County Weighs Schools’ Interests as It Considers COVID-19 Response
August 10, 2021
Following is a statement from Richland County Council Chair Paul Livingston in response to a rise in cases of COVID-19 in our community. County Council adopted an emergency ordinance that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
South Carolina Department of Education hires Dr. Christina Melton as Director of Assessment
August 5, 2021
State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced the hiring of Dr. Christina Melton, a former teacher, principal, and district superintendent, as the South Carolina Department of Education’s (SCDE) Director of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, government, on-the-move
Congressman Clyburn announces more than $520 million in funding for South Carolina colleges and universities
August 5, 2021
Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn announced that South Carolina colleges and universities will receive more than $520 million in federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan. This funding…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, government, on-the-move
S.C. leaders aim to preserve lands in the Palmetto State
August 4, 2021By W. Thomas Smith Jr. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, S.C. Floodwater Commission Chairman Tom Mullikin, S.C. Senator George “Chip” Campsen, S.C. Senator Ronnie Sabb, and others met Tues., Aug.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: environmental, government, on-the-move
S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis announces return of $35 million in unclaimed funds to South Carolinians
August 3, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced today that $35.3 million in unclaimed property has been returned to South Carolinians in the fiscal year that ended June 30. “We appreciate our partners…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
Congressman Clyburn announces nearly $3 million in African American civil rights grants for South Carolina
August 3, 2021Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn announced the National Park Service will award nearly $3 million to seven projects in South Carolina to help preserve the sites and history related to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Councilman Joseph Dickey selected for Legal Elite
July 30, 2021
Joseph D. Dickey, Jr., managing partner of the Dickey Law Group, has been selected as a 2021 “Legal Elite” by Integrated Media Publishing, the publishers of Greater Columbia Business Monthly,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, law, on-the-move
Midlands Gang and Fugitive Task Forces merge
July 29, 2021
Agency collaboration aids in thwarting violent criminal activity By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The multi-agency Midlands Gang Task Force (MGTF) and the Midlands Fugitive Task Force (MFTF) joined forces in…
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DHEC recommends vaccinations, mask use, in school guidance for K-12 2021-2022 academic year
July 29, 2021
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has issued its COVID-19 interim guidance for K-12 schools as students, teachers, parents, and staff all prepare for the 2021-2022…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, government, headlines, health-care, on-the-move
DHEC issues updated wildfire smoke alert
July 28, 2021
South Carolinians should be aware of the continued risk for health effects related to smoke that originated from wildfires burning across parts of central and western Canada and the western…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
DHEC supports updated CDC guidance, recommends indoor masking for all regardless of vaccination Status
July 28, 2021
Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and the increasing threat of the Delta variant, the CDC on Tuesday is recommending public indoor masking for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, headlines, health-care, on-the-move
DDSN Commissioners announce 2021-2022 officers, committees and new taskforces
July 27, 2021
The South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs (the “Commission”) selects officers and standing committees for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and creates several new task forces to solve emerging…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
The City of Columbia partners with Prisma Health, SC DHEC and Lexington Medical Center to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations
July 27, 2021
The City of Columbia is partnering with Prisma Health, SC DHEC and Lexington Medical Center to host free COVID-19 vaccination clinics at city operated facilities. The city is increasing vaccination…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
A Conversation with Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott on recent national and state honors
July 26, 2021
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. As most South Carolinians now know, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott was named National Sheriff of the Year 2021 by the National Sheriff’s Association in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
City of Columbia to kickoff National Night Out with ‘Re-Engage Columbia’ event
July 26, 2021
Who: The City of Columbia, Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire Department, Columbia Parks & Recreation Department, Columbia Council of Neighborhoods What: After having to cancel the 2020 event due to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, life, on-the-move
DHEC applauds SC reaching 50 percent one-dose COVID-19 vaccine rate, urges more vaccinations ahead of academic year
July 26, 2021
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is happy to announce that, as of Thursday, 50 percent of eligible South Carolina residents have received at least one dose of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
City of Columbia receives two SC OSHA safety awards
July 26, 2021
