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From The Mayor's Desk By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
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:
The monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council took place on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6:00pm with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Present were Mayor Melissa Emmons, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwoman Dana Sloan, Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Chief Alan Anders, Attorney John Wells, and Elgin’s Town Clerk, Becky Summey. The Invocation was given by Mayor Melissa Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Brad Hanley. A motion was made by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley to approve the minutes from the regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2023, with a unanimous vote from Council. There was no one signed up to speak during the Public Forum. A motion to change the order of the agenda and move the Recognition for Paul Rizzo and Ed Smith to the beginning of the meeting was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Council. Mayor Melissa Emmons presented each former councilmember with a plaque in recognition and appreciation for their service to the Town of Elgin. The following New Business License Applications were approved in September 2023: (1) Big Dill Grill, (2) Massey Services, and (3) Metro Street Grill. Please remember to support the businesses in our community and when possible, shop locally. If you are a food truck vendor, please make sure that you contact Elgin Town Hall prior to setting up and complete the necessary requirements that are now in place after the passing of the Food Truck/Vendor Ordinance. The following Charity Event Request Application was approved for September 2023: (1) Cody Kopacz-Elgin Community Church Family Day Event. If you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. There were no Complaints for September 2023. There was a Public Hearing for the Town of Elgin Comprehensive Plan, but no one signed up to speak. In Old Business under Elgin Community Center Update (placed on the agenda by Councilman Brad Hanley), Councilman Hanley provided Council with an update and informed everyone that the building plans had been approved and a meeting had taken place prior to the Council Meeting with Jeff Lewis, the architect for the project. Mayor Emmons discussed the need to possibly close Potter Community Park during phases of the construction and having limited access during the duration of the project. This will be discussed further at the next meeting. Next on the agenda, a motion to approve the 2nd Reading of the Town of Elgin’s Comprehensive Plan was made by Councilman Brad Hanley,
See MAYOR'S DESK, Page 4 >>
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 20, 2023
From The Chief 's Desk Fall Has Finally Arrived In Elgin
The holiday season is approaching, this is my favorite time of year. The temperatures are dropping, we have football season, hunting season, and no pollen of course….. and it’s almost Halloween. Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year, and we are looking forward to seeing all the kids and “kids at heart” come out and trick or treat!. Some Elgin neighborhoods really go all out for Halloween. In the past, some have even had haunted houses set up in their front yards. Some houses
give FULL sized candy bars away! The Elgin Police Dept. will have extra Officers out to help protect the little ones as they Chief Alan Anders run around all crazy gathering candy. We hope to see everyone come out and have a safe and fun night. Please say hello to the Officers when you see them out on patrol, and we DO accept candy donations! Happy Halloween all!
Elgin Police Department Incident Reports
Failure To Yield Right-Of-Way / Foot Pursuit: Officer was sitting at the stop light at Main Street and Church Street in the Town Limits of Elgin, when I observed a vehicle attempting to turn onto Church Street, fail to yield the right of way to and oncoming vehicle, and almost caused a collision. I made a traffic stop on the vehicle. When the vehicle came to a stop a black male exited the passenger side and ran from the car. At this time, five other juveniles exited the vehicle and I ordered them to put their hands up. Deputy Wells arrived at this time to assist me and went to look for the person that ran. According to all of the passengers, the driver ran because he did not have his license in his possession. The vehicle and occupants smelled very strongly of marijuana. After speaking with the other occupants of the car and running them through dispatch I asked what the driver's name was and some of