Elgin News - 5B 2024

Volume 20, No. 5A

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

May 3, 2024

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CSD nnounces 2013 Event rkleberry Country Fair

In what has become an annual tradition, the West Wateree Rotary Club recently visited local elementary schools, including Lugoff Elementary pictured here, to distribute dictionaries to third graders.

Dine In or To Go! 803.408.2757

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

The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council was held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. Those present included Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilman Paul Rizzo, Mayor Melissa Emmons, Chief Alan Anders, and Becky Summey, Elgin Town Clerk. Councilwoman Dana Sloan and Attorney John Wells were absent. The Invocation was given by Mayor Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Hanley.

A motion to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, was made by Councilman Paul Rizzo, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from Council. There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum. A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. The following New Business License Applications were approved in April 2024: (1) Waste Management of South Carolina, Inc., (2) The Witchy Curio, (3) MP Crafts & Collectables, (4) De’Alexandria Cosmetics, (5) Tinyacres Secondhand, (6) Lake Murray Construction of Columbia, (7) Flour Power Bakery, LLC, (8) Baker Distributing Company LLC, (9) West Shore Homes LLC, (10) Lil Vics Southern BBQ, and (11) Robby’s Welding. As always, we welcome new businesses to our community and encourage you to visit them and shop locally.

There were no Charity Permit Request for the month of April 2024. There were no complaints filed for the month of April 2024. There was no need for a Public Hearing.

In Old Business, Councilman Brad Hanley provided an update on the Elgin Community Center Construction Project that included the following information: (1) approved color schemes with the architect, which was a portion of the 38 submittals included in ProCor, (2) sewer line issue with the slope and the engineers are discussing a solution to the matter, and (3) reviewing audio/video proposals.

In New Business, Chief Anders provided Council updates on the following items: (1) 22 charges on Cinco De Mayo, (2) 2nd SRO position posted on May 6th and hope to hire by July 1st and still have one open road position to fill since Officer Alex Pucciuolo filled one of the SRO positions, (3) the department currently has one spare vehicle, but a used truck was purchased using seizure funds, which saved the town $23,000, and (4) recent car break-ins in the Pine Forest Subdivision.

Also under New Business, Donny Supplee, Executive Director for United Way of Kershaw County provided an update on services in the Elgin Community and submitted a request for $5,000 in funding to assist with costs associated with the Food Pantry, Community Gardens, Affordable Housing Initiative, and the VAN (Vehicle Access Network).

In New Business, a motion to approve the First Reading of the 2024-2025 budget ($1,661,200) was made by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from Council. A workshop has been scheduled and the Public Hearing and the 2nd Reading will take place at the June 4, 2024, meeting.

In Council Briefings, Councilman Paul Rizzo expressed good luck to the archery teams traveling to Kentucky for the NASP Tournament. Councilwoman Cristy Bradley expressed congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2024. Councilman Brad Hanley had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons reminded everyone of the upcoming public meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, for the US 1 Corridor Feasibility Study and shared information for a survey that can be completed. She also reminded Council of the Budget Workshop that is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6:00.

The meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm. Our next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6:00 pm. If you miss a meeting, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. We also livestream the meeting on the Town of Elgin Facebook Page. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Memmons@townofelginsc.com.

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

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May 17, 2024

Elgin Police Department Incident Reports

CVD/Simple Assault: On 05-02-2024, Officer was dispatched to Dogwood Ave. in the Town Limits of Elgin for a possible domestic. Officer arrived and met with both Complainant and Subject in the driveway. Subject told Officer that they had got into an argument about the wedding plans. He wanted to add more people, and Complainant said they could not add anymore people that it was set. Subject became more angry the more they talked about the wedding.

Complainant stated she had enough and tried to walk away when Subject knocked the lap top out of her hands, then grabbed Complainant around the throat pushing her down and then holding her down. Complainant was able to tell Siri to call 911, then he released her and he walked outside.

