Popular law enforcement leader and former National Sheriff of the Year takes oath of office, again By W. Thomas Smith Jr. For the eighth-consecutive time since 1997, Leon Lawson Lott raised his right hand and was re-sworn as sheriff of Richland County, Tuesday morning, Jan. 7 at the Richland CountyContinue Reading
During its December 10 meeting, Richland County Council recognized Jayme Hill, a young kindness advocate and author of Good Manners, Good People. The council presented Jayme, a local first-grade student, with a special resolution honoring her work in promoting good manners and making etiquette fun for kids in the community.Continue Reading
Recently, volunteers from Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community and the University of South Carolina’s Student Nurses Association packed more than 3,000 seed packets for the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District’s (RSWCD) Seed Sanctuary program.RSWCD provides free vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds to Richland County residents to promote home gardening,Continue Reading
Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff Department’s model factors into international organization’s work By W. Thomas Smith Jr. In an effort to increase its Eastern European footprint in terms of combating transnational crime, CRIME STOPPERS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS (CSGS), the international arm of the many Crime Stoppers organizations here in the U.S.,Continue Reading
Many residents in Richland County are still dealing with fallen trees, branches, and yard debris left behind by Hurricane Helene. The County’s Public Works Department has been actively clearing roadways and is now working with curbside collection contractors to assist with storm debris removal. Curbside collection will follow the regularContinue Reading
As the new academic year begins, the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) is rolling out a series of engaging conservation education programs designed for local youth and educators. These initiatives provide valuable opportunities to explore environmental stewardship and contribute to conservation efforts. For more details or to applyContinue Reading
Richland County council members and staff recently took part in the S.C. Association of Counties Annual Conference held at Isle of Palms. The conference offered opportunities for in-depth interaction, strategizing, and both small and large-group learning sessions. During the event, Council members Gretchen D. Barron, Jesica Mackey, Yvonne McBride, andContinue Reading
Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization dedicated to advocating for abused and neglected children, recently benefited from a generous donation of school supplies through its back-to-school drive. These supplies will help ensure that the children CASA supports are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.Continue Reading
C.J. is currently in third place out of nearly 50 entries to become the new face of Bark Brew By W. Thomas Smith Jr. C.J. (aka Canine C.J.), the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s (RCSD) crisis intervention K-9, is competing for publicity and to raise funds for Palmetto Animal Assisted LifeContinue Reading
The Richland County Utilities Department has announced new sewer and water usage service rates, which include an increase for residential services. The updated rates are set to help fund essential operational and maintenance costs, as well as capital improvements to the Wastewater Treatment System. The new rate for residential serviceContinue Reading
Richland County, SC — Richland County Council approved the budget for fiscal year 2024-25 during its regular meeting on June 18. The budget, effective from July 1, was passed following three readings and a public hearing. Council Chair Jesica Mackey of District 9 emphasized the significant effort invested in theContinue Reading
Quinton Epps, the Richland County Conservation Division manager, received recognition for his dedicated service of 10 years to the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) during the recent S.C. Conservation Partnership Conference in Myrtle Beach. Lynn Pilewski, immediate past president of the S.C. Conservation District Employees Association, presented theContinue Reading
National security analyst briefs law enforcement leaders By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Kyle Shideler, director and senior analyst for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Security Policy, delivered a series of counterriot briefings to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at the department’s Denny Terrace Training Facility.Continue Reading
Richland County Government has awarded $150,000 to the Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (Mirci) through its Community Impact Grant. The award will strengthen MIRCI’s accredited behavioral healthcare services. Mirci serves those with serious and persistent mental illness, many of whom have experienced homelessness. It uses the evidence-based practice Assertive CommunityContinue Reading
Richland County Council has approved a revised version of the County’s Land Development Code (LDC) zoning map. The zoning map passed a third reading during the regularly scheduled Council meeting on October 3. Text amendments to the LDC passed a first reading. State law required Council to first adopt aContinue 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