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Letter Submissions

News From KC Council

By: Council Chairman Ben Connell

Merry Christmas! As we wrap up another year and look forward to 2025, I find myself filled with gratitude for our families and the people of Kershaw County. The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and looking ahead, and this year, we have much to be thankful for as a community.

First and foremost, the success and investment we’ve experienced recently is testament to the hardworking people of Kershaw County. It is an honor to serve as your Kershaw County Council Chairman, and I am continually inspired by the resilience and innovation of our residents and businesses. As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, we can all take pride in and express gratitude for the progress we’ve made together.

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.

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• Personal attacks.

The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information.

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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.

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We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:

Letters to the Editor

The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045

Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108

One of the most exciting recent developments has been interest in bringing good jobs and significant investment to Kershaw County. Notably, at our last meeting of the year on December 10, 2024, Kershaw County Council will have the final reading on an opportunity to support a local company in a $16 million expansion with 32 new jobs. Economic development is more than just a win for the business—it is a win for our entire community. It highlights the diverse, thriving economy we are building here in Kershaw County, one that is attracting businesses from various industries. This new investment is a reminder that our county has a dedicated workforce and an environment that fosters innovation and opportunity.

As we prepare to enter 2025, we’re committed to continuing this momentum. The Kershaw County Council is focused on maintaining an environment that supports both established businesses and newcomers, ensuring that our economic growth is sustainable and beneficial for all. We are working to be wise stewards of your resources, guide smart residential growth, and invest in infrastructure, education, and workforce development. We want to ensure that Kershaw County continues to be the place we know and love, where people want to live, work, worship, and raise their families.

Looking ahead, we are also excited about the opportunities that a new year brings. One project that is moving along swiftly is the Elgin Community Center at Potter Park. This facility will provide a wonderful and much needed community space in Elgin. I congratulate Elgin Town council for their progress and planning in making this happen for our area. In fact, we look forward to seeing you Saturday,

See CONNELL, Page 10 >>

From The Cover

LEHS Cross Country Attends State For First Time Since 2008

The Lugoff-Elgin High School (LEHS) boys cross country team recently qualified for State for the first time since 2008! The team made it in the top eight and traveled to Newberry on November 21st to compete and ended up beating four teams who had just recently beaten them at State Qualifier the week prior, allowing them a 12th place finish out of 16 teams. LEHS's division, 5A Division 2, includes 28 teams total. Coach Sierra Oliphant stated that she was extremely proud of the boys' progress and hard work!

Pictured left to right on the cover, Jake Rust, Eli Bills, Westin Halle, Ian Halle, Josiah Gustafson, Blake Dennis, and Matthew Gallagher pose with proud smiles after qualifying for the state competition for cross country. The team finished their season three places ahead of their anticipated rank!

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

Elgin PD Incident Reports

Assisting Another Agency: Central dispatched deputies to a suspicious vehicle at the incident location due to a vehicle halfway in a ditch and the person inside was not moving. Due to the close proximity of town and the deputies being further away the reporting officer responded to assist. The reporting officer arrived to find a Gold 2015 Nissan Sentra bearing a SC Tag ran off the right side of the road and was halfway up an embankment. Upon approaching a bystander was getting into a vehicle to leave, but advised the person inside was passed out, but just woke up. Contact was made revealing the Suspect to be the driver and sole occupant. The radio was blaring and the car was still in gear, but was not running. He was identified by his South Carolina driver's license, confirming his identity. When the reporting officer asked if he had been drinking today he stated "no" even though an odor of an alcoholic beverage was emitting from the vehicle. When asked if he had any medical issues he stated "yea," but when asked what it was he said "uh" and stared straight never answering the question. Due to his obvious state of confusion the reporting officer asked him to place the car in park. When asked how much he had to drink today he stated "nothing" with slurred speech. He then attempted to get out of the vehicle, but was told to stay in the car. He then stared at the reporting officer with one eye open as if to try and focus. The reporting officer advised the Suspect he could tell he had been drinking he responded "no." He was asked if he always had slurred speech and he stated "yea" and if he

