The following are highlights from Richland County Government in December:

• Richland County unveiled a major, comprehensive plan called Richland Renaissance that will improve public services, relocate and consolidate department operations, spur economic development, prepare the County for future growth and development and help beautify and rejuvenate communities around the County.
   
• Staff from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District celebrated Arbor Day at a local elementary with an educational program and a special tree-planting ceremony.
   
• Councilmen Greg Pearce and Jim Manning received “Watershed Wonder” awards for their outstanding service and dedication to the Gills Creek Watershed and the association that manages and protects it.
   
• Richland County Administrator Gerald Seals participated in an open-question forum with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce during which he talked about Richland Renaissance.
   
• Councilman Jim Manning helped unveil a historical marker sponsored by the Richland County Conservation Commission that denotes the location of the first school to be part of Richland Two School District.
   
• Richland County EMS organized a “Stuff an Ambulance” charity drive and collected enough toys and food items to fill three ambulances.
   
• Richland County emergency planners held another “Flood Ready Seniors” event which educates senior citizens about the importance of emergency preparation.