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News From KC Council
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Letters to the Editor
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
By: Chairman Ben Connell
I express deep gratitude to the citizens of Kershaw County for electing me to serve as your Kershaw County Council Chairman. It is an honor, and I am pleased to report that we’ve gotten right to work on improving the local economy.
County Council recently voted favorably on a resolution which would provide a significant economic boost, allowing negotiation of a new development project which proposes to inject $16 Million of investment into the local economy and create 32 new jobs. This initiative, driven by a collaboration between a prominent manufacturing company, county leaders, and county staff, is expected to bring new and exciting opportunities to Kershaw County. Economic development provides vital steps forward for our community, supporting great jobs, and represents the smart growth we need.
This proposed infusion of capital is not only about job creation, it also signals confidence in Kershaw County as a viable place for businesses to come and grow. I believe in the potential of Kershaw County and am thankful that local businesses also believe in our future and want to invest and prosper here. There is no doubt, we are open for business!
While this news is very positive, and we are thankful, Kershaw County residents and those throughout the Southeast, especially in Western North Carolina, are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Helene wreaked havoc across the region, causing damage to homes and businesses, displacing many families, and ultimately resulting in significant loss of life. In these challenging times, the community has come together to support those in need, and local leaders are keenly aware of the hurdles that many are facing. We have been pushing for FEMA support eligibility and for other disaster relief. Kershaw County recently received the required designation from FEMA and you can make a claim for assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or you can visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov. To apply for assistance, you will need a current phone number, the addresses for where you are currently staying and where you were at the time of the disaster, your social security number, a list of damage and losses, banking information if you prefer direct deposit, and insurance related information may also be required.
Our community has shown incredible resilience and strength in the face of this disaster. While we are now addressing the impact of Helene, we also pray for those impacted by Hurricane Milton which just hit Florida and consider how we can help them also. Kershaw County has an amazing heart and we’ve witnessed that in the form of numerous volunteer service missions by churches, civic organizations, and neighbors, all to help those in need. It is inspiring to see such an outpouring of service, grace, and charity and should make us proud to be part of this community. The spirit of Kershaw County shines brightest in times of adversity. We understand that many are struggling right now. It’s crucial for us to support each other, as Americans and South Carolinians, all while navigating this recovery process.
Residents are encouraged to support local businesses during this recovery phase, helping to stimulate the economy, bolster local jobs, and strengthen the sense of community that we already have. By investing in and serving with each other, we can emerge from these challenges stronger than before. As always, please feel free to call me at 843.513.0087.
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 · Email: elginnews@gmail.com
Wreaths Across America Update
By: Army 1st Sgt. (R) D. Keith Johnson Guest Writer
This will be our fifth year of Wreaths Across America at Quaker Cemetery. When I first approached Quaker in Jan 2020 about becoming a location, I had no idea that covid would hit two months later and throw everything into a tizzy. No one was in school, a lot of businesses would close up shop. Despite that, we were able to put together a good base group to get the ball rolling. I counted all of the Veteran graves and came up with 769. We were able to get 495 wreath sponsorships, and we had approx 50 volunteers come out. In 2023, we received 888 wreaths and had about 175 volunteers. This year will be bigger and better. Ms. Darlene Cantey, one of the sponsorship group leaders, was able to go into the records for
Quaker and find all of the Veterans. In case you didn't know, there are approx 6500 total grave sites in Quaker. ALL of the records, dating back to 1761, are in manila folders in file cabinets. Paper records only. Ms. Cantey went through all of the records and came up with a count of 986 Veterans. She then uploaded all of the data onto Find-AGrave.
If you go to that website, and do a search in Quaker Cemetery for Veterans, all of the names are there. There is a plan to put a Veteran button on the Quaker web page so you just click on it and it takes you to the list. Now, her group, Quaker Cemtery Angels, has purchased a digital scanner and her volunteers are taking turn scanning each document to create a digital database. It's a long process. If you want to help out with volunteer hours or cash donations to her group, please
contact her.
I'll be working on a 'Troops to Tasks' list of things that need done between now and December, with the majority to be in the couple weeks before, and on, Wreath Day. If you would like to help out again, let me know. If this is your first year, take a look at the list and send what you'd be interested in. We'll have another 100 wreaths this year.