Officer could smell alcohol coming from his breath. Peters did admit to pushing and holding her down on bodycam. Complainant did gave Officer a written statement and Officer has it on bodycam. Subject was given one UTT and taken the KCDC, charged with DV 3rd degree.

Assault/Intimidation: On May 2, 2024, while on duty as SRO at Stover Middle School, OFC Picciuolo was contacted by Father of LP, a minor student at Stover Middle School. Father wanted to know what was going on with his daughter, LP and wanted to know if the other child, IK was also disciplined for her participation in an ongoing back-and-forth of threatening texts and verbal altercations. OFC Picciuolo spoke with Stover AP about the situation. AP stated that she was

made aware of threats made by LP towards IK in front of other students on a KCSD school bus (Monday, April 29, 2024). AP spoke to a student on the bus who heard LP say that she was going to shoot IK in the stomach. LP stated to both AP and several school counselors that she did make this statement. Father stated to OFC Picciuolo that his daughter LP said that this threatening language was used in retaliation to IK stating that she was going to stab LP. LP stated that there was video/audio of this threat, and told her Father that she had shown this video to AP, but to date no one has seen or heard this video. Stover Middle School administration is handling the disciplinary measures in this case.

Shoplifting: On the above date and time, Officer Dover responded to 2528 Main St (IGA) which is located within the boundaries of the Town of Elgin (Kershaw County) to assist OFC Branham with a possible shoplifting incident.

Upon arrival, OFC Dover made contact with OFC Branham outside of the IGA and then we approached the on-duty manager inside the store in reference to the incident. OFC Branham got all information in regards to the store information, manager information and clerk information. We then asked the Manager if he had camera footage of the incident, which he stated that he did. We reviewed the camera footage with Manager and saw the black male push a shopping cart up to the register closest to the manager's desk and put an alcoholic beverage up on the counter to purchase.

The shopping cart had what appeared to be white plastic bags full of groceries in it. The Clerk stated that the groceries that were inside the shopping cart were all meats. Clerk stated that it was approximately $200.00 worth of groceries. Clerk stated that she rang up the alcoholic beverage for the gentleman and then he casually pushed the shopping cart out of the store and unloaded the groceries into the vehicle he was riding in. Clerk approached another cashier and asked if they had cashed out the gentleman that had the groceries that she just rang up and the cashier stated "No".

Clerk then approached Manager and told him about the incident. Manager made his way outside to the parking lot and confronted the gentleman and when the gentleman was asked if he had a receipt, the gentleman responded with, "the girl at the counter just rang me up". Manager got the information from the vehicle that the gentleman was riding in and made his way back inside IGA. Manager then proceeded to finish his phone conversation he was having on the phone prior to calling 9-1-1 about the incident. The incident occurred at 7:34pm and the call came into dispatch at 8:09p, approximately 35 minutes after the incident took place. The vehicle information is as follows: Dark Grey possibly an Acura Manager tates the gentleman was a passenger in the vehicle and not the driver. OFC Branham BWC was activated and will be uploaded as soon as possible.

GOT NEWS? CALL OR TEXT 803.513.5108 Kershaw County Council Chair Announces Resignation

“It is an honor to serve as your County Chairwoman. When I meet with you and we solve problems together I truly feel as though I am fulfilling my purpose on this earth to help people. This community has embraced my son and I as your own family and I am grateful for every single citizen that I have built relationships with. I do not take the responsibility of the gavel lightly and care deeply about the lives and citizens of this county and country. As many of you know, last June I lost my only parent, my mother, very quickly to pancreatic cancer. Shortly after my mother’s death, I went through a divorce.

Now, as a single mother, I have been diligently looking for a full-time job to support my son and I. In anticipation of accepting full time employment and preparing for the changes in our life, I am resigning my at-large seat of Chairwoman of Kershaw County Council.

Katie Guinn In the months to come, I will spend as much time as possible with my son, who has lived his entire life in the public eye and has become one of Kershaw County’s biggest ambassadors. Being Chairwoman of Kershaw County has been one of the greatest gifts God has led me to do. I want to thank this community for how respectful you have been through the unexpected changes life has brought me. My purpose in this season of my life is to be Eli’s mother as we navigate what is next for us.

