Gov. Henry McMaster announces line item vetoes of FY 2021-2022 state budget
June 25, 2021Governor Vetoes 226 Earmarks Totaling $152.25 million Governor Henry McMaster announced his line item vetoes of the FY 2021-2022 state budget at a statehouse news conference. Totaling $152.5 million, the…
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Avoid these common mistakes on alcohol beverage license applications
June 24, 2021
Each year, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) handles thousands of applications for various types of alcohol beverage licenses (ABL) and permits. Mistakes or omissions can cause applications to…
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COMET Chat with LeRoy DesChamps – June 2021
June 23, 2021
Greetings! It is my pleasure to welcome you to the June 2021 version of COMET Chat. This is our first “chat” since assuming my new role as Interim Executive Director…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, local-industry, on-the-move, transportation
County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program fulfills $5M in requests
June 22, 2021
Funding for those impacted by COVID-19 remains available; call toll-free 855-216-9198 to apply Richland County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) reached a milestone this week, approving more than $5 million in…
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New members join South Carolina First Steps leadership team
June 22, 2021
South Carolina First Steps has two new members of its leadership team. Karen Oliver joined the agency in February as the Early Childhood Advisory Council’s (ECAC) Program Manager, and Derek…
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Congressman Clyburn announces families will start receiving expanded Child Tax Credit checks in July
June 22, 2021U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn is reminding all South Carolinians that the major expansion of the Child Tax Credit for 2021 included in the American Rescue Plan will…
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New 20-acre public park opens at Bull Street
June 22, 2021Yesterday, Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Council members, and the Parks & Recreation Department celebrated the opening of the newly developed Page Ellington Park, a 20-acre public park at Bull Street.…
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Councilwoman Cheryl English to hold pair of meet-and-greets
June 21, 2021
Richland County Councilwoman Cheryl English, District 10, will partner with state Sen. Darrell Jackson to host two in-person meet-and-greet sessions this week. Both officials will be available for one-on-one conversations…
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S.C. Treasurer’s Office aids University of South Carolina with bond issue for Campus Village
June 21, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced that on June 15, 2021, his office assisted the University of South Carolina with the issuance of $180,045,000 (par) in Higher Education Revenue Bonds, Series 2021A and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Engage in one-on-one meetings with Richland County Councilmembers
June 17, 2021
Richland Library is offering a chance for local residents to be civically engaged and meet with members of Richland County Council. Take part in one-on-one conversations, ask questions and share…
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The City of Columbia invites YOU to participate in Columbia’s 6th Annual Park(ing) Day!
June 17, 2021PARK(ing) Day is an annual open-source global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public places. The mission of PARK(ing) Day…
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Mayor Steve Benjamin announces launch of Columbia’s Guaranteed Income project pilot program CLIMB
June 17, 2021In partnership with national organization Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, the one-year CLIMB pilot project seeks to determine effectiveness of monthly baseline payments to overcome economic instability in designated Columbia households and…
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Lexington County enhances 9-1-1 services and emergency notification with Smart911
June 17, 2021
Emergency Service Officials Encourage Residents to Sign Up For the Free Service That Provides Emergency Responders With More Information in the Event of an Emergency Emergency Service officials in Lexington…
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USDA launches grant program to help expand regional economies and create high-wage jobs in distressed rural communities
June 17, 2021
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal today unveiled a new grant program to help rural communities create good-paying jobs and support new…
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City’s Parks and Recreation Department announces grand opening of Page Ellington Park
June 17, 2021What: Please join Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Council members, and the Parks & Recreation Department as they announce and celebrate the newly developed Page Ellington Park, a 20-acre public park at…
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Gov. Henry McMaster nominates Harry M. Lightsey III to be the next secretary of S.C. Department of Commerce
June 17, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster today announced that he has nominated longtime South Carolina business executive Harry M. Lightsey III to serve as the next secretary of the South Carolina Department of…
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Councilwoman Jesica Mackey to hold in-person meet and greet June 26
June 17, 2021
Richland County Councilwoman Jesica Mackey, District 9, will hold her first in-person meet and greet Saturday, June 26. “The past year has been incredibly challenging for families across the County…
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‘Soft opening’ held for the Saluda River Greenway.
