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Season's Greetings
On behalf of the Town of Elgin, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! May God keep you and your loved ones safe during the holiday season and bless you abundantly in 2024. - Mayor Melissa Emmons Fun fact: the banner (pictured below) that leads the Catfish Stomp is the same banner that has led the parade for all 48 years of the Catfish Stomp.
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:
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
Pictured above: Councilman Paul Rizzo, Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Councilman Brad Hanley, Mayor Melissa Emmons. (Not pictured, Councilwoman Dana Sloan).
LEHS Hall of Fame By: Editor Cate Lynch Goff
Time is running short to submit a nomination for the Lugoff-Elgin Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. Nominations are due by January 4th, 2024. Scan the QR code at right to submit an entry. Considerations for Eligibility: • The nominee must have a special achievement(s) in their area of specialty (ex. Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Athletics, Arts/Entertainment, Humanitarian/Service, etc.) and/ or have received honors, awards, or other recognition on a local, regional, national, or international level. • The nominee has demonstrated outstanding and significant leadership, character and service to their community. • The nominee has rendered valuable service to Lugoff-Elgin High School, its students, faculty or mission, in a meaningful and significant manner. • Nominations for posthumous awards will be accepted. Nominees do not have to be LEHS alumni.
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 11, 2023
From The Chief 's Desk Chief Alan Anders
Pictured above left, Patrolman Alexander Picciuolo is awarded the Chief's Life-Saving Award by Chief Anders. Above right, Patrolman Picciuolo and his family.
At the December Elgin Town Hall meeting, Patrolman Alexander Picciuolo was honored with the "Chief 's Life-Saving Award." Picciuolo was presented with this award by Chief Alan Anders for going above and beyond on October 27, 2023 when his heroic efforts saved the life of a crash victim.
Duke Energy Donation Incident Reports
At the December Elgin Town Hall meeting, Duke Energy representative Quinetta Buterbaugh was on hand to present a check in the amount of $1,500 to the Town of Elgin for the Food Pantry.
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Assault - Simple: OFC Picciuolo was dispatched to Jeffers Road address in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, OFC Picciuolo made contact with Victim, who stated that she confronted her son, Subject, about paying his phone bill. Victim stated that Subject became annoyed and began arguing with her. Victim stated that he wanted his televisions and began ripping them down. Victim further stated that Subject threw a bottle of human urine at her and some splashed on the back of her shirt. Victim then stated that Subject tried to push her down the stairs from the 2nd floor of their home. OFC Picciuolo then spoke to Subject who stated that his mother was the one who came up and began tearing up things. Subject stated that Victim spit on his bed comforter and was generally becoming out of control. Subject stated that she tripped, almost falling down the stairs and that he did not push Victim down the stairs. Subject explained that the bottle of urine was in his room and that Victim knocked it over in her rage. Subject stated that the urine was his and that he uses bottles as the upstairs toilet is not working. Victim filled out a statement under oath that Subject did push her and throw urine on her, but Victim did not wish to prosecute. She signed a Victim Declines Prosecution Affidavit. OFC Picciuolo stood by as Subject got some belongings together to leave with his friend. Subject had to go to work (Dick's Sporting Goods). OFC Picciuolo advised both parties to "cool off " and have a sit down after both could discuss the situation with level heads.
