Issuu

Volume 16, No. 3B

“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff, Camden and Northeast Columbia”

March 27, 2020

Despite Coronavirus We’re Still #KCStrong Buses Line Up at Blaney Elementary To Distribute Food To Students

FREE ELGIN DELIVERY! 803.408.2757 or 803.408.2756 For orders $30+

From The Editor We Are Better Together By: Cate Goff Editor

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, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal tributes, attacks or thank you’s. 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

Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604

Together. A couple of weeks ago, we gathered together at ball games, at a friends house, at church or maybe at the store. Togetherness was taken for granted. Hugs and handshakes were given freely, and often without thought. And then, suddenly, faster than you can say "hand sanitizer," togetherness was prohibited. At first, only large gatherings were canceled - but as the weeks have gone by, more and more of our opportunities to be together have been restricted. We are experiencing an event the likes of which we have never seen. Most generations of Americans can pinpoint several events that shaped us like nothing else. Where were you when Kennedy was shot? Do you remember the Challenger exploding? What were you doing when your learned of 9/11? Each culture has their own versions of these defining moments, but this virus, coupled with almost unlimited access to information sharing, has brought the entire world together in a way I have never witnessed. This unlimited access to news can be overwhelming, and can cause a great deal of anxiety. But despite the near constant feed of updates calculating the number of deaths and rising infections, there is also hope. I have read so many uplifting stories. For every one toilet paper hoarder, there are nine kind people who would gladly share their supplies. And it's the nine folks offering help, not the one hoarder, that truly define who we are. While we must restrict our togetherness for a while as we work to slow the spread of the virus, our current state of technology allows us to craft a new type of togetherness. Churches are offering virtual services, schools have shifted to e-learning, and online ordering allows us to continue supporting our small businesses. Though our current definition of "togetherness" is new, our community's caring spirit is the same. Kershaw County is ready to work together as we navigate this new normal, and we at The Elgin News are ready to share those stories. If you have a story to share about how Kershaw County is better together, please reach out. We will get through this together!

Submit your inspiring Covid-19 story: elginnews@gmail.com or text 803.513.5108

KC Coronavirus Hotline

803.425.7242

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 March 27, 2020

Our doctors are the face of caring in our community. Through their healing touch and a compassionate commitment to our well-being, they are changing the lives of patients every day. On behalf of the staff, administration and nurses, we thank you for Making Communities Healthier.ÂŽ

KershawHealth.org

March 27, 2020

The Path To A Stronger 'Me'

willing student working with the experts in their fields. Libby Collins Martin once lived across the street from me, and she was a talented middle school student in my classroom. Now Libby is a physical KershawHealth West Wateree Medical therapy assistant and community pool (30’x20’ in size 88 degrees in pool) Complex Suite 300 at 1165 Hwy 1 South coordinator. She is also a certified exercise instructor. She treats patients on has become “my hangout” for the past three land and in the pool. Aquatic therapy can help reduce pain, increase joint months. I spend four hours a week there un- movement, improve circulation, increase strength, endurance, and reduce dergoing extensive speech (brain) and physi- swelling. The water supports the patients’ weight, allowing them to exercise without the effects of gravity. cal therapy. Libby said there were so many inspiring stories, and one that she shared Why did I wait over six months to go to rehab? Dr. Kearse encouraged me to go with is of a paraplegic patient who had great difficulty walking on land, but was every doctor's appointment. I think “in de- able to walk unassisted in the pool with the support of the water. This poor nial” would be a good way to describe my reaction to my stroke. As the weeks activity improved his functional abilities on land as well. Most patients notice went by and fall arrived and I was unable to do the activities I enjoyed (at- less pain and increased strength and endurance through their time at rehab. Tonya Drawdy Edgerton was also a talented student in my senior English tending the LE football games to watch my granddaughter cheer or playing class. Since I had taught Tonya and her classmates also in middle school, we bridge for several hours with friends), I had an old fashion pity party! I finally let the truth sink in my stubborn mind. I decided to reach out for help - for had already developed a strong bond like Libby. Tonya is a Physical Therapist’s assistant who works under a PT to implement the plan care. Tonya’s rehab. I learned when I did research for this article that excessive daytime sleepi- goal is to help her patients reach this plan and overcome their hesitation as I ness is prevalent in most stroke patients. It is healthy to allow the brain and had. We spent time strengthening my weak left side and increasing my range body time to rest and to heal. I also learned that 63% of patients who have of motion. We did high levels of balance activities. I will never forget the the type of hemorrhagic stroke as I had died within three years. That fact “got Briodex Balance System. It made me think I was standing in a row boat in rough waters trying not to be thrown overboard. my attention” and propelled me on the road to recovery. Tonya’s most inspiring story was when she worked with a young man who This is my “praise report” to all the professionals who help me find my way had an incomplete spinal cord injury due to a motor vehicle accident. He to a “stronger me!” I never expected to see two former students as my therapists: Libby, Tonya, and to make a new friend Sheila. They became “my dream was in a wheelchair and unable to walk. He had difficulty transferring from team” and helped me retrain my body and my brain. Believe me, they put me the wheelchair to a treatment table. Tonya said they worked with him for months on land/gym) and in the pool. When he finished therapy, he could through my paces with patience and diligence. They evaluated what my body and my brain could do with the simple tasks walk household distances with a walker and returns to see them occasionally they gave me: grip curling, weight strength, obstacle courses, up and down at West Wateree rehab. Shelia Hoskins is my new friend who is a certified and state licensed stairs, conversational speaking, reading and following directions, writing letspeech language pathologist. Her goals for me were to train memory strateters - yes, I felt as if I was back in school again taking fitness and mental tests. It was a rude awakening when I realized how limited my abilities were to gies, writing tasks, conversational speech tasks, oral and written directions, focus and recall. Riding a bike for five minutes was difficult! I realized that if comprehension and pronunciation. We worked on recall tasks, and motor See A STRONGER ME, Page 5 >> I was ever to get back to where I was, the teacher in me had to become the By: Liz Simon Staff Writer