Finally, we are having a clay shoot fundraiser at Hermitage Sporting Grounds on Tickle Tummy Road in Camden on Oct 5. Proceeds will go to sponsoring wreaths. There will be prizes for top shooter, middle shooter and lowest shooter. Anyone can win. We will also be having door prizes for $1 and $5 donations.
For further info, or to find out how you can help, call or text 513-328-3028. Wreaths Across America Day will be on Saturday, December 14.
Blaney Elementary Raises Funds For Hurricane Relief
In a 48-hour fundraiser to raise $500 for the American Red Cross, Blaney Elementary students surpassed all expectations, raising an astounding $2,250!
These generous donations will help provide shelter, hot meals, water, and health services to families displaced by Hurricane Helene. The Red Cross has already deployed over 1,700 disaster workers and more than 60 emergency response vehicles to assist affected communities, with many more responders to follow.
To celebrate this achievement, the school held a special thank-you parade featuring local first responders, who showed their appreciation to the students for their contributions. Blaney Elementary truly demonstrated what it means to care for others!
Pictured presenting a check to the Red Cross are: Front row (from left) BES students Emma Summerton, Landon McIntyre, Danielle Goode, Jaretzy Martinez Lopez, and Zoey Turner. Back row (from left): BES Assistant Principal Detra Simmons, American Red Cross Representative April Feraci, BES Principal Adele Dixon, and BES teacher Randi Ray.
Hurricane Helene Rips Through East Coast
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
This is not the article I planned to have continued from the Sept. 20th issue of The Elgin News. Thursday Sept.19, I shared with my gym pal Susan Layton as we walked on the treadmill, that I had been researching the sweetness of apples, the three thousand different varieties, and the legend of Johnny Appleseed.
We discussed plans for our weekend, and how it had been 35 years since Hurricane Hugo’s eye passed over our area.
Then we saw a news alert about Hurricane Helene reaching category 4 status when it arrived on Florida’s northern Big Bend Gulf Coast and the complicated path it was on to arrive in Atlanta at Rush Hour the next morning at 8AM.
We both looked at the different paths the hurricane could possibly follow, but according to our weather man all we could expect was rain and wind gusts from the outer bands.
We promised to call each other if we had an alert to be sure we were awake and ready. Neither one of us had a clue what we were in for through the night of terror that we were about to face.
I woke up to the sound of my cell phone ringing before a strong limb cracked the fence in our back yard. Everything was dark. On my cell was Susan questioning if I had not received the alerts on my phone. She was worried because I had not checked in with her. She texted me the tornado alert for Lugoff. The storm was moving very fast 70 to 75 miles an hour. It was 5:48AM. The power had gone out she said at three.
Several more warnings (the news said more than 60 warnings were issued) came through as my husband Billy and I tried to go back to sleep in our inner hallway.
At daylight he said he was going out to see if anywhere had power and to hopefully buy us breakfast.
His favorite place is Chick-fil-A, but when he returned, he had two BoJangles country ham biscuits. He told me there was no power across the bridge in Camden, and everyone looking for breakfast was circled in three lines around Lugoff’s fast-food restaurants. He told me there was a traffic jam between McDonald's and the Cookout. He assured me he had filled up with gas because the lines were as bad or worse at the gas stations.
I informed him that Kershaw County School District had declared an E-Learning Day for the students who may have had to use the hot spots for Wi-Fi with the power out. For me, I checked in with family and friends after eating my biscuit breakfast.
Then I wanted to ride and see for myself. My daughter Belle offered for us to come over, as well as friends Glenn and Nancy Smith. It was amazing how they were on Fairfield Electric and had power, and we did not.
For a news junkie like me I wanted to see what was happening in our world outside of Kershaw County. And it was worse…much worse than I could imagine.
Judi Gatson, WIS-TV said, “Earlier today power officials compared Helene to Hurricane Hugo as being the most devastating storm to impact the rural areas of our state.”
There have been almost 300 deaths across five states because of the catastrophic and life altering Hurricane Helene. In SC, we have had over 30 deaths. Two of those who died were Newberry fire fighters who lost their lives when a tree fell on their fire truck as they were answering a 911 call.
