As we hope you’re aware, our inbox is always open for questions you may have about the city. However, contrary to popular belief, Editors Lauren and Jess don’t know everything there is to know about Columbia + surrounding local governments.
So, we’re here to tell you about a local resource that’s designed to help you better understand local government, get you more involved with your community, and help improve communications between Richland County and its residents.
Engage Richland is a year-round initiative that hosts events — community meetings, hands-on demonstrations, workshops, facility tours, and more — to better connect residents and the County. Event themes (and who events cater to) vary, so we recommend keeping an eye on upcoming topics.
Currently, there are two events on the Engage Richland calendar: • Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference | While this event is sold out, it will provide a learning opportunity to lawn care, grounds maintenance, and landscaping professionals. • Wild About Recycling Drop-off(open to Richland and Lexington County residents) | On Sat., Feb. 27, residents can bring electronics, paper for shredding, scrap metals, tires, and used cooking oils to Riverbanks Zoo for recycling from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Engage Richland calendar is frequently updated with new events, which you can keep an eye on here. You can also keep tabs on the Engage Richland initiative through Richland County’s Facebook page.
Have you been to an Engage Richland event in the past?
Coronavirus ○ Columbia City Councilwill vote on updating the face mask ordinance to include increasing fines for repeat offenders during the council meeting this afternoon. If approved, the fine for a first violation will remain $100, a second violation will increase to $200, and a third violation will increase to $500. (WLTX)
City ○ This evening at 6 p.m., Mayor Steve Benjaminwill host City of Columbia’s State of the City. The event will be virtual and the live stream will be available here.
UofSC ○ Steve Crump, a journalist and civil rights documentary film producer, and his wife have agreed to donate their collection of papers and films to the Center for Civil Rights History and Research and University of South Carolina Libraries. Some of the donated materials will be previewed during an event tonight at 6 p.m., which you can register for here. (WBTV)
Edu ○ Through a $5,000 environmental stewardship grant from Dominion Energy, Clear Dot Charter School has begun to grow coral that it later plans to plant along the state’s coastline. The coral is growing in a cold water South Carolina native reef tank, which is one of 16 fish tanks in the school. (WACH Fox)
Number ○ $50 million. The amount that Midlands Technical College has put towards building projects across its campuses since 2015. The improvements — including a learning resource center, a replacement engineering technology building, and more — are improving the school and helping to better prepare students for the workforce. (Post and Courier) ○ $24 million. The cost of the performing arts center currently in the works for Richland School District Two, which will go on the Richland Two Innovation Center campus. The 55,000 sqft site will seat 1,175 and is not expected to open for several years. (Post and Courier)
Apply ○ Those who are interested can now apply to be a part of the Leadership Columbia class of 2022. Approximately 60 professionals in the Columbia region will be selected to participate in the leadership development program, which spans 10 months. More information + applications can be found here.
Health ○ The South Carolina Hospital Association is currently hosting a state-wide phone bank to help residents enroll for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. The phone bank will be available on Mondays from noon to 7 p.m. through May 15 and can be reached at (803) 988-9007. (WIS)
TheBuy ○ Get cozy in these Ponto Shorts – because you’ll never want to take them off. Made with Vuori’s Dreamknit™️ fabric, the Ponto Short is a smooth-as-butter, lightweight short ft. stretchy material + a brushed elastic waistband. Read: Great for running, pilates, or Sunday chillin’. Get 20% off your first purchasehere. Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Sweet dreams do come true.Kaminsky’s announced the dessert cafe is now shipping its Tollhouse Pie, gluten-free Double Dare Chocolate Torte + Bourbon Pecan Pie. As an added bonus, shipping is free.
Drink ○ Guess the Beer Contest| Tues., Feb. 16 | 4-9 p.m. | Krafty Draft Brew Pub | Cost of purchase | Guess the right beers in a blind taste test + win prizes. 🍻
Learn ○ Virtual Renovation Rodeo: Elmwood Park| Tues., Feb. 16 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Hear from a panel of experts on problem solving in business. Please register in advance 💼
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
