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From The Mayor's Desk By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
Letter Submissions It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate. Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, culture, or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal attacks. The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information. Only letters written exclusively to the newspaper will be published. Letters to a third party or those written to more than one newspaper are not accepted. Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand and, rather than mentioning the writer by name, should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Discourse should be civil and people should be referred to in a respectful manner. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication. All letters must be signed and include the writer's street address or route address telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only. We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:
Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
The monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council took place on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 6:00pm with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Present were Mayor Melissa Emmons, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Councilman Paul Rizzo, Chief Alan Anders, Attorney John Wells, and Elgin’s Town Clerk, Becky Summey. The Invocation was given by Mayor Melissa Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Brad Hanley. A motion was made by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo to approve the minutes from the regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, with a unanimous vote from Council. VFW Post 11079 of Elgin made a presentation to recognize Elgin Police Officer, David Bailey, as their Officer of the Year for 2023. Officer Bailey has been in public service for (30) years and joined the Elgin Police Department in 2014. There was no one signed up to speak during the Public Forum. A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanely, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo to adopt the agenda, with a unanimous vote from Council. The following New Business License Applications were approved in December 2023: (1) Nothin’ Fancy-food truck, (2) Roofing Educators LLC-construction/roofing, (3) Palmetto Midlands Realty LLC-real estate, and (4) Palmetto Midlands Construction-contractor. Please remember to support the businesses in our community and when possible, shop locally. If you are a food truck vendor, please make sure that you contact Elgin Town Hall prior to setting up and complete the necessary requirements that are now in place after the passing of the Food Truck/Vendor Ordinance. There were no Charity Permit Requests for December 2023. If you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. There were no Complaints
Above: The Elgin Community Center, which has been in the works since before Covid, is finally coming to fruition. Plans have been approved, and the Evaluation Committee has selected Mimms Contracting to complete the build. Construction of the Community Center is set to begin sometime in February. See MAYOR'S DESK, Page 4 >>
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 January 26, 2024
From The Chief 's Desk
In this Chief ’s Desk, I want to talk about a bittersweet topic. When someone is reported missing, we all hope that the outcome will be a happy one. Where we locate the person safe and sound and return them back to their loved ones. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. As I’m sure everyone has heard, we have located Adrianna Laster. Adrianna was a local resident of Elgin and was reported missing in Sept. 2011. An active search and investigation was started, and never stopped until she was located on Jan. 12, 2024. During the almost 13 year investigation, the Elgin Police Dept. worked with several other Law Enforcement agencies, some from other states. During this investigation, EPD has assigned many investigators to the case. As EPD Officers retired or changed positions, the case was passed onto the next Investigator and was always an open case that we refused to give up on and close.
As the case continued, EPD was able to gather enough probable cause to make charges on Adrianna’s boyfriend, Freddie Grant. Grant, who is currently incarcerated for kidnapping and murder, has been charged with similar type crimes Chief Alan Anders against Adrianna. I would like to give a special thanks to everyone involved in the search and investigation. A special thank you to retired Sgt. Michelle Sinclair who made it her passion to find Adrianna and hold Grant accountable for the horrible acts he committed against her. Also, a special thank you to Richland County Sheriff ’s Office and Richland County Coroner’s Office along with everyone involved that helped recover Adrianna. Adrianna’s family will be able to bring her home because of all the people that cared enough to help find her.
KCSD Celebrates 100 Days of School
Kershaw County students are 100 days smarter than they were in August, and schools across the county celebrated with 100-themed activities!
