Retired deputies gather for annual lunch
March 9, 2021By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Active and retired Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) deputies and others gathered at the RCSD Region 3 headquarters and RCSD training facility – the cafeteria-auditorium…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, law, on-the-move
COVID-19 One year later: DHEC Shares a Message to South Carolinians of Hope and Gratitude
March 9, 2021
One year since the first two suspected COVID-19 cases in our state, people across South Carolina have stepped up to support our state and each other during this unprecedented global…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
Gov. Henry McMaster pens letter to members of the General Assembly, urging passage of election integrity legislation
March 8, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster today wrote a letter to every member of the South Carolina General Assembly urging them to protect the integrity of South Carolina’s elections by passing H. 3444. The…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
La’Jessica Stringfellow appointed to SC Access to Justice Commission
March 7, 2021
Robinson Gray attorney La’Jessica Stringfellow has been appointed to the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission. She was appointed to a three-year term by Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, law, on-the-move
More than one million COVID-19 vaccine doses given in South Carolina
March 4, 2021
Vaccine rollout picks up speed, Phase 1b begins next week South Carolina hit a historical milestone this week as more than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, headlines, health-care
S.C. National Guardsmen and Richland County deputies train for one of many worst-case scenarios
March 2, 2021By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Special tactical units with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) conducted a joint special-operations exercise with S.C. National Guard security forces at McEntire Joint National…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, military, on-the-move
PSTA statement on vaccine Phase 1b
March 2, 2021
This morning, Governor McMaster announced South Carolina will transition to Phase 1b in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is an exciting moment as it marks another important milestone…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
South Carolina to move to Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccination plan on March 8, 2021
March 2, 2021
Public Health Officials Unveil Plans for All Vaccination Phases Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today that South Carolina will advance…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, headlines, on-the-move
Disposable face masks are available at four Richland Library locations, starting 3/1
March 1, 2021
As an added measure of protection in the fight against COVID-19, Richland Library is announcing a partnership with Richland County Councilmembers Chakisse Newton, Cheryl English and Jesica Mackey to distribute…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, non-profit, on-the-move
Richland County Sheriff’s Department establishes CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM
February 26, 2021
First-of-its-kind partnership between RCSD and the S.C. Department of Mental Health By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced the establishment of a new CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, health-care, law, on-the-move
Former SCANA CEO Kevin Marsh pleads guilty to State Grand Jury indictment
February 25, 2021
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that former SCANA CEO Kevin Bryan Marsh waived presentment and pled guilty today to a State Grand Jury indictment for violation of South…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: energy, government, headlines, on-the-move
USDA invests $42 million in distance learning and telemedicine infrastructure
February 25, 2021
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is investing $42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities. Rural areas are seeing…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
2021 State of the City of Columbia Address
February 18, 2021Two weeks ago Mayor Steve Benjamin stood in the beautiful and historic Columbia City Council chambers to formally announce that he will not seek re-election as Mayor of Columbia. On…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
DHEC offers centralized phone number, email for locating delayed COVID-19 test results
February 11, 2021
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is making it easier for residents to track down any delayed COVID-19 test results with a single centralized phone number…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
South Carolina export sales top $30.3 billion in 2020
February 9, 2021State leads the nation as top exporter of tires, completed passenger motor vehicles and ball and roller bearings Gov. Henry McMaster, the S.C. Department of Commerce and the SC Ports…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: economic-development, government, on-the-move
Gov. Henry McMaster removes State Accident Fund Director
February 9, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2021-09, removing Amy V. Cofield from the office of Director of the State Accident Fund, effective immediately. In addition, the governor has formally requested…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
South Carolina AG Alan Wilson part of $573 million settlement with McKinsey & Company for its role in the opioid epidemic
February 4, 2021
Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a coalition of attorneys general from 47 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories in a $573 million settlement with one of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, health-care, law, on-the-move
