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
Winter Small Biz Workshops Continue at Camden Library
City of Camden Community Development Coordinator Katharine Spadacenta is hosting two workshops in February for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and any member of the public wishing to attend. Workshops will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. All workshops are free to attend in person at the Camden Library Branch, 1304 Broad Street.
February 4 – 6:00 pm – Manage Your Online Presence, Personal & Business
Learn about social media and building an online presence, and how to use both to establish or build your business. In this workshop we’ll discuss and practice how to understand the public nature of social media, explore different social media platforms, understand the impact of social media behavior, and learn social media best practices. Bring a laptop or tablet to this workshop. Led by Certified Grow with Google Partner City of Camden Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta.
February 20 – 6:00 pm - Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools by Google
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that can help simplify business tasks and create new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs – but knowing how to use it may seem out of reach. Developed with input from experts at Google, this workshop will explain the basics of AI and how AI-powered tools by Google can help small businesses be more efficient, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. Led by Certified Grow with Google Partner City of Camden Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta.
For more information, visit www.experiencecamdensc.com.
LEHS Students Earn AP Capstone Diploma
Four current LEHS students were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. They are Landon Altman, Mary
Two were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP
Pictured above: Mary Dunkin, Landon Altman, and Roxi Price all earned the AP Capstone Diploma while Ansleigh Creel received the AP Capstone Certificate. Current Students Not Pictured: Landen Hall, AP Capstone
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 Police Department Incident Reports
Shoplifting: On 01-14-2025 at approximately 1600 Officer responded to 2465 Main Street (Food Lion) in the town of Elgin, within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C. in reference to a male shoplifting. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with the Manager who stated she witnessed a male place a pack of meat into the front of his pants. As Officer was inside of the store speaking with Manager, she pointed directly at the male who was walking out. Officer made contact with the male in the parking lot and identified him as Subject. Officer asked Subject if he had any items that were from the Food Lion that he did not pay for on his person. Subject admitted he had a pack of steak shoved in the front side of his pants. Due to Subject being a suspect for shoplifting, Officer detained him. Officer placed Subject hands behind of his back and Officer applied handcuffs to each wrist. Officer checked the handcuffs for proper fit and double locked each cuff. Officer walked Subject to the front of my patrol vehicle and conducted a search for the stolen pack of steak. The search also produced a bottle of Dawn brand dish soap. Subject also admitted to stealing the soap once it was discovered. Due to Subject admitting to stealing the items Officer issued a citation for shoplifting. Officer released Subject from the detention and provided him a copy of the ticket and a copy of a notice of trespass form. Subject and Manager signed the trespass form and will be placed into records at the Elgin Police Department. Subject left Food Lion without paying for the steaks and the soap depriving the store of approximately $22. Upon arrival, Officer activated my body worn camera.
Shoplifting: Officer was dispatched to the incident location (Food Lion) in reference to
a Shoplifting that already occurred. Upon the Officer's arrival contact was made with the Manager who stated a black male 50-55 years of age went to self checkout register (52). He rang up five items totaling $23.99. However, he ran his card twice, but it declined. The Suspect still departed with the items without rendering payment. She was able to provide CCTV footage, which revealed the Suspect vehicle to be a black Chevrolet Corvette. It was observed departing to Pine Street where it then made a right onto Main Street headed toward Lugoff. Officer was able to search Flock, which revealed a vehicle matching that description at Main Street and Greenhill Road at 19:13:45 hours. The license plate came back to a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette. The registered owners drivers license photo was ran and compared to the CCTV footage. It was clearly the same person. The Manager advised if the Suspect would return to pay for the items she was ok with that. Officer, along with Kershaw County Deputy K. Alkinburgh, responded to the Suspect's address. Contact was made and he claimed to have paid for his items and said he did not realize it did not go through. He agreed to return to the incident location and pay for the items. The reporting officer followed the Suspect back to the store, where he did pay for the items. Officer's body worn camera was activated.