January 26, 2024
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Lugoff-Elgin's Queen of Hearts
her favorite high school memories was going to the Waffle House with her AP chemistry class before their big AP exam. Another favorite memory was Emery Branham grew up watching her listening to Mr. David Caldwell sing songs in Pre-calculus to help the class older cousins teacher Tory Branham ( Jr. Miss memorize ‘the unit circle.’ The best advice that she has ever received is that there is a lot to be said for LE 2014, Miss LE 2016), Dr. Gunnar Branham (Mr. LE 2014), and US Army Xan An- knowing how to speak and when to speak. Emery said,” Learning to speak mindfully and professionally is an importhony (Mr. LE 2021) compete in competitions and sports at the high school. Emery tant skill; however, knowing when to speak is more powerful. Learning to said she thought as a little girl it would be fun listen has allowed me to become an effective communicator and gives me the to dress up and do the pageant with all her opportunity to respond and act in the best way I possibly can. I am who I am no matter the situation, place or people.” friends when she reached high school. Emery’s number one fan and supporter has been her sister, fifteen-yearWhen she was little, she loved to watch the old Colby. She was her campaign manager when Emery was a candidate for Disney Princess movies and walk around in her mother's high heels. Her favorite Princess was Belle because she had brown hair like Emery, and Emery homecoming queen, and the happiest person in the stands when Emery was crowned the 2023 Homecoming Queen. also loved to read like Belle. Emery's parents are Dean Branham (LEHS '96), and Rachel Dabbs BraJournalism teacher Mrs. Jenny Proctor has been a positive influence on Emery during her four years at LEHS. Emery fell in love with the creative nham (LEHS '98). They have encouraged both of their daughters to go after freedom the yearbook gave her and the lessons it taught her. She learned their dreams. Emery's parents brought her up as a Carolina Gamecock, but to work with others, meet deadlines, be professional, and be creative. She now she decided to further her education at Clemson University as a Tiger. Journalism teacher Jenny Proctor said, “I have observed Emery’s passion is the senior designer and holds an editorial position on the yearbook staff. Throughout high school she has been involved in Student Council, Beta for her education, her school, and her community. Emery has used her posiClub, the Link Crew, Junior Leadership and the National Honor Society. tion as one of the most visible representatives of our school to influence other Besides her school activities, she dances and competes for Camden Dance students positively. She is respectful and gracious; however, even when she is not wearing her crown and sash Emery is still an exemplary role model to all Academy and works part-time at Ella's Boutique. Ashleigh Watson Rabon of Ella’s said,” Emery is a versatile employee. She our students. I have observed her help classmates even though it meant sachelps with all social media, window and designs, painting, marketing, steam- rificing precious time to work on her own assignments. Even while fulfilling ing and preparing clothing. She is a hard worker and wonderful with the her extracurricular commitments, Emery is still able to maintain her status as one of the top students in her class. Emery has a servant's heart and always customers.” Rachel Watson Payette said,” We look forward to Emery helping with our puts the needs of others above her own.” Last Saturday night Jan. 20, Emery crowned a new Miss LE, Collen Ashsocial media for Ella’s. That's why we call Tuesdays TikTok Tuesday.” ley. Emery said, “Lugoff Elgin is truly a one-of-a-kind school. I was honored Emery has made lasting friendships and had incredible teachers at LEHS. Her favorite compliment about LE is the sense of community, being sur- to be their queen. Thank you for an amazing four years of memories, LE. “ (Emery won Jr. Miss LE '21, Miss LE '23, and Homecoming Queen '23.) rounded by so many different people with different goals and dreams. One of By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
MAYOR'S DESK, continued from Page 2 for December 2023. In Old Business under Elgin Community Center Update (placed on the agenda by Councilman Brad Hanley), Councilman Hanley provided Council with an update and informed everyone that (4) proposals had been received from contractors for the construction project. He also stated that a meeting took place on Thursday, December 14, 2023, to review and score two of the contractors during individual interviews/presentations. The Evaluation Committee included Mayor Melissa Emmons, Councilman Brad Hanley, Planning and Zoning Administrator Steve Huntley, and Attorney John Wells. The project architect, Jeff Lewis, was also present, but he did not participate in the scoring process. In New Business, Chief Alan Anders informed Council that there was a total of (154) children from (52) families that received assistance from this year’s annual EPD Toys Roundup event. He also reported that the Elgin Police Department had doubled the number of DUI arrests in 2023 compared to 2022. There was a 27% increase in overall tickets written for the year. In Council Briefing, the following reports were provided: Councilwoman Cristy Bradley had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley had no report but wished everyone a Happy New Year. Councilman Paul Rizzo had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons stated that the new year should bring new and exciting opportunities for the Town of Elgin. Attorney John Wells had no
report. A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo to enter an Executive Session, with a unanimous vote from Council to discuss a contractual matter at 6:14 pm. A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley to exit Executive Session, with a unanimous vote from Council at 7:16 pm. A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous vote from Council to authorize Mayor Melissa Emmons to sign a contract with Mimms Contracting for the construction of the Elgin Community Center. Mayor Melissa Emmons recused herself from the vote. A motion to adjourn at 7:18 pm was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 6:00 pm. I encourage everyone to try to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved. And if you miss a meeting, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas and minutes from meetings. Also, we now broadcast our monthly council meetings live on the “Town of Elgin” Facebook Page. Please remember that when you are informed, you are empowered. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com.
