Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Wednesday, August 24, 2011  First-term Columbia Councilwoman Belinda Gergel announced Wednesday she plans to leave office when her term expires in June. Her departure means two of six seats on the council are open next year. What, if any, change in direction would you like to see from the new council members?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011  Columbia City Council candidate Cameron Runyan received a major endorsement for his campaign Wednesday morning.  Mayor Steve Benjamin announced his support for Runyan, who is running for the at-large council seat being vacated by Daniel Rickenmann at the end of his term.

Thursday, July 14, 2011  Columbia businessman Cameron Runyan is running for the Columbia City Council seat being vacated by Daniel Rickenmann, who announced this week he is not seeking reelection in April 2012. Runyon, 34, lost to Rickenmann in the 2008 race picking up 42 percent of the vote to Rickenmann's 54 percent.

Monday, July 11, 2011  Columbia city councilman Daniel Rickenmann says he will not be running for reelection in 2012.  Rickenmann called a press conference Tuesday afternoon to make the announcement at city hall.  The At-Large councilman has served on the council since being elected in 2004.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010  Columbia's city council is integrating social media into a holiday party.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010  Columbia city council shot down a proposal Wednesday that would have contracted Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott to manage the Columbia police department.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010  Columbia City Council members plan to bring an idea to the Richland County Council that would consolidate the two police forces.

Thursday, February 04, 2010  Multiple city officials declined to discuss surveillance video Thursday that appears to contradict an incident report filed by three Columbia police officers.

Monday, November 02, 2009  Organizers say the homeless shelter will not only provide housing, but food and other services that will help those in need, eventually beat homelessness.    .

Wednesday, September 30, 2009  The review questions hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009  City officials are stepping in to determine if a possible code of ethics, may have also been violated.