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Letters to the Editor
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
News From KC Council
By: Councilman Derek Shoemake
As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work ahead for Kershaw County Council and share my commitment to serving the residents of Elgin, Lugoff, and beyond.
This year promises to be busy, with several major initiatives on the horizon. Our focus will remain on improving the quality of life for all residents, managing growth responsibly, and ensuring that we maintain fiscal responsibility.
First and foremost, we will embark on the annual budget process. My priority is clear: crafting a budget that works for everyone without a heavy tax burden. This goal reflects our understanding of the challenges our residents face. Times are tough for many, and while we need to address pressing infrastructure and public safety needs, we must also respect the financial constraints of our taxpayers. By seeking innovative solutions, leveraging state and federal funding, and ensuring every dollar is spent wisely, I believe we can achieve a balanced budget that meets the County’s needs without adding financial strain on our citizens.
One of the most exciting projects for 2025 is making substantial progress on the expansion of KC West, our recreational sports complex. Recreational facilities are vital for our community’s families and youth, offering opportunities for physical activity and community engagement. The planned expansion includes much-needed additional parking and other improvements to enhance the facility’s usability.
Public safety remains a top priority for County Council this year. We will work to enhance our public safety infrastructure, including improvements to the jail and other facilities that serve law enforcement, first responders, and the justice system. Supporting the people who protect and serve our community is a responsibility we take seriously. By ensuring they have the tools and facilities they need, we can continue to provide a safe environment for all residents.
Another critical focus is the county’s stormwater system. We have seen the challenges caused by runoff and inadequate drainage, which not only affect property but also public safety and the environment. This year, Council will conduct a thorough examination of the system, exploring ways to improve its functionality and capacity. These upgrades are essential as we prepare for growth and ensure the sustainability of our community.
Speaking of growth, completing the Comprehensive Plan will be one of the most significant milestones for 2025. This plan, which will outline the County’s vision for the next decade, aims to curb explosive residential development while promoting industrial growth. Balancing these priorities is key to maintaining the character of our community, protecting natural resources, and ensuring that infrastructure and services keep pace with population growth.
Job creation continues to be a priority for Council. We will work tirelessly to recruit industries that bring quality jobs to Kershaw County. By fostering partnerships with state agencies, local businesses, and economic development groups, we can position our county as a prime destination for investment. Our goal is to create opportunities for residents to work and thrive right here at home.
Expanding sewer infrastructure and pushing the state for increased road funding will also be major efforts this year. Improved infrastructure is not only essential for current residents but also a cornerstone of responsible growth. Better roads and expanded sewer systems will support economic development while ensuring existing neighborhoods remain livable and safe.
These are just a few of the major projects we will tackle in 2025. Each represents a commitment to improving the lives of those who call Kershaw County home. I am honored to represent Elgin and parts of Lugoff on County Council, and I promise to remain dedicated to serving the interests of our community with integrity, vision, and determination.
As we move forward, I encourage all residents to stay engaged. Attend Council meetings, share your ideas, and let us know your concerns. Together, we can achieve great things for our County.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for Kershaw County. I look forward to the progress we will make and See SHOEMAKE, Page 9 >>
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.
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The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108
Cate Goff, Editor · Email: elginnews@gmail.com
Ginger M. Farmer was officially sworn-in as Kershaw County Clerk of Court by Judge Roderick M. Todd on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at the Kershaw County Courthouse.
Farmer has been employed by Kershaw County for seven years and was most recently the Senior General Session Clerk.
Ginger is the daughter of the late Charles and Sylvia McCoy. She was raised in Bethune and graduated from Bethune High School and is a member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church in Kershaw.
at Town Hall.
From left, holding the family Bible, are Ginger’s niece Jenna McCoy; nephew Hunter McCoy and administering the Oath of Office is Judge Roderick M. Todd.
American Legion Post 195 adjutant Ella Calvert (left) and commander Ruppert Baird (right) present a check to IMPACT. IMPACT Director Lashella Kirkland accepted the check at the monthly meeting held December 18
The Highs and Lows of 2024
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
As the fireworks started sounding in our neighborhood on New Year's Eve night, I reminded myself that my article was due in one week for the Elgin News, and I needed to start putting my thoughts together. The problem was I did not know what our readers might be interested in after such an up-anddown year.
How many new vocabulary words popped up in your ever day conversations and writing? I know they have been around for several years, but have you used them? Drones and AI…. quite a combination! What was the most popular word added to the dictionary? "Brain rot" was named the Oxford Word of the Year!
