New award will honor volunteerism

COLUMBIA — Almost 51 years after Howard B. Lang Jr. was mayor of Columbia, his legacy of public service remains unmatched in the community by those who remember him. Leo Hill, city manager during Lang’s term in office, donated $10,000 to establish an award that honors the former mayor’s contributions to the city and awards individuals with similar devotion to volunteering in Columbia. A five-person selection committee — composed of the current mayor, a past mayor, a city staff member, a member from New Century Fund Inc. and a citizen — will review nominations each year and award one individual with a plaque and $1,000.