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Whatever The Question, Love Is The Answer
from my children’s generations, favorite friend Matthew Perry and in my generation TV star Suzanne Somers have left us! When did I become so cynical? Was it because I became infected with There are 23 days left on the calendar in 2023. How are you progressing with the goals the RSV virus and had to cancel my family’s Thanksgiving plans. To me you made last January 1? Have you taken the this illness was much worse than Covid. I think missing my favorite holiday Thanksgiving and being separated from others really made me pause to extime to enjoy you and yours this year? If not, what or how can you plan the next amine what is most important. I stayed in isolation for over ten days. Certainly, our health when we become ill, and being in isolation really made 23 days? Have you ever had questions that you could me pause to examine what is most important. Is it faith? Family? Friends? not find answers to? Even if I did a Google Health? Wealth? I know there are other questions to think about now that December is search or ask AI chat, I do not think I would here. To decorate with live greenery or store bought. To put an angel, a star, find the solution to this puzzle. In fact, I have never been one to answer a riddle correctly. I’ve never finished a word search or a bow atop the real or artificial tree. Candles in the window? When is the before the time is called. I still feel the satisfaction of a deadline met. Then time to start decorating and celebrating? Do we get together on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or the week before or after? These are easier questions what are the questions that are confusing me with no answers? How can I describe the sudden notice of time slipping up once again? to find the answers to than the ones I skipped over in the last two paragraphs. Back to faith and family, what is most important to us? My faith is the We have almost marked another year passing. There are only 17 days until Christmas. What dates have you circled or marked that are important to you? foundation of my life. Before I retired, I know I was work-centered, but I have come to appreciate and realize that family and friend time is what I What goal or wish has not happened? I know at Christmas I will once again be transported back to the memories value. I cherish the love of others. Love, one of our strongest emotions, is the answer. I am honored to anof the past, yet for some reason I can't find the energy this year to shop for gifts. I have 20 family members on my list, and it's not because they have nounce that life goes on and sometimes without us being there. My first great grandchild Lucas Gabriel Long (my son Bo's daughter been naughty. It's just… it's just, what is it? What is missing? What has hapChandler and her husband Caleb) are the proud parents of a boy born on pened to make me feel this way? Somewhere during this year, I faced the reality that Christmas ornaments, Thanksgiving Day. I was blessed to know and have a relationship with two decorations, and refrigerator magnets or Facebook posts cannot capture the of my great grandmothers. I pray that I will soon be healthy enough to see memories of life. We try! We do! When the gift giving is over, you have a and hold mine. We need to look all around us and appreciate what we have, not what we lot of empty bags and tissues and packing up to do until another year comes want. We may miss a holiday event on the calendar or not find the perfect around. Has life changed for me this year as I said goodbye to friends who were like gift, but we will have the most important gift when we have the peace that family and family who were like friends? Even some of our “celebrity friends” passes all understanding within our hearts. By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Blaney Elementary Supports Elgin Toy Round-Up
As part of a contribution to the Elgin Toy Roundup, Blaney elementary students and staff members collected over 2700 non-perishable food items to be donated throughout the local community.
Above: BES third graders Logan Schnell (back) and Ainsley Gilliland (front) load food items for distribution. At right: BES student leaders are pictured with members of the Elgin Police Department and BES third grade teacher Courtney Lybrand after loading a trailer of donated food items. 4
December 11, 2023
December 11, 2023
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Elgin Celebrates The 48th Annual Catfish Stomp
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LES Third Graders Perform The Littlest Reindeer "Up, up, up and away!" Third grade students at Lugoff Elementary recently got everyone in the holiday spirit with their performance of The Littlest Reindeer.
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December 11, 2023
MUSC Announces New LEHS Hall of Lugoff Fire Disease Study Fame Nominations Holiday Events Parkinson's The Medical University of South Carolina The Lugoff-Elgin High School community is (MUSC) has been selected by the Global Parkin-
continuing its celebrations of the school’s legacy through its Hall of Fame. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor alumni and contributors whose accomplishments, deeds, and character exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and/or service to their community. This award may also honor individuals who did not graduate from Lugoff-Elgin High School, but who have significantly and consistently contributed to the work and mission of the school. The school hopes to add new inductees this year, and they need your help to identify a pool of candidates. The form for nominations can be found at msha.ke/lugoffelgin50th/ All nominations must be submitted by January 4, 2024. If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Mr. Corey Wright at corey.wright@ kcsdschools.net.
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: 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
Farmers Market
The Kershaw County Farmers Market has some special events this winter: Holiday Market 12/9 | 8 am - 2 pm (same day as Camden Parade) Enjoy +100 vendors plus photos with Santa! Market + Yard Sale 12/16 | 9 am - 12 pm Winter Market (every other Saturday) starts 2/23 | 10 am - 2 pm 12/23 | 1/6 | 1/27 | 2/10 | 2/24 | 3/9 Follow @ KCFMMarket on Facebook for updates. December 11, 2023
A detailed neighborhood schedule has been posted to the LF-R website and LF-R Facebook page.