Landslides, Biblical level flooding, massive debris on roads and yards, bridges washed out, communities cut off from others, winds over 140 miles an hour…and the most rain seen in 48 hours since 1878. Western North Carolina and the city of Asheville have all roads closed. The town of Chimney Rock in NC has been washed away since the dam broke at Lake Lure. Closer to home, there are still many without power. Our AT&T service was down five days so no TV, home phones, or internet and we were without electricity for over 48 hours. I cannot complain when I see what is happening in our neighboring states. The devastation is difficult to comprehend. We need to pray, give donations, and remember Hurricane season is through Nov. 30. Stay away, Milton!
CMC Announces Annual Oyster Roast
The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County is excited to announce its 9th Annual Oyster and BBQ Event, presented by Premier Sponsors B. Colson/Haile Street Grill, Martech Research, LLC and Mason Automotive, is scheduled for Thursday, October 17th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Camden City Arena. This highly anticipated evening promises a festive blend of food, fun, and philanthropy, with all proceeds going directly to support the clinic’s mission of providing life-saving medical care to our community's uninsured and underserved individuals.
CMC's 9th Annual Oysters & BBQ Bash guests will indulge in a flavorful feast featuring mouthwatering steamed oysters, BBQ with all the fixings, beer, wine, and music! B.Colson / Haile Street Grill will provide dinner.
Beyond the incredible dining experience, this event is a critical fundraising effort, enabling the clinic to continue offering essential healthcare services to those in need.
"The Oyster and BBQ Event is more than just a great night out," said CEO Charlotte Rankin, "It’s an opportunity for our community to come together to support our neighbors who lack access to basic healthcare. Every ticket sold, every donation made, helps us save lives and provide compassionate care to those who need it most."
Event Details:
• Date: Thursday, October 17th, 2024
• Time: 6:30
• Location: Camden City Arena, Camden SC
• Ticket Information: Tickets are available at cmcofkc.org/OBBQ.
The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County relies on the generosity of donors and community partners to offer free and low-cost medical services, wellness programs, and healthcare education. Events like the Oyster and BBQ fundraiser are essential to sustaining these services and expanding outreach to even more needy individuals and families.
“Thanks to tremendous community support, we look forward to our annual Oysters and Barbecue Fundraiser on Thursday, October 17th. B Colson’s will again bring an unlimited supply of oysters and a delicious barbecue meal. Music by Double A DJ will keep us entertained,” said OBBQ Event Chair and CMC Board Member Tom Cooper. “Ticket sales have been going fast, and we’re hoping for a record crowd. Come and enjoy. See you at the City Arena on October 17th- doors open at 6:30 pm.”
For ticket info and further details, please visit www.cmcofkc.org. For questions, contact Mary Hill at mhill@cmcofkc.org or call (803) 669-4457.
Supporting Our NC Neighbors After Helene
On September 26th, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful category four hurricane, and just 48 hours later the southeastern United States was left with a 500-mile-wide path of destruction.
Here in SC, we faced power outages, downed trees, limbs and debris, thanks to Helene’s high winds and rainfall. Damage in western NC was much more devastating, where entire towns were washed away due to flooding, people were left stranded by raging waters and destroyed roads –and with very limited cellular service, they were also left with no way to access help or supplies.
As NC residents surveyed the damage and loss of life, people from across the country and world were shocked at the level of devastation. However, for many in Kershaw County, the damage was felt on a more personal level.
“I am from a small, one-red-light town in Mitchell County, NC,” says Elgin resident Ashley Jones. “Most people have never heard of Bakersville, but it will always be home to me. The
heard from anyone in my family for days.”
Silas Silvers grew up in Burnsville, NC and much of his family is still there. On Monday night, Silas and his wife Candy posted on Facebook their plans to take supplies to the area and the response was overwhelming.
This story is not unique - through the power of social media, people wanting to donate supplies were quickly connected with those wanting to deliver supplies. The distance defining the term “neighbor” shrunk drastically over the past two weeks, as communities came together with other communities who wanted to offer assistance. The result is a community-driven relief operation the likes of which our country has never seen.
We had complete strangers make this trip with
received. Other churches, organizations and individuals in Kershaw County held supply drives to assist Blaney Baptist’s efforts. Blaney Baptist, Carolina Family Karate, Three Sisters Essentials, Elgin Veterinary and Radiate Church are still operating as drop off points, as the recovery for the region will be a long-term process. “We are leaving again on Friday, October 11,” says Monty Carter, “and we are making as many trips as need to be made.”