them said "Vonte" and the others stated they did not know who he was. A short time later Deputy Wells located the driver Subject. I then told all of the other juveniles to call their parents or guardians. While waiting for Deputy Wells to arrive I searched the vehicle and found nothing illegal. Deputy Wells arrived with Subject and I had him call his Mother, who the vehicle also belonged to, to come and pick him up. I when Mother arrived on scene I issued Subject and citation for failure to yield right of way, and Mother signed a juvenile release form and I released Subject to her. One of the Passenger's brother works at the Circle K and I transported them there. When I arrived custody of Passenger was turned over to her brother. Other Passengers were all related. Deputy Wells took these four to Smyrna Market to meet with their Cousin, who also confirmed they were all related. I arrived at the Smyrna Market and had Cousin sign a juvenile release form for all four juveniles, and released them to her. Shoplifting Enhanced: On 10/08/2023, Cpl. Delong was dispatched to 2465 Main St. (Food Lion) in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a shoplifting. Upon arrival, Officer met with the Assistant Manger who stated that on 10/07/2023 between 5:07pm-5:20pm an unknown black male entered the store at 5:07pm alone, the male subject is in the store for about 15 minutes and the male leaves with over $400.00 in merchandise (one cases of bud light $20.99 each, one 25oz. can Michelob Ultra $3.09, four large Gain laundry detergent $28.48 each, eight reuseable bags $5.00 each, 8-pack of baby back ribs $4.99 each, chuck roast $14.54, chuck roast $15.19, t-bone $31.83, t-bone $29.36, drum sticks $33.84. Total $460.93). The male arrived in a gold Chevy suburban. I have requested video of this incident. Fraud/Confidence Game/Breach of Trust: OFC Picciuolo was dispatched to investigate a breach of trust case at the Elgin Family Dollar. Upon arrival, OFC Picciuolo met with Regional Asset Protection Manager and District Manager for Family Dollar. Regional Asset Protection Manager told me that over the past few weeks, some transactions were flagged at the Elgin FamOctober 20, 2023
ily Dollar store which led him to investigate further. During the course of Regional Asset Protection Manager's investigation, he discovered that the store manager, Subject, had been ringing in merchandise that was being purchased in cash. At some point after these cash transactions, Subject would void out the transactions and remove the cash from the drawer. Regional Asset Protection Manager stated that the cash in the drawer was never over the amount that should be in it. Regional Asset Protection Manager then notified District Manager what was going on at the Elgin Family Dollar and both Regional Asset Protection Manager and District Manager met in the store today to confront Subject with what Regional Asset Protection Manager had uncovered. Subject signed an in-store statement, admitting to taking approximately $1200 in funds from the register tills that she (Subject) was in charge of depositing. Regional Asset Protection Manager stated that he would get EPD a statement detailing his investigative process, a copy of Subject's statement, copies of the register receipts Subject voided, and any surveillance video that shows Subject's breach of trust. OFC Picciuolo gave both Regional Asset Protection Manager and District Manager business cards with his email address to ease in getting the proper documentation. Regional Asset Protection Manager and District Manager both emphasized that Family Dollar does wish to prosecute this breach of trust. Reckless Driving/No SCDL: Officer was running stationary radar on Main Street in the Town Limits of Elgin, when he noticed a Chevy truck leave the area of Ronnie's Ribs and the Hispanic Grocery Store and "drift" into the road way almost striking another vehicle traveling south on Main Street. Officer made a traffic stop on the vehicle and told the driver, Subject to step out of the vehicle and that he was under arrest for reckless driving, I handcuffed him behind his back, double locked the cuffs, and checked them for tightness. Officer then placed Subject in my patrol car. Subject also did not have a driver's license per SCDMV. Officer then got the Passenger to step out of the vehicle and Officer patted him down for weapons and told him to call someone to pick him up. Officer then called for the next tow truck on rotation which was Elite Towing. Once Elite arrived on scene Officer transported Subject to KCDC, and Passenger walked away from the scene. Once we arrived at KCDC custody of Subject was turned over to over to the KCDC staff. Subject was charged with reckless driving and NO SC DL.