S.C. Senate confirms Dr. Edward Simmer to lead DHEC
February 4, 2021
Today, the S.C. Senate confirmed Dr. Edward Simmer, MD, MPH as the director of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). “We are grateful to the Senate for…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. hosts Valentine Blood Drive
February 4, 2021
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) in partnership with The Blood Connection (TBC) will host a VALENTINE BLOOD DRIVE, Fri., Feb. 12, from 7:00 a.m.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, health-care, non-profit, on-the-move
Mayor Steve Benjamin announces he will not run for re-election as Mayor
February 4, 2021
During a press conference held today, February 4, in Columbia City Council chambers, Mayor Steve Benjamin announced he would not run for re-election during this year’s upcoming election. During the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Council Chair issues statement on passing of former Councilwoman Thelma Tillis
February 3, 2021
Following is a statement from Richland County Council Chair Paul Livingston: “It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of former Councilwoman Thelma McBride Tillis on Jan. 31.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
South Carolinians aged 65 and older can schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments beginning Monday, February 8
February 3, 2021
Find a location accepting vaccine appointments near you at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced that beginning Monday, February 8, any…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, headlines, health-care, on-the-move
Lander University student Daniel Odom puts principles into practice
February 1, 2021
After working hard inside the classroom, senior public administration major Daniel Odom plays hard as an active member of Lander’s Club Baseball and Varsity Rugby teams. Odom says both organizations…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, laurenscountybuzz Category: education, government, on-the-move
South Carolina ranks fifth in nation for COVID-19 vaccine use for second consecutive week
February 1, 2021
A new national report shows South Carolina now ranks fifth in the nation for how quickly the state is getting COVID-19 vaccine doses put into people’s arms. Becker’s Hospital Review,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
Gov. Henry McMaster reallocates 37,800 surplus vaccine doses from federal Long Term Care Program
January 29, 2021Governor Henry McMaster today sent a letter to South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control Chairman Mark Elam asking that the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reallocate…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis recognizes Tammi Campbell of Airport High School as Educator of the Month
January 29, 2021
South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis has recognized Airport High School’s Tammi Campbell as the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program’s Educator of the Month for January. “Thanks to her efforts, Ms.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, education, government, on-the-move
South Carolina officials warn public to watch out for possible COVID-19 vaccine-related scams
January 27, 2021
South Carolina residents should be aware of scammers targeting COVID-19 vaccine seekers. South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), State Law Enforcement Division, Emergency Management Division, and Department…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
South Carolina speeds up vaccine efforts, top 10 in nation for COVID-19 vaccine use
January 27, 2021
A new national report shows South Carolina ranks among the top in the nation for how quickly the state is getting COVID-19 vaccine doses into people’s arms. Becker’s Hospital Review, a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
It Takes Two: You Need Two Shots of COVID-19 Vaccine to Get Maximum Protection
January 26, 2021
Public Health Officials: “Don’t leave your first shot appointment without knowing how and when to get your second shot.” It takes two shots of COVID-19 vaccine to get maximum protection…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, health-care, on-the-move
Councilman Pugh to host COVID-19 testing and mask giveaway events
January 26, 2021Richland County Councilman Derrek Pugh is holding a series of testing and mask giveaway events as part of the County’s continuing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Residents can…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: covid-19, government, on-the-move
County Council to talk transportation, land development at annual retreat
January 25, 2021
With five new Councilmembers at the helm, Richland County Council will begin setting priorities for 2021 on Thursday, Jan. 28, the first day of its annual retreat. Among the topics…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
House Committee passes $208M COVID vaccine relief bill
January 25, 2021Today, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed a proposal to allocate $208 million for COVID vaccine relief. The proposal now heads to the full House of Representatives for…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, headlines, health-care, on-the-move
A Conversation with Tom Mullikin, SC Floodwater Commission
January 25, 2021
South Carolina faces an environmental challenge of the utmost urgency. Frequent flooding from rains, storms, hurricanes and tides threatens our people, our property and our way of life. To identify…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: environmental, government, podcast
