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News From KC Council By: Councilman Derek Shoemake
Letter Submissions It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate. Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, culture, or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal attacks. The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information. Only letters written exclusively to the newspaper will be published. Letters to a third party or those written to more than one newspaper are not accepted. Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand and, rather than mentioning the writer by name, should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Discourse should be civil and people should be referred to in a respectful manner. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication. All letters must be signed and include the writer's street address or route address telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only. We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:
Here's a seemingly simple question: Who is responsible for Kershaw County’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations (which govern everything from infrastructure to housing developments)? The answer might be surprising: You are. Of course, the County’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals handle numerous zoning related issues, and County Council ultimately approves any comprehensive plan or changes to the zoning & land development regulations, known as the ZLDR. However, this County belongs to its people, and its people get to decide how this County grows and changes. Now is the time to make those voices heard, as the County is in the process of rewriting both the comprehensive plan and ZLDR. In fact, last Tuesday the County hosted a public workshop to discuss these issues. Those that attended offered numerous thoughts on how the County should approach residential growth, schools, fire, police, and infrastructure. While it was a productive workshop, it was a bit disappointing to see that in a county of about 68,000 people, only about 30 residents showed up. However, there is still a lot that folks can do to ensure the comprehensive plan and ZLDR reflect the wishes of the people in Kershaw County. First, it helps to understand what these two documents are. A comprehensive plan, which state law requires every ten years, is basically the County’s blueprint for the future. It creates policies that drive future growth and development. This is also a critical document whenever the County applies for grants to assist with major projects. The ZLDR contains the actual regulations that govern the County in accordance with the comprehensive plan. This includes rules related to new construction, existing development, businesses, transportation, and a host of other topics. Second, it is critical that everyone fills out a survey that will directly guide these documents. The survey can be accesses online by visiting https://hla.fyi/Kershaw, scrolling down, and clicking on the link under Online Questionnaire. This survey does not take long. It contains questions about growth and development, and it allows folks to enter their own comments. Only 400-plus residents have filled out a survey so far. Third, attend any community meetings. When these meetings are scheduled, they are sent out in press releases to the media, sent to various email lists, placed on Kershaw County’s Facebook page, listed on https://hla.fyi/Kershaw, and I post about them on my Facebook page. The future of this County is in your hands, but only if you speak up. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please text or call me at 803-427-4929, email me at derek.shoemake@kershaw.sc.gov, or visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/councilmanshoemake (where I also share updates on County business).
Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
The Elgin News builds community and brings people together by informing everyone about local businesses, services, schools organizations, government, activities, events and other information useful for becoming involved. It helps those who live and work in Elgin to get to know each other as people and to become friends. The Elgin News accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or articles. Advertisements and articles are accepted with the full responsibility of the advertiser for worth and accuracy. Readers who wish to comment or have concerns regarding advertisements contained herein are urged to phone the Elgin News at (803) 513-5108 or (803) 466-4604. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation. Rates are net - discount agreements must be reflected on the publication order. Invoices due on receipt. Tearsheets and proofs available upon request. Advertising setup, changes and publication verification are provided at no charge. 15% agency comm. is 30-days firm. Photography charges negotiable. By-line articles are the property of the contributor and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com October 6, 2023
From The Chief 's Desk Elgin Police Department Job Opening
POLICE OFFICER-PATROL DUTIES We have an Officer retiring, this opens a position for Patrol. Starting Salary $46,500 to $49,500 depending on experience. Chief Alan Anders Must be Class 1 certified through SCCJA. Pass drug test, valid SC license (10 year driver's history). We offer a take home car, and benefits including life insurance, health insurance and retirement. Apply in person at Elgin Town Hall, email for application at anders@elginpolice.org or by scanning the QR code.