Friday, May 24th, 2024 will be my last day as your County Council Chairwoman. I am confident that the County is in the best of hands with Vice Chairman Jimmy Jones as Interim Chair until a special election is held. Thank you for trusting me as your Chairwoman. Serving you has been an honor.”

May 17, 2024

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Visiting Marvelous Memphis

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer Graceland receives more than 650,000 visitors a year, and visiting this landmark was an unforgettable experience. Elvis's Memphis home Graceland, is the second most toured house in the United States, with the White House being number one.

Graceland opened June 7, 1982 to the public. It is on the National Historic Registry.

It is a colonial style brick home with 23 rooms on a 13.8-acre estate. Elvis, the King of rock ‘n’ roll, parked his pink Cadillac, hung his gold records on the wall, and had his jump suits and clothes in his closets.

Graceland has white iron gates with musical notes. The brick walls surrounding the estate have graffiti signatures which people add to every day.

Graceland was built on a hill with pink azaleas blooming everywhere. My favorite room was the blue accented white dining room with white French Provincial furniture. I also liked the stained-glass blue peacocks in the living room furnished in white with a grand piano as the focal point. There were walls of mirrors in the halls. There were eight bedrooms and four bathrooms.

The kitchen had stained brown cabinets with yellow appliances, and a red wall phone.

The tour of Elvis’s home takes about ninety minutes. Elvis and his friends played pool in a room where the walls and ceiling were made from curtain fabric.

The last part of the tour of Graceland is a meditation garden where Elvis, his parents, his grandmother, daughter, and grandson are buried. I was not prepared for this simple setting. It could have been any family’s final resting place. While I stood there, I said a prayer.

There was a 200,000 square foot entertainment center with museums, restaurants, and gift shops. We rode shuttles across the street and ate lunch at Gladys’s Diner, then walked a short distance to see Elvis’s airplanes.

After we left Graceland, we went to the Magnificent Memphis Pyramid

Bass Pro Shop, one of the tallest freestanding glass buildings in the world. It has a five-star hotel in the 32-story steel pyramid located on the Mississippi River. This Bass Pro Shop has an on-site bowling alley, aquariums, observation deck of Memphis, and a Cypress swamp with real alligators.

An hour later, we drove to Sun Studios at 706 Union Ave, the birthplace of rock'n'roll and home to the Million-Dollar Quartet. We saw where B.B. King, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other music legends put Memphis on the map. It is the only record company to be named as a historical landmark. It was opened by a rock'n'roll promoter named Sam Phillips on January 3, 1950.

Elvis recorded his first song in this studio as a present for his mother in 1953 for four dollars. When we walked inside the studio downstairs, we saw that it resembled an old-fashioned soda fountain. Of course, we ordered cokes in glass bottles.

We walked up steep stairs to see the museum with exhibits of early music entertainers. The guide played early recordings of Elvis and other stars of the 50’s. Then we walked back down to see the recording studio. X marks the spot where Elvis stood, and we all held the microphone stand that Elvis and others recorded their hits.

Loretta Proctor of Lugoff reflected on the trip and summed it up best,” So many things have intrigued me about Memphis. Like many towns, Memphis unfortunately has had their share of division and devastation, but I believe Memphis has brought more lives together than not with its rich history of music and the impact it has on people and relationships. Memphis changed the world as it welcomed various genres of music: gospel, country, soul, blues, jazz, and rock'n'roll. This town didn't allow differences in color, status or the haves or have nots to get in their way. Had they not been willing to break down the barriers and bring people together, we would not enjoy and have the choices we have today.”

Burke’s Christian Tours titled our trip Marvelous Memphis, and it truly was. Tour Director Steve Swicegood and coach driver Ray Rutherford were excellent guides and made friends with all of us. Memories and music with its mystical powers were the heart and soul of our trip.

