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On Thursday, Richland County Councilwomen Tyra K. Little, Gretchen D. Cooper and Chakisse Newton played the role of Principal for a Day at local schools.
Councilwoman Little (District 3) got first-hand experience leading young learners at Bradley Elementary School, which also happens to be her childhood elementary school.
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At Arden Elementary, Councilwoman Cooper (District 7) enjoyed instruction and engagement with students and administration. Across town, Councilwoman Newton (District 11) got a crash course on the importance of hands-on learning as the principal for Caughman Road Elementary.
Richland School District One invites community members to shadow school principals annually for Principal for a Day, a community engagement initiative.
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This week, the Richland County Recreation Commission continued its "Give Thanks Giveaway Drive-Thru" series, distributing turkeys and holiday produce boxes around the County to those in need.
Last Saturday, County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey and Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne joined the County Sheriff's Department, Limitless Community Development and other community partners for a giveaway at North Springs Park in Columbia. And on Thursday, Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh and Councilman Paul Livingston helped load turkeys and fresh produce to residents at St. Andrews Park.in Columbia.
The final giveaway in the series will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Meadowlake Park in Columbia. Supplies are limited and offered first-come, first-served to the first 100 visitors.
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Festive weekend reintroduces a refreshed Finlay Park
The spirit of community was alive last weekend in downtown Columbia, as Richland County and City of Columbia leaders past and present celebrated Finlay Park's Grand Re-Opening. The ceremony featured live music, family activities and offerings from local food vendors.
The festive weekend included the Jam Room Music Festival and the Day Two Festival, with musical performances from artists Steve Ray Ladson, DIIV, White Denim, DJ Prince Ice, Master Splnta, the CB Jackson Singers and others.
By reintroducing Finlay Park, the city restored a crown jewel positioned as the epicenter of recreation, culture and community for residents of Columbia, Richland County and beyond.
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Apply for Historic Preservation, Natural Resource Grants
Grants worth up to $50,000 will soon be available for Richland County nonprofits and other groups seeking to protect and preserve the County’s rich land and historic places.
Starting Dec. 1, a variety of groups including nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, governmental agencies, commercial entities and other institutions can apply for Historic Preservation and Natural Resource Grants through the Richland County Conservation Commission. Both types of grants require a 20 percent match by the grantee.
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OSBO helps welcome new beauty clinic to Columbia
On Monday, staff with the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity and the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities welcomed a new beauty and wellness clinic to downtown Columbia.
New Vision Med Spa, led by Dr. Lorone Washington and Kristle Garrett, aims to offer innovative solutions for skin care and weight loss. The facility also offers LED light therapy, injectables and non-surgical enhancements, nutrition planning and wellness coaching, all aimed at helping clients live their best life. New Vision is at 1901 Blanding St., Suite A.
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Mini-Grants to boost local students' conservation projects
Students at six Richland County schools will experience hands-on environmental learning this school year, thanks to financial support from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD).
Each year, RSWCD administers Conservation Education Mini-Grants to support youth education initiatives. These projects help give students firsthand experience with conservation, sustainability, and natural resource stewardship.
Mini-Grant winners for the 2025-2026 school year are: Clear Dot Charter School, Dutch Fork Elementary School, John P. Thomas Elementary, School, North Springs Elementary School, St. Martin De Porres Catholic School and KOC Afterschool Program.
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Spread the joy: Drop off children's items through Dec. 4
Richland County EMS is accepting donations of toys, clothing and other items as part of "Stuff an Ambulance," a holiday tradition to benefit Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
To support the effort, drop off new, unwrapped donations at EMS headquarters, 1410 Laurens St., Columbia, during business hours through Thursday, Dec. 4. For more information, contact Capt. Adams or Lt. Griffin of EMS: 803-576-3409.
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County staff member earns kudos for helpful service
A staff member with the Richland County Assessor's Office was recently commended for providing excellent customer service.
A resident contacted the County Ombudsman to recognize Terri Bennett for being dedicated, professional and patient while explaining the property tax process.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Richland County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Meetings are streamed live on the County's YouTube and Facebook pages.
More information
Richland County Neighborhood Council Holiday Drop-In
5 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, County Administration Building (first-floor atrium), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
This annual event, hosted by Richland County's Neighborhood Improvement Program and the Richland County Neighborhood Council, is free and open to the public.
More information
Training Session: Neighborhood Enrichment Grants
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, County Administration Building (fourth-floor Conference Room), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Richland County's Neighborhood Improvement Program will host this discussion on guidelines and the application process for the Neighborhood Grant Enrichment Program.
More information
Inaugural First Responders Dodgeball Tournament
2 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia
Cheer on your favorite Richland County first responders as they battle for dodgeball supremacy, and drop off toys and other children's items for the annual "Stuff an Ambulance" toy drive benefiting local children.
More information
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RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL
Richland County Council conducts regular session meetings the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. All meetings are open to the public.
Councilmembers and contact info
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District 1
Councilman Jason Branham / 803-542-0002
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District 2
Councilman Derrek Pugh (Vice Chair) / 803-977-4339
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District 3
Councilwoman Tyra Little / 803-422-0203
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District 4
Councilman Paul Livingston / 803-765-1192
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District 5
Councilperson Allison Terracio / 803-622-6029
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District 6
Councilman Don Weaver / 803-995-3703
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District 7
Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper / 803-977-4337
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District 8
Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne / 803-457-2597
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District 9
Councilwoman Jesica Mackey (Chairwoman) / 803-977-4338
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District 10
Councilwoman Cheryl English / 803-949-0770
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District 11
Councilwoman Chakisse Newton / 803-973-9652
For Council-related matters, you may also email the Clerk of Council or call 803-576-2060.
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