Elgin Police Department Incident Reports
Larceny, Lumber: On 09-25-2023, Victim, who is building a house on Watson St. in the Town Limits of Elgin recently put up cameras due to several recent thefts. Victim called Chief Anders and said his cameras went off at Watson St. address, and it showed a silver 4X4 Ford F150 pick up truck with two Hispanic men putting lumber in the back of it. All EPD officers went to that location, arriving within seven minutes, but the subjects where gone. Victim sent Chief the photos of the vehicle. EPD is checking the area with no results. Victim will notify EPD with how much lumber was taken. After receiving photos from the game cameras on the construction site. We were able to locate the vehicle with FLOCK cameras. Flock picked up the vehicle in Camden on Hwy 1 and Hasty Rd. Tag showed came back to aRocky Branch Ln. address in Elgin. Chief Anders, Inv. Threatt and Cpl. DeLong made contact with the Subjects. The truck and the missing lumber in the back yard. They were building a structure with the lumber. Victim was notified of the arrest. Ptl. Bailey arrived, arrested and transported both Subjects to KCDC, charged with Petit Larceny. Both were trespassed from the property on Watson St. I counted 14, 2X6X12 boards valued at $560, per the Victim. The boards were all cut or nailed, except for 3 boards that were still in the bed of the 2010 Ford F150. Assisting Another Agency: On 09/24/2023, I
October 6, 2023
Cpl. Delong was advised by dispatch that there was a car on Whitepond Rd. near the town limits with a female slumped over at the wheel. I responded to check Whitepond Rd. and Town Limits were clear. I then located a white sedan about a half mile outside of town pulled off the road about twenty feet. Myself and Engine 13 (KCFS) arrived and yelled to the female in the car and she responded. The female driver stated she pulled off waiting to hear from her father that she was supposed to meet somewhere on Whitepond Rd. to look at some property in the area and fell asleep while waiting. The female driver did not seem impaired in anyway and answered all questions asked by Firefighters. All units cleared the scene. Family Offenses/Verbal Argument: On 09/20/2023, Cpl. Delong was flagged down by the complainant at Main St. address in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to an argument between him and his adult son, Subject. Complainant and Subject were riding together in Complainant's truck when the two began to argue. Complainant stated that he wanted his son out of the truck but his son refused. I spoke with both parties and Subject agreed to get out of Complainant's truck and allow my to give him a ride to his residence on Frasier Fur Ln. just outside of town. Larceny, Used Cooking Oil: On 09-23-2023, Officer observed a white box truck pulling in behind Mi Casa Latina in the Town Limits of Elgin
displaying a SC tag. When Officer drove around the building and saw a Juvenile starting to unload a green hose from the back of the truck. Officer made contact with the Juvenile and the Subject/ Driver at the back of the truck. The Driver could not speak English, he only spoke Mandarin but handed Officer his California driver license. The Juvenile could speak English and translated for him. Officer asked what company they worked for to pick up the used cooking oil. The Juvenile stated that they pick up used oil for his father who owns a restaurant on Parklane Rd. in Richland County but he does not have a company name. Officer asked who requested them to come pick up the oil and they stated no one asked them to come get it or gave them permission to take the used oil. Subjects stated that they just figured the restaurant did not want the oil anymore. Officer has video from my body camera of the truck and the inside of the back of the truck where there were six big plastic totes and a pump to take the used oil out of the storage bin behind the restaurant. Officer placed Subject under arrest for Larceny and transported him to KCDC. The Juvenile was picked up by an adult. The vehicle was towed by Eddie Roberts. There have been several reports filed for theft of used cooking oil in the past few months of unknown subjects going to restaurants during the night in Kershaw and Richland Counties.
