by RCSD deputies By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) was the recipient of more than 30 stuffed animals, a gift from RCSD friend and supporter Jennifer Necker of Columbia. The animals will be distributed to deputies who will keepContinue Reading
The Columbia Public Works Department has announced the city has achieved LEED Gold certification. Columbia is part of a growing group to be certified using the LEED for Cities rating system. The city becomes the first city or county in South Carolina to receive LEED certification and joins a groupContinue Reading
Richland County’s new Residential Rental Property Registration Program will change registration and business license requirements for residential rental properties in unincorporated areas of the county. With the changes, the county aims to increase the number of rental property registrations and provide greater health and safety protections for renters.On February 7,Continue Reading
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