Compassionate care

At Tuesday’s County Council meeting, two groups were acknowledged for their dedication and service:

A resolution recognized the employees of Richland County Animal Services for their sacrifice in the name of animal welfare, and declared April 12-18 as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week.

Kindred Hearts South Carolina, a Columbia nonprofit, was honored with a resolution for its commitment to ensuring kinship caregivers receive the support needed for their children to thrive.

The recognition also names April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Bright Minds, Green Futures

Richland County Administration and staff with the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District participated in Friday's annual SC Envirothon at the Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia.

Envirothon is an outdoor competition in which teams of high school students work on solutions to real-world problems related to environmental science and natural resource management.

Winners receive statewide recognition and scholarships.

OSBO offers insight, advice for young entrepreneurs

The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) attended the Empowered to Win Leadership Summit, a program of Empowered To Win Leadership, a County-certified Small Local Business Enterprise, at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School in West Columbia. OSBO informed attendees of the array of services available to small businesses and offered advice and insight for young men and women interested in entrepreneurship. The summit prepares students receiving their GED with the skills and tools to excel in life, leadership and their career, allowing them to engage with fellow students, colleges and organizations for empowerment and growth.

Meaningful strides against child abuse

On Saturday, a 5K Color Run brought together students, community members and County employees for a morning of meaningful strides in the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect. Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the University of South Carolina’s Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity organized the event at the State Fairgrounds. With proceeds benefiting CASA and Kappa Alpha Theta’s Theta Foundation, the Color Run provided resources to help young women realize their potential while also advancing CASA’s vital work.

Civic engagement in action

Last week at its new headquarters, the County’s Voter Registration and Elections Office trained residents with an interest in elections as voter ambassadors. Instruction focused on the duties of a voter ambassador, including hosting voter registration drives, teaching residents about the election process, and promoting civic engagement.

With the state primary and statewide general election later this year, Richland County is actively using public engagement events to encourage residents to play a role in the political process.

WWII veteran earns France's highest military, civil honor

On Thursday, April 9, World War II veteran Staff Sgt. Bruce Cook, 100, was bestowed the Legion of Honor, France’s highest military and civil order of merit, in a ceremony at the County's Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport.

Cook received the medal for his brave efforts during the war. Cook flew 35 missions on the B-17 “Flying Fortress” as part of the 379th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. He served as a gunner, responsible for protecting European allies from the skies. Cook received the award from Anne-Laure Desjonqueres, French consul general.

Richland County staff earn kudos for excellent service

Richland County employees were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service. A resident commended Sierra Greene, of Richland County Utilities, for being helpful and pleasant during their recent interaction. A resident who was involved in an accident recognized two Richland County EMS team members for their invaluable response at the scene. Referring to Kennedy Cravens, the paramedic crew leader, and EMT Travis Bell, the resident said: "I can't tell you enough how much their services meant to me." 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.