The list of those offering aid is limitless, but we at The Elgin News must offer thanks to the following people and organizations that helped with this article, and the people that helped them do so much for our neighbors in NC: Ashley and Justin Jones, Candy and Silas Silvers, Monty Carter, Ken Mixon, Blaney Baptist Church, Danielle Morris, Radiate Church, Blaney Wings, Union Baptist Church, Elgin Veterinary Hospital, Elgin Pharmacy, Forest Resource, Mary Kay Olive, Jimmy Hanf, Doug and Debbie Fielding –and SO many more. If you would like to donate funds to the individuals mentioned here, please text 803.513.5108 and we will connect you to
Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Elgin can help you regain your independence after an injury.
LEHS Team Wins Lugoff FD Tourney
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• Brain
• Spinal cord injuries
• Orthopedic injuries, including hip fractures
• Major multiple trauma
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• Amputations
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To learn more about our services, visit our website at MRRH.ernesthealth.com.
Lugoff-Elgin High School (LEHS) senior Brayden Keeter and sophomore Fischer Komarnicki recently teamed up with LEHS journalism teacher Michael Branham and LEHS graduate Jacob Branham to compete in the annual Lugoff Fire Department golf tournament at Pine Creek Golf Club in Camden, SC. Out of 18 teams total, their team finished in first place with a team score of 17 under par. LEHS golf coaches Casey Stevens and Robert Blinkhorn also had a team in the tournament, so Lugoff-Elgin High was well represented! LEHS JROTC instructor Ray McDowell and the Lugoff
Brayden Keeter, Jacob Branham, Michael Branham, and Fischer Komarnicki (left to right) pose with their prizes after securing a win as the first place team in the annual Lugoff Fire Department golf tournament.
KC Democratic Party Announces Parade
The Kershaw County Democratic Party is having a parade down Broad St. In Camden beginning at 11 am on Sat. October 19, 2024!! The parade will have about 30 cars, trucks and motorcycles in the parade! Elected officials and candidates will be in the parade. Everyone will then meet at Groucho's Deli in Camden after the parade.
We would like to invite ALL Kershaw County citizens to the parade! Come see your elected officials and candidates! Bring your American flags to wave!
Don't forget to vote on Tues., Nov 5th at your local polling place. Early voting begins on Oct. 21st st the Camden City Arena.
CJWL Announces Grants
The Camden Junior Welfare League has awarded its Fall Classroom Enrichment Grants to 11 Kershaw County Educators!
Please see the list of awardees and the names of their proposed projects below: Camden Middle School
• Nathan Anderson - Coding with Sphero Camden High School
• Abigail Baytes - The Bulldog Depot Continuous Learning Center
• Frances Goodwin - Gingerbread House STEM Project: Building a Village
• Robert Goodwin - Around The World Jackson Elementary School
• Elizabeth Davis - Wobble Seats
Lugoff Elementary School
• Natalie House - Enhancing Math Learning Through Hands-On Experiences
Lugoff-Elgin Middle School
• Kathleen Gerhardy - Special Needs Inclusion & Community Involvement Lugoff-Elgin High School
• Ashley Quam - Get Up and Move: Getting Special Olympic Athletes Active Pine Tree Hill Elementary School
• Cory Lowery - Pull Up a Seat!
• Lauren Wilson - Building Early Literacy Foundations through Engaging & Inclusive Instructional Materials
Wateree Elementary School
• Nicole Woolard - Fine Motor Phonics!
KC FEMA Assistance
Homeowners and renters in Kershaw County who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.
The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-6213362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
What You’ll Need When You Apply
-A current phone number where you can be contacted.
-Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
-Your Social Security number.
-A general list of damage and losses.
-Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
-If insured, the policy number or the agent and/ or the company name.
If you have homeowners, renters’ or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
Lugoff Elementary Grandparents Parade
Lugoff Elementary students love their grandparents AND their grandparents sure seem to love our annual Grandparent's Day parade! Each year more and more grandparents decorate their cars with balloons, photos, and other special items and parade around our car rider loop to the cheers and waves of our entire school community. This has become one of our biggest and best yearly
Scarborough Named MCCU's New CEO
The Board of Directors of Mid Carolina Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Scarborough as the credit union’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He succeeds David Mooney, who resigned
“After an extensive search the board is excited to have Dean as the Mid Carolina Credit Union CEO,” said Chairman Dennis Arledge. "Dean has been a part of the Mid Carolina team for 18 years and we are excited to see what the future holds under Dean’s leadership."
