The following are highlights from Richland County Government in November:


•    Decker Boulevard, the County’s “International Corridor,” was full of activity Nov. 8 as the first Decker Boulevard International Block Party was held, featuring music, local business vendors, food and activities that highlighted the area’s cultural diversity. The event also celebrated the unveiling of a mural painted by world-renown artist Karl Wilkes. The mural, painted on the back of the Staples building, was commissioned by Richland County.

•    The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) teamed up with the Richland County Public Information Office to create a series of short videos focusing on the many services and responsibilities of the RCSD. The videos feature deputies from a variety of RCSD divisions, including School Resource Officers, the Community Action Team and a K-9 Unit. They can be viewed here.

•    The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District awarded Conservation Education Mini-Grants to five Richland County schools. These mini-grants will provide up to $250 to support school-based conservation projects and provide environmental education opportunities for local students.

•    Through its commitment to support the growth and success of local small businesses, Richland County's Small Local Business program (SLBE) began accepting electronic applications. SLBE helps ensure small, local businesses have significant opportunities to compete for and work on Richland County projects.

•    Richland County Magistrate Judge Michael Davis was presented with a resolution – and a standing ovation – recognizing his 45 years of service during the Nov. 18 County Council meeting. First elected as Lykesland magistrate judge in 1970, Judge Davis is the longest-serving magistrate judge in the state.

•    Richland County held its first waste audit at the Richland County Administration Building in an effort to demonstrate how much waste tossed at the facility is actually recyclable. Volunteers picked through nearly 390 pounds of trash and sorted it into different categories of waste: recyclable, compostable and items for the landfill. The results of the waste audit will be used to help employees practice better recycling.