smelled like alcohol he just kind of shrugged. He was asked what day it was and he responded with a slurred speech "Thanksgiving." The reporting officer advised dispatch that the Suspect would be driving under the influence. When asked where he was coming from he advised "my house," but he was actually headed toward his house based on the positioning of his vehicle. He was asked what road we were on and he stated "Bookman" just to quickly change and say "Bowen." His license was checked through dispatch revealing his license was clear and that he was clear NCIC. He stepped from the vehicle and leaned against the side of his drivers side rear door. He was asked if he remembered the last time he had anything to drink today and he responded with "uh yesterday." When asked if he was diabetic he stated "nope." He was asked if he remembered what happened and he stated "somebody drove me off the road." The reporting officer advised he believed it was him and he stated "yep." He was aked if he wanted to be honest and he stated "yep." He again confirmed he was coming from his address, but was facing the direction of his address. He kept pointing the incorrect direction. He was asked why he got in the car today and he stated "I have a lot of mental illness" with extremely slurred speech. He stated again he normally has trouble speaking. He was asked if he remembered how much he had to drink and he stated "i don't know" initially and then stated "a couple of beers." He was asked what time he thought it was and he stated "six" and when asked to clarify morning or evening he stated "evening." When asked when was the last time he remembered drinking he stated "this

morning." He was asked if he remembered what time he left his house and he stated "no." Kershaw County Deputy Lt. Michael Hinson then arrived on scene. The reporting officer and deputy waited with the Suspect until South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Cox responded. As he arrived on scene the Suspect fell into his driver's door and onto the ground. While speaking with Trooper Cox the Suspect was asked to do standardized field sobriety tests and he stated "no I'm drunk I'm I'm honest." He was asked again if he would like to do the tests and he stated "no" and then stated "no I'm I'm gonna tell you I'm f$%^ed up." He was ultimately placed under arrest and mirandized. The reporting officer cleared and returned to the town. The reporting officer's body worn camera was activated.

Breach of Trust: The Complainant, owner of HRE Construction located at the incident location called to advise they terminated an employee the day prior and he had not returned the company truck. The vehicle was a 2018 GMC Sierra pickup truck bearing a SC Tag. They provided the Suspect's name as the employee who was terminated. Lawtrak was checked which revealed an address of Anderson Court in Elgin, . The reporting officer went to that address, but the vehicle was not present. The resident there advised he has not lived there for two years. Contact was made over the phone with the Complainant. She initially requested a report, but was able to locate the truck after they were given an address in Lugoff. The reporting officer's body camera was activated.

An Unwelcome Christmas Surprise

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

Hope all our Elgin News readers celebrated Thanksgiving and the blessings from family and friends.

What was your favorite side dish? I think my string bean casserole is still my favorite, but I love my dessert -banana pudding from Southern Mama's Kitchen. Usually when families are together over the holidays, they share legacy stories with the hope that the younger generation will listen and will retain some family history. I hope my children and my grands will remember the stories we shared across the family table. Aunt Ruth was my mother's younger sister, and she was always the one who filled in the blanks in my life after my mother passed away.

Prior to that Christmas in 1930, my grandmother had spent days baking all kinds of cakes and pies. On Christmas Eve, my grandmother fed all six children (my mother was the oldest), heard their prayers, and put them to bed. According to my Aunt Ruth who wrote an article for The Sumter Item about Christmas, “Each one of us had a long black stocking that we had to hang before the chimney. We also put out a piece of cake for Santa Claus. It was very difficult for me to go to sleep that night.”

Aunt Ruth continued, “Back then Christmas was the only time we received fruit such as bananas, apples, and oranges. Of course, we had fig trees, peach trees, and a grape arbor. This was going to be a special treat for us, and we always looked forward to the two five-pound boxes of chocolate candy that we shared from Santa Claus. I finally drifted off to sleep, awakening the next morning to the sound of firecrackers exploding in my small hometown.”

My mother Naomi, who was fourteen at the time called Aunt Ruth who was only seven to get up and see what Santa had brought. Aunt Ruth said,

“After cuddling my doll and looking at the doll bed and other goodies that I had wanted and waited for so long, I carried them into my parents’ bedroom for them to see what Santa had bought me. As I started back to the dining room where my other things were, I noticed smoke pouring from the bathroom. I threw open the door and the whole bathroom seemed consumed with an orange- black light. Earlier an oil heater had exploded, but with all the noise that six children can make on Christmas morning we had not heard it. FIRE! I staggered back against the door and screamed to my family! FIRE! By that time our neighbors had been aroused, and our church bells started peeling. That was before the days of fire trucks and fire sirens to alert the citizens of the small town to come, help fight the fire and save whatever they could.”