The City of Columbia Public Works Department and Public Administration Department were recognized as recipients for their outstanding safety performance at the 2021 Safety Achievement Awards on Wednesday, July 21,…
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Midlands COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics and COVID-19 Testing (July 26-August 1, 2021)
July 26, 2021
DHEC is providing regular updates for COVID-19 vaccine clinics and testing opportunities in the Midlands Region (Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield, Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, Newberry, Saluda, Richland, and York counties). Most current…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
DHEC Analysis: More than 90 percent of COVID-19 cases, deaths in June were among unvaccinated residents
July 26, 2021
Following an analysis that revealed the overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the first two weeks of June were among residents who were not fully vaccinated, the South…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
Historic Columbia announces August 2021 events and programming
July 26, 2021
Historic Columbia’s slate of events for August will center on women’s history in a nod towards National Women’s Equality Day (Aug. 26). HC is welcoming guests for a variety of themed activities, including a Historic Water Balloon Battle that links to stories…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move, the-arts
County renews call for input on new land development rules
July 26, 2021
A series of in-person events beginning this week will help inform Richland County residents about newly rewritten land development regulations before the new rules are finalized. The rules make up…
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Hire Me SC launches new employment resource for families of people with disabilities
July 26, 2021
Free online tool seeks to close the employment gap in South Carolina Hire Me SC — a statewide workforce development campaign to increase employment outcomes for young adults with intellectual and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. receives top awards from ESGR and the American Legion
July 23, 2021
Sheriff Lott praised by Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) and two RCSD officers – Major Maria…
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West Columbia Police Chief to retire after 37 years of service
July 21, 2021
After 37 years of dedicated service to the West Columbia Police Department, Chief Dennis Tyndall is announcing his retirement. Chief Tyndall will remain with the Police Department during the search…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
DHEC issues wildfire smoke alert
July 21, 2021
Residents of South Carolina should be aware of possible health effects related to smoke from wildfires that originated from fires burning across parts of central and western Canada and the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: environmental, government, on-the-move
Richland County, SCDOR reach agreement on Transportation Penny Tax Program
July 21, 2021
County Council has approved the terms of a settlement agreement to end long-running litigation involving the County, the Central Midlands Regional Transportation Authority and the S.C. Department of Revenue (SCDOR)…
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County seeks public input on how to spend $2.4M in housing grants
July 21, 2021
An upcoming virtual public hearing will gather input on how Richland County uses federal funding to aid low-to-moderate-income residents. The meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28 via Zoom,…
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Summer tax tips, from teen jobs to summer camp
July 21, 2021
Summer means warmer temperatures, vacations, and special tax situations. Wait. Tax situations? From teen summer jobs and W-4s to taxes on gig work and using summer camp costs for a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, government, on-the-move
County’s rental assistance efforts earn praise from U.S. Treasury
July 21, 2021
Richland County’s management of its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is being touted as a national model of “promising practices” for other jurisdictions to follow. ERAP, launched in April, aids renters who…
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Columbia Urban League Young Professionals to host the Columbia Mayoral Candidates Forum: A Healthy Future Isn’t Up For Debate! in Allen University’s Historic Chappelle Auditorium
July 20, 2021
The Columbia Urban League Young Professionals (CULYPSC), will be hosting a mayoral candidate’s forum on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. The goal of the community forum is to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Lander University receives funding to construct new nursing building on campus
July 19, 2021
When the South Carolina General Assembly finalized its budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, it included a record amount of new funding for Lander University. The state legislature has appropriated…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, government, health-care, on-the-move
DDSN announces innovative plan to strengthen services at South Carolina’s five regional intermediate care facilities
July 19, 2021
The South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs unanimously voted today during the July 15,2021, commission meeting to support the agency’s most progressive plan in years to improve safety,…
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DHEC announces ‘Champions of the Environment’ funding will support training program for K-12 environmental educators
July 18, 2021
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that “Champions of the Environment” grant funding is helping sponsor the Palmetto Environmental Education Certification program (PEEC), which trains and informs school…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, environmental, government, health-care, on-the-move
