S.C. nursing homes can allow limited outdoor visitation

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities that meet new DHEC guidelines may soon allow limited outdoor visitation. Facilities must screen residents and staff for COVID-19 symptoms daily, among other criteria.

Agribusiness center to bring 1,547 jobs to Hampton County

The $314 million Agriculture Technology Campus cluster, a joint venture for growing and distributing local produce, is projected to have an annual economic impact of nearly $552 million. It is expected to be operational in 2022.

Drive-through job fair to be held Sept. 16

The job fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvest Hope Food Bank on Shop Road. Employers who would like to participate are asked to provide job information via email by Sept. 11. 

USC will work to increase aircraft production through grant 

The university's College of Engineering and Computing will work with research teams from Benedict College, Boise State University and the University of Southern Mississippi to increase production rates to aid urban air mobility.

Nonresidential construction sees July spending slump

An analysis of federal data found a decrease of 1.2% nationwide from June to July. While residential spending increased, commercial construction dropped by 3.2%. Among S.C. metro areas, Columbia gained 200 jobs in a 12-month period.

Richland County extends face mask ordinance

The county also said it will distribute about 67,000 disposable masks in the coming weeks. The ordinance, passed July 6, had been set to expire this week but was extended for another 61 days. West Columbia also extended its mask ordinance.

Columbia voted 'Coolest Up-and-Coming City' by Hemispheres magazine readers

The city took the title in the inaugural reader’s choice awards in Hemispheres, United Airlines’ in-flight magazine. It beat out finalists Asheville, N.C., Indianapolis, Ind., Louisville, Ky., and Boise, Idaho.The magazine notes Columbia's "blend of old-school charm and urban cool," highlighting the University of South Carolina's history and the growing Main Street district.