803.513.5108 • elgin elginnews@gmail.com news@gmail.com 4
January 26, 2024
January 26, 2024
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Stover Wins First State Wrestling Title In the West Wateree area, wrestling is a community - its roots starting with young kids who attend team-sponsored camps, moving up through the middle school teams, and stretching all the way up to the varsity team at Lugoff-Elgin High School (LEHS). When Stover Middle found itself without a coach ahead of this season, the LEHS coaching staff met and determined that Matt Mendelssohn would be a good fit for the vacancy at Stover, having previously coached at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School (LEMS) from 20182021. Mendelssohn is also a product of the Lugoff-Elgin wrestling community, and was a starting member of the 2003 State Championship Team. By the time the Stover Middle Tigers headed to their first tournament in Summerville, the pieces were falling together for a great season. "Our first official tournament, we went down to Summerville and won the whole thing against a pretty competitive lowcountry field," says Coach Mendelssohn. "That’s when I first realized we were good and had the potential to be really good!" The season continued successfully for the Tigers going into the Christmas break, with State Qualifying tournaments just around the corner. "Qualifiers for the state tournament started the first weekend in January even before school started back," says Mendelssohn. "We had a good break, getting lots of practice in with LEHS varsity and LEMS." The second weekend in January is where dreams start to become reality for wrestlers, as State Qualifier tournaments begin. "We qualified the second most wrestlers in the state with nine, only behind LEMS who qualified 10. Which numerically means Lugoff-Elgin qualified the most wrestlers to state than any other program," says Mendelssohn. The nine Stover students who punched their ticket to State, and helped earn the school's first state title are: Logan Vinson, Tyler McChesney, Brandon Ardis, Brayden Thompkins, Nathaniel Waltemath, Shane Ross, Aaron Garcia, Barry Bryant-Gainey and Billy Moore. From LEMS, the 10 state qualifiers were: Mason Lyons, Cooper Nicholas, Colton Baxley, Landon Castenada, Parker Dalgard, Kendrell Keitt, Dylan Pryor, Luke Spear, Jace Coleman, and Jacob Jones. Ahead of the state tournament, coaches really start to emphasize the importance of picking up “bonus points.” (In wrestling, the margin and how you win your individual match scores a designated amount of points. You get the fewest points if you win by 1-7, bonus points begin if you win by 8-14 points, even more points if you win by 15, and the maximum amount of bonus points if you pin your opponent. Individual points are added together to get the team score). "These kids went on a terror," says Mendelssohn. "Every single round, at least one, often times multiple wrestlers were scoring bonus points. The fact that these kids who are 12-14-years-old understand this concept and went out and executed the game plan to perfection just doesn’t happen in life, or in sports, but it did on this one Saturday." For Mendelssohn, that Saturday was his proudest day of coaching. "What those boys did that Saturday is they made history. For the first time in school history, the Stover Tigers won a State Wrestling Championship,"
says Mendelssohn. "They proved that little old Elgin, in a field of over 90 middle schools, had what it took to succeed." At the end of the day, the Stover Middle team ended up on top, with Tyler McChesney and Shayne Ross also walking away with Individual State Titles (the first individual titles for Stover). Logan Vinson finished third in the state, and Nathaniel Waltemath finished first runner up. For eighth grader Tyler McChesney, it comes down to dedication. "It feels amazing to win state as a team and not just by a pin or a couple points but winning by a land slide," says McChesney. "We came from 28th last year to being the best team in the state. It means we have trained hard, worked as a team and had the confidence and dedication to win." Eighth graders Nathaniel Waltemath and Shane Ross also credit