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  Scout gets training center rolling in Blythewood
On Monday, County Councilmembers and staff attended the grand opening of electric vehicle manufacturer Scout Motors’ new training center in Blythewood. Luminaries including Gov. Henry McMaster, Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh, S.C. Technical College System President Dr. Tim Hardee and U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson spoke about the new facility's potential to impact the state’s workforce and economy.
The training center aims to prepare workers for manufacturing careers through upskilling and continuing education, while supporting Scout’s long-term hiring and growth, and was made possible by a partnership between Scout and workforce training program readySC.
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Council honors stars of the garden, hardwood
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At Tuesday’s County Council meeting, Councilmembers presented two honors recognizing commitment and dedication:
• The Richland School District Two Ridge View High School Boys Basketball Team, Arby’s Classic title-holders, received a proclamation celebrating their third straight Class 5A Division I state championship.
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• J. Kenneth “Kenny” Mullis Jr. was presented with a resolution recognizing him for earning the National Conservation Planning Partnership’s 2025 Hugh Hammond Bennett Southeast Regional Producer Award. This award commemorates Mullis' outstanding work in developing and implementing effective conservation practices. |
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 County celebrates 100+ nations at International Festival
Last weekend, the Columbia International Festival welcomed County and state food vendors, artisans and organizations to the State Fairgrounds in Columbia to showcase the unique attributes of more than 100 countries.
The annual event featured remarks by County Councilmen Jason Branham (District 1), Paul Livingston (District 4) and Don Weaver (District 6). As a Richland County Hospitality and Accommodations Tax Grant recipient, the International Festival draws residents from around the state, helping generate revenue from overnight travel and tourism to support local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
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Korn Ferry Tour's golfers almost ready to tee off in Elgin
On Wednesday, local leaders, including County Council Chair Jesica Mackey, participated in a media day for the upcoming Colonial Life Charity Classic. The May 14-17 tournament at the Woodcreek Club in Elgin is one of the latest additions to the Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental league for golf's PGA Tour.
Mackey was on a panel of guests that also included Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, Colonial Life President and CEO Tim Arnold, and Korn Ferry Tour golfers Bryson Nimmer and Ian Holt. The Colonial Life Charity Classic will be the Midlands' first Korn Ferry Tour event and is expected to bring increased hospitality, tourism and economic development opportunities to Richland County and the Columbia area.
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'Coffee and Conversation' highlights CASA's mission
On Wednesday, Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) held its flagship fundraiser, “Coffee and Conversation,” at the Palmetto Club in downtown Columbia. The gala featured a discussion on how residents, nonprofits and government agencies can collaborate to improve the well-being of mistreated children in our community.
Nate Barber, a former CASA guardian ad litem, gave remarks and received a plaque honoring his years of safeguarding the needs of abused and neglected children in the County. Volunteer advocates, child welfare and legal professionals. and leaders, including County Treasurer Kendra L. Dove and S.C. Comptroller General Brian Gaines, were also on hand.
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Day of service features cleanup, conversation on civics
Last Saturday, the Gamma Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. hosted Community Day at Arden Elementary School in Columbia. The day of service, learning and engagement with residents included:
- an Adopt-a-Street Clean-Up to beautify the community
- a conversation on upcoming elections and civic engagement featuring Travis Alexander, director of the Richland County Voter Registration and Elections Office
- local vendors and giveaways
In her opening remarks at the event, Richland County Councilwoman Tyra K. Little (District 3) spoke on the importance of partnership and collaboration to benefit the community.
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 Students get insights on community from County staff
Last week, Richland County staff served as panelists for the Decker Revitalization Challenge, a project led by students in a Fundamentals of Business, Marketing and Finance class at Columbia’s Richland Northeast High School.
As part of the project, students worked in teams to research the history of closed restaurants along Decker Boulevard and identify factors that lead to businesses’ failure and subsequent closure. Timary Harris, program coordinator for the County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity, and Synithia Williams, director of Community Planning and Development, answered students’ questions on best approaches for community revitalization while offering insights from their experience working for County government.
Richland County personnel lauded for excellent service
Richland County employees were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service.
- A resident commended Sade McCloud, of the Richland County Assessor's Office, for being knowledgeable, patient and professional during a recent interaction.
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Paola Tobon, of the County's Stormwater Division, was commended for going the extra mile to help a resident manage concerns with a retention pond.
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, May 5, 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 Statewide Democratic and Republican Primaries
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. May 26-June 5, sites to be determined
The last day to register to vote in the primaries is May 8 (in-office), May 10 (online), and May 11 (through mail).
More information
Public Information Meeting: Transportation Upgrades on Polo Road
5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia
This drop-in style meeting will feature a general discussion of overall project updates on Polo Road. Residents can attend at their convenience, discuss concerns related to the project with County staff, and provide comments.
More information
Probate Court Workshop
1 p.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, Judicial Center, 1701 Main St., Columbia
Richland County Probate Court offers workshops to assist attorneys, paralegals and the general public on the procedures of probate court. Upon completing the workshop, representatives will be familiar with the forms and the process.
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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