Elgin News. - 12A 2023

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News From KC Council By: Councilman Derek Shoemake

This has been an incredibly busy year for an almost entirely new Kershaw County Council. As the year comes to a close, I wanted to offer a brief recap of some of the key milestones over the last 12 months.

• I am proud to have been part of developing the County’s first-ever ordinance to increase minimum lot sizes to half an acre in most areas. This is a key step in addressing the explosive residential growth we have seen in our area.

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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

• County Council took lead on beginning a rewrite of the Comprehensive Plan and the County’s zoning regulations. Those will be finished next year, and I anticipate discussions related to impact fees and changes to the approval of large housing developments.

• The Kershaw County Sheriff 's Office received raises across the board, a new 24/7 fire station opened in Cassatt, and County Council purchased a new rescue boat and state-of-the-art radios for first responders. These budget-neutral moves highlight County Council’s commitment to public safety and emergency services here in Kershaw County.

• The North American headquarters of STL, an industry leader in fiber optic manufacturing, opened in Lugoff. This facility will bring more than 120 jobs to the area and they expect to grow. County Council also scaled back ordinances to make it easier for RV parks to run their businesses. Other Kershaw businesses continued to grow, and County Council took the initial steps of bringing several other businesses into Kershaw County.

• With substantial assistance and leadership from our legislative delegation, the West Wateree area of Kershaw County was moved into a state funding pool for road construction that includes Camden and the rest of Kershaw County. For more than two decades, West Wateree was in a funding pool with Richland and Lexington Counties and saw virtually no funds for major infrastructure projects.

Although County Council has no direct control over these funds, with this move West Wateree should begin seeing state funds for infrastructure projects.

• Using federal funds that would otherwise have expired, and matching donations, County Council moved forward on the most substantial improvement ever to recreation in Kershaw County. For KC West, this includes completion of additional parking, a new entrance, and other improvements. County Council was also able to assist the Town of Elgin in procuring necessary funds to build a community center in Potter Community Park.

• County Council was able to do all the above while passing a budget that included no tax increases and no fee increases.

These are but a few of the things we’ve done over the last year. Next year will likely be even more productive, particularly as County Council works to held Kershaw County grow responsibly.

As we wrap up this year and head into Christmas, may you hold on to the meaning for this sacred season. And if you are shopping for your loved ones, remember to shop local. We have some wonderful stores in the area, particularly here in Elgin.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. 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).

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 December 1, 2023

From The Chief 's Desk We hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was great! It’s now time to move on to Christmas! It’s the time for family and friends, it’s also the time for stealing.

During the holidays, we see an increase in larceny. Both from businesses and homes. Shoplifting goes up, car break-ins and porch pirates steal your packages.

Please be a little more vigilant during the holidays, keep your cars locked,

valuables out of sight. Try to get those Amazon packages inside and off the porch before the pirates steal them.

If you do become a victim of theft, please report it to the Elgin Police Dept.

Don’t forget the 48th Annual Catfish Stomp Parade and Festival on Dec. 2nd at 10am.

Chief Alan Anders

Elgin Police Department Incident Reports

Civil Disturbance: On 11-16-2023, Officer was dispatched to the parking lot of Food Lion in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to fight in progress. When Officer arrived there was about ten people in the parking lot yelling at four unknown black males that got in a small blue pick up truck and speed away. The people did yell "they have guns" but no one saw any. I spoke with Complainant, since he was the one the four black male were after. Complainant stated that a girl he use to see which he said he does not see anymore told her new boyfriend that Complainant came and saw her at Starbucks in Richland County. The new boyfriend (unknown name) came over to Food Lion parking lot to fight and beat Complainant up for going to Starbucks in Richland County and seeing the girlfriend. A lot of pushing and yelling went on but no one knows the name of the other people involved. A unknown young man got struck and left before Officer arrived, again no one knows his name. Officer looked behind Food Lion for the young man and found no one.

Shoplifting: Officer was dispatched to a shoplifting that occurred at Food Lion in the Town Limits of Elgin. I arrived on scene and spoke with Manager who stated and showed me video of a white female with blond hair coming into the store on 10/30/2023 around 1108 Hrs, and taking past all points of sale several different beauty supplies and personal items such as shampoo, makeup and other items. These items totaled to about $200.00 The same suspect entered the store and shoplifted grocery items (Case # 23-1100794).