Mayor's Desk: Uncharted Waters 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.

During times of uncertainty such as what our country is experiencing due to the COVID-19 Virus, I can assure you that the Town of Elgin is taking necessary measures to keep our staff and the community safe and still provide the services everyone has become accustomed to. Our offices are open for regular business hours, but we have encouraged our customers to minimize the foot traffic and take advantage of our on-line services and drop box when possible. We have also reduced our staff as a means to protect them and our customers. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we have taken these measures. Chief Brown and I are in daily conversations with our state and local leaders as we stay up to date so that we can keep the community informed. We are very fortunate to have a team of leaders working together for the good of Kershaw County and the State of South Carolina. Please remember to visit our social media pages on Facebook (Town of Elgin and Supporters of the Elgin Police Department) and Twitter (Town of Elgin, SC) as well as our

town website (www.townofelginsc.com)for the latest information available and do not hesitate to email us (Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com and Chief@elginpolice.org) or call our office (803-438-2362 Town Hall or 803438-9917 Police Department) if you should have any questions or concerns. I am thrilled to say that the majority of our local churches will be livestreaming or using Facebook Live and other venues to present their upcoming services for everyone to enjoy from the comforts of home. This has been a challenge for some, but they are all working together to share equipment, studios, staff, and more to ensure you still have the opportunity to worship on a regular basis. Just another reason why we are such a blessed community! Finally, I would encourage you to take advantage of the breakfast/lunch program that the school district is offering for the students. The buses will deliver the meals Monday through Friday according to the latest update provided by Dr. Shane Robbins, Superintendent of Kershaw County Schools. He is currently providing a daily update regarding what is happening in our district on their website (www.kcsdschools.net). I commend Dr. Robbins and his staff for the efforts that they are making to provide for the needs of the students in Kershaw County. As I close, I would like to encourage everyone to remain optimistic, take advantage of this time if you are home with your children and create new lifelong memories. It will take some time, but we will get through this and come out stronger and better than before. May peace and good health be with each of you! March 27, 2020

From The Chief ’s Desk...