their coaches for the successful season. "They always would push us to go past our limits and would constantly motivate all of us," says Ross. "These coaches would also never give up hope on us if we were losing." "We have had a whole different kind of practice this season - there is a huge gap in the discipline in the practice room [from last season to this season]," says Waltermath. Coach Mendelssohn also credits the Lugoff-Elgin community for their support of the team. "We started this season with no money in our wrestling account. Zero, none, in the red! This program hasn’t had new uniforms, singlets, warm-ups anything in almost eight years," says Mendelssohn. After a suggestion from a fellow LEHS alumni wrestler, a Facebook page was started for former LEHS wrestlers. Donations for uniforms were solicited through the page. "I made that post at 9:34 AM on a Friday," says Mendelssohn. "Monday morning I was walking in with over $4,000 to add to our wrestling account, and was able to purchase new singlets that arrived the week before the state tournament. Because of that post, I was also referred to a foundation that donates to organizations in need. I called on another former Demon wrestler, and we sat down and wrote up a three-page letter to submit to the foundation. A few weeks pass, and on January 4th, I opened an envelope with a $15,000 donation. In the span of three weeks, we went from being in the red to our community raising almost $20,000 for this program." While they did not ultimately achieve titles this season, LEMS also put forth a solid effort at State, with Landon Castenada placing 3rd at weight class 96, Dylan Pryor placing 3rd at weight class 114, and Jacob Jones placing 2nd at Heavyweight. The LEMS Leopards also finished well as a team, placing third in the state. LEMS Coach Josh Coker couldn't be more proud of his team. "This team has battled through injury and other adversity all season! To finish 15-1 and 3rd in the state is incredible," says Coker. "This team has displayed heart and a team culture that I hope carries over to the next year. I'm honored to have coached this team." Congrats to both programs for a successful season!
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January 26, 2024
Miss LE, Junior Miss LE Crowned
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Above: The 2024 Miss LE is Collen Ashley. Collen was also named Miss Photogenic. Other winners, from left; Olivia Nichols, 1st Runner Up; Mollie Grace Laffin, Miss Junior and Miss Fan Favorite; Collen Ashley, Miss LE; Arianna Valencia, Miss Congeniality; Jules Lemonds, Miss Senior; and Rachael Darmer, 2nd Runner Up. At Left: The 2024 Jr. Miss LE is Jada Diaz. Jada was also named Jr. Miss Fan Favorite. Other winners, from left; Gretchen Proctor, Jr. Miss Photogenic and 2nd Runner Up; Cobee Keisler, Jr. Miss Congeniality and Miss Sophomore; Jr. Miss LE Jada Diaz; D'Lania Pauley, Miss Freshman; Izabell Brown, 1st Runner Up and Johanna Williams, Jr. Miss Entrepreneur. Photos courtesy Johnny Deal. ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
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LEHS Power Clean Championship Lugoff-Elgin High School hosted the 2024 Power Clean Championship on January 16, 2024. The LEHS student athletes that competed represented the school with pride and performed spectacularly! Out of 117 total athletes competing from seven different South Carolina high schools, 17 LEHS students placed in the top 3 of their respective weight class. The full results for LEHS were as follows: 1st in their weight class: Madison Brown, Matt Campbell, Brayden Hunt, Laikyn Johnson, Abigail King, Judah Laney, Reece Pickett, Christian Smith 2nd in their weight class: Carley Bell, Jameson Keeter, Brian Lucas, Ja'Quarius Masslieno, David Miller, Laken Staples, Taylor Wells 3rd in their weight class: Jacob Gay, Ford Haudenshild
Senior Reece Pickett and freshman Carley Bell stand Seniors Judah Laney and Ja'Quarius Masslieno smile Junior Gabriel Hunt shows intense focus as he lifts a atop the winners podium to show off their newly proudly after winning first and second place in their barbell during the competition. earned medals. weight class.