Manager stated she would have the video of sent to Investigator Threatt as soon as it was ready.

DUS 2nd/Habitual Offender/Failure to Change Address: Several Deputies with KCSO and I were conducting a safety checkpoint on Bowen Street at Watson Street in the Town Limits of Elgin, when we noticed a vehicle turn into a driveway without a turn signal, then come back out of the driveway a short time later. I made a traffic stop on the vehicle and spoke with the driver Subject smelled of alcohol and I asked him how much he had to drink, and he stated one beer. Subject gave me his North Carolina ID card and stated he did not have a liDecember 1, 2023

cense. I asked hall to perform a series of field sobriety test and he stated that he would. Dispatch then notified me that his license was suspended in South Carolina and he was a habitual offender.

Hall was also wanted out of Richland County and Orangeburg County. I saw no nystagmus in Subject's eyes and placed him under arrest by handcuffing him behind is back, and double locking the cuffs. I then placed him in the back seat of my patrol car. I called for the next tow truck on rotation which was Eddie Roberts. Once Eddie Roberts arrived on scene, I transported Subject to KCDC, and when we arrived at the jail, custody of Hall was turned over to the KCDC staff.

Disorderly Conduct/Tresspassing After Notice: Sgt. Delong called me on the radio about Subject trespassing at Food Lion in the Town Limits of Elgin, where she is trespassed from. Manager of Food Lion had also called dispatch to report the same incident. Sgt. Delong stated Subject was at Auto Zone when I pulled up. I entered Auto Zone and advised Subject she was under arrest, at this time Sgt. Delong arrived. At this time Subject became very loud and vocal with several customers in the store. I advised Subject to stop and she did not. I handcuffed Subject behind her back, double locked the cuffs and checked them for tightness and sat her in the back seat of my car. I then transported Subject to KCDC. When we arrived custody of Subject was turned over to the KCDC staff. Subject was charged with Trespassing After Notice, and Disorderly Conduct.

Shoplifting: On 11/13/2023, I, SGT.Delong was dispatched to 2465 Main St. (Food Lion) in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a shoplifting that took place on 11/12/2023. Upon my arrival, I met with the Assistant Manager who stated that the unknown female entered the store at 1537 hours. Once inside the store the female places twenty-five cases of Budweiser and Bud Light @25.00 each ($625.00) into a shopping cart and exits the store passing all points of sale. Once in the parking lot the female loads the beer into a light green Ford Expidition bearing a SC Tag. The female then walks back into the store grabs $220.00 worth of Dove body wash and 250.00 worth of Gain laundry detergent. The unknown

female then once again passes all points of sale, exits the store and loads the items into the Ford Expedition and leaves the parking lot total theft is around $1095.00. Dixon is going to email still photos of the suspect to me to be added to this report.

Stolen License Plate: On 11-15-2023, at approximately 2000hrs, Victim stated she got food at Pizza Hut in the Town Limits of Elgin, and when she came out she noticed her license plate was gone off the back of her car. Victim did state she did not know if it was taken from this location or at work. Victim works in The Summit, in Richland County. Officer checked the store camera and could not see her vehicle from the location of the cameras.

Found Cell Phone: On 11/17/2023, An unknown female turned in a cell phone that she found at Dollar Tree in Lugoff. The phone was locked when it was turned in but, I was able to find a number under the emergency call button that turned out to be the owner's sister. I made contact and the owner came to Town Hall and the phone was returned to her after proof of ownership was proven when she unlocked the phone with her thumb print.

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Meet LEHS Alumnus Don McCallister

life during high school. I was in the LE state championship marching band. I learned so much about creativity, hard work, and teamwork from Glenn Price The search for the best Christmas gift is and Nancy Neal.