After my supper of chicken noodle soup, I read the recap of the Kershaw County news headlines for the 2024 year. I also began jotting down some of the headlines of the most watched news stories that were prominent on TV. If you ask my daughter Belle, her headline would be anything about Caitlin Clark, the number one draft pick for women’s professional basketball. Since I am a romantic, I always enjoy reading about the Royal Family in England. I became concerned about King Charles’s health as he was diagnosed with cancer in early January. In March there were prayers for the Princess of Wales Catherine who was also facing cancer surgery and treatment.
The year 2024 was dominated by the election process of the 47th president because it was almost like a soap opera with conflicted scandals over the past year and not one, but two attempted assassinations for the Republican candidate the 45 th President Donald Trump. The first attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was shot at six times with one bullet hitting his ear. Even though his secret service agents managed to push him down behind the speaker’s podium for protection, he rose up to raise his fist and cry out, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
On the Democratic side, the question was asked after the June debates
who is Joe Biden and what has he accomplished for our country? Then on a slow news Sunday afternoon in July there appeared to be a new candidate for President… Vice President Kamela Harris. In November, more people voted in our national election than ever before, and the media covered it all. Trump was declared our president again.
Last spring, there were many violent protests on college campuses throughout the United States concerning the wars and hostages in the Middle East. I was friends in high school with someone who lost their granddaughter in Israel. My friend's daughter decided after college that she wanted to help those in need. Her loss brought so much heartache and loss for my friend and his family.
The devastating hurricanes in the fall, Milton and Helene, ripped apart many southeastern states including our neighboring states of North Carolina and Tennessee. It appears that every year there will be ever-changing, ever challenging weather events. This year, maybe because so much damage occurred in our sister state, there appeared to be more action, care, and donations from South Carolinians. Cameras showed us how rivers had flooded towns. I wonder if we ever will have a final death total or a cost for the destruction.
Now as we begin 2025, there has been unexpected violence, chaos, death, and heart ache in our country when terrorists struck in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
Traffic was halted in both lanes for several hours on Interstate 85 near Greenville while bomb squads searched for an 18-wheeler truck whose driver confessed he had a bomb in his truck. Were you aware of this?
It seemed that all I did this past year was make appointments and juggle them with life’s happenings. Something always comes up when you make plans. Please tell me how you do it! I have an 85-year-old dynamo friend who runs her own business, and she sends me an inspirational text every morning.
Here are some of my favorite takeaways from the year looking back at my text messages that I have saved. Ask yourself… what do I have to show for my life in 2024? You cannot add days to your life, but you can add life to your days. Seems everything you think about in life goes on. Time flies. The good news is that you're in the pilot’s seat. Happy New Year 2025!
Luck Co. Growing Quarry Operations
Luck Companies, a provider of crushed stone aggregates and environmental performance products, today announced it is growing its quarry operations across South Carolina. The company will develop new sites in Chester, Edgefield, Saluda and Spartanburg counties and expand its existing sites in Fairfield and Kershaw counties. The combined investment of $450 million will create 70 new jobs.
Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Virginia, Luck Companies provides materials and services through its three business units: Luck Stone, Luck Ecosystems and Luck Real Estate Ventures. The company serves as a partner for customers in the construction, civil engineering and environmental industries. Luck Companies will invest $93 million to develop a new site in Chester County, creating 25 new jobs. Along with the quarry component, the site will include acreage dedicated to agricultural education and a multiuse, economic development portion. Over the next 20 years, Luck Companies will invest $70 million to develop its 434-acre quarry site in Edgefield County, creating 10 new jobs. In Saluda County, the company will invest $40 million over the next 10 years and create 10 new jobs to develop the 330-acre
quarry site. The Edgefield and Saluda sites will support increased development along the Interstate 20 corridor. The Spartanburg County site, located in Enoree, represents a $132 million investment over the next 20 years and approximately 25 new jobs. In addition to the quarry, this site will also feature opportunities for commercial development. Luck Companies’ Fairfield County site, located along Highway 34 near Ridgeway, provides construction aggregate materials for the growing Interstate 77 corridor and includes space for future economic development. The company will invest approximately $90 million in this site, over the next 20 years, to meet growing demand. Acquired in 2018, the Kershaw County site, located west of Highway 601 in Kershaw, makes products that support the building of roads and site development as well as larger stones that support coast protection. The company will invest an additional $25 million to build a permanent plant at this location. The plants in Fairfield and Kershaw counties currently have over 30 existing employees. Individuals interested in joining the Luck Companies team should visit the company’s careers page.