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Meet Miss Camden Teen, Madison Knoerr
at the Township Auditorium at 5:45 pm. At 6:30, they had to be dressed in their opening number outfits ready to compete. Each contestant performed Crowned Miss Camden Teen July 30, 2022, a different part of the competition for that night and at the end of the eveMadison Knoerr began a busy year of service ning they returned to the stage wearing long white gowns to hear the award and involvement in community and school announcements. activities preparing to compete this past June Madison won the Rookie Talent Award. For her talent at Miss SC, she 2023 for the title of Teen Miss South Caro- wore a costume with sparkles with a light up sequin hat to portray Michael lina. I began following her journey because Jackson. She performed a gymnastic floor routine to a mash up of Michael of my friendship with her grandmother Mary Jackson songs “ Beat it “and “Thriller.” She opened it with a whip through to Luce-Naso, who taught Spanish at LEHS. I tuck pass and ended the routine with a running layout into a split. also taught Madison’s mother Rachel (LE When Madison found out that she made the top 10 and competed June 1998) and her aunt Angelica (LE 2000) in 23, on Final’s Night, she said that her adrenaline rush was unlike any other journalism at Lugoff-Elgin. she had ever experienced. She also went on to compliment the girls she comAs part of Madison’s community service project “Crown for a Cure- brain peted with as kind, funny, and hard working. “We all laughed together, comcancer awareness,” she shared her aunt Angelica's story of her fight with peted together, cried happy tears for the winners together, and enjoyed this brain cancer. Madison hosted a princess tea party at American Patriot Cof- unique experience,” said Madison. fee in Camden with the help of Kayci Brazell, owner. At this special event, Madison’s twelve-year-old sister London, served as her Palmetto Princess little girls learned that being a queen is so much more than wearing a sparkly throughout the year. Madison said, “London had a lot of fun getting dressed crown and sash. Madison taught them how to present themselves in public, up, but she finds more enjoyment as a seventh grader on the volleyball court table etiquette, and to put others first. for the Lugoff-Elgin Middle School Lady Leopards.” There are many friends and family who supported and guided Madison Madison began her senior year August the 3rd at LE. She said, “Reality during her reign as Miss Teen Camden. It is easy to see why so many would has been hitting harder. Being a senior is one thing I thought would never adore this bubbly beauty with an outgoing and friendly personality. Kim For- come. It always seemed to be such a distant topic until the first day of my rest, the local executive director of the Miss Camden scholarship program, is senior year arrived.” involved with each girl’s service and journey to Miss South Carolina as well As a senior, in a class of 317, she's the National Honor Society president, as the “sisterhood of former queens.” Ginger Greer Rockefeller (LE 1978) a Teacher Cadet, a varsity competitive cheerleader and captain of her squad. prepared Madison for her interview with the judges. Ginger, a former Miss In addition, she is a member of the Beta and Spanish club, and an AP CapSouth Carolina, provided her insight. Also, Madison received coaching from stone diploma candidate (completion of four advanced placement classes and professional pageant expert Cy Frakes (LE 1982). Johnny Deal was always demonstration of knowledge by passing each exam). She said, “Lugoff Elgin there to take pictures and her cheer coach Linda Branham encouraged her is a very close-knit school. Our student section and school spirit has been talent. Cory King and Arin Hill helped with hair and makeup. Madison’s improving dramatically. Our sports programs support each other more, and parents are Rachel and Kevin Knoerr. our teachers are dedicated in the classroom; the range of clubs and academic Madison described a typical day at the state pageant as “busy." Rehearsals opportunities offered is unique. Throughout Kershaw County there's truly began at 7:45 am and finished around 2 pm. Each night contestants had to be something for everyone.” By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
LEHS Unveils Caring Closet Initiative
Lugoff-Elgin High School (LEHS) has unveiled a heartwarming initiative that seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of its students. Introducing the "Caring Closet" – a haven of essentials and kindness to help those in need while fostering a sense of community spirit. Established to support those who may be facing challenges in accessing everyday essentials, this initiative has proven to be a testament to the power of empathy and generosity. The Caring Closet, which was established by LEHS teachers Carie Knight and Marnie Melton, is stocked with an array of items designed to cater to students’ basic needs. From shampoo, body wash, lotion, and hairbrushes to toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and even feminine hygiene products like tampons and maxi pads, the Caring Closet has it all. Additionally, the inclusion of items such as hair ties, socks, and journals shows the care that has gone into ensuring that students feel supported in every aspect of their lives. Understanding the importance of maintaining the dignity of those in need, LEHS has created a safe space where students can quietly and confidentially obtain what they need without feeling any stigma or judgment. This thoughtful approach fosters an environment of trust and compassion, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves a helping hand when they need it most. For those who wish to contribute to the cause, contributions can be dropped off at the school's front desk with attention to "LEHS Caring Closet." Donations will continue the work being done at LEHS LEHS teachers Carie Knight and Marnie Melton stand in front of the Caring Closet they to uplift its students and serve as a powerful reminder that the simestablished and maintain. Knight and Melton, who both teach Academic Seminar, man- plest acts of kindness can make a huge difference. age and organize donations and facilitate confidential access to the closet for students.