“Men were scurrying and brought out a few pieces of furniture. My older sister (my mother) carried out a cabinet sized radio by herself, and after the fire she couldn't even pick it up. She pushed the piano outside also. Practically everything was gone, all the cakes and pies my mother had so lovingly prepared. Most of our furniture, clothes, and treasured items… everything. As I sat huddled on the front lawn, my eyes wide with disbelief at the scene that was unfolding before me and watched the flames leaping high and felt the cold gusty December wind, I couldn't believe it had only been a few moments since I had been so joyously happy with my Christmas toys before I discovered the smoke which by now was curling through the house like a silent black snake. Everything was reduced to nothing but smoke and ashes with only four brick chimneys left standing like giant sentries on duty,” Aunt Ruth related this story each Christmas.

Both of my grandparents were Christians, and they instilled in their six children and sixteen grandchildren a belief in Christ and to make the best of any situation. They didn't send us to church but carried us every Sunday. Christmas is only a few weeks away. Look how quickly we mark the days! Enjoy the season and the reason! Remember Christ should always be in Christmas!

STEAM At Stover Middle School

During Related Arts, all the students in the school participated in STEAM Activities. Students worked with coding Ozobots and Spheros, got to make a harmonica or a marbled card, built paper airplanes and paper rockets, and made slime.

Blaney Elementary School Recognizes Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year

wood as Support Staff of the Year. Pictured above left, Randi Ray (back center), BES Teacher of the Year, with her first grade class. Pictured

BES cafeteria manager Nikki Greenwood

High School recently took a fun and inspiring trip to the Columbia Mu seum of Art to check out the French Moderns exhibit, which features over 50 amazing works by legendary artists like Cézanne, Degas, Matisse, and Monet.

cents, learning the stories and techniques behind the art. They wrapped up the day in the museum’s studios, creating their own pieces inspired by still-life setups at each table. King, who was recently selected as the LEHS Teacher

and

of the Year, and Quam were excited to help provide an opportunity like this, sparking creativity and giving young artists real-world experience in the art

Additionally, LEHS will host the second annual Tour of Trees in the school library on Tuesday, December 10th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The festive event will feature artwork for sale by students from across the Kershaw County School District, with prices varying by piece. Guests can also enjoy holiday treats and pictures with Santa for $2 each. The event is cash only and open to all

above right,

(center) pictured with BES principal Adele Dixon (left)

BES Assistant Principal Detra Simmons (right).

Mt. Sinai AME Celebrates 203rd Anniversary

Mount Sinai African American Methodist Episcopal Church recently celebrated their 203rd anniversary with a special service including guest preacher Rev. Dr. James Gilyard and his choir from James Chapel AME in Lugoff, and special music from saxophonist David Glymph. Pastors and choirs from neighboring churches were also part of the celebration, and included:

• Guest Worship and Praise Leader - Sasha Smith and Company, Camden, SC

• Saint Matthews Baptist Church - Reverend James Williams, Lugoff, SC

• Mount Prospect United Methodist Church - Reverend Anthony DuBose Lugoff, SC

• Mount Joshua United Methodist Church - Reverend Anthony DuBose--Ridgeway, SC

• Jacob Mission AME Church - Reverend Noluthando Ntsangani Elgin, SC

• Bethlehem AME Church - Reverend Leonard Simmons Winnsboro, SC

Mount Sinai, located at 718 Smyrna Road in Elgin, was founded in 1820. The original church structure was positioned down the hill behind the current structure. It was constructed of white wood. In the old cemetery you will find descendants of the church family who at one time may have been slaves or children of slaves, as there are graves that date back as late as 1821. Due to the location of the church, members had trouble getting to the church because of the sandy land surrounding the church. The sand would make it almost impossible for the horse-drawn buggies and T-model cars to pass

Mount Sinai A.M.E. Church was rebuilt in 1927 and is still used for ser-

vices today. It is recorded in Kershaw County Courthouse Records that on November 17, 1927 Mrs. Adie Stokes sold one square acre of land in the sum of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) to several Trustees of Mt. Sinai. On December 6,1955 Mr. E.T. Bowen sold two acres of land for the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) to several more Trustees of Mt. Sinai. In 1974, the church structure was bricked, and restrooms were installed. Between 1978 and 1983 many interior additions were made such as: the installation of new pews, communion table, pulpit chairs, central heating and air, and red carpet. On September 11, 1986, Mrs. Sarah B. Emanuel sold two more acres of land in the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) to Mt. Sinai for the purpose of erecting an education wing, pastors’ study, and kitchen. Between 1989 and 1996 more renovations were made under the direction of several different pastors. The renovations included a steeple, new carpet, seat padding for the pews, ceiling fans, painting of the church’s exterior and interior, a vestibule to include restrooms, and a permanent wheelchair ramp.