This pandemic seems to have brought out the best and the worse in people. Hoarders, profiteers trying to make money off the fear of others and an I don’t care attitude of a few signifies the worse in people. But how about the folks going above and beyond such as our schools and the school bus drivers delivering meals to the kids who may not get anything to eat with school out? How about our health care workers on the front line working to exhaustion to try and curb this demon? How about the unsung heroes, the clerks, cashiers and stockers at our stores who are working to make sure you get what you need during these trying time while all the time possibly exposing themselves to the virus? I could go on and on about the good that people are doing but let me tell you just two incidents that I personally know of that occurred at similar stores miles apart. Right here in town at the Family Dollar a family of three waited in line to pay for their items and after using their card they were $20 or so short, the lady behind them used her card to pay the difference. Again at the Dollar General on Highway #5 in Lugoff a young lady had gotten some very necessary items when her card was declined. She left her items and visibly upset went outside to call someone. The lady standing behind her checked the bagged items to be sure there wasn’t unneeded

Gustafson Files For House District 52

Republican Penry Gustafson, a former small business owner and Kershaw community leader, officially filed for House District 52. Gustafson said the decision to run is about conservative leadership that better reflects Kershaw values, “After prayerful consideration with my family and friends, I decided to run for State House because we need conservative leadership that better represents our community values, supports our President and Governor, and stands up to the increasingly extreme agenda of the Democrat party at every level of government,” Penry Gustafson says Gustafson. “I love our community and devoted to making it a better place to live, work, and raise families. While I appreciate Representative Funderburk’s service over the better part of two decades, I believe it’s time for new leadership and a new vision. We don’t need more career politicians and insiders in Columbia and I’m excited over the coming months to share my vision to put Kershaw first, not special interests.” Gustafson is a community leader with a servant’s heart. After selling her successful small business, she supported her family through grit, integrity, and hard work as a top salesperson for a national company. She serves on the Board of Directors for Food for the Soul, as a leader in her church- Good Shepherd Lutheran, and volunteering with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, Kershaw Fine Arts Center, H.U.G.S. for the Homeless, Graceworks, Habitat for Humanity, Newberry College Kappa Delta Chapter Advisory Board, Transitions, and others. Gustafson and her husband Todd live in Kershaw County and have three children in college- William, Drew, and Maggie. March 27, 2020

items such as beer or cigarettes and then paid for the goods with her own debit card. While getting this information about the Family Dollar incident I was told by the clerk that this has happened more than once in their store. Wow Kershaw County comes together when she Chief Harold Brown needs to! While addressing this virus war we are in don’t forget our local businesses that are struggling, order a take out from one of our restaurants or go through the drive through. Our local drug store that has always been there for us now will bring out your prescriptions to you, simply call ahead. Anything we can do to insure our businesses survive until things get better will only make us a better place to live one day. Most of our Churches are now having services on line or on facebook so let us continue to support them. I would like to assure all of you that your Elgin Police Department is still working 24 hours every day and if you need us we will respond. We have not witnessed an increase in crime due to the virus but rest assured we will take whatever action that is necessary if we do. Stay safe and continue to use common sense.

Quarantine 2020

Lee, 14, playing with his niece Mia, 2, in her ball pit as the two keep themselves entertained during the quarantine. While this is an uncertain time, The Elgin News hopes to share the positive moments coming from this difficult situation. Please SHARE your Quarantine 2020 photos with us via email at elginnews@gmail.com. We will get through this together!

A STRONGER ME, Continued from Page 4 exercises. Sheila even gave me homework. Sheila said that her most inspiring story was working with a stroke patient many years ago who was very impaired with speech memory. Six months after her therapy ended, she came back to see Sheila and thanked her for her help. KershawHealth West Wateree Rehab plays a vital role in our community. The center is open Monday through Friday 8 to 5 with a staff of thirteen. We, in this part of Kershaw County, are blessed to have this extraordinary facility located less than a mile from LEHS and LEMS. I will never take my circumstances lightly. I will face my new normal. Thank you to Dr. Kearse, Libby, Tonya, and Sheila for encouraging me to believe that I could overcome this bump in the road.

KCSD Employees Work Together To Shift To 100% E-Learning In a matter of months, the Coronavirus has rocked our entire world, and the effects of the virus and the fallout surrounding it have been felt by almost every human on the planet. In a matter of days, Kershaw County educators came together to overhaul the entire system to allow students to continue learning while schools are closed per the Governor's mandate. As we all move forward in these unprecedented times, we spoke to several Kershaw County educators about their experience over the last few weeks.