Tresspass After Notice/Public Disorderly Conduct: Officer was dispatched to the Main Street area in front of Circle K in reference to a white female running into traffic. While en route the Complainant, General Manager of Bojangles called and advised there is a white female now at the incident location and she was getting complaints about her harassing customers. Upon the reporting officer pulling into the parking lot he observed a white female take off running from the
parking lot toward Circle K. Officer was able to catch her at Circle K, where she was now yelling at vehicles in the parking lot, causing an obvious disturbance, as customers were present watching. She was detained and sat in the rear of the reporting officers patrol car. The reporting officer recognized the Suspect by sight from previous encounters. She was ran through NCIC and was clear. Contact was made with the Complainant who advised she was getting complaints from customers. Customers sitting inside even told the reporting officer she was inside the restaurant talking all crazy. A check of lawtrak revealed the Suspect was trespassed from Bojangles on 10/22/2022 (EPD case number 22-1000761). It also revealed she was trespassed from Circle K on 02/27/2020 (EPD case number 20-0200119). The Suspect was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of Trespassing After Notice and Public Disorderly Contact. Officer Gilbert responded and conducted a search of the Suspect incident to arrest. Her body camera was charging due to her being at the end of her shift. However, the reporting officer's was activated and his in car camera once she was in the car. The Suspect was transported to Kershaw County Detention Center, but while being booked in she claimed to be going into labor with four babies even though she was clearly not pregnant. However, nursing staff required her to be medically cleared. She was transported to Kershaw Health where she was given medical clearance by Nurse Practitioner Julie Moize. She was then transported back to Kershaw County Detention Center, where she was booked in without further incident. Her duffle bag containing her clothing was bigger than the jail would allow, so it was kept at headquarters for safe keeping.
To Have And To Hold
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Mr. and Mrs. So & So request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their delightful daughter and much loved middle child Jan. 18.
I can hear myself now asking my college roommate Linda when she asked me to be a bridesmaid why she planned a January wedding. Linda had an excellent reason. Her groom was being deployed to Viet Nam in six weeks, and we would not worry about all the snow on the ground. The wedding was held at noon after church on a bright sunny Sunday with lots of snow on the ground almost 60 years ago.
Everybody knows we always have those wicked winter weather advisories in January. In fact, we had one this week too. Who wants to be married in January? A Christmas or New Year's Eve wedding was always my dream wedding. Now almost 55 years later, my daughter was married last weekend in my same hometown church.
“A small wedding, back to the basics, keep it simple”, my daughter told me. She wanted a wedding in January and explained her reasons for selecting the date. Against my better judgment the wedding was set for January the 18th. It is difficult planning an event in January or February because there is no way you are assured of a beautiful day. The weather man called for heavy rain and gusty winds, and I prayed that the clouds would open, and the sun would shine. Her day could not have been more perfect.
I remember back in my high school and college days reading The State newspaper’s special Features (the bridal section) every Sunday. Weddings were a highlight for small towns for any season. It was always written up as the most popular social event complete with a 3 x 5 photo of the bride and at least 20 inches of copy (story write up). If they didn't have enough brides
to fill up an 8-page section, there were always a few debutante pictures. We knew every party (shower) and who gave it, what the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom wore and of course, a perfect description of the bridal gown.
I believe one of the reason papers are not as popular today, (Elgin News excluded), is because most women and teen girls enjoy reading write ups about happy occasions, and even if you did not know the bride, seeing her picture and reading all the details made you a part of the special day, and you, of course, could dream about your special day. I think that is how and why you can make decisions regarding the decorations, the food, the venue, etc. The most difficult decision is the list.
The reception was held in our church’s Fellowship Hall and my daughter, and her friends had a fun time decorating.
One suggestion I would make is not to address the invitations in cursive writing. I learned that several invitations were not delivered. I think that perhaps the mailman could not read the cursive writing, and that is the reason the mail delivery everywhere is off.
After attending marriage classes with the pastor, my bride decided since there were to be no singers in her wedding that she and her groom would light the unity candle, and as parents we would participate in lighting our family’s candle too. This custom of the unity candle became very popular in the 70s and 80s especially in 1981 when on the soap opera General Hospital Luke and Laura use the unity candle to celebrate their vows. The groom and his mothers had no problem lighting their candle. It took my husband and I about seven attempts before the wick on our candle started burning. Be sure your candles will burn before you attempt to light it.