“I am honored and thankful to have been selected for and entrusted with the role of CEO by the Board of Directors at Mid Carolina Credit Union,” said Dean. “I look forward to leading MCCU into the future, delivering on our mission and making an immediate positive difference in the lives of our employees, members, partners, and communities. I am always reminded that the original origin of all credit unions was built around the philosophy of People helping People and that is what we will continue to specialize in today. Being a local financial institution gives us the ability to connect with our members and develop relationships. The employees of MCCU are the heart and soul of this organization and I’m excited to collaborate with a passionate, talented, and committed team. Together we proudly serve our members, potential members and individuals, families and businesses throughout the Kershaw and Richland County areas with an exceptional member experience.”
Dean was most recently the Vice President of Lending at Mid Carolina Credit Union. He is a current Board Member of the Managers Association of the Carolina’s Credit Unions. Dean is a certified instructor of the National Sporting Clays Association and a member of the Kershaw County Kiwanis Club.
Dean earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Francis Marion College. Dean is also a graduate of the Leadership Development Institute of the Carolinas Credit Union League.
“Dean has many great ideas for continuing MCCU’s history of growth and exceptional member service. His unique vision and drive will be critical in finding new ways to serve our membership and meet their financial needs,” said Dennis. “The Board is looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Mid Carolina Credit Union under Dean’s leadership.”
Dean Scarborough, MCCU CEO
I would like to congratulate Master Deputy Chad Dickerson as your KCSO Deputy of the Quarter (July-September 2024). Chad honorably and faithfully serves the great citizens of Kershaw County in the uniformed patrol division. He has been a member of your KCSO team for nearly four years now. We are thankful for all Chad has done for Kershaw County and look forward to all the great things he will do at your KCSO.
This award is sponsored quarterly by the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Foundation. You can learn more about them at kcsheriffsfoundation.com
Ventour Seeks SC House District 45 Seat KCSO Deputy Of The Quarter
As a child, Nicole Ventour recalls visiting Lancaster during summers to spend time with family, including her grandfather, who were all born and raised in Lancaster. Per Nicole, "I'm probably related to anyone who is a Barnes or Shannon." Nicole shared she has always known Lancaster would one day be her home.
Nicole and her son, Martin Ventour, Jr., a graduate of Lancaster High School, relocated to Lancaster in 2012. After relocating, Nicole, a psychotherapist, opened a mental health agency, The Right Direction. This is when Nicole realized a greater need and began advocating for children and family. She advocated for; Children with IEPs, grandparents seeking custody of their grandchildren or visitation, father’s fighting for visitation, against DSS when their decision were not in the best interest of the child, and for many other issues. The Right Direction became her ministry. Nicole also began offering free transportation and after-school care for children in treatment, a free summer program, and free treatment for parents with no insurance. This was all done without grant money or financial support from any organization and while experiencing her own financial hardship. Per Nicole, “This is how I served God and continue to serve Him.”
Nicole believes her advocacy has guided her to serve as House of Representative for District 45. She recently took a leave from pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology to run for office. Per Nicole, “I couldn’t sit by any longer while our district is suffering.” Nicole wants to ensure our district has resources and services to help us become a safer and healthier district. She believes there has been too much growth without enough resources. Nicole wants to focus on providing enrichment and communitybased programs for children and seniors to help them stay active and to
help seniors maintain their independence. Per Nicole, “They don’t have anything to do.” Nicole also wants to ensure public schools receives funding to address social and behavioral issues in our schools, to address affordable housing, reform mental health and eviction laws to help with homelessness, bring transportation, increasing the minimum wage and introduce safe gun measures. Nicole is concerned about the new gun law allowing 18-year-old to purchase unregistered guns. Per Nicole, “The new gun law doesn’t keep our communities safe and creates more threat for law enforcement.”
Nicole also want to introduce a medication assistance program where seniors are able to receive assistance from the state. Per Nicole, “Our seniors are on a fixed income and need help.” Although Nicole is campaigning on the state level, she wants to bring attention to the need for Medicare expansion to allow seniors the ability to use unused nursing home benefits towards homecare to help them remain in their homes. Nicole believes we can’t keep voting to keep the same people in office and expecting different results and feels she can bring the needed changes. Per Nicole, “District 45 is not being properly represented and needs real representation to address real issues that aren’t going anywhere.”
Nicole Ventour, SC House District 45 Candidate