Stover Tigers 'Take Time To Care'
On Friday, December 13th, Stover Middle School was joined Doby's Mill and Blaney El ementary Schools to celebrate the yearly Tigers Take Time to Care Project. Doby's Mill and Blaney collected over 5000 cans and toys while Stover collected over 700 cans/food items--all of which went to the Elgin Toy Round Up and Car ing Hands. Blaney's kindergarten classes brought stuffed animals to put under the tree. The band and chorus classes performed and the Books with
DME 5th Grade Rocks Christmas Play
On December 12th, Doby's Mill Elementary School hosted its annual 5th Grade Christmas Play, directed by Helen Walker-Schmitt. The talented 5th Grade students worked diligently to present a delightful performance titled "The Elves Impersonator."
The play captured the essence of the Christmas spirit, bringing joy to the school community. Audiences were treated to a unique twist, as the elves infused a bit of Elvis flair into their performances. The sight of dancing elves channeling their inner "Elvis" while spreading holiday cheer added a humorous touch to the festivities.
The event showcased the enthusiasm and dedication of both the students and the faculty, creating a memorable experience for all who attended.
Cold Weather Gardening at
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Clothing Giveaway
Blaney Baptist Church is having a clothing giveaway for the community on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. For more info, contact Blaney Baptist Church at 803-438-3161.
MUSC Northeast
Welcomes New Year's Baby
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center
Northeast is thrilled to announce the successful opening of its brand-new Labor and Delivery unit, which marked a joyous beginning with the delivery of three babies on January 1, 2025.
This milestone represents a significant enhancement in access to maternity care for families in the rapidly growing Northeast Columbia region.
The new Labor and Delivery unit features:
- Four specialized labor and delivery rooms
- Eight postpartum recovery rooms
- A fully equipped newborn nursery
Each area has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for mothers and their newborns. The unit’s modern amenities and family-centered approach
reflect MUSC Health’s commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care close to home.
“We are honored to celebrate the arrival of three newborns on New Year’s Day in our state-of-theart facility,” said Matt Littlejohn, CEO, MHA, FACHE, chief executive officer, MUSC Health Midlands Division. “This new unit underscores our dedication to expanding healthcare services in Northeast Columbia and ensuring that families have access to top-tier maternity care in their backyard.”
continued from Page 2
the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your voice. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, responsibility, and success for all.
Wishing you and your families a happy and prosperous year.
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 follow my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/councilmanshoemake (where I also share updates on County business).
The addition of the Labor and Delivery unit is part of MUSC Health’s ongoing mission to meet the growing needs of the communities it serves. By offering comprehensive maternal and newborn care, the medical center aims to support families during one of life’s most significant moments.
Call
Above: Kayce Leigh Redmond, first baby born on Jan. 1, and proud parents Caleb and Elisabeth Redmond.
January 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.
No SDC on Mon. Jan. 20, Feb. 17 or Feb. 24.
Weekly on Wednesdays
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM in Camden
Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2.
Weekly on Wednesdays
11:30 AM – 12 PM in Camden
Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5.
Weekly on ursdays
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM in Elgin
Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2.
Weekly on ursdays
11:30 AM – 12 PM in Elgin
Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5.
Weekly on ursdays
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.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Tuesday, January 14
9 AM – 6 PM in Elgin
Take-and-Make Rewind: Pick up a take-and-make kit from one of our previous giveaways! Limit one per person. While supplies last.
Tuesday, January 14
2 PM – 3 PM in Camden
Master Gardener: House Plants: Join Jackie Jordan, Master Gardener Coordinator, to learn tips and tricks on house plants. Come grow with us!
Tuesday, January 14
4 PM – 5 PM in Bethune
Knit Night: Whether you are a seasoned knitter or crocheter or this is your first time to pick up yarn, all skill levels are welcome to join us for our crafting circle!
Tuesday, January 14
4 PM – 6 PM in 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, January 14
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in 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, January 15
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in Camden
Permaculture Design with Jasmine Winkler: Design your life around the
ethics and principles of permaculture. Jasmine Winkler from Down to Earth Co-op will be leading the discussion. Call the Camden branch at 803-4251508 to register. For ages 18+
Thursday, January 16
4 PM – 5 PM in Camden
Lego Club: Kids and parents playing along are welcome to join us in playing with Legos at the library.
