County preps for another round of winter weather

Richland County continues gearing up for a second round of winter weather conditions forecasted for Saturday, Jan. 31, with effects possibly lasting into early next week. The County’s Solid Waste and Recycling facilities will be closed Saturday. County leaders will make decisions regarding any County office closures or delayed openings for Monday, Feb. 2 by 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1.

A winter storm watch in effect for the Midlands predicts 4 to 7 inches of snow Saturday, with sustained winds of 10-18 mph and with gusts of 20-25 mph early Saturday through noon Sunday. Temperatures are expected to fall into the mid-teens Sunday. These conditions could make travel hazardous. During inclement weather, residents are encouraged to avoid travel to keep roadways as clear as possible for emergency vehicles and first responders. To see what the County's Public Works Department is doing to treat local roads ahead of the storm, click the image above.

Follow the County’s website and social media accounts for updates, as well as SCDOT for guidance. For the latest weather and related updates, please monitor local, state and national outlets.

Local entities help celebrate life of Wheatley, legendary poet and library namesake

On Friday, Tnovsa Global Commons, a Columbia-based nonprofit, publicly recognized the U.S. Postal Service's issuing of a new stamp dedicated to the life of poet Phillis Wheatley. Fittingly, the recognition was held at Columbia's Richland Library Wheatley, which is named for the first author of African descent in the American Colonies to publish a book. County Councilman Derrek Pugh (District 2) and County Administrator Leonardo Brown were on hand to mark the occasion. Wheatley's stamp is No. 49 in the Postal Service's Black Heritage series and is available at post offices nationwide.

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

District 1 Town Hall tackles rezoning, Penny projects

Neighborhood Council's cold treats warm staff's hearts

Last Friday, the Richland County Neighborhood Council (RCNC) treated employees at the County Administration Building in Columbia to ice cream and cookies as a token of appreciation. The RCNC is composed of members of area neighborhood organizations who meet monthly to share relevant information and provide resources for the health and well-being of our communities.

County employee earns kudos for customer service

A staff member with the Richland County Assessor's Office was recently recognized for providing excellent customer service. A resident praised Terri Bennett for showing professionalism, dedication and attention to detail while on the job. In a complimentary letter, the resident called Bennett's work "a shining example of how one person's dedication can make a real difference." To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

• District 1
  Councilman Jason Branham / 803-542-0002
• District 2
  Councilman Derrek Pugh (Vice Chair) / 803-977-4339
• District 3
  Councilwoman Tyra Little / 803-422-0203
• District 4
  Councilman Paul Livingston / 803-765-1192
• District 5
  Councilperson Allison Terracio / 803-622-6029
• District 6
  Councilman Don Weaver / 803-995-3703
• District 7
  Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper / 803-977-4337
• District 8
  Councilwoman Tish Dozier Alleyne / 803-457-2597
• District 9
  Councilwoman Jesica Mackey (Chairwoman) / 803-977-4338
• District 10
  Councilwoman Cheryl English / 803-949-0770
• 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.