Being a musician has not come easy for me. I wanted to focus on other crehere, and Saturday December 9, between 9:30 am and 3 pm at Ella’s Boutique (2195 West ative disciplines. My wife Jennifer, daughter of Wilbert and Sue Pullen, has Dekalb St. in Camden), you will be sure to always been a musician. Jenn (LE’85) studied voice at USC where I was also find something delightful for the special lady in media arts. She has performed in several bands through the years including in your life. While you are there come by and Stillhouse, which in 2024 will celebrate 20 years.

Don said, “Attending my 20th reunion in 2003 was an important milestone say hello to me as I will be spreading holiday cheer with author (LEHS ’83) James D. in my writing career which was still in its early stages. When I saw copies of (Don) McCallister from noon until 2 pm. He the high school paper with my bylines on stories and reviews, I felt so much will sign copies of his 10th book, Ironically Unreal Once Forever. Donnie, as I encouragement. I have been published quite a few times. I had been a writer, call him, was my yearbook editor, and we recently caught up at the Class of but I seemed to need reminding. I had a huge breakthrough and suddenly 83's 40th reunion. Donnie, along with others in attendance, shared stories of found myself with that first novel Fellow Traveler which pays tribute to the their generations, and ironically these stories serve as the genesis of his recent jam band scene of Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.

I was the owner of a little Rock and Roll theme clothing store in Five release.

Donnie said, “Gen. X was the best. It was an all-American childhood. A Points called Loose Lucy’s, but I'm glad I was published. Much of the plot neighborhood of kids riding bikes, playing Sandlot ball, and building forts in of the Dixiana series, a Southern-fried Great American novel, involves a sucthe woods behind the houses. In those days when they were over suddenly, I cessful businessman accepting his responsibility as part of a larger community was writing about them rather than living them. Like most teens, I couldn't including putting on a hometown music festival. Its three volumes have bits wait to get away from here. Now I look forward to retirement back home in and pieces of a thinly disguised Kershaw County and SC history.”

James. D. McCallister looks forward to this return to his home front. He Rabon’s Crossroads on family land in good old Kershaw County.”

In their 40-year careers, my parents (David and the late Andria McCal- will have, besides his new release, many of his other books available for purlister) commuted every day to the capital city, so I've viewed where I live less chase. As part of our growing community, I think it is always time to renew as a classic small town than a mix of rural Carolina folk and suburban types.” old connections and make new friends. I want to encourage all of you to mark Don continued, “As I look back on my contributions to the 8th and 12th Dec. 9 on your calendar and stop by Ella’s for a visit and meet Don McCalgrade yearbooks along with Charlotte Chatto and Ernie Tai, I regard those lister. I know you will enjoy his venture into poetry.

As Don reflected on the process of poetry, he said, “It is more of a dance of days with a sense of awe and pride. I had ambition. The best part is that I still have papers from those days including part of a novel I started at 16. That language intended to instill fresh and unique ideas and images in the minds novel fragment was a marching band story, an activity which dominated my of readers.”

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

December KC Library Events

Weekly Events Wednesdays | 10:30 AM – 11 AM | Camden Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5. No storytime on Dec. 20 & Dec. 27.

Wednesdays | 11:15 AM – 12 PM | Camden Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2.

No storytime on Dec. 20 & Dec. 27.

Thursdays | 10:30 AM – 11 AM | Elgin Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5. No storytime Dec. 21 & Dec. 28.

Thursdays | 11:15 AM – 12 PM | Elgin Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2.

No storytime Dec. 21 & Dec. 28.

Events Friday, Dec. 1 | 10 AM – 10:45 AM | Camden HSC: Whiz Kids: The Nutcracker – a Christmas favorite! We’ll learn the story and music through a variety of activities including a scavenger hunt!

Ages 5-8.

Friday, Dec. 1 | 11:15 AM – 12 PM | Camden HSC: Tween Team: The Nutcracker – a Christmas favorite! We’ll learn the story and music through a variety of activities including a scavenger hunt! Ages 9-12.

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Friday, December 1 | 1 PM – 2 PM | Camden Middler Meets: Join us to learn how to play chess and make a Christmas ornament. Ages 1215.

Friday, Dec. 1 | 4 PM – 6 PM | Elgin Deck the Halls: We’re decorating the library for the holiday season! Drop in and help us craft paper chains, color pictures for the bulletin board, setup and decorate the tree. While you’re helping, we’ll be enjoying seasonal music. For all ages.