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October 6, 2023
October 6, 2023
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Fire Fest 2023 Kicks Off Fire Prevention Week
Fire Fest 2023 was held on Saturday, September 30, starting with parade through downtown Camden leading to the Camden City Arena. At the City Arena, visitors were able to see and touch antique fire trucks, enjoy games for all ages, watch firefighting demonstrations, competitions and other local entertainment. This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ campaign is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention™.” Did you know that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries? Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. Follow @downtowncamdensc on social media for more details, and updates on upcoming events. Photos courtesy Johnny Deal of BowTie Photography, and Kat Spadacenta.
Lugoff Fire Department 2023 Golf Tournament
On Saturday September 16, 2023, Lugoff Fire held its annual golf tournament at the Pine Creek Golf Course. Winners of the tourney were Harold Rabon, Bo Reynolds, Steve Gold and Bill Rabon (first photo). The American Legion Post 195 of Lugoff, SC was a Platinum Sponsorship of the Lugoff FireRescue 2023 Golf Tournament. Assistant Chief Will Catoe accepted the donation of $2,500 from the post, presented by Commander Cliff Turner and 1st Vice Commander Bob Levangie. Post 195 was also presented with a token of appreciation for their support (second photo).
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October 6, 2023
MAD Festival Happening Now
“Serving Columbia Since 1963”
The MAD Festival, presented by the Arts Center of Kershaw County, is a 9-day festival celebrating music, art, drama, and dance with events in Downtown Camden and throughout Kershaw County from September 30 to October 8, 2023. With access to a network of world class talent, the Arts Center is uniquely positioned to host this festival and firmly establish Kershaw County as the arts hub of the Midlands. This year’s schedule serves as a perfect launch point, including an incredible range of gospel, chamber, and popular music, as well as the visual arts, theatre, and more. Full details can be found at www.madfestivalkc.org.
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OCTOBER 19 CAMDEN COUNTRY CLUB 111 KNIGHTS HILL ROAD, CAMDEN
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October 6, 2023
ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
25 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM! ∙ Seamless, 1/2 Round & Copper Gutters ∙ Gutter Clean Outs & Repairs ∙ Gutter Covers ∙ Quality Service to the Midlands for 10 Years actseamlessgutters@gmail.com • (803) 669-2574
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Lugoff-Elgin High School Celebrates Homecoming
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Homecoming Court. The King's Court consists of 2nd Runner-up Dasean Jenkins, First Runner-up is KD Outten and Homecoming King, Ali Duncan. The Queen's Court (pictured above) consists of Spirit Princess, Rachael Darmer, who sold the second highest number of raffle tickets for homecoming, Spirit Queen A'Kaysha Peoples, who was the top seller of homecoming raffle tickets. 2nd Runner-up was Miss Collen Ashley, 1st Runner-up was Miss Shana Turner and LE's new Homecoming 2023-2024 Homecoming Queen is Miss Emery Branham.
REHABILITATIVE CARE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Elgin can help you regain your independence after an injury.
Our inpatient rehab hospital has 40 all-private rooms and treats those recovering from disabling injuries or living with chronic illnesses, such as:
Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents • Workers’ Comp Personal Injury & Death • Criminal Law Business Law • Real Estate Law • Nursing Home Abuse Medical Malpractice • Probate, Wills & Estates
All State & Federal Courts Serving Kershaw County for over 30 Years
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October 6, 2023
OCTOBER FEST Highway Fall Festival Elgin Congregational Highway PH Church invites you to their Fall Holiness Events: Family Fun Day Festival on October 21 at 4 pm.