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announces SC maintains high credit ratings, despite COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts
January 22, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced that South Carolina continues to maintain high bond ratings with the three major credit rating agencies. In preparation for a January bond issuance, Moody’s Investors…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, covid-19, government, on-the-move
Richland County receives national honor for budgeting
January 21, 2021
Richland County’s Budget and Grants Management Office has earned the highest honor in governmental budgeting for the 26th consecutive year. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently presented a Distinguished…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Speaker Lucas, Chairman Newton announce Oversight Ad Hoc Committee to review COVID vaccine rollout
January 20, 2021
South Carolina House Speaker Jay Lucas and Chairman Weston Newton announced the formation of a Legislative Oversight Ad Hoc Committee, tasked with reviewing the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
Individual income tax season opens February 12 – choose direct deposit
January 20, 2021
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will begin accepting Individual Income Tax returns for tax year 2020 on February 12, 2021, consistent with the date announced by the IRS. According…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
Martial Arts Hall-of-Famer Brutschy receives Senate Commendation
January 15, 2021By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Bruce Brutschy, noted self-defense and fitness instructor and a member of the S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame, received a S.C. Senate Commendation from Sen.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
2021 State of the State Address, Governor Henry McMaster
January 13, 2021
State of the State Address As Prepared for Delivery Wednesday, January 13, 2021 The State House, Columbia, S.C. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, my…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Richland County’s Finance Department earns national award
January 13, 2021
Richland County’s Finance Department again has earned the highest honor in governmental accounting and financial reporting. For the 37th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the Richland County…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Deputy receives bravery award, also named Deputy of the Year
January 13, 2021By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) Deputy Sarah Merriman was presented the highest departmental honor – DEPUTY OF THE YEAR 2020 – during RCSD’s annual awards…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman highlights legislative priorities for 2021
January 12, 2021
Five key areas identified ahead of the start of legislative session Today, ahead of the South Carolina General Assembly’s start of the 2021 legislative session, State Superintendent of Education Molly…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, government, on-the-move
South Carolinians aged 70 and older can schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments beginning Jan. 13
January 11, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13, any South Carolina resident aged 70 or older, regardless of health…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, government, headlines, health-care, on-the-move
DHEC encourages South Carolina hospitals to begin vaccinating admitted patients age 65 and older
January 8, 2021
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today that South Carolina Hospitals should begin to vaccinate their admitted patients, who are aged 65 years and older,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
All Phase 1a healthcare workers urged to quickly schedule vaccine appointments
January 6, 2021Nearly 70,000 Phase 1a Healthcare Workers Scheduled to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines Click here to download this infographic COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
Drive-Thru Food Drive as a Community Service Project – January 18
January 6, 2021Who: Join District Two Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr., City of Columbia Officials, Richland School District One and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation January 18, 2021 as a community service…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, non-profit, on-the-move
City of Columbia City Council to hold public hearing for adoption of new zoning map – January 19
January 6, 2021The City of Columbia, SC City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the adoption of a new city-wide zoning map to correspond with the recently adopted Uniform Development…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Gov. Henry McMaster names acting director of S.C. Department of Health and Human Services
January 6, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster today named Thomas Clark Phillip, Jr. as the acting director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). Mr. Phillip has served as SCDHHS’…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
County businesses have until March 15 to renew licenses
January 5, 2021
With the beginning of a new year, the clock is ticking for Richland County businesses to renew their business licenses. All County business licenses expired Dec. 31. The deadline to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Richland County swears in five new Councilmembers
January 5, 2021
Richland County welcomed five newcomers to County Council during a series of swearing-in ceremonies in the Council Chambers on Tuesday. Derrek Pugh, District 2; Gretchen Barron, District 7; Overture Walker, District 8; Jesica…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
