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Richland County, SC sent this bulletin at 09/18/2026 04:44 PM EDT

September 18, 2026

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Dani Jennings Proclamation - Sept. 15, 2026

Wee Miss South Carolina celebrated in a big way

Dani Jennings, winner of the 2026 Wee Miss South Carolina title, was recognized with a proclamation at Tuesday’s Richland County Council meeting. Dani's recent achievements include being named Overall Cutest Baby Face by the Little Miss & Teen Miss South Carolina Pageant.

Dani has earned $3,500 in winnings and will travel the state this year representing the pageant and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.

Find out more: Little Miss SC Pageant

NEWS AROUND THE COUNTY

Administrator talks collaboration at Leadership SC forum

Last Friday, Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown participated in a panel discussion on county, city and university collaboration hosted by Leadership South Carolina at Columbia's Finlay Park.

Leaders from the City of Columbia and the University of South Carolina gathered to discuss how government and higher education partners can overcome challenges, work together effectively and ensure organizational decisions reflect the needs of their stakeholders.

Administrator Brown is a Leadership South Carolina Class of 2025 alumnus.

Leadership Columbia: Find out more

Apply for conservation education funding by Thursday

The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District has announced its conservation education programs for the 2026-27 school year, which include:

Conservation Education Mini-Grants
Youth Conservation Poster Contest
2027 S.C. Envirothon Incentives

The deadline to apply for Mini-Grants is Thursday, Sept. 24. Mini-Grants can provide up to $1,000 toward conservation-related student projects, including school gardens, outdoor classrooms, nature trails and more. To learn more about these programs, visit Richland County's Conservation page or email the Soil and Water Conservation District.

Video: Tips for staying Richland Ready before a disaster

Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed September as South Carolina Preparedness Month. Richland County considers emergency alerts essential for keeping residents safe during a disaster. A new video produced by the County's Public Information Office shows ways to stay updated about emergency situations.

Find out more on the S.C. Emergency Management Division's website.

Employees appreciated for providing valuable service

Richland County personnel were recently recognized for setting a high bar for remarkable service:

Tina Davis-Gooden, of the County's Zoning Division, was commended for providing outstanding customer service and an "amazing" experience overall.
A resident complimented Grace Thomas, Tiffanie Benson and Robb Aldrich, all of the County's Community Planning and Development Department, for providing "the most positive experience of any government office."

To recognize an employee for a job well done, call the Ombudsman: 803-929-6000.

UPCOMING EVENTS

County Council Meeting

6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 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

Hiring Event: Election Day Workers

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, Richland County Voter Registration & Elections, 300 Columbia Mall Blvd., Suite 210, Columbia
Richland County is looking for residents to serve as poll workers on Nov. 3. In-person and virtual onboarding sessions are available. Learn how you can contribute. (Also scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25)
More information

SPEED Training Event: Healthcare Awareness & Resources

6 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, County Administration Building (2nd-floor Council Chambers), 2020 Hampton St., Columbia
At this free, interactive workshop, featured speakers will discuss health resources and services available through their respective organizations.
More information

Neighborhood Annual Planning Conference

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, S.C. Department of Archives & History, 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia
Learn about neighborhood planning at more at this event hosted by Richland County's Neighborhood Improvement Program.
More information

THRIVE 10X: Small Business Trade Show & Forum

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia
At this high-energy event, entrepreneurs, small businesses, workforce partners, corporate partners, government agencies and more will come together to connect, inspire, collaborate and propel our economy forward.
More information

Find More 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.

View Council agendas, minutes and more

County Council Meetings - Sept. 21, 2026

Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center - Now Hiring

Richland County South Carolina

2020 Hampton Street, P.O. Box 192, Columbia, SC 29201
Website | (803) 929-6000 | Contact Us

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