Fast-forward to 2024, under the leadership of its 34th pastor, the Reverend Dr. Odell Glenn Jr., Mt. Sinai practices their mission by winning souls to Jesus Christ through community and social media outreach, empowerment workshops, and using our spiritual gifts to fulfill purpose and destiny. We are continually adapting to a changing culture, developing unique programs for our youth and maintain a standard of excellence in and amongst the community. Mt. Sinai invites you to join them in person for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and our Sunday morning worship service at 10:00 a.m. You can also tune into by phone at 803-474-4410 as well as live on their Facebook Page. We are also a part of www.recoverallsc.org and offer our services of “HOPE AND HEALING” to our surrounding community each Tuesday from 10:30

Books & Bingo At The Colonial

Doby’s Mill Elementary third through fifth graders had a great time spreading Thanksgiving cheer with Books & BINGO at The Colonial Assisted Living Center at Old Camden.

• Strokes

• Brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Major multiple trauma

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Amputations

• Neurological conditions

December KC Public Library Events

Weekly Events

Weekly on Mondays

4 PM – 6 PM in Elgin

Sub Dub Club: Join anime fans ages 16+ to watch popular anime shows, courtesy of Crunchyroll. We’re watching titles like Kaiju No. 8, Frieren, DB Super, and more. For ages 16 to adult.

Weekly on Wednesdays

10:30 AM – 11 AM in Camden

Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2. No storytime on Weds. Dec. 25.

Weekly on Wednesdays

11:15 AM – 12 PM in Camden

Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5.

No storytime on Weds. Dec.25.

Weekly on Thursdays

10:30 AM – 11 AM in Elgin

Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2. No storytime on Thurs. Dec. 26.

Weekly on Thursdays

11:15 AM – 12 PM in Elgin

Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5. No storytime on Thurs. Dec. 26.

Weekly on Thursdays

1 PM – 3 PM in Elgin

Crafty Crafters: Bring your latest craft project (knit, crochet, quilting, etc) and join the crafting circle at the Elgin library to share tips, tricks, or just enjoy conversation together. No CC on Thurs. Dec. 26.

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Camden Yoga for Everyone: Join Scott Freiberg for Yoga suitable for all skill levels and experience. A waiver is required before your first session. Ages 18+ Thursday, Dec. 5 | 4 PM – 5:30 PM | Camden

KCL Chess Club: Drop in for a chess club for all ages and skill levels! If you don’t know how to play, we offer free lessons for ages 8 to adult.

Thursday, Dec. 5 | 4 PM – 6 PM | Elgin #hangout: Need someplace to unwind and hang out with your friends or other tweens/teens? Come to KCL Elgin and socialize, play games, do artwork, work on a group project, or just chill with our lo-fi. No sign-up is required; just drop in and hang. For ages 12-17.

Friday, Dec. 6 | 10 AM – 11 AM | Camden Whiz Kids: Christmas Trees: We’ll celebrate the holidays by crafting Christmas trees from popsicle sticks. Sign up by email: laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org. For ages 5-8.

Friday, Dec. 6 | 11:15 AM – 12 PM | Camden Tween Teams: Ornamental Christmas: Craft a felt Christmas ornament by needle and using the blanket stitch that we’ll learn today. Register by emailing laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org. For ages 9-12.

Friday, Dec. 6 | 1 PM – 2 PM | Camden Middler Meets: Weaving: Join us to learn a little about weaving. Register by emailing laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org

Friday, Dec. 6 | 6 PM – 10 PM | Camden

Open Game Night: KCL invites teen gamers to come enjoy tabletop RPG and strategybased board games at Open Game Night! Seats are limited, so RSVP is required to attend. Email markw@kershawcountylibrary.org to reserve your teen’s spot. Signups must be received no later than the Wednesday before the event! Space is limited. For ages 12-17.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 9 AM – 6 PM | Elgin Christmas Ornament Take-and-Make: Swing by the library to pick up a take-and-make kit to craft your own Christmas ornament. Limit one per person.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 2 PM – 3 PM | Camden Master Gardener: Microgreens: Join Jackie Jordan, Master Gardener Coordinator, to learn the

basics about microgreens. Come grow with us! Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 4 PM – 6 PM | Elgin BLOX: Kids and teens of all ages are welcome to come build with varying items at the Elgin library! We have Legos, K’nex, Keva Planks, and more. It’s a great way to add a little STEM into the day!

Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Camden

Yoga for Everyone: Join Scott Freiberg for Yoga suitable for all skill levels and experience. A waiver is required before your first session. Ages 18+

Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Camden

Intro to Mushrooms with Jasmine: Deep dive into all things fungi! Jasmine Winkler from Down to Earth Co-op will be teaching us the ins and outs. Limited seating. Register by calling the Camden library at 803-425-1508. For ages 18+

Thursday, Dec. 12 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden Lego Club: Kids of all ages are welcome to join us to play with Legos at the library!

Friday, Dec. 13 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Camden

Little Explorers’ Club: O Christmas Tree! Join us as we paint a Christmas Tree with a toilet paper roll and add other decorative pieces. Sign up by emailing laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org. For ages 2-5.

Saturday, Dec. 14 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Elgin

SaturYAY: Happy Holidays: Join us for fun holiday crafts, coloring, and music! Sign up by emailing your child’s name, age, and time preference (10 or 11 AM) to hannag@kershawcountylibrary.org or call the Elgin branch at 803-438-7881.

See LIBRARY, Page 10 >>

Monday, Dec. 16 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden

Crafty Christmas Ornament DIY: Join us for a jolly good time!! We'll be in the workshop preparing the supplies for you to make a sparkly new ornament for your tree! Ages 18 and up are welcome! Please sign up by calling 803-425-1508.

Thursday, Dec. 19 | 4 PM – 5:30 PM | Camden KCL Chess Club: Drop in for a chess club for all ages and skill levels! If you don’t know how to play, we offer free lessons for ages 8 to adult.

Thursday, Dec. 19 | 4 PM – 6 PM | Elgin #hangout: Need someplace to unwind and hang out with your friends or other tweens/teens? Come to KCL Elgin and socialize, play games, do artwork, work on a group project, or just chill with our lo-fi. No sign-up is required; just drop in and hang. For ages 12-17.

Monday, Dec. 30 | 10 AM – 11:30 AM | Camden

Monday Merchant Meet-up: Small business owners can meet with others to learn about resources/tools to achieve business goals, brainstorm new ideas, and build partnerships. Important dates and events will be shared, as well as information from past seminars with Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 9 AM – 11 AM | Camden & Elgin

SC Works: If you’re looking to reenter the work force or need help with your career planning, drop by and see how SC Works can help.

* The library will be closed Dec. 17 & Dec. 24 - 26.

CONNELL, continued from Page 2

December 7, 2024 for the annual Elgin Catfish Stomp Christmas parade which will end near the new community center.

The holiday season also provides a perfect time to reflect on our values as a community. It’s a time to come together, to celebrate our successes, and to lend a hand to those in need. We are a county built on the strength of our people—people who support one another, whether it’s through local churches, businesses, community organizations, or simply lending a neighbor a helping hand. This spirit of togetherness will be key to our continued success in the years ahead.

May this Christmas season bring you peace, joy, and a sense of accomplishment, and may 2025 be a year of continued prosperity for Kershaw County. Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas with prayers for bright future together!

Santa Patrol

'Tis The Season For Porch Pirates

Every year we seem to order more Christmas gifts online. Your KCSO plans to have additional deputies assigned to patrolling neighborhoods during this Christmas season.

NOTE: We cannot be everywhere at once.

Your help in protecting your deliveries is needed. We recommend you try the following suggestions:

1. Have your packages delivered to your work if possible. If not, have them delivered to a family member or friend that will be home during the day.

2. Track your packages online and request a notification when it’s delivered. You can then go home and retrieve them on break or have a neighbor get them for you.

3. Require signature for delivery if you plan to be at home during arrival. Yes, porch pirates will steal while you are inside your home.

4. Install a camera at your delivery location and make it noticeable that the area is being recorded.

5. Ask a neighbor to keep watch while you are away.