Friday, Dec. 1 | 6 PM – 10 PM | Camden Open Game Night: KCL invites gamers ages 12-18 to come enjoy tabletop RPG and strategybased board games at Open Game Night! Teens will have access to our selection of games and also be able to participate in one-shot adventure RPGs, hosted by our gaming coordinator, Mark Wood. Characters are tailor-made and seats are limited, so RSVP is required to attend. Email markw@kershawcountylibrary.org to reserve your teen’s spot.

Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 4 PM – 6 PM | Elgin Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree: We’re crafting ornaments at the Elgin branch to decorate your or the library’s Christmas tree! We’ll make beaded snowflakes, button candy canes, embroidered felt ornaments and more. For all ages.

Thursday, Dec. 7 | 10:30 -11:15 AM | Elgin Tiny Taste: Join KCL Elgin for a FREE sensory taste-testing experience for ages 3-5! SC SNAP-

Ed’s Kia Muse is coming to teach kids about new foods and tastes with hands-on learning, songs, and dances. Kids will love getting to taste the treats and will get their own “I Tried a New Food” badge of honor. Parents/Caregivers will get a newsletter to take home with fun facts, recipes, and resources.

If you haven’t attended a Tiny Taste before, email to sign up: laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org Thursday, Dec. 7 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden Lego Club: Lego play is the starting point for learning robotics. Let’s learn to make Legos that move! For kids of all ages.

Saturday, Dec. 9 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Elgin SaturYAY: Santa Claus is Coming to Town: We’re celebrating the season of giving with Santa Claus! We’re crafting a Santa Christmas countdown, taking pictures and crafting a picture frame as a gift (or ornament). Wear your cutest Christmas clothes and bring your biggest smile! Ages 3-10 (older kids welcome).

Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 2 PM – 3 PM | Camden Master Gardener: Holiday Plant Care: Join Jackie Jordan, Master Gardener Coordinator, to learn how to care for your holiday plants like Christmas cacti, poinsettias and Christmas trees.

Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 4 PM to 5 PM | Elgin Bricks n’ Blocks: Join us in Elgin to build with Legos, K’nex, Lincoln Logs, Duplo Legos, building blocks, and more! For kids of all ages.

See LIBRARY, Page 9 >> December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

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Palmetto Dance Center Takes The Big Apple

Frank Sinatra once sang, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere," in the now famous song New York, New York, which millions of people sing together during the first few minutes of every new year in Times Square.

Kershaw County's own Palmetto Dance Center (PDC) recently traveled to the city that never sleeps where they tried - (and succeeded!) to "make it" in the Big Apple.

Led by Directors Britton Elliott and Lori Robinson, PDC's path to the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade began in August 2021 with the submission of a letter of interest.

By November 2022, the PDC dancers were notified that there was a possibility of them participating in the Parade the following year, and in January 2023, an official audition video was submitted. In February of this year, the PDC team was notified that they'd be part of the Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving day, and the real work began.

Dancers on the "Parade Team" included Kaleigh Robinson, Emma Atkinson, Rachael Darmer, Imani Howard, Addison Guster, Sarah Price, Jules Lemonds, Alonna Melvin, Maya Riley, Adelyn Potter, Kennedy Ryan, Kayla Rocha and Layla Goodwin. From February 2023-October 2023, the primary focus for the dancers and directors was fundraising.

Director Britton Elliot is so grateful for the support they received over the past year.

"I cannot say enough positive things about the community support for our studio over the last year," says Britton. "People have rallied behind us to make this huge endeavor possible. It was not a cheap trip at all, and each dancer had to work hard to find sponsors, raise funds through fundraisers, and save money whenever possible over the last year. The community jumped on board and have lived through the dancers over the last year, and that was so evident last week as people from all over were commenting on our social media posts and sending messages of excitement and encouragement."

By November 1, 2023, the team received their choreography and costumes,

and with them scheduled to head to NYC on November 18th, time was short to get ready.

For dancer Emma Atkinson, the week in New York was a whirlwind of activity. " I won’t lie…I was nervous about the flight and the first couple of days in NYC were brutal, between long rehearsals and very little sleep," says Emma.