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The Evolution of Cheerleading What began as spirit leaders supporting high school athletes has grown into an IOC recognized sport. By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
gram with sunscreen from LA ROCHE-POSAY and her medical assistance. The coaches’ budget is around $1000 per girl for uniforms, shoes, equipLEHS varsity and junior varsity cheer ment, and accessories such as pom poms. The cost of competition is $100 teams both scored first place wins Oct. 11, per squad, and the competition season began Oct. 6. The teams to watch are 2023, at Spring Valley in competitive cheer in the Upstate Easley High School and in the Midlands AC Flora. At the against other area schools. competition, the judges score the team on tumbling, dance, two stunts, and Some of the happiest days of my life were a pyramid. The length of the competition routine is limited to two minutes when I coached the varsity cheerleaders at and 30 seconds. Lugoff-Elgin High school. I enjoyed the five The co-captains on the varsity squad are Madison Knoerr and Jenna Coyears I worked with the coaches, the players, pher. The other seniors on the team are Hannah McKenzie, Skyla Estep, and and the cheerleaders. I am thankful cheer- Kaydence Stockman. The girls say their favorite cheer is “Come on, Demonsleading has evolved into a recognized sport. This did not happen until 2016 GO!” Madison and Jenna lead the squads in 10-to-15-minute stretches bewhen it was designated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). fore the games and each practice. They are grateful they were selected coCheerleading requires skill and physical activity for the squad to perform captains. Their favorite stunt is a two-man base step lift. dances, stunting, tumbling, kicks, flips, splits, and lifts. Yet "Friday Night The excitement builds before the kickoff of the football game. Madison Lights" are some of the best memories in everyone's life. and Jenna expressed thanks for the Paint Crew (leaders of the student pep I was surprised to learn that four United States Presidents cheered for squad) who sit in a special student section during the game and respond to their high schools and college teams. George W. Bush followed in his father’s cheers. Several junior and senior boys enjoy painting themselves with the (George H.W. Bush) steps as president, and they were both Yell leaders on school colors and running down the sidelines with the school flags. their high school team at Phillips Academy and at Yale University. Ronald Banners are different today because they are professionally made of Velcro Reagan cheered at Eureka College, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had in- so that when the team runs through the banner, it will split apart and can be jured his knee in a high school football game, cheered at West Point. Frank- reused again. Coach Branham said her favorite cheer in high school was to lin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) cheered for Harvard. the G- to the O- Yell Go! “I like coaching these two teams. It brings me such Currently, Lugoff-Elgin has 22 junior varsity cheerleaders and 24 on varsi- joy! I truly believe we are providing them opportunities to build lifelong skills ty. Linda Lee Branham is the head coach. Zach Metts (USC’s assistant cheer not for only cheer, but character development. The memories we all make coach) and Candace Whitehouse assists with both teams. The teams practice together are priceless!” Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the school year from 3:45 to 6:00. Coach Branham complemented Principal Corey Wright, Athletic DirecThis LE group sponsored a successful “Cheer Combine” in June. This was tor Matt Campbell, and School Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin for an event where varsity cheerleaders and JV cheerleaders from other schools being super supportive of this sport. She also mentioned that the middle could showcase their abilities to compete and cheer at the college level. Over school coaches from both Stover and Lugoff-Elgin Middle also helped to $1 million in scholarships were awarded from 30 colleges to cheerleaders build the program. who attended. Three girls from Lugoff-Elgin received scholarships and are Promoting school spirit has always been a challenging role for teachers, currently cheering now at the college level. Coach Linda Branham recog- students, parents and our community. We need to support the ones who dednized Rebel Spirt who was the sponsor for the event and gave special thanks icate their time and efforts to represent their schools in activities, sports, and to Columbia Skin Clinic’s Doctor Asha James for providing help for the pro- academics.