Genova Family Karate Holds 'Battle of Columbia'

On Saturday, April 20th, Genova Family Karate welcomed 97 competitors for their annual "Battle of Columbia Event."

"It was amazing to see the support given to our students by their family, friends, and peers," says Office Manager Kelly Duncan. "One of our students even invited her whole class from school, and several of them showed up during her division to cheer her on."

Starbucks of Elgin was kind enough to provide hot and iced coffee for spectators. Little Caesars Pizza and Carolina Smile Studio were the largest

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sponsors of the event, and Carolina Smile Studio is also currently partnering with Genova Family Karate on a project to provide every student at Pontiac Elementary with a toothbrush before Summer Break, to help encourage dental hygiene.

Several Genova Black Belts from years past showed up to help judge and coach the students as they competed in forms, grappling, flag sparring, and point sparring.

Visit Genova Family Karate on Facebook for more information!

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

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KCSD Superintendent Student Cabinet Donates 1,522 Lbs. Food To UW's Mobile Nutrition Center

Several times during the school year KCSD Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin meets with a group of student leaders from each of the district's three high schools to discuss district initiatives and get their feedback and input.

Starting last year, this student group, known as the Superintendent Student Cabinet, decided to add a service component to their work, where they would plan a districtwide event or project to benefit the community.

This year, the student cabinet coordinated a districtwide food drive to collect goods for the United Way of Kershaw County's Mobile Nutrition Center. Dr. Goodwin and the students met at the Mobile Nutrition Center on Wednesday, May 15, and donated 1,522 pounds worth of canned goods and other nonperishable food items.

Members of the Superintendent Student Cabinet include: CAMDEN HIGH Jalayah Bracy Taliyah Felder Kensie McGee Gina Millington Avery Younghans LUGOFF-ELGIN HIGH Emma Atkinson Colby Branham Rachael Darmer Sarah Rhodes Peyton Stanley NORTH CENTRAL HIGH Ja'Kyra Adams Addison Bittner Alley Howle Shelby Hudgens Ashton McCardle

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May 17, 2024

AL Post 195 Named Myositis Awareness Month Non-Profi t of the Year

Chip Galloway continues his fight to raise awareness for Myositis, while also battling the disease himself. Earlier this month, Galloway visited the State House where Representative Ralph Norman recognized Galloway and his efforts to promote Myositis awareness. On May 10th, Galloway was recognized at a USC - Georgia baseball game, and was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch.

Above left: Galloway and Representative Ralph Norman at the SC State House. Above right: Galloway and Cocky, at a USC baseball game where Galloway was recognized and threw out the first pitch.

Lugoff-Elgin High Staff Reunion

American Legion Post 195 Adjutant Ruppert Baird (left) and Commander Claude Turner (right) accept the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award for 2024.

Eve Carlin

CANDIDATE FOR SC HOUSE DISTRICT 70

Early voting begins May 28th at the Camden City Arena.

Vote in the Democratic Party primary A vote for EVE is a vote for Kershaw County!

Former LEHS Faculty and Staff members recently held their annual reunion at Everyday Gourmet in Camden. If you went to LEHS sometime between the 1970s and the 1990s, you will recognize many of these faces!

GET IN TOUCH:

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT EVE CARLIN P.0. Box 75, Camden, SC 29021

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May 17, 2024

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Doby's Mill Thespians

The entire 3rd grade worked with a professional theatre company, The Baillie Players, to stage a production of Snow White. This opportunity was made possible through an Arts Enhancement Program grant from the South Carolina Department of Education.

Decades Day at LES

Famous look-alikes from every decade of US History were present at Lugoff Elementary! During the outdoor museum, fifth grade students presented "Decades Day" research projects to families and students across all grades.

Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents • Workers’ Comp Personal Injury & Death • Criminal Law Business Law • Real Estate Law • Nursing Home Abuse Medical Malpractice • Probate, Wills & Estates

All State & Federal Courts Serving Kershaw County for over 30 Years ATTORNEYS: JOSEPH N. CONNELL | J. BEN CONNELL | DEREK SHOEMAKE

Schedule a FREE consultation today.

