Joe Dunn, the Charles A. Dana professor of history and politics at Converse College, will speak at a free lecture at noon, Friday, December 1, at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, 301 Gervais Street. The program is open to the public, and is presented in connection with the museum’s sprawling, unique exhibit, “A War With No Front Lines: South Carolina and the Vietnam War, 1965-1973.” It is part of the museum’s regular Lunch and Learn series. At the entrance of that exhibit, it is noted that “Many South Carolinians had never heard of Vietnam before the war.” This is ..read more

The Richland County Council approved the following recommendations of the Rules and Appointments Committee during the November 14 special council meeting. Notification of Appointments •East Richland Public Service District—Lisa Kelly Stewart •Central Midlands Council of Governments— Clyde “Chuck” Fallaw III • Transportation Penny Advisory Committee— Algeron Williams, Kamal Shlon, and Shirley Robinson •Richland Memorial Hospital Board—Frances Ashe-Goins Notification of Vacancies •Accommodations Tax Committee—four vacancies •Building Codes Board of Appeals—eight vacancies •Business Service Cente ..read more

Columbia City Councilman Howard Duvall Photo by Josh Cruse A little over a month remains for Howard Duvall on Columbia City Council. Duvall has served as one of Columbia’s two at-large representatives since 2016. His journey to the Columbia City Council was an interesting one. Having already served over four decades in municipal government, either as an elected official in Cheraw or on the administrative side with the Municipal Association, getting involved in public service was nothing new for Duvall. That experience came in handy when former Mayor Steve Benjamin proposed to change the form ..read more

More than 10,000 trainees and soldiers at Fort Jackson will enjoy a Thanksgiving feast next week. Some will eat a day early on November 22 for either lunch or dinner depending on their training schedule. “One of the things we focus on in basic training is learning how to be a member of team,” said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly. “For many trainees, this is their first holiday experience away from home. They are not alone. They are now members of the Army Team. We want them to know that they are valued members of the Army Family.” The dining facilities start serving at 11 a.m ..read more

  Pawmetto Lifeline has launched a campaign encouraging residents to ask council members to vote in support of a mandatory microchipping and spay/neuter ordinance for cats and dogs over six months of age. The Midlands currently has the highest euthanasia rate in the state of South Carolina. “In 2023, there is no excuse for dogs and cats to be dying in our communities’ municipal shelters due to homelessness. We advocated for Managed Intake programs and our council members supported the implementation of this program. The purpose of Managed Intake is to help prevent our shelters from over ..read more

The Richland County Council met for a special called meeting November 14. All council members were present. The final, third reading vote of the “Ordinance approving the text amendment recommendations of the Richland County Planning Commission to the 2021 Land Development Code, which will regulate development in unincorporated areas of Richland County” was approved by majority vote. Chair Overture Walker asked for confirmation from Attorney Patrick Wright that there will be no moratorium on applications for zoning changes after the approval of the third reading of the text amendments of the La ..read more

The Richland County Council met Tuesday, November 7 with all council members present. A resolution recognizing the Richland County Public Works Department’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division was approved. The following proclamations were presented by council: a proclamation recognizing Keep the Midlands Beautiful and declaring November 15 as America Recycles Day in Richland County, a proclamation recognizing Family Court Month, and a proclamation recognizing Share Operations Care. Council Administrator Leonardo Brown recommended the county adopt the compensation plan presented by Evergreen ..read more

Kameisha Heppard, director of Homeless Services ( l ) , and former Rapid Shel ter Columbia resident Allen. Allen has now moved into permanent housing. City officials in Columbia aim to leave no one behind as they recently celebrated the first anniversary of Rapid Shelter Columbia with music, food, and a reunion of residents and community partners. When it launched a year ago, Rapid Shelter Columbia was the first community of its kind in the Southeast. The idea was simple. Give people the transitional shelter, support, and sense of security they need to recover and reset their lives. “At the ..read more

Tyler Bailey File photo Tyler Bailey is running for one of the two at-large seats on Columbia City Council. “I am running for Columbia City Council At-Large to be a voice for all the people of our great city,” Bailey said. “This entire city is my community; I won’t pick and choose who I represent. I’m ready to step up to lead our city into its next chapter by serving as a bridge builder who unites us, so we can collectively help Columbia realize the great promise it has for all its people. “Being from Columbia I’ve witnessed first-hand the encouraging signs of economic growth and business in ..read more

Jesse Bullard Courtesy of Jesse Bullard Jesse Bullard is running for one of the two Columbia City Council at-large seats. “My motivation to run for office comes directly from the deep commitment to the city of Columbia,” Bullard said. “I have immersed myself in the community by establishing small businesses, volunteering for local causes, and raising my family here. As a husband and father to two small children, my priority is ensuring that Columbia has safe streets, family-supporting jobs, and an environment where every resident truly feels their voice is heard. I am a true believer in the ..read more