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  County's Ag + Art Tour finds fertile ground in local farms and gardens, artisans' work
Last weekend, the Richland County portion of the state's Ag + Art Tour highlighted sights, smells and sounds of agrarian activity. From beginner gardening tutorials and sweetgrass basket making, to milling demonstrations and fresh produce, the weekend-long event led tour-goers on an adventure in agriculture.
For this year's tour, more than a dozen local sites featured local farms and gardens. Since 2012, the statewide Ag + Art Tour has enabled residents and visitors alike to explore farms and markets, buy local artisans' crafts, hear musicians' tunes and learn about agricultural practices where they live.
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Rezoning town hall offers forum for feedback
Wednesday’s District 7 Town Hall, hosted by County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper, engaged residents on local development, covering proposed rezoning requests. Local developers discussed potential changes to zoning for properties on North Hask Jacobs and Killian roads.
Residents could ask questions, voice concerns and gain insight into community growth at the meeting, which included remarks from County Administrator Leonardo Brown and contributions from County Planning staff.
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 29 CRFD firefighters honored at spring promotional event
On Wednesday night, the Columbia-Richland Fire Department honored 29 members who recently earned promotions to new ranks of leadership. In all, six senior firefighters, 11 engineers, eight fire captains and two new battalion chiefs were recognized, along with a new training officer and a senior deputy fire marshal promoted earlier this year. Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins presented badges to many of the honorees as their family and friends looked on.
“Tonight’s ceremony was a true testament to the dedication that all of these firefighters have shown to furthering their skills, growing in their leadership abilities and serving our citizens," Jenkins said. "I am excited for all of them as they take these next steps in their fire service careers.”
Groundbreaking for Ballentine Fire Station set for Monday
Richland County invites community members and other local stakeholders to a groundbreaking for the County’s new Ballentine Fire Station at 10 a.m. Monday, June 15.
Located at 11809 Broad River Road, Chapin, the Ballentine Fire Station will enhance the Columbia-Richland Fire Department’s ability to provide timely emergency response, improve public safety and support continued growth in the County's northwest. Monday’s groundbreaking is part of County efforts to improve emergency preparedness, make service delivery more effective, and expand resources for firefighters.
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County seeking community input on Annual Action Plan
Richland County Community Development seeks feedback on the use of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for community improvement, public services and affordable housing for fiscal year 2026.
Community Development will present the County’s fiscal year 2026 Annual Action Plan at two public hearings at noon and 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 in second-floor Council Chambers at 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. Those attending the hearings can give feedback in person. You can also submit comments for the public hearings via email.
The public comment period runs through July 10.
SC Philharmonic, nonprofit encourage change through art
On Wednesday, County Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) attended a musical program at Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution in Columbia.
The S.C. Philharmonic brings interactive concerts to the women's prison through a partnership with Arts Capacity, a Richland County-supported nonprofit, encouraging positive change and holistic development through art and music.
This season, S.C. Philharmonic artists have collaborated with the prison's choir and dance team to create and share original work through live performances, enriching the lives of more than 400 incarcerated women.
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Senior accountant makes SC BIZ's list of impactful women
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SC BIZ, an online magazine, recently selected Keisha Bell, a senior accountant with the Richland County Auditor's Office, as a Top 100 Women honoree for 2026. This recognition highlights high-achieving women statewide who are making an impact through their leadership, community service, and mentorship.
In her feature in the magazine, Bell said her most significant professional accomplishment has been leading major financial and operational improvements within the Auditor's Office, helping the County be more efficient, accurate and transparent.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
County Council Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 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
Neighborhood Block Party
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center, 8620 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins
Celebrate all that our local neighborhoods have accomplished in the past year at this annual event. Enjoy free food, games and music. Local organizations and nonprofits will be on hand to offer resources to residents.
More information
Public Hearings: Draft 2026 Annual Action Plan
Noon and 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
At two separate hearings, Richland County will present its FY 2026 Annual Action Plan. A public comment period for the plan runs through July 10.
More information
Blood Drive with the American Red Cross
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, July 16, County Administration Building (4th-floor Conference Room), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
Help save a life by scheduling a time to donate blood with the County. To make an appointment, just visit the Red Cross online and use sponsor code: RichlandCounty.
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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