June 15, 2021The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department finalized a “soft opening” of the Saluda River Greenway. On Saturday, June 12, at 6am, the department opened two parking lots for…
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Meetings to Focus on Land Development in Lower Richland
June 14, 2021
County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton is holding a series of in-person public meetings in June to highlight land development regulations, as well as answer residents’ questions about current zoning rules for…
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USDA launches resource guide to help America’s rural workforce build back better
June 14, 2021
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today unveiled a resource guide to help rural community leaders start and expand employment opportunities and…
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Zoning Made Easy: County launches educational effort
June 14, 2021
Richland County’s newest educational effort aims to simplify zoning and land use, a process that directly impacts residents and landowners but can easily be misunderstood. With its “Zoning Made Easy”…
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Gov. Henry McMaster, S.C. DEW, S.C. Technical College System announce workforce retraining initiative
June 8, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster was joined today by state officials to announce a new workforce training initiative between the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and the S.C. Technical College System.…
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State Treasurer’s Office launches new Matchelor Promotion for Unclaimed Property
June 7, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis is committed to reconnecting South Carolinians with their missing money, and today his office launched The Matchelor, a new social media promotion aimed at helping people…
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Central S.C. Realtors donate fans for elderly and others during luncheon
June 6, 2021Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott addresses attendees By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Central Carolina Realtors Association (CCRA) presented more than 200 box fans to the Richland County Sheriff’s Dept.…
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Art Contest Plants Seeds of Appreciation for Healthy Forests
May 27, 2021Twenty-two students will receive awards in this year’s Youth Conservation Poster Contest sponsored by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). By illustrating the topic “Healthy Forests = Healthy…
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Statement from Gov. Henry McMaster on S.C. Board of Economic Advisors’ updated revenues and estimates
May 20, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster released the following statement in response to the S.C. Board of Economic Advisors’ (BEA) updated revenues and estimates, which were announced at a meeting of the Board…
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State lawmakers praise smart river technologies
May 19, 2021S.C. Floodwater Commission concept developed by Coastal Carolina University By Alex Junes-Ward HORRY COUNTY, S.C. – The S.C. Floodwater Commission’s SMART RIVER TASK FORCE and Coastal Carolina University (CCU) have…
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County’s Rental Assistance Program making critical difference for residents
May 18, 2021
Richland County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has approved more than $1.5 million in assistance requests since launching April 5. Even after reaching this milestone, however, the County still has funding available…
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Contractors’ staff shortages cause delays in curbside trash pickup
May 18, 2021
Because of staff shortages for contracted trash haulers, Richland County residents might see delays in curbside pickup of garbage and yard waste. The County contracts with several businesses to provide…
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City of Columbia issues statement regarding mask ordinance
May 18, 2021The following is a statement issued by the City of Columbia: On May 11, 2021, City Council voted to extend the mask ordinance until June 5, 2021. In light of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, government, on-the-move
Contractors’ staff shortages cause delays in curbside trash pickup
May 18, 2021
Because of staff shortages for contracted trash haulers, Richland County residents might see delays in curbside pickup of garbage and yard waste. The County contracts with several businesses to provide…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
South Carolina public health officials release statement on new CDC mask guidelines
May 17, 2021
Dr. Simmer: “The science tells us that vaccines are working. Fully vaccinated South Carolinians can now go without masks in most situations.” The Director of the South Carolina Department of…
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City of Columbia announces new business liaison to help better streamline business within the city
May 17, 2021
The City of Columbia is pleased to announce our new business liaison, Greg Williams. In this new position, Greg Williams will be the professional liaison who will coordinate and communicate…
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DHEC offering day of free testing during National Hepatitis Awareness Month
