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Richland County, SC sent this bulletin at 02/27/2026 03:43 PM EST

February 27, 2026

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Heaping helpings of health: Library event cooks up heart-smart food to raise awareness

On Tuesday, Richland County partnered with Richland Library and the American Heart Association for “Chat and Chew," an event for American Heart Month, at Richland Library Northeast in Columbia. Residents enjoyed a live cooking demo by District 7 Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper and Chef Floyd Eugene Jeffcoat, and later received samples of heart-healthy bites to satisfy their appetites.

The program also included remarks by Evett Geter, CEO of Strength of a Woman by Ms. GG, as well as Councilwoman Cooper and Richland Library leaders, on the importance of eating heart-smart and raising awareness of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women.

Seed Sanctuary flowering again in time for spring

The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD)‘s Seed Sanctuary program is back and blooming, ready to help local gardeners as warmer weather beckons.

County residents can obtain up to four free packets of vegetable, herb and wildflower seeds at the County Administration Building (2020 Hampton St., Columbia) or Richland Library Eastover (608 Main St., Eastover). Residents can also request seeds by mail via Google form.

In recent years, RSWCD has partnered with the Richland County Master Gardener Association to distribute free seeds at Soda City Market on Saturdays in downtown Columbia. RSWCD staff will also distribute seeds via Pop-Up Seed Sanctuary appearances at upcoming community events. To request an appearance, email Chelsea Holliday.

Learn more about the Seed Sanctuary

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Groundbreaking set for Broad River Road upgrades

Richland County is set to break ground on the Broad River Road Widening project, a Transportation Penny initiative in Council District 1 to improve traffic flow, increase roadway capacity, and boost pedestrian safety.

This project will widen a two-lane stretch of Broad River Road to five lanes (four travel lanes and a center-turn lane) between Royal Tower Drive and Dutch Fork Road. Accommodations for pedestrians will include on-street sidewalks from Royal Tower Drive to North Woodrow Street, as well as bike lanes and intersection improvements.

Construction has begun and is expected to continue until 2029. Drivers should take extra care when traveling through the 3.2 mile-long construction area.

Video: Find out more about the project

County staff earn high praise for excellent service

Multiple Richland County staff were recently recognized for providing excellent customer service:

A resident commended Stewart Livingston of the County Assessor's Office for handling a complicated matter with professionalism.
Rochelle Johnson, of the County Treasurer's Office, was praised for providing a resident with a great experience overall.
Another resident complimented the Ombudsman's Office for excellent service and specifically commended Amber Solomon for being kind and diligent while helping with a service request.

To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Richland County Council Meeting

6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 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 2 Town Hall Meeting

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, Upper Richland Community Center, 280 Camp Ground Road, Columbia
County Councilman Derrek Pugh (District 2) and County staff invite residents to participate in community developments during this public town hall meeting.
More information

Voter Ambassador Program Training

5 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
This program aims to invite and train community members to serve as Voter Ambassadors who will host voter registration drives, educate others about elections, and empower their communities to vote.
More information

OSBO Workshop: Money Matters - Capital Infusion or Cashflow Confusion?

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
The County's Office of Small Business Opportunity will conduct this in-person workshop. Sign up to learn about and discuss an array of topics. Event includes guest speakers and a provided lunch.
More information

District 7 Annual Community Walk

9 a.m. Saturday, March 21, Crane Creek Park, 7405 Fairfield Road, Columbia
Join County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) and other leaders for this event, which emphasizes the benefits of physical fitness. Registration online is encouraged but not required.
More information

Find More 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.

View Council agendas, minutes and more

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Richland County South Carolina

2020 Hampton Street, P.O. Box 192, Columbia, SC 29201
Website | (803) 929-6000 | Contact Us

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