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May 17, 2024

New Farmers Market

Dorothy Butterson Davis, former Market Manager from Kershaw County Farmers Market, announces a new Farmers Market at Village of Sandhills.

Community Artisan & Farmers Market will be located at 168 Forum Drive, located next to Books A Million & Massage Envy.

The Market will have almost 40 vendors set up weekly with local farmers, ranchers, crafters, eggs, fresh baked bread, lemonade, baked goods, jewelry, fresh flowers and so much more.

Tuesdays 2:30 - 6:30 The Farmers will be taking both Senior Vouchers and WIC vouchers that have started to be passed out.

For more info, visit Community Artisan & Farmers Market on Facebook.

Get your event in The Elgin News!

Call or text us at 803.513.5108

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TOWN OF ELGIN PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to Section 6-1-80 of the S.C. Code of Laws, public notice is hereby given that Elgin Town Council will hold a public hearing on the municipal budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year: June 4, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. | Elgin Town Hall, 2469 Main Street Current Fiscal Year Revenue $1,599,591

Projected Revenue 2024-2025 $1,661,200

Percentage Change in Revenue 3.8515%

Current Fiscal Year Millage 27 mills

Current Fiscal Year Expenditures $1,599,591

Projected Expenditures 2024-2025 $1,661,200

Percentage Change in Expenditures 3.8515%

Estimated Millage for 2023-2024 27 mills

(Estimated Millage Equals $0 per $1000 of Assessed Property Value)

Juneteenth Celebration Set for Friday, June 14

The Juneteenth Celebration committee is seeking sponsors, organizations to participate in the Empowerment Fair, and vendors. All are welcome to come in the spirit of unity and solidarity, as a community celebration of Juneteenth takes place Friday, June 14 from 3 to 8 pm at Camden City Arena.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and for planning the future.

On the platform of the Liberty Stage at Camden City Arena, various artists and community leaders will present encouraging and cultural expressions to celebrate the fourth annual Juneteenth May 17, 2024

Celebration. There will be music for all, from gospel to rap, to help us dance in celebration of our greatness. Poets and dancers will also mount the Liberty Stage with excitement.

Attendees can take an Empowerment Stroll where various vendors will be presenting information to improve the quality of lives of our citizens. Receive information from healthcare providers, bankers and other community agencies.

There will be something for all that is worth your time as we celebrate.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

There is no cost for admission or for any of the food and beverages served. There will be some onsite vendors with items for purchase.

Links to sponsor, vendor and empowerment fair forms can be found at https://experiencecamdensc. com/event/juneteenth-celebration/

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KCSO's K9 Mazie To Get A Donation Of Body Armor

Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office K9 Mazie will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Mazie’s vest is sponsored by John Carretta of Mount Pleasant, SC, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.made, custom-fitted, and NIJ-certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,597 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.

K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

K9 Officer Mazie, pictured at right with handler Deputy Hunter Coleman, will receive a donation of a protective vest thanks to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

CMC Names Rankin New CEO

The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County (CMC) welcomes Charlotte Rankin as its new CEO. Taking over from the retiring Susan Witkowski, Rankin brings a fresh vision for advancing community health, supported by a strong background in healthcare leadership.

“The board is unanimous in its enthusiasm for Charlotte Rankin's leadership as our new CEO,” said Torill Nelson, CMC’s board chair.

“Charlotte is the right leader for the Community Medical Clinic at the right time. Her leadership is expected to bring new perspectives to our clinic’s mission of community-centered healthcare and we are excited to support her as she takes the helm.”

Rankin has a rich background in community and organizational leadership.

Previously, she served as the Chief Administrative Officer at SC Thrive, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to fostering thriving, stabilized communities and improving access to quality-of-life resources. Her career also includes roles as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Kershaw County, Administrator for Encounter Care Solutions, Office Manager and Paralegal at Rankin Law Firm, and Manager of multi-family residential properties.