What has been the greatest learning that you as a professional educator have taken from this experience? "These past few weeks have reminded me that we are all part of an incredible team. We have teachers going above and beyond to stay connected to their students and to provide them with meaningful learning opportunities. Our school librarians are working tirelessly to get digital resources and ebooks to the kids. Administrators are making sure everything is taken care of behind the scenes. And district leadership is guiding us all with calm reassurance that we can handle this crisis." - Nikki Ingram, KCSD Middle Level Literacy Coach "One of the greatest learning I have taken from this experience is that we are all one team, one district, and one family. When it was time to put in practice what we have been preparing for with the elearning our administrators, teachers, reading coaches, district personnel, secretaries, food service, bus drivers, and even down to the janitors have made this transition seamless and worked tirelessly to make sure our students were taken care of and ready for this even though it was an unprecedented event." - Robin Sowell, Reading Coach, Mt. Pisgah Elementary What are you, administrators, and your teachers doing to support your students? "As a Literacy Coach, I have tried to assist my teachers, faculty, and administration by providing resources for our E-Learning experience. I have participated in read alouds that will help our students to actively stay engaged in reading, listening, and communicating about books. A lot of my time has been spent in virtual meetings with administration, teams, individual teachers, and the entire faculty. I have tried very hard to share hands-on activities that students and parents can do together at home that engage all modalities of learning! This is how most of us learn! Fluency with fitness, songs and rhymes for phonics skills, etc.!" - Sara Fakoury, Reading Coach, Camden Elementary

"I have tried to keep it simple. Honestly, our teachers AND students AND parents are overwhelmed. I have reminded the BET staff to keep doing what you were doing; what you know works! Our teachers have successfully implemented Exact Path, Study Island, and Reading Eggs. I want them to continue with what works and what is within their comfort zone. Most importantly, I want them to know that they are appreciated!! I’ve also shared read alouds on our social media page. (I mean...who doesn’t enjoy a good story?)" - Melissa Smith, Reading Coach, Bethune Elementary What advice do you have for parents? "The advice I have for parents is to make the learning FUN! Take this time to really get to know your child and spend quality time with your family. We as teachers know that the relationship with our learners is key to their ability to be successful. I have posted many engaging activities that allow families to be creative through the learning process." - Hope Robinson, Reading Coach, Lugoff Elementary "Families, take this forced pause in our often hectic schedules and cherish this time with your children. Talk. Laugh. Play. Eat well. Rest. Read. Learn. Practice gratitude and grace." - Betsy Horton, Reading Coach, Jackson School Other thoughts? "Give yourself grace! Parents were not trained for teaching and that is not what we are expecting. Enjoy family time together! Enjoy taking a walk or baking. Make the best of this situation and just reach out to your child’s teacher if you need any help, guidance, or to vent!" - Melissa Smith, Bethune Elementary "As a literacy leader in our district, I have had to teach myself to slow down and find the positive in this time. I see a calendar full of events that have passed and will never occur. I hear of daily cancellations and postponements which means that life will be a little different on the other side of this pandemic. But, my heart is filled each day by the positives that people in Kershaw County are doing for each other. I see and hear of how others are reaching out to take care of their neighbors, the retired, and the shut ins. I see and hear of how teachers and leaders are working to support the educational as well as the social-emotional needs of our children, pre-K through college aged. And, daily, I am amazed, thankful, and hopeful for when we can return to a sense of normalcy. I can assure you that there is no greater TEAM that I would rather be on than #KCSDStrong!" - Ginger Catoe, KCSD Director for Elementary Education

Pictured above, left to right: Student Bradley Ingram listens as Lugoff Elementary teacher Amanda Hicks goes over a lesson. Lugoff Elgin Middle Principal Gene Cameron leads a virtual faculty meeting. Christian Stephens from Bethune Elementary is excited for E-Learning.

March 27, 2020

Food Service Staff and Bus Drivers Deliver Meals to Students

During the first week the our district was closed, 100+ amazing KCSD food service staff and bus drivers prepared and delivered over 10,000 meals to Kershaw County children ages 18 and under. Fiftyone buses traveled all the KCSD bus routes on Wednesday through Friday - with one driver and one food service staffer on each - to deliver the meals and smiles to our Kershaw County families. Below, Blaney Elementary is buzzing with activity as KCSD staff prepares to deliver meals on March 20th.

