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On Thursday morning, Richland County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Gadsden to mark the completion of paving on Jackson Road and Nathan Ridge Lane, both Transportation Penny projects in District 10.
The two roads are part of the penny’s Dirt Road Package "O," which includes $1.3 million in infrastructure upgrades such as paved travel lanes, roadside ditches and improved drainage. The package also included the paving of Howard Coogler and Sara Matthews roads in District 1.
Keep up with Transportation Penny projects at our website, RichlandPenny.com.
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On Wednesday, a historical marker was unveiled during a ceremony at Palmetto Cemetery in Columbia. This historic African American vernacular cemetery at 5105 Fairfield Road served as the final resting place for many Black people following the end of Reconstruction and during the Jim Crow era.
John McKenzie, conservation program analyst with the County's Conservation Division, and County Conservation Commissioner James Young attended the unveiling. Cory France, a cultural strategist and historian, spoke on the cemetery's significance as a snapshot of the distinct funerary and burial practices of Columbia’s Black community throughout history.
The historical marker was made possible through support of the Conservation Commission and the S.C. Department of Archives and History.
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Councilwoman, Ombudsman graduate from County Coroner's Ambassador Program
On Monday, Richland County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) and County Ombudsman Judy Carter graduated from the County Coroner’s Office's Ambassador Program at a ceremony in Northeast Columbia.
The Ambassador Program acts as an initiative to educate County leaders on the critical services of the Coroner’s Office, including conducting death investigations, informing the public on avoiding possible deadly hazards, and providing care to family and friends mourning the loss of a loved one. As ambassadors, Councilwoman Cooper and Carter will serve as advocates for the Coroner's Office, increasing awareness of its programs and services and strengthening ties between the office, local organizations and the broader community.
Council Hosts Reception for School Districts
On Wednesday night, Richland County Council hosted a legislative reception for leaders of the County’s school districts, including Richland School Districts One and Two, as well as School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties.
The event at the Palmetto Club in downtown Columbia gave County leadership the chance to engage with state and local officials, showcasing Richland County's support for local educators and recognizing their commitment to education in our community.
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Council honors longtime Public Defender's staff member
During its meeting Tuesday, Richland County Council presented Margie B. Salmon with a resolution honoring her remarkable tenure of more than 50 years with the County Public Defender’s Office.
Having held a range of positions, including legal secretary, executive assistant, chief of staff and manager of office administration, Salmon is known for performing her duties with exceptional professionalism and expertise, contributing to the growth of the Public Defender’s Office and earning the respect of attorneys and staff.
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Charting the Course for Leadership
On Wednesday, Richland County employees attended the annual Leadership Summit, a day of in-service training and education focused on leadership and exploring ways to achieve service excellence. Guest speakers Charles Weathers, leadership coach and founder of The Weathers Group, and David Bennett, former athletics director for Lexington County School District One, shared advice on fostering leadership.
County leaders enjoyed a panel discussion featuring Bennett, Synithia Williams, the County's director of Community Planning and Development, and Robert Benfield, director of insurance services with the SC Association of Counties. The speakers discussed applying the qualities highlighted on the County’s challenge coin (servant leadership, integrity, empathy, governance, humility and transparency) to various workplace scenarios.
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County employees 'Jingle & Mingle' at NIP's drop-in
On Tuesday, the Richland County Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) and Neighborhood Council hosted their annual "Jingle & Mingle" holiday drop-in at the County Administration Building in Columbia.
Featuring food, fellowship and music, the event was the perfect occasion for County leadership, Neighborhood Council members and staff to get into the holiday spirit and better understand the impact of NIP’s work in our surrounding communities.
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Blythewood parade: Local leaders show holiday spirit
 County Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh (District 2) and Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper joined state Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine, Town of Blythewood officials and others Sunday for Blythewood's 29th annual Christmas Parade.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Richland County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 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
District 7 Holiday Basketball Classic, Presented by Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper
2 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Road, Columbia
Get ready for an exciting day of youth basketball at the Richland County District 7 Holiday Basketball Classic, hosted by Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper.
More information
Training Session: Neighborhood Enrichment Grants
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, County Administration Building (4th-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
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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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