But the excitement of what was to come kept us going."

No rest for the weary as they say, and for the ladies of PDC, a grueling rehearsal schedule mostly defined the days of November 18th-22nd - though they did fit in some sightseeing and shows.

Finally, on November 23rd, years of fundraising and practice came to fruition. Dancers had a call time of 5:45 am, and spectators headed out at 4 am to claim front row spots for the Parade.

"For almost a year, we have prepped and created an image in our minds about what this moment would actually be like. Nothing I ever imagined came close to the feeling I had when I walked out onto that star to perform," says Emma. "I knew that even if my family and friends back home never caught a glimpse of me on TV, this was still the most magical moment of my life!"

Britton couldn't agree more.

"This experience was a dream come true for both us as directors and for the dancers," says Britton. "Nothing can really describe the feeling of the dancers taking that Macy’s Star in an event that is seen around the world. Several of the girls said they teared up when the countdown to go live was happening out of pure excitement."

Congratulations, Palmetto Dance Center - you've made it in New York, so you can make it anywhere.

Thanks to Britton Elliot, Jenna Atkinson and Emma Atkinson for their contributions to this article.

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Fairy Tale Friday at DME Doby's Mill Choraliers Attend Carolighting Event

The 4K classes at Doby's Mill Elementary School celebrated Fairy Tale Friday, exploring this classic genre with costumes and read-alouds.

The Doby's Mill Elementary Choraliers recently participated in the Governor’s Carolighting Ceremony at the State House.

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December 1, 2023

LIBRARY, Continued from Page 4 Thursday, Dec. 14 | 10:30 - 11:15 AM | Elgin Tiny Taste: Join KCL Elgin for a FREE sensory taste-testing experience for ages 3-5! SC SNAPEd’s Kia Muse is coming to teach kids about new foods and tastes with hands-on learning, songs, and dances.

Kids will love getting to taste the treats and will get their own “I Tried a New Food” badge of honor. Parents/Caregivers will get a newsletter to take home with fun facts, recipes, and resources. If you haven’t attended a Tiny Taste before, email to sign up: laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org Thursday, Dec. 14 | 4 PM – 5:30 PM | Camden Chess Club: Come on in for a chess club for all! All ages and skill levels are welcome to join us for play. We also offer free lessons to beginners for ages 8 to adult.

Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Camden DIY Holiday Craft Frenzy: We’ll provide the supplies you need to create several items to enhance your holiday décor! Make ornaments, magnets, and more. Call 803-425-1508 to register.

Ages 18+ Friday, Dec. 15 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Camden Little Explorers’ Club: Your 2-5 year old will love joining us for How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss and a fun, grinchy game!

Friday, Dec. 15 | 2:30 PM – 6 PM | Elgin The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Drop in to craft something special for someone you love.

We’ll have DIY totes, snow globes, cocoa spoons, and ornaments. Ages 10 to adult. Supplies are limited, so please sign up by email: hannag@kershawcountylibrary.

Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 AM – 2 PM | Elgin Strategy Saturday: Join us for board games at the Elgin library! We have board games for all ages, classics and indie games alike! From Jenga to Carcassonne, Connect-4 and Sorry, Uno and Fluxx… we’ve got what you’ll love. Play together, in a quiet area, or on our enclosed porch. All ages welcome.

Monday, Dec. 18 | 4 PM – 6 PM | Elgin Christmas Wrappin’ Learn how to be a true wrap artist by wrapping with us. We’ll learn basic wrapping, accessorizing, and wrap hacks. You may practice on our boxes or bring 3-5 small/medium gifts of your own to wrap. Ages 10 to adult.

Thursday, Dec. 21 | 9 AM – 6 PM | Elgin Peace on Earth: Join us for a Christmas/holiday themed relaxation retreat! Make crafts, color holiday pages, use sensory items, read, or work on a puzzle. Goodie bags available while supplies last.

Ages 12 to adult.

Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden Camden Book Club: We will be discussing Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane. New members are always welcome. You can pick up a copy of this book at the Camden branch.

