The combined efforts of Richland County’s Emergency Services and Public Works departments helped to minimize the effect of snow and ice on roadways and ensure emergency officials could respond to residents amid a crisis.

Richland County Government offices re-opened Thursday as the area began to rebound from icy conditions as a result of Tuesday’s winter storm.

Norman Jackson, District 11, was elected Chair of Richland County Council for 2014 by his colleagues on Council at their first meeting of the year. Jackson met with the Richland County Public Information Office to discuss his priorities for the coming year.

At its first meeting of the year Tuesday, members of Richland County Council chose Norman Jackson to be Chair and Joyce Dickerson to serve as Vice Chair for 2014.

Curbside collection service changes to take effect by the first week of February for more than 16,000 affected households. New 95-gallon, lime green roll carts will replace 18-gallon red recycling bins the County previously used.