Wartime U.S. flag becomes part of S.C. State Guard history
July 15, 2021Flag flew in combat during World War II By W. Thomas Smith Jr. A 76-year-old battle-worn United States flag was presented to the S.C. State Guard during ceremonies at the…
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Rural infrastructure broadband grants awarded
July 13, 2021
The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) has issued Notices to Proceed to 18 internet service providers in 22 counties for almost $30 million in projects to expand broadband…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move, telecommunications
Memorial service to honor those lost to COVID-19
July 12, 2021
A public memorial service will pay tribute to Richland County residents lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 15 outside…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, government, on-the-move
Last Step Recycling, LLC establishing operations in Chester County
July 12, 2021$46.4 million investment will create 50 new jobs Last Step Recycling, LLC, an automotive shredder residue (ASR) company, today announced plans to establish operations in Chester County. The $46.4 million…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: economic-development, government, on-the-move
Better to give than to receive? YES
July 12, 2021
Reflections on a friend receiving South Carolina’s highest award By W. Thomas Smith Jr. I love singing the praises of great men and women achieving great things, especially when those…
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DHEC data show more than 90 percent of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations in 14 days were unvaccinated individuals
July 8, 2021
DHEC’s Dr. Jane Kelly: “The overwhelming majority of people who are getting hospitalized and dying from COVID-19 are those who are not fully vaccinated” The South Carolina Department of Health…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: covid-19, government, headlines, health-care, on-the-move
Gov. Henry McMaster appeals preliminary injunction of Fetal Heartbeat Bill
July 7, 2021Governor Henry McMaster – joined by other defendants – has appealed the federal district court’s preliminary injunction of the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act (Fetal Heartbeat…
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Gov. Henry McMaster, SCEMD urge storm preparation for Tropical Storm Elsa
July 6, 2021Residents should finalize their storm preparations ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center predict portions of South Carolina’s coast will experience tropical storm conditions beginning Wednesday…
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State Treasurer Curtis Loftis welcomes new members to S.C. Board of Financial Institutions
July 6, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis welcomes two new appointees to the State Board of Financial Institutions. Thomas Bouchette and Jenny Michaels were confirmed by the Senate in May to serve four-year…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Community Focus: Mark Smyers, talks about the Lower Saluda Greenway Feasibility Study
July 6, 2021
In March 2021, the Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) in cooperation with the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) released the Lower Saluda Greenway Feasibility Study. The purpose of the…
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Congressman Clyburn secures $20 million in the House-passed INVEST in America Act for Sixth District infrastructure projects
July 1, 2021
Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved $20 million to fund several highway and transit projects in the Sixth Congressional District. This funding…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
County Utilities director elected to serve on Global Water Delegation
June 30, 2021Bill Davis, director of Richland County Utilities, was recently selected to represent South Carolina within a worldwide organization of water industry professionals. Davis will serve as a junior delegate on…
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Nestlé USA expanding operations in Cherokee County
June 30, 2021
$100 million investment will create approximately 160 new jobs Nestlé USA, a leading food and beverage company, today unveiled plans to expand operations in Cherokee County. The $100 million investment will…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: economic-development, government, on-the-move
S.C. Department of Education and S.C. Arts Commission announce $20 million partnership to expand arts learning initiatives
June 29, 2021
A $20 million partnership announced today by the South Carolina Department of Education and South Carolina Arts Commission will help public schools throughout the state address pandemic related learning loss…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: education, government, on-the-move, the-arts
City of Columbia Municipal Election Tuesday, November 2, 2021
June 29, 2021The Municipal Election Commission of the City of Columbia announces the general election for the City of Columbia to be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. The filing period opens…
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Councilwoman Barron to discuss Northeast rezoning request at Town Hall
June 28, 2021
County Councilwoman Gretchen Barron will hold an in-person town hall meeting Wednesday, July 7 to discuss a planned development on Hardscrabble Road in Northeast Richland. Barron, who represents District 7,…
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Gov. Henry McMaster signs S. 147, protecting South Carolina businesses
June 25, 2021Governor Henry McMaster was joined by members of the General Assembly and business leaders from around the state for a ceremonial bill signing of S.147, the South Carolina COVID-19 Liability…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: business-services, government, on-the-move