There is an old rhyme from 1876 in England for brides. Most brides try to keep with this custom. Something borrowed, Something blue, Something old, something new, and a six-pence for her shoe. Since it would be rare to find a six-pence or a British coin, most brides put a penny in their shoe. Whatever you decide to do, I am certain it will make your wedding memorable.
Board of School Trustees installed newly-elected and returning board members, elected and installed officers, and signed the SC School Boards Association's (SCSBA) ethical principles.
serve on the board for another term. Newly-elected board members include Rebecca Rundlett (Seat 7) and Gene Cameron (Seat 1).
chairperson and Shirley Halley was re-elected to serve as vice-chairperson
Chairman Smith appointed Ron Blackmon as the chair of the board’s finance and facilities committee and Dr. Charles King as the board’s legislative
Kershaw County School Board members also signed SCSBA's annual ethical principles that reinforce board members' commitment to open
Miss LE, Jr. Miss LE Crowned
Lisa Wilson Honored
Top left: Miss LE Mollie Grace Laffin takes a stroll after being crowned.
Above right, left to right: Miss Freshman Addison Rollins; Miss Sophomore Taylor Brown; Jr. Miss LE Layla Miller; Miss LE Mollie Grace Laffin; Miss Junior Sara Wells; Miss Senior Ella Sheorn
Bottom left: Jr. Miss LE Layla Miller is crowned.
Lisa Wilson was recently celebrated on the 31st anniversary of her being the Director of St. John’s UMC Childcare Ministry!
Photos courtesy Johnny Deal.
Celebrating 100 Days of School
Students across Kershaw County celebrated
LEHS Archery at State Qualifier
ATTORNEYS:
Top
LEHS junior Sutton Brooksher scored second place wins in both the high school male Bullseye and IBO
top honors, taking first place in the high school male Bullseye division and earning third place in IBO. Sutton Brooksher rounded out the team’s success with a second-place finish in both the high school male Bullseye and IBO events.
The team is set to compete in their next State Qualifier at White Knoll on February 1st.
The LEHS Archery Team celebrates a successful performance at their first State Qualifier of the season.
Top left: LEHS sophomore Arin Campbell won first place in the high school female Bullseye division.
right: LEHS junior D’Angelo Serrano earned first place in the high school male Bullseye division and secured third place in IBO.
divisions.
Jennifer Naama
Jennifer Naama, known affectionately as Jen, joined Blanketing Families about a year ago, and we quickly formed a strong bond. As a woman of faith, Jennifer’s heart is dedicated to giving and serving others.
In her role as a bus driver for Blaney Elementary School in Kershaw County, Jennifer noticed needs along her route that inspired her to join the No Family Hungry Initiative. What began as serving at Town Hall in Elgin, SC, evolved into something greater as she recognized the widespread needs in her community. This calling has now become part of her ministry through Blanketing Families Inc.’s Right Now Food Initiative.
Jennifer ensures that homebound individuals and families without transportation receive the help they need. She delivers not only food but also words of spiritual encouragement, providing nourishment for both body and soul. Her trademark phrase, “Love you bunches,” perfectly captures her generous spirit. She’s always asking, “What can I do?” and her desire to serve comes in abundance.
We are grateful to have Jennifer as part of our team and appreciate all she does both within and beyond our community.
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be conducted by the Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission at Elgin Town Hall, located at 2469 Main Street, Elgin, South Carolina on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM for the revision of the Town of Elgin’s Zoning Ordinance.
February Library Events
Weekly Events
Weekly on Mondays | 4 PM – 6 PM | 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 | 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 | Camden
Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5.
Weekly on Thursdays | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Elgin
Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2.
Weekly on Thursdays | 11:30 AM – 12 PM | Elgin
Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5.
Weekly on Thursdays | 1 PM – 3 PM | 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, February 4 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden Winter Workshops: Manage Your Online Presence: Learn about social media and building an online presence, and how to use both to establish or build your business. In this workshop we’ll discuss and practice how to understand the public nature of social media, explore different social media platforms, understand the impact of social media behavior, and learn social media best practices. Bring a laptop or tablet to this workshop. Led by Certified Grow with Google Partner City of Camden Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta.
