County announces phone line, online portal for Rental Assistance Program
March 29, 2021
Toll-free number and web link launch at 8:30 a.m. April 5; in-person assistance available Richland County will begin accepting applications – by phone and online – at 8:30 a.m. Monday,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Columbia’s economy continues to boom in spite of COVID-19 with over $1 billion in investment underway
March 25, 2021Since January 2020, Columbia SC has seen over $1.1 billion dollars in announced or active development activity in the City and Richland County. These projects encompass a wide variety of regional…
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Lexington County Council names Lynn Sturkie as County administrator
March 24, 2021
Lexington County Council named Lynn Sturkie as the County of Lexington’s new administrator during Tuesday night’s council meeting. Sturkie, 55, a lifelong resident of Lexington County, was deemed as the…
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Lexington County Council names Lynn Sturkie as County Administrator
March 24, 2021
Lexington County Council named Lynn Sturkie as the County of Lexington’s new administrator during Tuesday night’s council meeting. Sturkie, 55, a lifelong resident of Lexington County, was deemed as the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
The life, loss, and legacy of Col. J.H. “Red” Lanier
March 23, 2021Former commander of the S.C. Highway Patrol passes away at 85 By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Almost everyone from South Carolina has a Colonel Joseph H. “Red” Lanier story. My…
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County seeks input ahead of virtual hearing on federal housing grants
March 22, 2021
A virtual public hearing Tuesday, March 30 will focus on Richland County’s Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), an end-of-year account that gives information on federal funding to address…
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County Council sets virtual hearing for rezoning requests, seeks public input
March 18, 2021County Council will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss a set of proposed map amendments Tuesday, March 23. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will stream live on…
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Parks and Recreation Department moves into Phase IV and V Re-opening Plan Effective May 3, 2021
March 18, 2021In an effort to provide citizens with directions regarding re-opening, the City of Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department has announced that they will re-open their parks and amenities on May 3,…
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Several Richland County offices now open by appointment
March 18, 2021
As Richland County continues to work toward safely reopening County facilities, several offices have reopened to the public by appointment only. Residents can now sign up for in-person appointments with…
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Richland County providing $12.5M in emergency aid to renters
March 17, 2021
Richland County renters seeking relief from past due and unpaid rent and utilities could qualify for a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) that opens Monday, April 5. With the…
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Longtime Conservation Commission chair earns state’s highest honor
March 17, 2021Carol Kososki, a longtime chair of the Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC), has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. Kososki received the honor for…
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USDA increases funding limits for the Revolving Fund Program to help expand access to rural water and wastewater infrastructure
March 17, 2021
Columbia, S.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is increasing funding limits for loans financed under the Revolving Fund Program to support water and wastewater infrastructure projects…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: agriculture, government, on-the-move
Virtual meeting welcomes residents’ input on flood-prone properties
March 16, 2021
After answering questions about how they would transform nearby flood-prone properties, residents in the Timberlane Drive area will soon get a chance to ask questions of their own. In February,…
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Richland Library highlights local political milestones during Women’s History Month
March 16, 2021
To celebrate Women’s History Month, Richland Library is recognizing achievements that have shifted our civic landscape and examining their monumental impact on local government. Join us for Women in Politics:…
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More than 1 million file state tax returns electronically, filing deadline one month away
March 15, 2021
More than 1 million South Carolina returns have been filed electronically at the halfway point for the tax season. According to figures from the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR),…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
Get to Know New Richland County Councilmembers during Community Tele-Town Hall
March 14, 2021
Get to know your local leaders and see who’s representing you in Richland County. Richland Library is hosting a Community Tele-Town Hall at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 22. Hear from…
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State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announces addition of over 600,000 new properties to Unclaimed Property website
March 9, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced today that more than 600,000 new properties have been reported to the State’s Unclaimed Property Program, including over 3,500 $50 rebate checks that were issued…
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Gov. Henry McMaster names South Carolina’s first Chief Resilience Officer
March 9, 2021
SCDRO Director Ben Duncan to Lead S.C. Office of Resilience Governor Henry McMaster today named the director of South Carolina’s Disaster Recovery Office (SCDRO), Ben Duncan, as South Carolina’s first…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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: 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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