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January 26, 2024
LiveWell Kershaw Coalition Names Director CMC (The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County) is proud to announce that Mrs. DeAnne Wages has been named Director of the LiveWell Kershaw Coalition. Mrs. Wages, a native of Columbia, is a graduate of Ridge View High School and South University in Columbia, S.C., graduating Cum Laude with her Associate in Science degree. She also graduated Summa Cum Laude from Colorado Technical University, earning a B.A. in Healthcare Administration. With almost 22 years in the health care field, Wages worked for 21 years at Prisma Health then became a member of the CMC family joining Access Kershaw as a Community Care Coordinator in February of 2023. As a dedicated healthcare professional, her goal is to always provide patients with the highest quality of care, compassion, and service.
Arts Center Campaign News Fundraiser
The Arts Center of Kershaw County is proud to invite you to the Starry Night Gala on April 13, 2024 benefitting the Arts Center of Kershaw County! The Starry Night Gala is a beautiful evening of unity, creativity and philanthropy, under a clear top marquee at the Arts Center. With live music from the Terence Young Band, dancing, games, and delicious food, it's truly a magical night! The highlight of the evening is a live auction offering the opportunity to bid on a diverse range of unforgettable experiences. What better way to celebrate spring than by having fun while making a difference? Tickets are $125 (before March 25th) and $150 (on or after March 25th). You can purchase your tickets here. Attire for the event is black tie optional. If you're interested in sponsoring the event you can find a full list of opportunities and benefits here. If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to Executive Director Dolly Patton at dolly.patton@artscenterkc.org or (803) 425-7676. Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024 Time: 6:00 - 10:00pm Location: Shull Pavillion Tickets: $125 (before March 25th) $150 (on or after March 25th) January 26, 2024
Eve Carlin is launching her campaign as a candidate for the 2024 newly created South Carolina House of Representatives District 70 on Sat. Feb.10, 2024, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Proctor Hall, 2030 Lyttleton St. In Camden S.C. It will be a Valentine's Day theme kick off party! This is a public event and all are welcome to attend! The district, SC House of Representatives District 70, is a NEW district. It takes in the areas of LUGOFF and CAMDEN from Kershaw County (about 60 percent of the district) and parts of Richland County (about 40 percent of the district.)
WTC Plant Sale
KCSD Kindergarten Registration Opens Feb. 1 The Kershaw County School District (KCSD) will open its online pre-registration process for four- and five-year-old kindergarten classes for the 2024-2025 school year on February 1. Families are able to complete the process online but can also attend in-person help sessions if needed on Thursday, February 15. The online system will be open February 1-29. This online Kindergarten Round-Up is for families of four- and five-year-olds who are new to KCSD and will be four or five by Sept. 1, 2024. Students qualify to attend 4K based on family income levels or academic needs. Families of students who have been served in either 4K or 5K this year do not participate in the Round-Up process. All new and returning KCSD students will complete registration this summer. Families can access the online paperwork at www.kcsdschools.net/roundup. Families who need assistance with completing the process can attend a help session on February 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. at the school where their child is zoned. To determine a child's zoned school, visit www.kcsdschools.net/zoning. Families can upload vehicle, financial and residence documents needed to verify residency along with a parent’s photo ID, recent utility bill, child’s birth certificate and child’s certificate of immunization. If applicable, a Medicaid card and SNAP acceptance letter can also be uploaded. Documents can be digitally scanned or photographed. Each document will need to be uploaded individually. For more information, contact KCSD Elementary Education Director Ginger Catoe at virginia. catoe@kcsdschools.net or 432-8416 ext.1264.