Thursday, January 16
4 PM – 6 PM in 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.
Thursday, January 16
6 PM – 7 PM in Camden
Winter Workshops: Unlock a Secure Financial Future – Session Two: Discover the Four Pillars - Proper Protection, Debt Management, Emergency Funding, and Investments – of financial security, both personal and as a solo entrepreneur. Learn strategies to make your money work harder for you and build lasting wealth. Join Health and Wealth Educator Kryshonda Torres for this two-part workshop on obtaining financial stability and growth. Hosted by City of Camden Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta.
Thursday, January 23
4 PM – 5:30 PM in 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.
Saturday, January 25
10 AM – 2 PM in Elgin
Strategy Saturday: Drop in during business hours to enjoy a game with friends or family! We have games you can play or bring your own. There’s something for everyone! For all ages.
Monday, January 27
9:30 AM – 11 AM in 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, January 28
9 AM – 11 AM in 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.
Tuesday, January 28
6 PM – 7 PM in Camden
Camden Book Club: This month, our club is reading The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate. Request a copy at the Camden front desk. New members welcome!
Thursday, January 30
4 PM – 5 PM in Camden
Lego Club: Kids and parents playing along are welcome to join us in playing with Legos at the library.
Visit kershawcountylibrary.org for more info.
A Year At Your KCSO
Thirty-nine sheriffs across South Carolina were sworn in for a new 4-year term this past Tuesday. Kershaw County is one of only seven South Carolina counties that have sheriff elections during the governor’s election (2 years from now). Although Tuesday didn’t start a new term for me, it did start a new year for your KCSO. I used this week to have face-to-face meetings with all KCSO deputies to ensure we were all on the same sheet of paper. These meetings focused on the KCSO Mission Statement, the deputy sheriff oath of office, and a slightly modified agency philosophy. These three things are posted throughout our office and I encourage our deputies to review them every chance they get. These (along with our policy & procedures) are a guide to how I want our deputies to serve the great citizens of Kershaw County.
Mission Statement
It is the Mission of the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office to partner with our community to provide quality public safety and public service to all citizens and visitors of Kershaw County. We are dedicated to conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the trust that has been placed upon us.
Deputy Oath of O ce
I do solemnly swear, (or affirm) that I am duly qualified, according to the Constitution of this State, to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been appointed, and that I will, to the best of my ability, discharge the duties thereof, and preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of this State and the United States.
I further solemnly swear (or affirm) that during my term of office as County Deputy, I will study the act prescribing my duties, will be alert and vigilant to enforce the criminal laws of the State and to detect and bring to punishment every violator of them, will conduct myself at all times with due consideration to all persons and will not be influenced in any matter on account of personal bias or prejudice.
So help me, God.
Philosophy
Public trust is the most important element in maintaining a good law enforcement organization.
Accountability of deputies is the best way to build public trust. Law enforcement officers must be held to at least the same standards as the general public.
We must always stand ready to account for our actions and not be offended when we are asked to do so.
Law enforcement officers should be fair and consistent in their duties. The best compliment a deputy can receive is that he/she is “always fair” to whoever they have contact with.
We ultimately work to serve the citizens of our community. A deputy can never let their personal feelings get involved with doing their duty.
Most bad decisions are made when people are mad. Deputies must remember that their brains do not work when they are mad.
Our effectiveness is measured by the increase in public safety and reduction in crime, not the number of tickets or arrests. Writing tickets and/or making arrests is not the mission of this office; they are only tools to accomplish the mission.
Deputies should not only avoid violating someone's rights, but should stand ready to protect everyone's rights. All citizens are equally important.
If you make a mistake, admit it, fix it, and get back to doing your job. I may discipline, but I will never fire a deputy for making an honest mistake.
There’s no place in our profession for dishonesty. If I can’t trust you to tell the truth, I can’t trust putting you on a witness stand when a citizen’s freedom is in jeopardy.
Your badge doesn’t make you better than anyone. It only gives you more responsibility to do what is right.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Steven Teal Named Kershaw
County Fire Service Deputy Chief
Steven Teal has been selected to serve the Kershaw County Fire Service as the next Deputy Fire Chief. Chief Teal has been a part of the Kershaw County Fire Service since he was a teenager volunteering as a Jr. Firefighter. He played an integral role in the department hiring full time personnel and moving to 24-hour staffing.
Chief Teal previously held the rank of Battalion Chief and his official promotion will take effect on January 18th, 2025. “Chief Teal has a wealth of knowledge in the operations of the department and we are excited for him to take on this new role,” said Fire Chief Matthew Bullard.
Chief Teal resides in Cassatt with his wife and daughter. Prior to working full time with Kershaw County, he was employed with the City of Columbia and City of Camden.
Pictured at right, Deputy Fire Chief Steven Teal.