May 17, 2021
May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Division of STD/HIV/Viral Hepatitis is encouraging South Carolinians to know their status and…
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City implements “Spring Forward Amnesty Program”
May 17, 2021The City of Columbia Municipal Court will be implementing a “Spring Forward Amnesty Program” every Friday in May. This program will allow citizens with outstanding bench warrants and other penalties…
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Siemens expands operations in Spartanburg County
May 17, 2021
$36 million investment creates more than 180 new jobs Siemens, a leading global technology company that specializes in industrial modernization, infrastructure and mobility, today announced the completion of a 52,000-square-foot…
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Advertisement of vacancies on various boards and commissions
May 16, 2021The City of Columbia is accepting applications to fill several vacancies on the following boards and commissions. Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee Seeking to fill seven (7) vacancies The purpose of Columbia…
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South Carolina WIC participants receive benefit increase for purchasing fruits and vegetables
May 16, 2021
South Carolina’s Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) is making it easier for program participants to purchase more healthy produce by temporarily increasing the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruit and…
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West Columbia Police Officers Foundation to hold 5K Foot Pursuit
May 14, 2021
The West Columbia Police Officers Foundation is holding its annual 5K Foot Pursuit this Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 8 AM. Participants will meet at West Columbia City Hall and…
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First responders host sixth annual joint-agency blood drive
May 14, 2021
Richland County deputies, Columbia Police officers, and Columbia firefighters compete for most blood donor votes in the annual drive By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD),…
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What to do if you can’t afford to pay your taxes, Individual Income Tax returns are due May 17
May 13, 2021
The Individual Income Tax due date is fast approaching on Monday, May 17. If you have a tax bill and are worried you can’t pay, the South Carolina Department of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, government, on-the-move
Gov. Henry McMaster restricts local mask mandates, and prohibits vaccine passports
May 12, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2021-23, which empowers South Carolina parents to decide whether their children should wear masks in public schools throughout the state. The governor’s order also…
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POWERPLANTSC ‘After Action’ Q&A
May 6, 2021
Five Questions for S.C. Floodwater Commission Chairman Tom Mullikin By Alex Junes-Ward Less than two weeks after the statewide tree-planting effort, POWERPLANTSC, in which some 3.4-million loblolly pine tree seeds…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: environmental, government, on-the-move
County calls for input on rewritten Land Development Code
May 6, 2021
A draft of Richland County’s revamped Land Development Code (LDC) is available for public review, and residents will soon have several opportunities to comment on the new policies before the code…
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County seeks public input on federal grant spending
May 4, 2021
A virtual public hearing Wednesday, May 19 will allow residents to give input on an end-of-year report that details Richland County’s use of federal funding to aid low-to-moderate-income residents. The Consolidated…
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SCDOR busts 10 common tax myths
May 4, 2021
Taxes can seem confusing and complicated, leaving room for misconceptions and myths to pop up – especially during tax season. The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) wants you to…
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City of Columbia opens first parklet
May 3, 2021The City of Columbia is celebrating the addition of our first public parklet, an outdoor space placed in a parking space with public seating for all to use! The addition…
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Outdoor Book Sale at Irmo Library May 15
May 3, 2021
Have you missed browsing the shelves or your local library or book store? The Friends of the Irmo Branch Library have an opportunity for you to get out of the…
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SC Secretary of State encourages donors to give smart and support local charities on May 4 & 5, 2021
May 3, 2021In anticipation of Midlands Gives, Palmetto Giving Day, and other fundraising events being held this week, South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond is encouraging donors to practice wise charitable…
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SCDOT moves forward with Carolina Crossroads Phase 1
May 1, 2021The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced that it is moving forward with awarding a contract to begin the first phase of the $1.7 billion Carolina Crossroads project in…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move, transportation