MAYOR'S DESK, continued from Page 2 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous vote from Council. Council was informed that this project came in 12% under budget. The final item under new business was a status update regarding results of tasks that needed to be addressed that were discussed at a meeting with residents on July 18, 2023. The bulk of the items have been completed, apart from patching potholes, revising the park rules, and placing (2) of the permanent trash receptacles at a different location. Each item is being addressed to various entities and we will continue to provide updates as they are completed. In New Business, Chief Alan Anders provided Council with the following updates: (1) the recent 5K race raised an estimated $7,100.00 for Toys Roundup. Chief Anders recognized the following individuals for their work on the project: Theresa Hanley, Renee Copeland, Marsha Stone, and Jennifer Howard. A presentation was made by Bill Lynch, representative with Asset Technology, informing Council of an increase in the monthly rates for the services that are provided to the town. This increase is the first since the town contracted with the organization in November 2020. The increase is due to several factors: the increase in users, additional servers, and new requirements for seizure compliance from SLED. Council agreed to add the item to the November Agenda for further discussion. Also in New Business, Charles Napper, Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission Chair, recommended that Council approve a rezoning request for 2427 Main Street (Potter Community Park) from RS1 to GC1. A motion to approve the first reading for the request was made by Councilwoman
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Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Council. During this time, a motion for the first reading to amend Ordinance 152 (Procurement Procedures) was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Council. In Council Briefing, the following reports were provided: Councilwoman Cristy Bradley had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley had no report. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons informed Council that the town had been awarded a $1500 grant from Duke Energy for supplies for the food pantry. Attorney John Wells had no report. Town Clerk Becky Summey shared the new financial reports that are now being generated through QuickBooks. A motion to adjourn at 7:34 was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Council. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm. I encourage everyone to try to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved. And if you miss a meeting, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. Also, we now broadcast our monthly council meetings live on the “Town of Elgin” Facebook Page. Just remember that when you are informed, you are empowered. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com. October 20, 2023
October 20, 2023
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KCSD's 7th Annual 'Read-In' Event
On October 5th, over 1,000 students celebrated reading during Kershaw County's 7th Annual District Read-In at Zemp Stadium. Students, armed with books, lunches and towels, gathered together to enjoy reading and sharing books with other students.
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October 20, 2023
KCSD Celebrates 'Unity Day'
“Serving Columbia Since 1963”
Kershaw County School District celebrated Unity Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. We participate in Unity Day to promote kindness, inclusion, and acceptance and to show that Kershaw County School District stands against bullying. District students and staff were encouraged to wear orange showing support of Unity Day.
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Stover Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th - October 15th. On Friday, October 6th, a parade was held and included representation from following countries: Hispanic countries are Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
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October 20, 2023
FALL FESTIVALS Highway Fall Festival Highway PH Church invites you to their Fall Festival on October 21 at 4 pm. Come join the fun, food, games, costume contest, snacks and Trunk or Treat. Music by Wheel Greasers. 2290 Heath Pond Road, Elgin. Call (803) 438-1999 with questions.
UBC 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, Wildwood Ln. Join the fun for candy, bounce houses and more! Follow them on Facebook @UBCElgin
Springvale Fall Festival Springvale Baptist Church at 1496 Springvale Road is hosting a Fall Festival on Sunday, October 29th from 5-7 PM. All ages are invited to enjoy hot dogs, bounce houses, games, prizes, cake walk and trunk-or-treat fun! For more info, contact Springvale Baptist Church.
Smyrna Fall Festival Smyrna United Methodist Church invites you to a Fall Festival on Sunday, October 29th from 6-7 PM. Free hot dogs and drinks available while supplies last, plus many other fun activities! Smyrna UMC is located at 16 Smyrna Road, Elgin.
Lugoff Faith Nazarene Join Lugoff Faith Nazerene (Corner of Wildwood Lane & Highway 34) on Sunday, November 5, 2023 - Beginning at noon following the Morning Worship Service for a Fall Festival. Join us in celebrating with friends and family! Hot dogs with all the sides, music, and petting zoo from Double W Farm. Photo area provided for taking those personal photos. Everyone is invited! October 20, 2023
Town Hall Event Elgin Congregational
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 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.
Gospel Concert
Holiness Events:
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.
Vicki's Attic Event
Ivan Parker in Concert, Gospel Legend Ivan Parker will be in concert Sunday November 5th, Vicki’s Attic at Blaney Baptist Church is having 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Lugoff Church Of God another clothing giveaway on Saturday, October 1042 Highway 1 South, Lugoff SC 29078. For 21 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. It’s open to the pubmore information call 803-718-0368. lic. We will have plenty of clothing and shoes for both adult men and women as well as for children.