Join us for October Fest on October 14th from 11 am – 3 pm. Knights Hill Park, 521 Knights Hill Road, Camden. The newly revitalized Knights Hill Park provides the perfect setting for a Free family fall outing to include free food, enticing vendors, lively music, games for all ages and community comradery. On-site Voter Registration and Voter Registration updating, plus voter information available. Event sponsored by the Kershaw County Democratic Party.
Town Hall Event
The Concerned Citizens of Kershaw County invites you to a TOWN HALL MEETING on Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Liberty Hall at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, 212 Broad Street, Camden. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Arrive at 6 pm to present a question. The purpose of the event is to address the concerns and issues of fellow citizens in hopes of bringing about change. Issues shared with the Concerned Citizens Group include affordable housing, the cost of living, rising utility rates, growth and infrastructure, the education of children, as well as health and wellness. Although citizens have an opportunity to attend local council and board meetings, there is not an opportunity for sufficient dialogue between elected officials and the community. If you want questions answered, please attend this Town Hall Meeting. Fraendy Clervaud, news Anchor and Reporter from WACH FOX Good Day Columbia, will be the facilitator for the event. The panel will include: the Honorable Alfred Mae Drakeford, the Honorable Melissa Emmons, the Honorable Susan Holley, Councilwoman Katie Guinn, Chief of Police, Jack Rushing, Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan, Deputy Superintendent of Kershaw County Schools, Tim Hopkins, City Manager, Jonathan Rorie and State Representative, Will Wheeler.
October 6, 2023
Come join the fun, food, games, costume contest, snacks and Trunk or Treat. Music by Wheel Greasers. 2290 Heath Pond Road, Elgin. Call (803) 4381999 with questions.
Vicki's Attic Event
Vicki’s Attic at Blaney Baptist Church is having another clothing giveaway on Saturday, October 21 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. It’s open to the public. We will have plenty of clothing and shoes for both adult men and women as well as for children.
Gospel Concert
WOMAN'S CONFERENCE The WM Department of the Elgin Congregational Holiness Church will host a Women's Conference on October 21st at 10:am. Speaker will be Stephanie Nesbitt from Monk's Corner. No registration fee. For information contact Diane Parker at 803-310-8089. REVIVAL Elgin Congregational Holiness Church will be in Revival with Rev's Randall and Mary Brickey from Beckley, WV October 29th through November 1st. Service times Sun 11 & 6--Mon--Wed 7 Pastor Judith Luke welcomes all. Elgin Congregational Holiness Church is located at 1331 Smyrna Rd. For further information call 803-873-2322.
Ivan Parker in Concert, Gospel Legend Ivan Parker will be in concert Sunday November 5th, 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Lugoff Church Of God 1042 Highway 1 South, Lugoff SC 29078. For more information call 803-718-0368.
No Family Hungry
Blanketing Families will host a food pick up on October 11th, starting at 2 pm at Elgin Town Hall. For more info, visit Blanketing Families on Facebook.