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March 27, 2020

KC Housing Authority Names New Director

The Kershaw County Housing Authority (KCHA) has hired Ramonda Pollard to be the new executive director of the organization. Pollard previously worked with the Columbia Housing Authority as their director of the housing choice voucher program and as a homeless programs’ coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History/Political Science from Virginia Union University. “One of my goals as director will be expanding the program to make sure residents of Kershaw County have access to housing vouchers, as well as build partnerships with prospective landlords and developers so we can make more affordable housing available to local residents,” Pollard said. The new director position is currently funded through an agreement offered by the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority. “Ms. Pollard brings a wealth of expertise to the table and we’re moving forward with creating sustainable housing solutions for residents of Kershaw County,” Archie Todd, KCHA Board Chairman said. The Kershaw County Housing Authority was created by the Kershaw County Legislative Delegation and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization tasked with addressing the needs of low-income and affordable housing in Kershaw County. KCHA is an advocate for ensuring all Kershaw County residents have access to safe, decent and affordable housing opportunities. They are also actively working with Kershaw County landlords to provide an equitable solution for all parties in creating affordable housing. “Serving Columbia Since 1963”

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2020 Census FAQ

What is the census? The census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories. It happens every 10 years. In early 2020, you will be asked to count everyone who lives in your home as of April 1. Responding to the 2020 Census is a chance to shape your future. What’s in it for me? • Your responses inform where over $675 billion is distributed each year to communities nationwide for clinics, schools, roads, and more. • Census data gives community leaders vital information to make decisions about building community centers, opening businesses, and planning for the future. • Responding also fulfills your civic duty because it’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The United States has counted its population every 10 years since 1790. • Your responses are used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. Is my information safe? Your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics. They cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way—not by the FBI, not by the CIA, not by the DHS, and not by ICE. When can I respond to the census? In early 2020, every household in America will receive a notice to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail. In May, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up in person with households that have yet to respond. What will I be asked? You will be asked a few simple questions, like age, sex, and the number of people who live in your home, including children. What won’t be asked? The census will never ask for Social Security numbers, bank or credit card numbers, money or donations, or anything related to political parties.

Funderburk Will Seek Re-election

State Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk announces that she will seek re-election to the SC House of Representatives, District 52. Funderburk pledges to continue the fight for healthy families, a healthy economy, and a healthy environment. “There is much to accomplish in South Carolina and in Kershaw County, and I am ready to continue fighting for a government that is responsive, transparent, and works for its citizens,” said Funderburk. “I stand up for citizens’ interests over special interests.” Rep. Funderburk was one of only six members of the House of Representatives to vote against the 2007 Base Load Review Act that shifted the financial risk to ratepayers for SCE&G’s failed nuclear project. Rep. Funderburk works tirelessly to help Kershaw County reach its fullest potential. As a small business owner, Rep. Funderburk knows the importance of creating a climate that allows small businesses to thrive and brings new economic development opportunities to Kershaw County. Rep. Funderburk is proud of her efforts that helped to secure major funding for the Central Carolina Technical College Kershaw County campus that is providing education and training opportunities necessary to have a job-ready workforce. “The new

CCTC campus is an important catalyst for growth and prosperity in Kershaw County and gives our citizens greater opportunities for the future,” said Funderburk. “During the last several years we have created over 27,000 new jobs in SC, Rep. Laurie Funderburk brought in to our state over 8 billion dollars in capital investment, and currently have the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history,” said Funderburk. “I’m committed to getting the state back on track as quickly as possible after we contain the effects of COVID19.” Funderburk is committed to improving the lives of South Carolinians through greater health and wellbeing. A founder of the Kershaw County Farmers Market in 2005, Laurie secured funding