Food for the Soul Golf Tourney
@theelginnews
November 9th. 11thAnnual Food for the Soul Golf Tournament. Camden Country Club, 111 Knights Hill Road, Camden, SC. Rain Date: November 16. $100 per player. $400 team/four. Fee includes box lunch. The challenging Donald Ross Champion Golf Course provides a perfect day on the links! Day of registration opens at 11:00 a.m. (advance on-line registration www. foodforthesoulkc.org ). Captain’s Choice with Shotgun Start at 1:00 p.m. Mulligans $10 each, $20/3 (max 3 per player). All proceeds benefit Food for the Soul Soup Kitchen and Homeless Shelter. For information: Food for the Soul (803) 432-4771 or website www.foodforthesoulkc.org. Food for the Soul is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a faith-based Christian mission to provide food, shelter and hope for those in need in Kershaw County. It depends primarily upon local generosity for funding and in-kind gifts. The shelter serves free breakfasts/lunches four days a week (32,333 meals in 2022). FFTS is open 24 hours/7 days a week to better serve our guests. Food for the Soul, 110 A East DeKalb St., Camden, SC 29020 · (803) 432-4771 · e-mail foodforthesoulkc@gmail.org or visit website at www. foodforthesoulkc.org
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Emmons Announces Roll Con Returning Mayor Re-election Bid
By: Melissa Emmons, Elgin Mayor
I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Elgin. After serving (2) four-year terms as Mayor, (2) four-year terms on Council and (1) twoyear term on Elgin’s Planning and Zoning Commission, I feel that these experiences in addition to several Kershaw County Council appointed positions, have equipped me with the knowledge and the foresight needed to continue to serve in this capacity and to be effective in addressing the needs of our community. Elgin is my home and I will work hard to protect our small-town charm as we continue to grow and develop and will work earnestly to meet the needs of our residents and business owners. I have served on several positions that were appointed by Kershaw County Council such as Santee Lynches Council of Government and Kershaw County Housing Authority. Through these positions, I have established a positive and productive working relationship with county council and the Kershaw County Legislative Delegation. I also serve on several non-profit organizational boards such as United Way of Kershaw County, the Elgin Police Department Toys Roundup and Caring Hands Foundation as well as the Kershaw County Committee of 100. Through my involvement in these organizations, I work to address the needs with homelessness, food shortages and economic development in our county and community. I have been fortunate to work under some great leaders such as Mayor Paul Grooms, Mayor Pete James and Mayor Brad Hanley. With each Mayor, we have made progress in various areas. It is my desire to continue this trend, but with stronger emphasis on improving our infrastructure and addressing the issues that we are facing due to the tremendous amount of growth that has taken place around the Town of Elgin. I will strive to provide a businessfriendly atmosphere while protecting our residential dwellings. I will also seek to implement solutions for our traffic/transportation problems. These are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. I encourage the voters in our area to take the time to learn as much as possible about any candidates before they vote. I will be honored and humbled to continue to serve the Town of Elgin as Mayor. The election will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Elgin Town Hall during the hours of 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Public Notice: Rezoning Request
A Public Hearing has been scheduled at the request of the Elgin Town Council for a Rezoning Request for 2427 Main Street, Elgin, South Carolina 29045 from Residential (RS1) to Commercial (GC1). This is the location of Potter Community Park. The Public Hearing will take place on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:00 pm at Elgin Town Hall. Please contact Elgin Town Hall at 803-438-2362 if you have any questions.
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Kershaw County Library is excited to announce the third annual Roll Con on Saturday, November 4 from 12-5 PM. This free event is being held at the Kershaw County Recreation Department, located at 1042 W. DeKalb Street in Camden. Roll Con is a celebration of all things gaming and game culture. It will feature spaces for the open play of tabletop games as well as mini Dungeons and Dragons style campaigns that will be held throughout the day for anyone ages 11 to adult. There will be giant outdoor games like chess and Connect-4. Goods will be available for purchase from local small business vendors and food trucks will be present. There will be a cosplay contest for both kids and adults, in addition to book giveaways and raffles. This is a family-friendly event and is open to everyone. More information on contests, vendors, and specific events can be found on the library website www.kershawcountylibrary.org/rollcon
Above: Santa Vader, Pikachu, and Waldo visited last year's Roll Con in 2022.
