With the adoption of a new fireworks ordinance, Richland County Council is introducing major changes to the county’s fireworks laws. County council passed the ordinance March 7 with residents and businesses in mind, aiming to prevent negligence and mitigate loss or injury from the use of fireworks. With the updatedContinue Reading

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department’s (CRFD) 10th annual Firetruck Pull helped the effort to end childhood cancers. More than $26,000 was raised at the April 1 event, as 21 teams of competitors tried their luck pulling CRFD fire engines. All proceeds will go to support Curing Kids Cancer and its ongoingContinue Reading

Record-setting $2 billion investment has the potential to create 4,000 or more permanent jobs The Richland County Economic Development Office is pleased to announce that  (“Scout”), makers of the next-generation of all-electric trucks and rugged SUVs, has decided to establish its manufacturing operations in Blythewood. The company’s planned $2 billionContinue Reading

County representatives recently attended a kickoff event for Lights at Riverbanks Zoo. The group included Councilmembers Cheryl English, Jesica Mackey, Chakisse Newton and Gretchen Barron, County Administrator Leonardo Brown, Assistant Administrators John Thompson and Aric Jensen, County Attorney Patrick Wright, Clerk to Council Anette Kirylo, and their families. This isContinue Reading

Richland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is once again encouraging residents to help Stuff an Ambulance for children in need. Beginning this Monday, November 21, residents can donate toys, clothing and other items as part of the holiday tradition benefiting Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA is aContinue Reading

Thanks to a grant from the Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC), volunteers with a local organization recently finished replacing four aging bridges along Harbison State Forest’s extensive trail system. The RCCC provides Natural Resource Grants of up to $20,000 for neighborhood groups, organizations and agencies to protect natural resources, improveContinue Reading

Richland County has a history of using drone technology for mapping and emergency planning, but now staff are taking the technology to new fields – literally. The county’s Geographic Information Systems division (GIS) and pilot Ben Jones are partnering with the county’s Conservation Division to fly small, unmanned aerial devicesContinue Reading

Camp Cole recently completed its Pollinator Plantation Project with support from a Conservation Education Mini-Grant from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District. Camp Cole, an accessible, inclusive camp and retreat center for children, teens and adults facing illnesses, disabilities and life challenges, was named Richland County Government and CommunityContinue Reading