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 County offices closing to observe Good Friday
Richland County Government facilities will close for business Friday, April 3 to observe Good Friday. County Government offices will reopen for normal business Monday, April 6.
All County Solid Waste & Recycling facilities, including the C&D Landfill Drop-off Center, Lower Richland Drop-off Center and Clemson Road Recycling Site, will also be closed Friday and resume regular operations Saturday, April 4. Curbside trash and recycling collection are not affected by the holiday and will run as scheduled on Friday.
While offices are closed, access many services on the County's website, including those of the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor and more.
Last Friday, EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia invited families and community leaders to a grand opening and ribbon cutting for "Fossils to Futures," the facility's newest immersive experience. The exhibit uses larger-than-life dinosaur sculptures created from recycled and repurposed materials to simulate prehistoric encounters and environments.
Richland County Councilmembers Jesica Mackey (District 9), Derrek Pugh (District 2), Tyra Little (District 3) and Tish Dozier Alleyne (District 8) and County Administrator Leonardo Brown were among the local leaders on hand for the grand opening. Afterward, young explorers (and their parents) were able to discover the experience for the first time.
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 Heroic firefighters join forces, raise $50K for cancer charity
On Saturday, Columbia's annual Fire Truck Pull, organized by national nonprofit Curing Kids Cancer, raised roughly $50,000 toward research for pediatric cancers and cures. The Columbia-Richland Fire Department provided fire engines and staff for the event.
Twenty-seven teams competed in this year’s competition. Members of the Irmo Fire District took home the top prize for pull time, with "Irmo Fire Strongmen Pulling for Logan" pulling a fire engine down a stretch of road in 17.68 seconds.
All proceeds raised from the event will go to fund pediatric cancer research at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands.
Fiberglass tank maker Xerxes feels at home in Blythewood
Xerxes, a leading fuel storage company known for its fiberglass underground storage tanks, opened in Blythewood in 2024. Today, the largest of Xerxes’ six manufacturing locations in North America produces highly engineered tanks that support fuel stations, hospitals and other critical infrastructure – much of it beneath residents' feet.
As Northeast Richland asserts itself as a manufacturing hub, Xerxes has also benefited from a quality workforce in Blythewood, with 80 new jobs created at the facility. In a new video produced by the County's Public Information Office, learn more about Xerxes, hear from its staff, and understand why the company chose Blythewood as its expansion site.
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Apply for volunteer opportunities with County groups
Richland County offers the public opportunities to stay active in local government by serving on one of several volunteer boards, commissions and committees. Thirteen such County entities currently have vacancies.
To apply for an open position online, go to the County's website, County Council will accept applications for vacancies until 5 p.m. Friday, April 3. For more information, email the Richland County Clerk to Council’s Office or call 803-576-2060.
Richland County staff earn kudos for excellent service
Richland County staff were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service.
- A resident commended Vodray Hollis, of the County Treasurer's Office, for showing excellent customer service skills, work ethic and attention to detail in a recent interaction.
- A Richland County vendor commended Angela Weathersby, of the County's Information Technology Department, for her dedication and professionalism. In an email, the vendor said of Weathersby: "It's clear that she prioritizes efficiency and excellence in everything she touches."
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, April 14, 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
Early Voting for Town of Eastover General Election
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday, April 10, Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
The general election for the Town of Eastover is Tuesday, April 14. Contact the Town of Eastover with filing-related questions: 803-353-2281.
More information
Voter Ambassador Program Training
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
This program's purpose is to invite and train community members to serve as Voter Ambassadors, who can then host voter registration drives, educate others about the voter registration and election processes, and empower their communities.
More information
Public Hearing: Substantial Amendment
6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
The County proposes a Substantial Amendment to the 2020 Annual Action Plan to reallocate Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 funds from canceled projects. This public hearing will present the plan and provide opportunity for public comment.
More information
Free Drop-off Event: Richland Earth Day
8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 18, Columbia Place Mall, 7201 Two Notch Road, Columbia
Richland County residents can drop off household hazardous waste and paper for shredding.
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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