Scouts Assist Local Veteran Via Hero's Bridge
In June, the nonprofit Hero's Bridge launched a nationwide Call Center to help aging veterans, and the organization recently assisted a veteran in Elgin. 74-year-old, Air Force veteran, Ms. Corinne Gardine of Elgin, reached out to the call center in July asking for help with her yard and installing a toilet. The Hero's Bridge Battle Buddy Call Center Coordinator, Rachel Brown, began making calls to local services and ended up speaking with Bruce Holmes, Troop 315 Master, which led her to Wayne Albright, Troop 316 Scout Master out of Lugoff, SC. The weekend of Sept. 16th, the scouts visited Ms. Gardine, cleaned up her 3/4-acre yard, and took care of that toilet seat. Hero's Bridge appreciates local community organizations stepping up to help our aging veterans. Hero's Bridge is dedicated to serving elderly veterans, aged 65 and older by bridging veterans to a better quality of life through age-specific and innovative programs. These services are available to our heroes wherever they call home, at no expense to them or their families. Call the Hero's Bridge call center at 866-OLD-VETS if you need assistance. Visit www.herosbridge.org for more information. October 20, 2023
KCSO Announces Deputy of the Quarter
The Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Foundation sponsors the KCSO Deputy of the Quarter award. This quarter’s award is presented to Master Deputy Comdell Campbell. Deputy Campbell is the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Stover Middle School in Elgin. We are very thankful for his honorable and dedicated service to the great citizens of Kershaw County.
Hanley Announces Council Re-election Bid
By: Brad Hanley, Elgin Town Council
I am announcing my candidacy for re-election to Elgin Town Council – 4-year term. Our town council has accomplished some important work in the last four years for the town of Elgin; however, there is much yet to be done and we have some challenges ahead. It is with this in mind that I am hoping to continue to use my experience to help maintain our successes and meet significant challenges. My education at USC, business and government experience gained working for Blue Cross and the SC Legislature, and direct experience in town government having served three terms on town council with one term as mayor, and one term on the zoning board, has equipped me with the knowledge and judgment to effectively set policy and help the town of Elgin thrive yet keep our small-town charm and quality of life. My cordial relationships with County Council members and other organizations helps us get things done in Elgin. I serve on the board of Santee Lynches COG (council of governments), the organization we have just become eligible to join for traffic purposes. This board prioritizes funding of road improvements. Previously, part of West Wateree and all of Elgin were included in the Columbia COG for traffic planning and financing and we were effectively blocked from road funds. October 20, 2023
Accomplishments: For our community safety and security, we provided necessary funding for Chief Anders to create and maintain a top-notch 24/7 professionally trained and federally compliant police force. Provided for greater court efficiency and outstanding municipal judges who provide swift and fair treatment of those who come before the court. We have significantly increased our funds on deposit and surplus funds, by responsible spending, to triple our recommended fund reserve, a fund to ensure Elgin’s solvency. We have continued to impose no property tax on town residents. We have steadily improved our community park to include the military flags, walking track, playground and picnic shelter. Major challenges: Our traffic congestion and growth are the most significant challenges we face. Lower housing density can aid in reducing further congestion and we and County Council have moved to reduce our neighborhood dense housing problem by increasing minimum lot size requirements. This should also slow the pace of growth we are experiencing. We need traffic controls and widened highways and for these improvements we need funding. We will pursue all funding sources possible and are working with Santee Lynches, where will have better prospects of securing funding to improve our situation in Elgin and West Wateree where the needs are greatest. I encourage all to vote on November 7 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at Elgin Town Hall. I will be honored to continue to serve. Early voting is open the two weeks prior to Nov 7 at the voter registration office in Camden.
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ith wSHERIFF LEE BOAN & MR. MIKE 1. Stay in groups. 2. Responsible adults should always accompany young children. 3. Never enter a home or vehicle for a treat. 4. Wear a reflective costume or take a flashlight. 5. Costumes should be visible, well fitting, and flame resistant.
6. Be aware of surroundings and avoid dark areas. 7. Stay on sidewalks. If no sidewalk, stay at the far edge of road facing traffic. 8. Look both ways before crossing streets. 9. Examine all treats before eating and only accept homemade treats from a trusted source. 10. Agree on a time to be home.
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