|
  Meet me at Melrose: Eclectic eatery opens doors
On Wednesday, Melrose Market marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting in downtown Columbia’s historic Melrose Heights neighborhood. The all-in-one restaurant and bar serves eclectic foods and fresh cocktails while also featuring a retail market with local finds.
County Councilperson Allison Terracio (District 5) attended the event, which featured remarks from Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, the city’s Office of Economic Development, and Chad Elsey, owner and managing partner of Melrose Market.
Richland County welcomes this one-of-a-kind restaurant to 2710 Gervais St., Suite 300.
|
Council's Pugh named I-77 Alliance's board chair
 |
|
Richland County commends Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh (District 2) on his appointment to the position of chairman of the board of directors for the South Carolina I-77 Alliance.
The alliance markets the corridor stretching from the Midlands to the Charlotte metro area, aiming to produce leads that stimulate area workforces and encourage long-term economic growth for Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Richland and York counties.
|
|
|
County staff gain tools for managing difficult interactions
On Thursday, Richland County Human Resources hosted a de-escalation training workshop on workplace safety for County staff in Columbia featuring Cliff Miller, risk manager with the S.C. Association of Counties.
Miller provided tools and strategies to navigate challenging interactions in the workplace and help staff stay calm, communicate clearly and safely neutralize tense situations.
|
Councilwoman Cooper engages youth as featured speaker
On Tuesday, Councilwoman Gretchen D. Cooper (District 7) was a featured speaker for Columbia Housing’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Councilwoman Cooper discussed her journey to becoming a public servant and advised young people to help inspire them to greatness.
Over four weeks, the Summer Youth Employment Program engages local youth whose families benefit from Columbia Housing’s affordable-housing programs. Participants gain experience handling adult responsibilities, with sessions emphasizing financial literacy, career exploration, local civics and cultural enrichment.
|
Employees earn kudos for valuable service to residents
Staff with the Richland County Assessor's Office were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service:
- A resident contacted the County Ombudsman to commend Alicia Ortiz. The resident said Ortiz was kind, patient and phenomenal in helping them work through their concerns about a real estate property notice.
- A second resident recognized Mia Martin. The resident said Martin provided a calm voice while helping them file for a legal residence exemption.
- A third resident recognized LaRonda Blocker for good customer service. The resident wrote to thank Blocker for her professionalism and kindness in explaining a property tax concern.
To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
County Council Special Called Meeting
6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 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
Richland County Local Work Group Meeting
9 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, Midlands Technical College Northeast, Center for Excellence in Technology, Room 109, 151 Powell Road, Columbia
Join the USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District to give feedback on FY2027 Farm Bill programs.
More information
Early Voting: US Senate Special Republican Primary
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 5-7, various locations
This is the special primary for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in the 2026 General Election. The filing period for this primary closes at noon Tuesday, July 28.
More information
Voter Ambassador Program Training
3 p.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, Richland County Voter Registration & Elections, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Columbia
This program aims to invite and train community members to serve as Voter Ambassadors who can then host voter registration drives, educate others on the voter registration and election processes, and empower their communities.More information
More information
Office of Small Business Opportunity's THRIVE 10X Tradeshow
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, Columbia Metropolitan Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia
The County's Office of Small Business Opportunity is organizing this event. Registration information and more details are forthcoming.
More information
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