December 1, 2023

Lugoff Fire First Day Hike Holiday Events

Lugoff Fire-Rescue (LF-R) is pleased to announce two upcoming holiday events to provide children and adults a chance to see Santa.

The first event, LF-R Santa Land, will be hosted at LF-R headquarters, located at 892 Hwy 1 South Lugoff, on Saturday December 2nd, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm. Santa and his helpers will be setup at the front of the fire station for a drive-thru visit.

Vehicles are asked to enter in the rear entrance of the fire station behind McDonalds. Firefighters will then direct vehicles through the station to see Santa. All vehicles will exit onto Hwy 1 South via the front entrance to LF-R headquarters.

LF-R has also partnered with the Kershaw County Parks and Recreation Department to be a drop-off site for the Silver Spurs Santa Letters.

A template for the Santa letter has been posted to LF-R website located at (www.lugofffire.com) and LF-R Facebook page located at (www.facebook. com/lugofffire). Please print off the template and have it ready to drop in the special Silver Spurs mailbox during the drive-thru event on Saturday December 2nd, 2023.

The second event, Santa Patrol, is an annual community favorite. This year LF-R apparatus will bring Santa around to the Lugoff Fire District neighborhoods on the following nights:

A First Day Hike sponsored by KC Trails is planned for Goodale State Park on January 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM. This will be a ranger led trail hike. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Please add this to your calendar and support our friends at KC Trails for your first hike of the year!

- Date: Monday, January 1st, 2024 - Time: 2:00 PM - Location: Goodale State Park (Camden)

Post 195 Update

Monday, December 11th, 2023 6pm to 8pm Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 6pm to 8pm Thursday, December 14th, 2023 6pm to 8pm Friday, December 15th, 2023 6pm to 8pm A detailed neighborhood schedule has been posted to the LF-R website and LF-R Facebook page.

Post 195 gave $1000 to the animal rescue charity Cat Around Town to support their efforts in saving stray cats, neutering feral cat communities, and cat adoptions in Kershaw County. Post Commander Claude Turner, Sergeant at Arms Bill Neubert, and Auxiliary President Marianne Larson presented Alana Vinson with the check.

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MUSC Health First In SC To Offer Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab Program

MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown (CMC-DT), Columbia Medical Center Northeast (CMC-NE) and Kershaw Medical Center (KMC) have expanded existing cardiac rehabilitation options by implementing the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) Program.

These facilities are establishing themselves as the very first facilities in the state of South Carolina to offer the Pritikin Program.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a key step for patient recovery after a cardiac event or heart surgery, consisting of a comprehensive, medically supervised plan that promotes heart health through education, exercise and patient lifestyle changes. “We believe that embracing the Pritikin ICR program will not only enhance the rehabilitation experience for our patients but will also empower them to make sustainable lifestyle changes crucial for long-term heart health," said Michael Foster, M.D., cardiologist and Cardiac Rehab medical director for CMC-DT and CMC-NE. "The Pritikin ICR sessions provide patients with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, even after their cardiac rehab is complete. By tailoring the teaching model to each patient's individual needs, we can ensure they walk away with a full understanding of the changes they need to make," said Todd Alderson, M.D., cardiologist and Cardiac Rehab medical director for KMC. "While these changes may seem overwhelming at first, our whole team is here to help our patients through every step of their recovery."

@theelginnews

Patients qualify for the Pritikin ICR if they have suffered from a cardiac event such as a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, bypass or valve surgery, angioplasty and stent placements, heart transplant or chronic heart failure. Admission to this tailored program occurs on a rolling basis, so patients can begin as soon as they are cleared for exercise.

“The Pritikin ICR program has a track record of success in improving key cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight,” said Drew Hamer, MHA, marketing director of Outpatient Cardiopulmonary Services at MUSC Health in the Midlands. “This evidencebased approach emphasizes education and support, equipping patients with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead heart-healthy lives beyond the rehabilitation phase.”

The Pritikin Program enhances MUSC Health’s existing cardiac rehab program by offering potentially up to 72 sessions for patients instead of the typical rate of 36 sessions, depending on insurance, further improving patient outcomes. Despite a higher number of sessions, this plan often comes at a lower cost to patients and is covered by Medicare.