See FUNDERBURK, Page 11 >> March 27, 2020

Important Public Access Notices As Kershaw County continues to show strength during COVID-19, can pay traffic ticket payments online. Kershaw County Government is committed to keeping our community o Probate Court is available at 803.425.1503 and email. safe and healthy while still maintaining many of our government services. o Solicitor’s Office is closed until further notice. Beginning Tuesday, March 24th, all Kershaw County Government Ofo Public Defender’s Office is closed until further notice. fices will be closed to public access until further notice in an effort to do · EMS will have no changes to operations. our part to reduce our community’s exposure to COVID-19. Citizens · Engineering is available by phone at 803.425.7230 and email. and businesses can be assured that government matters can still be taken · Fire will continue to operate fully staffed and will practice approcare of during this time primarily by phone, email, and the county’s online priate measures of distancing and limited public access. services at www.kershaw.sc.gov. · GIS/Addressing is available by phone at 803.425.1500 extension 5444, email, and can access the county’s GIS mapping system online. OPEN TO PUBLIC ACCESS: · IT will continue fully staffed with the primary function to supAlthough the majority of county offices will be closed to public access, port efforts focused on emergency response. IT is available by phone at Kershaw County’s 803.425.7232 or by email. · Landfill will remain open on its normal operating schedule. Con· Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed to the public, but is venience Centers will remain open, operating at a reduced schedule. Op- available by phone at 803.425.6009 or by email. erators are not allowed to make physical contact with, nor assist in the · Library will remain closed to the public including curbside pick-up unloading of, garbage or debris. The revised schedule for convenience and book drop. Online services remain available and no late fees will be centers include: accumulated during the temporary closings of the library branches. o Monday - 8am-5pm · Planning and Zoning can be reached at 803.425.7233 or by email. o Tuesday - 8am -5pm Citizens and business owners can apply for a building permit online. o Wednesday - CLOSED Building inspections will continue as is practical, though approved 3rd o Thursday - 8am-5pm party inspections will be accepted, with advance notice to the departo Friday 8am-5pm ment. o Saturday 8am-5pm · Public Works will continue critical road maintenance and can be o Sunday - CLOSED reached by phone at 803.425.7191 and emails. · Sheriff ’s Office will be open Monday through Thursday at normal · Register of Deeds is available at 803.425.7235. Citizens will be hours and closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. directed to use as many online services as are practical. Staff will con· Voter Registration remains open for candidate filings until March tinue to process transfers and registrations, accepting recordings via mail, 30th at 12:00PM. Routine public business can be conducted using Voter UPS/FEDEX and Attorneys. There is a designated drop box at the front Registration’s online portal or by calling the office at 803.424.4016 entrance of The Government Center (515 Walnut Street, Camden) for receiving documents, accepted by security. Abstractors will be allowed GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED TO PUBLIC ACCESS: in by appointment only with a limit of three at a time at 803.425.7235. · Airport will remain open to air traffic. Terminal closed to the public. · Treasurer will be available by phone at 803.425.1529 and email. · Assessor’s Office will handle department matters by phone calls at Citizens and businesses are encouraged to use the Treasurer’s online re803.425.1523 and by emails. Online resources, including forms, can be sources including tax payments. Convenience fees for online payments found at Kershaw.sc.gov. are waived. Payments can also be made using a drop box located at the · Auditor’s Office is available by phone at 803.425.1528, emails, or by front of The Government Center. utilizing the department’s online resources. · Veteran’s Affairs will return calls received at 803.425.1500 extension · Code Enforcement will respond only to critical calls including in- 5318 and by email. jured animals or animal biting at 803.424.4000. · Wastewater payments will continue to be accepted by drop box · Courthouse remains closed to the public, except in cases approved at the front of The Government Center. Phone calls can be made to by The Clerk of Court or Court Judges. 803.424.4036 and emails will be returned. o Circuit Court is available by phone at 803.425.7223 and email. Calls with general, non-emergent questions not related to specific deo Family Court is available by phone at 803.425.7225, email, and can partmental functions should be made to the Kershaw County Coronaaccess DSS Child Support information online. virus Hotline at 803.425.7242. The hotline is available everyday from 7 o Magistrate’s Court is available by phone at 803.425.7226, email, and am - 7 pm.

Elgin Pharmacy is Curbside ONLY until further notice

Curbside Pickup March 27, 2020

• Please use our phone system IVR to request reﬁlls when possible. • All dropped off prescriptions will be given a time for you to return for pickup. • Please give us a minimum of 3 hours to prepare your maintenance medication reﬁlls. • We ask that you pay over the phone when possible with a debit/credit card. We will bring your prescription outside.

Elgin Pharmacy | 803.438.5735 9

Stover Middle Students Excel in 'Heritage Tea'

Congratulations to the following Stover Middle School students who placed in the Heritage Tea contest sponsored by the Fine Arts Center. Pictured left to right: Chloe Kennedy, Jada Diaz, Brayden Branham, and Gabe Hunt 8th Grade 1st place: Chloe Kennedy

Stover Students Participate in Oratorical Contest

7th Grade 2nd place: Gabe Hunt

6th Grade 1st place: Brayden Branham 2nd place: Jada Diaz

Sacks of Love The Sacks of Love Ministry provides food items to some Blaney students who receive free and discounted school lunches. These students, who might otherwise go hungry over the weekend, are given a bag of non-perishable food items to help sustain them until they have access to school meals again. The ministry at Blaney Elementary is a coordinated effort between Highway, Harmony, Hillcrest and Union churches. As coronavirus fears made supplies of nonperishable food items more and more difficult to obtain, ladies from Union Baptist Church had to go the extra mile to make sure our students in need were taken care of. After multiple trips to local stores, the ladies were finally able to fulfill the Sacks of Love order, and bags were delivered by program coordinator Glenna Brown-Kaiser.