First Day Hike
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)
son’s Genetics Program (GP2) as one of four new medical research study sites for the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease (BLAAC PD) study. GP2 is a resource of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative and implemented by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. BLAAC PD, a pioneering initiative of GP2, aims to enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) among underrepresented populations. This groundbreaking study involves genotyping over 150,000 individuals worldwide. Notably, BLAAC PD has recently contributed to findings of a novel GBA1 variant in individuals with PD and African ancestry. This discovery emphasizes the prevalence of the variant throughout African populations. Vanessa Hinson, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC’s lead researcher on the study, highlighted the importance of the BLAAC PD research study in advancing our understanding of PD. “Genetic discovery and validation research not only expand what we know about PD, but they are the path to improving outcomes for people with the disease.” As a BLAAC PD site, MUSC will receive funding to support study visit costs, supplies, community engagement strategy support, staffing support and participant incentives. Additionally, as a part of GP2, MUSC now joins the largest PD genetics consortium in the world. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are approximately 36,265 people living with PD across North and South Carolina and 1 million are affected in the United States alone. Parkinson’s-related expenses in the Carolinas total $1.81 billion. MUSC was one of four new sites included in this expansion. Other sites include UTHealth in Houston, Washington University in St. Louis, and UH Hospitals / Case Western in Cleveland. This expansion will broaden the geographic diversity of BLAAC PD locations across the United States, increasing representation of the diverse U.S. Black and African American community in its study population and building a base for greater discovery and application of findings across ancestries. In addition to leading Parkinson’s disease research, MUSC offers clinical care to individuals and their families. As the first Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence in South Carolina, MUSC Health offers the only comprehensive movement disorders program in the state, providing a greater number of treatment options to improve the lives of patients living with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Connell Law Firm
Brantley Awarded Representing Fraud Victims Order of the Palmetto Midlands-based Scheme Involved Local Agent, National Travel Agency
Connell Law Firm recently announced that attorneys Ben Connell and Derek Shoemake are representing more than 20 victims of a fraudulent travel scheme centered in the Midlands. According to a public release, the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating various fraud incidents involving Melissa Hanna, 43, of Lugoff, who operated a Dream Vacations travel agency. Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings, the nation’s largest cruise agency. Hanna was arrested in October 2023. “The arrest warrants issued in the case show that victims paid thousands for trips through Melissa and Dream Vacations, only to find their credit card information stolen and their trips canceled or altered,” said Attorney Ben Connell. “Many of our clients are still fighting with credit card companies and vendors. It is particularly troubling that so many victims were part of our community - the same community as the alleged offender.” “Our clients used a local travel agent backed by a major travel company, and thought that would keep them safe from fraud,” said Attorney Derek Shoemake. “They became victims nonetheless, and our clients’ goal now is to warn the public and keep others from falling prey to these practices.” If you or anyone you know was a victim of Melissa Hanna, Dream Vacations, World Travel Holdings, or a similar scheme, please call the Connell Law Firm at 1-866-SC-ATTYS. For more than thirty years, Connell Law Firm has represented individuals in complex civil and criminal matters, including victims harmed by the wrongdoing and negligence of people, companies and government agencies.
Humber Named NCH Assistant Principal
At the December 5 Board of Trustees Meeting, the Kershaw County School District Board of Trustees approved the hire of Daniel H. Humber as an assistant principal at North Central High School. Humber joins North Central High with seven years of school administration experience. He currently serves as an assistant principal at South Florence High School, where he has worked for three years. Prior to this, he worked at Florence Career Center as the assistant director and at Westwood High School as an assistant administrator. Before becoming a school administrator, he spent Daniel Humber 18 years as a band director and music educaNC High Asst. Principal tor in Tennessee and in South Carolina. "We are excited to have Mr. Humber as part of our Knight family. Mr. Humber has a wide variety of experiences, and his educational philosophy aligns with the vision of our school," says North Central High School Principal David Branham. Humber earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Tennessee and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the Palmetto State Teachers Association and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.