Trunk-or-Treat
Union Baptist Church invites you to their annual Trunk-or-Treat event to be held on Saturday, October 21st, from 3 pm - 5 pm in the Union Baptist Church field. Join the fun for candy, bounce houses and more! Follow them on Facebook @UBCElgin
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Clerk of Court Job
The Town of Elgin is accepting applications for the position of Clerk of Court. This is a full-time position with benefits and state retirement and this employee reports directly to the Mayor and Town Council. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in related field supplemented by three to five years of paralegal and/or municipal court experience; and the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Salary Range: $36,500 - $41,500 Duties include administrative office functions, but not limited to: • Possess or quickly acquire a general working knowledge of Municipal Court’s traffic and criminal issues, coordination, and dispositions. • Strong computer skills and tickets entry daily into the LawTrak System • Schedule court, special hearings, and maintain an accurate court docket • Print and email court dockets for judges and officers, which is held every week on Thursdays beginning at 1:00 p.m. • Receipt daily payments and prepare daily bank deposits • Retrieve credit card payment reports daily and receipt in LawTrak • Receipt and monitor restitution and scheduled time payments • Maintain accurate, complete, and timely current court files. Organize files in a neat and tidy manner, schedule hearings, mail summons, clock in court documents, add new case parties, etc • Monitor conditional discharges and diligently schedule random drug screen testing according to the program schedule • Schedule jury pools/ manage strikes / trials / hearings as needed • Prepare all paperwork as needed for weekly court sessions and with timely follow-through of dispositions and intake of fines • After court, make sure all tickets are correctly certified, enter all dispositions in LawTrak, and print out final dockets. Issue NRVCs or bench warrants for those defendants who did not appear • Send notices for suspension to DMV on all NRVCs that are beyond the 15-day grace period • Prepare expungements as required • Coordinate with, inform and respond to the two Municipal Judges for and with whom you work, aware that their attorney license hangs over all that you do • Complete monthly financial reports and send remittance to SC State Treasurer • Complete yearly / quarterly reports required by Court Administration • Prepare arrest warrants and rules to show cause, as needed • Interact daily with a cordial attitude and professional demeanor respectfully dealing with all individuals daily on the phone, by email, or in person. Accurately answer questions from stressed individuals regarding paying tickets online, those called for jury duty, and those who are upset about the circumstances that brought them to court. • Address and note attorney representation and inquiries carefully and promptly • Maintain utmost confidentiality in all matters related to this position This individual must be able to perform in a demanding environment. The position will be open until filled, but the deadline for applications is Friday, October 20, 2023. Job Applications are available on the town website at www.townofelginsc.com under the “FORMS” tab and/or can be picked up directly from Town Hall at 2469 Main Street, Elgin, South Carolina. Please submit resume and application to: The Town of Elgin, Attention Mayor Emmons, PO Box 277, Elgin, SC 29045. If you have any questions, contact Town Hall at 803-438-2362.
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Immigration Day at LES
On Friday, September 22, fifth grade students went through "Ellis Island" to get a feel of what it was like for millions of immigrants coming into America. Students went through Baggage Claims, Medical Examinations, Legal Inspections, and Tagging. Students then had to write a letter back home telling them about their experience.
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KCSO Working Towards SC Law Enforcement Accreditation
Your Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office is getting closer to becoming a state accredited law enforcement agency. This will be the first time in KCSO history this has been achieved. There are currently only 34 out of 272 South Carolina law enforcement agencies with SC state accreditation. The first step of the process began with our application to South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. We then began updating all policies and procedures to include over 300 state accreditation standards. Our policies and procedures were then entered into a computer program where we can update and track all deputies reviewing them. We started documenting our compliance to our policies and began a self-assessment. Later this month, we will receive an on-site assessment by SCLEA, Inc. The on-site assessment will be followed by their council review. The accreditation does not end there. We will be required to maintain compliance and reaccreditation going into the future. What is South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (see more at their website: sc-lea.org)? South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA) is the official South Carolina state accrediting body and is responsible for administrative tasks associated with accreditation. Since 1999 SCLEA has been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement accreditation. The SCLEA Accreditation Program is a voluntary initiative for professional improvement, fashioned in ways that best meet local needs while simultaneously expressing commitment to professional law enforcement practices. Standards for the program are developed from multiple sources,