The following Stover Middle School students participated in Lugoff Optimist Club's Oratorical Contest. Pictured left to right: Racheal Darmer, Olivia Nichols (3rd place overall), Andrew Stevens, and Granger Morgan

Even Though My Office Is In Camden, My Home Is In Elgin. I will be happy to meet you at your home or business. You are familiar with the service my family has provided to the community over the years. I would like very much to continue that relationship.

Gordon Arledge

INSURANCE 803-432-8422 501 Rutledge Street Camden SC 29020 gordon@vanhornins.com www.vanhornins.com

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• Spring Plants Now Available • Bulk Vegetable Seed • Fertilizers • Weed & Feed • Complete Lawn Nutrition • Expert Advice on Professional Garden March 27, 2020

Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office

We Won't Get Any 'Do-Overs'

DHEC announced on Monday that a Kershaw County citizen died with Coronavirus. Please pray for their family. It was later determined that DHEC’s report was a mistake. She was not a Kershaw County citizen. If the person who infected this victim could go back in time, they would NOT have infected this victim. The exposure was not intentional. The person probably had no idea they were infected. But, none of us can get a “do-over” after someone loses their life. We never know how our current actions (or lack of actions) will affect oth-

ers later. Now is NOT the time to find out. Do your part to stop the spread. Wash your hands, keep your social distance (at least 6ft), stay home if you don’t have to be out, and don’t go around others if you think you are sick. We got this. Stay focused. Kershaw County Strong!

Sheriff Lee Boan

FUNDERBURK, Continued from Page 8 for the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County’s rural health initiative and school-based health centers. As part of LiveWell Kershaw’s Community Health Improvement Plan, Funderburk serves as the Leader of the Healthy Eating, Active Living Action Team. Funderburk is also proud to support efforts to increase opportunities for the public to be active and enjoy nature, such as the City of Camden’s new Environmental Park and public access to Clemson’s Hardscramble property on the Wateree River. Kershaw County’s history also provides great opportunities for the public, and Funderburk helped obtain funding for the new Revolutionary War Visitor’s Center which will be pivotal to the development of the SC Liberty Trail and a new appreciation by South Carolinians and visitors of the important role South Carolina played in securing our nation’s freedom. Appointed by Speaker Lucas, Funderburk serves on the South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission to educate and promote the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in our state. Rep. Funderburk serves on the House Judiciary Committee and as the First Vice Chair of the House Legislative Oversight Committee. Rep. Funderburk is past Chair of the General Assembly Women’s Caucus, past Treasurer of the House Ethics Committee, and past Chair of the SC Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. She currently serves on the Redistricting and Elections Standing Committee of the National Conference of State Legislators. Rep. Funderburk has been recognized as a Business Advocate by the SC Chamber of Commerce, Green Tie recipient by the Conservation Voters of SC, Pro-Family Legislative Champion by the Palmetto Family Council, SC Political Leader of the Year by the Carolina Recycling Association, Conservationist of the Year by the Kershaw County Soil and Water Conservation District, and — with her family — Kershaw County Agribusiness Family of the Year. She was presented with the Harriett Phelps Service Award for outstanding service and commitment to the arts by the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County and a Red Service Ribbon for 10 Years of Service to the South Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Rep. Funderburk grew up in Lugoff and on the family farm north of Camden. She is a 1993 graduate of Lugoff-Elgin High School, a 1997 graduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College, and a 2001 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. Rep. Funderburk, her husband, Bill, and their sons, Slade (13 years old) and Burch (9 years old), reside in Camden and attend Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church where she is a Sunday School teacher and co-chairs the Health + Wellness Committee. Rep. Funderburk is co-owner of Books on Broad, an independent bookstore and coffee shop located in downtown historic Camden. “Serving the citizens of Kershaw County in the SC House of Representatives is a high honor for me, and one that I strive to live up to each and every day,” said Funderburk. “I am a lifelong resident of Kershaw County, and I am passionate about Kershaw County as a great place to live, raise a family, worship, and conduct business both now and on into the future. That is why I am excited to file for re-election as your state representative!”

@theelginnews

March 27, 2020

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