Thursday, February 6 | 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, February 6 | 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, February 7 | 10 AM – 11 AM | Camden Whiz Kids: Valentine Weaving: Weave paper to make a beautiful heart-shaped card for a special someone. Sign up by email: laurend@ kershawcountylibrary.org. For ages 5-8.
Friday, February 7 | 11:15 AM – 12 PM | Camden
Tween Teams: Bouquet of Hearts: Create a bouquet of hearts card for that special someone in your life. All materials supplied. Register by emailing laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org. For ages 9-12.
Friday, February 7 | 1 PM – 2 PM | Camden Middler Meets: Weaving: More weaving on a PVC pipe loom. All materials supplied. Register by emailing laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org
Friday, February 7 | 6 PM – 10 PM | Camden
Open Game Night: KCL invites teen gamers to come enjoy tabletop RPG and strategy-based 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.
Saturday, February 8 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Elgin
SaturYAY: Valentines: Bring your child and let them make a few valentines for someone special. 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. Suggested ages 3-12. Tuesday, February 11 | 9 AM – 6 PM | Elgin Valentine Take-and-Make: Pick up a Valentine craft at the Elgin library
while supplies last.
Tuesday, February 11 | 2 PM – 3 PM | Camden
Master Gardener: Succulents: Join Jackie Jordan, Master Gardener Coordinator, to learn tips and tricks about succulents. Come grow with us!
Tuesday, February 11 | 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, February 11 | 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+
Dried Flowers Craft with Jasmine Winkler: Join in the fun of creating a Valentine's Day card using dried flowers. Jasmine Winkler from Down to Earth Co-op will be leading the way! Call the Camden branch at 803-4251508 to sign up. Ages 18+
Thursday, February 13 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden Lego Club: Kids and parents playing along are welcome to join us in playing with Legos at the library.
Friday, February 14 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Camden Little Explorers’ Club: Love the Birds: Help feed our bird friends by crafting a heart shaped ornament. Register by emailing laurend@ kershawcountylibrary.org. For ages 2-5.
Thursday, February 20 | 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, February 20 | 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.
Thursday, February 20 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden Winter Workshops: Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools by Google: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that can help simplify business tasks and create new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs – but knowing how to use it may seem out of reach. Developed with input from experts at Google, this workshop will explain the basics of AI and how AI-powered tools by Google can help small businesses be more efficient, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. Led by Certified Grow with Google Partner City of Camden Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta.
Saturday, February 22 | 10 AM – 2 PM | 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, February 24 | 9:30 AM – 11 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.
Monday, February 24 | 5 PM – 6 PM | Elgin
Elgin Book Club: This month, our club is reading The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton. Request a copy with the librarian today! New members welcome!
Tuesday, February 25 | 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.
Tuesday, February 25 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden
Camden Book Club: This month, our club is reading The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Request a copy at the Camden front desk. New members welcome! Thursday, February 27
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.
Deputy of the Quarter
Congratulations to Deputy Lee Thomasson on being awarded the ‘KCSO Deputy of the Quarter’ (Oct-Dec 2024). Lee serves as a victims advocate for the sheriff 's office and is always passionate about helping others. Lee’s compassion and selfless service brings great credit upon himself, your KCSO, and the law enforcement profession.
This award is graciously sponsored quarterly by The Kershaw County Sheriff 's Foundation (KCSF).
SEAGUL Explores Forensic Science
Blaney Elementary's fifth grade SEAGUL students explored forensic science with Blaney’s SRO Officer Alex Picciuolo and Stover Middle School's SRO Ellen DeLong, diving into fingerprint analysis, preparing questions, and participating in an investigation simulation.
Left: Officer Alex Picciuolo demonstrates evidence collection to BES fifth graders Alexis Merrill and Dante Kim.
Right: Officer Ellen DeLong fingerprints BES fifth grader Penny Beckham as part of the investigation simulation.
Pictured, (left to right): Lee Parker (KCSF Treasurer), Deputy Lee Thomasson, Benji Jackson (KCSF Chairman)