including South Carolina State Law, stakeholder expertise and best business practices. The standards are designed to be attainable for all South Carolina agencies, regardless of size. All SCLEA standards are mandatory and have specific requirements the agency must address, the actual way the standards are met is determined by the agency CEO. The program is managed and directed by the governing council of South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc., a non-profit corporation. Council members meet quarterly to oversee the accreditation process and to officially accredit agencies that have proven their adherence to the program's meticulous review process. PUBLIC NOTICE The Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office is scheduled for an on-site assessment from October 25, 2023 through October 26, 2023 as part of a program to achieve state accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. Administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc., the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-ofthe-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to: South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. Post Office Box 212266 Columbia, SC 29221 ATTN: SCLEA Program Coordinator
Prevent Stormwater Pollution Solution: Stop Using “Flushable” Wipes
You might be wondering how flushable wipes and water quality are so closely linked, but you would be surprised to find out choosing flushable wipes during your next grocery store run could lead to more bacteria in our streams! Unlike toilet paper, “flushable” wipes don’t break down when combined with water. That’s because toilet paper is just that, it’s paper! It has been designed and woven together in a way that allows it to quickly break down in pipes and septic or sewage systems. Alternatively, flushable wipes contain more than just paper. They are made of synthetic materials like plastic polymers and polyester that won’t be breaking down anytime soon. The wipes are also woven to prevent break down and to retain moisture, making them indestructible when it comes to wastewater treatment plant processes. So, what happens soon after you flush? After repeated uses of wipes, the material will likely collect and clog pipes, causing sewage to back up and overflow. At the sewage treatment plant, they can cause damage to the pumps that move wastewater into the treatment plant, resulting in hefty costs for the municipality. Think you’re safe on a septic system? You’re not! Again, these flushable wipes October 6, 2023
are designed to stay wet and are woven in a way that doesn’t easily break down. As soon as they hit your septic system they can begin to build up into a soggy mass of material. This will eventually result in a higher frequency of pump outs and maintenance needed as they begin to take up more and more space as solid waste. This, of course, leads to more money spent on septic tank maintenance. So why does this issue matter beyond your household and wallet? Clogs in the system can lead to backups in pipes, ultimately resulting in sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs)! Overflows leave raw sewage on the ground, creating a public health concern. If this overflow occurs near a stream or storm drain, it likely will end up in a waterway, especially if rain is on its way. Currently, there are 8 locations in Kershaw County monitored by SCDHEC with levels of E. coli, nutrients, or dissolved oxygen not meeting state standards. Sanitary sewer overflows play a part in water quality. Not only is bacteria found in sewage waste, higher amounts of nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus can cause algal issues in our slower moving waterways, which can then lead to low dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen is important
for aquatic life such as fish and aquatic insects. Please do your part to help control water quality by leaving wipes out of the pipes! If you’ve already jumped on the flushable wipe bandwagon and don’t see yourself returning to toilet paper, consider tossing those wipes in a closed trash can when finished. Though not ideal, neither is a faulty septic system, a sanitary sewer overflow down the street, or higher cost for our utility providers.
OCTOBER FEST
FAMILY FUN DAY
OCT. 14 | 11 AM - 3 PM Knights Hill Park 521 Knights Hill Road, Camden
Free Food • Vendors • Music • Games On-site Voter Registration, Updating and Info Available Sponsored by the Kershaw County Democratic Party.
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Our Family Caring For Your Family Since 1931 Camden Chapel 1112 Fair Street, Camden, SC 29020
803-432-3583
SMARTSTRAND S m a r t S t r a n d o ff e r s p e r m a n e n t s t a i n r e s i s t a n c e , spill & soil protection, exceptional durability, and superior softness as the only carpet made for extraordinary living.
PICTURED:
SMARTSTRAND SILK STIRLING IN TIMELESS Lugoff-Elgin Chapel 1139 Highway 1 S, Lugoff, SC 29078
803-438-3419
www.kornegayfuneral.com
1123 Highway 1S, Suite B, Lugoff 803.408.8707 | carpetoutletlugoffsc.com
IRES EXP ,2022 R E OFF RY 28 RUA E F B Attorney Dennis N. Cannon, Jr.
Attorney Arien Cannon
INCLUDES T-SHIRT
130-C Pontiac Business Center Drive, Elgin • 803.736.4777
512 Rutledge Street, Camden SC | dncannonlaw.com