803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com 10
After an extensive nomination process, State Senator Penry Gustafson (R27) presented the prestigious Order of the Palmetto to Mr. Jack Brantley as issued by Governor McMaster. This commendation, the highest civilian honor, is a testament to Mr. Brantley’s exceptional contributions to our state. Throughout the years, Mr. Brantley has amassed numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Greater Columbia Restaurant Association, the Jasper County Distinguished Service Award, and recognition as one of twelve Outstanding Local Presidents of the S.C. Jaycees. His dedication extends beyond his successful career as a restaurateur, with involvement in civic activities such as the Jaycees, March of Dimes, Heart Association, Governor’s Beautification Program, and service as Chairman of the Board of Deacons and Superintendent of the Young Adults Sunday School Division. Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford of Camden, former Kershaw County Council Chairman Maj. Gen. Julian Burns, and Senator Thomas McElveen offered letters of support highlighting Mr. Brantley’s numerous impacts on South Carolina. As a successful restaurateur, Mr. Brantley founded Aberdeen Catering, which grew to serve thousands. He catered for notable events such as two South Carolina gubernatorial inaugurations, President and Secretary Clinton's stay in Hilton Head, the Augusta National Club House during the Masters Golf Tournament, and the iconic Carolina Cup. Senator McElveen notes that Mr. Brantley’s culinary skills are legendary in the Southeast, describing his tenderloins as just one reason for his widespread recognition. General Burns hails him as an "ambassador of hospitality" and a "virtuoso in multiple disciplines." Moreover, Mr. Brantley has been a leader, coach, and mentor, representing the finest kindness in the region. Mayor Drakeford acknowledges his generous contribution of Aberdeen to the City of Camden in 2017, a testament to his commitment to preserving history and enriching the community. Senator Gustafson expresses gratitude stating, " I met you long after your reputation and achievements were solidified. I have always enjoyed your gentlemanly, kind spirit as recently as the Boykin Christmas Parade last year. Your wide grin and generosity of spirit, talents, and time are infamous. Thank you for giving so much, and please accept this Order of the Palmetto as our appreciation to you for a lifetime of service and goodness in our community." For more information, contact Rachelle Williams at 803-212-6040
Above, Sen. Penry Gustafson presents Jack Brantley the Order of the Palmetto. Photo courtesy Johnny Deal, BowTie Photography. December 11, 2023
KCSO Awarded SC Law Enforcement Accreditation
For the first time in history, we are proud to announce your Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office is officially a state accredited law enforcement agency. The process took over three years and included the successful completion of over 300 required standards. Only 12.5% (34 of 272) of South Carolina Law Enforcement agencies are SCLEA accredited. I would like to give a huge shout out to Captain Kevin Lynch and Sergeant Drew Monroe for all their hard work in making this happen. Although the entire agency contributed to this great achievement, Kevin and Drew were the ones who stayed focused on getting all the proper requirements documented and in compliance. Their work may not have been noticed by everyone. But, I definitely noticed their hard work and I definitely appreciate what they have done for KCSO. What is South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA)? South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA) is the official South Carolina state accrediting body and is responsible for administrative
tasks associated with accreditation. Since 1999 SCLEA has been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement accreditation. The SCLEA Accreditation Program is a voluntary initiative for professional improvement, fashioned in ways that best meet local needs while simultaneously expressing commitment to professional law enforcement practices. Standards for the program are developed from multiple sources, including South Carolina State Law, stakeholder expertise and best business practices. The standards are designed to be attainable for all South Carolina agencies, regardless of size. All SCLEA standards are mandatory and have specific requirements the agency must address, the actual way the standards are met is determined by the agency CEO. The program is managed and directed by the governing council of South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc., a non-profit corporation. Council members meet quarterly to oversee the accreditation process and to officially accredit agencies that have proven their adherence to the program's meticulous review process. For more info, visit sc-lea.org.
Top Gun Indoor Pistol Range Hosts Ladies Night
Top Gun Indoor Pistol Range in Lugoff recently hosted a Ladies Night. Participants enjoyed snacks and beverages, lane time, and time in Top Gun's state-of-the-art simulator. Contact Top Gun at 803.272.0427 to reserve space in the next Ladies Night on January 20th, or to schedule your own private event!
December 11, 2023
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