If you have questions about cardiac rehabilitation or your doctor recommends you or a loved one begin cardiac rehabilitation, call 803-256-5463 to speak with the cardiac rehabilitation team at MUSC Health in Columbia or Camden.

Blaney Visits Liberty Live

FREE

SUPPORT GROUP

Blaney fourth graders visited Kershaw, SC to take part in Liberty Live education day, where they took part in various activities related to the colonial and military life of backcountry South Carolinians. Pictured is BES fourth grader Brandon Echeverria from Mrs. Jessica Mullins' class as he practices mangling, which is the practice of smoothing and drying household linen.

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December 1, 2023

Law Dogs Giving to KCSO Law Dogs

I would like to thank Law Dogs, LEMC for their recent $1,053.00 donation to your KCSO K9 team.

I was approached by Joe Boomer and Donald Corbett several weeks ago. They wanted to do a motorcycle show fundraiser at Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson for our K9s. They were immediately connected with Benji Jackson with our Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Foundation.

Their first show went well. They hope to make this an annual event for KCSO K9s. We are so fortunately to work for a community that supports and appreciates your KCSO deputies (two and four-legged).

Left to right in photo: Don Corbett, Joseph Boomer, KCSF Chairman Benji Jackson, Sheriff Lee Boan, Deputy Hunter Coleman, K9 Mazie

KC Deploys Naloxone Vending Machine

In an effort to combat a dramatic increase in opioid overdose events, the Kershaw County Detention Center has installed a freestanding vending machine so that recently released detainees can have access to naloxone, a potentially lifesaving rescue medication. Statistics prove that substance users who experience long periods between use, such as those incarcerated or detained, are up to ten times more likely to experience an overdose due to opioid use after release.

“While we would certainly prefer that people wouldn’t abuse or misuse substances in the first place, this simply isn’t a realistic expectation” says Mara Jones, Executive Director of ALPHA Behavioral Health in Camden. “Part of the recovery journey is for the professional treatment community to meet our clients where they are. By having naloxone easily available, we know that we are putting a proven lifesaving tool into the hands that need it most. A life saved from overdose is another step closer to recovery,” she adds.

This vending machine was purchased and installed through funding provided by the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF). Kershaw County was awarded this funding earlier this year to combat what is often referred to as the opioid epidemic. Experts agree that communities throughout the United States are experiencing a dangerous new phase of this epidemic due to an explosion in the availability and distribution of cheap, powerful and potentially deadly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

“We track overdose data across the county through first responders and the Coroner’s Office. When naloxone is available, lives are saved. Naloxone can pause an overdose long enough to get someone the medical attention they need. It also can get them one step closer to treatment, recovery, and a better and more productive life” Jones says.

Kershaw County Detention Center Captain of Administration Chevonne Workman adds, “Many of our detainees have a substance use disorder.

By having naloxone available upon release, we believe we’re giving them a chance to get a step closer to treatment, and therefore are less likely to return to the criminal justice system. That’s a win-win for everyone.”

“Communities across South Carolina and the U.S. are installing these machines with excellent results,” Kershaw County Opioid Coalition Director Kevin Rhodes says. “Our partnership has chosen to place this machine outside of the Kershaw County Detention Center so that it is accessible to recently released detainees, as well as to their family members, friends and supporters. This machine is token-operated, but all someone needs to do is ask any Detention Center staff member for help and they’ll be given a token or tokens, no questions asked. The public can also visit any ALPHA Behavioral Health location, including 208 King Street in Camden, and we’ll give them naloxone, fentanyl test kits, and other resources free of charge and without questions or judgement” adds Rhodes.

ALPHA Behavioral Health is also making naloxone available at various locations across the county. Community members are urged to look for popup kiosks at pharmacies, partner agencies, and public events.

“In addition to the obvious human cost, this crisis is stressing valuable law enforcement resources, first responders, local medical facilities, and human service agencies. Our coalition is committed to reducing the impact this opioid crisis is having on our community.

Making these rescue doses easily available in our community is one small but critical part of this combined effort. A complicated problem like this requires a coordinated response,” Jones concludes.

803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com December 1, 2023

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