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The seedlings have arrived and the agriculture program at Woolard Technology Center is in full swing! Mrs. Cathcart's students are working their magic in the greenhouse in preparation for the spring plant sale. This year's sale will be held Saturday, March 23rd from 8 AM - 3 PM at the WTC Greenhouse, 70 Innovation Way, Camden.
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Special Olympics SEAGUL Students Powerlifting Team Visit Congaree National Park
Blaney Elementary students in Mrs. Nicole Gardner's third grade SEAGUL class recently visited Congaree National Park, home to a champion loblolly pine standing one hundred sixty-seven feet tall, the Congaree River, and over one hundred and seventy species of birds.
Two athletes from the Lugoff-Elgin High School Special Olympics Powerlifting Team, Mikel Weston and Ronny Doiron, have qualified to compete in the upcoming lower state Special Olympics Powerlifting Championships in Georgia. In December, both students competed in the Built-Strong Competition and won their respective divisions with Doiron even breaking the deadlift record with a lift of 347 pounds.
Left: BES third grader Jaxten Pope takes notes in the vast wilderness as he ventures the paths of the Congaree. Right: BES third grader Savannah Braden gazes at the height of a champion tree.
Stover Students Visit Holocaust Museum in Sumter
5th Grade students traveled to Sumter today to tour the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center’s Holocaust Museum. Students rotated among three displays and learned about the causes and effects of World War II and the Holocaust. Students were able to see authentic artifacts from the Holocaust and hear stories from Holocaust survivors.
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January 26, 2024
Addressing Mental Health Issues
Your KCSO deputies continue to receive training to better deal with individuals they encounter with mental health conditions. This week, Fred Riddle conducted NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mental Health Awareness & Crisis Intervention Training at your Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office. Officers from other agencies joined in this training. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. The lack of mental health crisis services across the U.S. has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first responders to most crises. A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters. In over 2,700 communities nationwide, CIT programs create connections between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services and individuals with mental illness and their families. Through collaborative community partnerships and intensive training, CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis and ensures officer and community safety. “My goal is to give our deputies more tools to keep people with mental illness out of jail and in treatment programs,” said Sheriff Lee Boan.
Above, KCSO officers were joined by officers from other agencies for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) training conducted by Fred Riddle (top).
Elgin Food Lion Manager Honored
Isaac Smalls, store manager of the Food Lion located at 2465 Main St., Elgin, SC, has been named a 2023 Food Lion Divisional Store Manager of the Year. Smalls is recognized for his dedication to the Elgin community, embodying Food Lion’s core value of care and its commitment to nourish and enrich the lives of customers, associates and neighbors. Smalls was named the Divisional Store Manager of the Year for Food Lion’s Southern Division, which includes more than 200 stores across Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. “This accomplishment gives me the ultimate sense of pride,” said Smalls. “I feel blessed to have a staff that genuinely cares and is well-versed in their responsibilities. I am truly honored to serve as the representative for the Southern Division.” Smalls joined Food Lion in 2008 as a Bagger and continued growing his career there based on the sense of belonging he felt at work. He leads a dedicated team of nearly 100 associates that help neighbors shop for everything they need to affordably nourish their families. In addition to promoting an inclusive atmosphere for both associates and customers as a store manager at Food Lion, Smalls cherishes the ability to nourish the local community with
January 26, 2024
adequate nutrition and partner with local food banks to give back to neighbors in need. “Isaac has demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication and a deep understanding of our brand, strategy and culture,” said Billy Williams, Vice President, Southern Division, Food Lion. “I’m proud to have Isaac as a valuable member of the team and this recognition as our division’s Store Manager of the Year is well-deserved.” To recognize Isaac’s commitment to his community, Food Lion will donate 5,000 meals in Isaac Smalls his honor to Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist in Bishopville, SC, through Food Lion Feeds, the omnichannel retailer’s hunger relief platform. Smalls is one of five store managers named a Food Lion Divisional Store Manager of the Year and is being considered for the 2023 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award, which will be announced Feb. 1, 2024.
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