“I am both honored and excited to lead the Community Medical Clinic into its next chapter. As I step into this new role, my priority is to build on the strong foundation of my predecessor,” Rankin said. “The clinic's commitment to the community inspires me every day, and I am eager to lead our team towards new achievements in healthcare access, quality and equity.”

Rankin is also actively involved in the Kershaw County community through various roles. She is a past President and Treasurer of the Camden Rotary and has served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity and the Montessori School. Additionally, she is a member of the Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church, contributing to its Board of Trustees and Missions, Staff Parish, Nominations, and Audit committees.

“It has been a privilege to serve this community, and I am delighted to leave the clinic under the capable leadership of Charlotte Rankin. It’s an honor to pass the torch to her,” Susan Witkowski, former CEO of CMC said.

“Her passion for healthcare excellence and community service echoes our core values and I look forward to seeing all she accomplishes. I am confident that her vision will beautifully complement our longstanding commitment

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to creating a healthier Kershaw County for us all.”

Rankin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from North Carolina State University and is a certified professional with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). She and her husband, Scott, moved to Camden in 1994, where they raised their two sons, Hunter and Parker.

ABOUT CMC: For 25 years, the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County has been a vital provider of free healthcare and preventative services to those in need. Our mission extends Charlotte Rankin, beyond direct medical services, Community Medical Center CEO although we prioritize offering critical healthcare to residents who cannot afford doctor visits. We recognize that true health encompasses more than medical treatment, which is why we have a three-pronged approach to creating a healthier Kershaw County.

1. Direct Medical Services: We ensure that every individual in need has access to necessary medical care, without financial burden.

2. Community Resource Connection: We connect individuals to essential community resources, supporting overall well-being and promoting healthy lifestyles through Access Kershaw.

3. Population Health Leadership: Through our LiveWell Kershaw Coalition, we lead efforts to enhance community health, targeting comprehensive strategies that improve health outcomes for all.

To learn more visit cmcofkc.org.

May 17, 2024

Remembering Our KCSO Heroes

National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Listed below are the KCSO deputies that have lost their lives in the line of duty in Kershaw County. This week is dedicated to remembering their ultimate sacrifices.

KCSO Deputy Theodore “Ted” Turner End of Watch: April 29, 1971 Deputy Theodore Turner was shot and killed while he and another deputy served commitment papers on a mental subject. The man was given permission from the two deputies to obtain some personal items before being removed from the home.

As the two deputies spoke on the front porch the suspect returned to the door and fired a shot from a 410 gauge shotgun, striking Deputy Turner in the back of the head.

The 51-year-old suspect was arrested following a massive manhunt and committed. In January of 1982 hospital officials deemed him competent to stand trial and returned him to Kershaw County. On August 19, 1982, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the murder. He was released but he voluntarily recommitted himself back into the mental hospital for continued treatment.

Deputy Turner was survived by his wife and four children.

KCSO Captain James Eugene “Pat” Orr End of Watch: July 2, 1973 Captain James Orr was shot and killed by a 22-year-old Massachusetts man wanted for armed robbery. A sequence of events started when a lone gunman entered the office of a mobile home dealership north of Camden; tied up the manager; and robbed him of $190 in cash. The manager worked himself free seconds after the suspect fled and called the sheriff 's department.

Captain Orr was patrolling in Lugoff when he spotted a car matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle given by the manager. Captain Orr pulled the car over and was shot several times by the suspect as he got out of his patrol car.

Later in the day the suspect abducted at gunpoint a mother and her four daughters from their home several miles away. He forced the mother with her four children to drive him in her car south toward Georgia. He released his hostages, unharmed, just outside of Savannah.

A few days later in Florida, a St. Augustine Police Officer received an anonymous phone call telling him where the suspect could be located. He

May 17, 2024

went to a local residence and took the suspect into custody without incident.

The suspect was convicted of Captain Orr's murder, armed robbery, and five counts of kidnapping on October 24, 1973. He was sentenced to six life terms plus 26 years in prison. On April 17, 1976, he escaped from the South Carolina Penitentiary. He was captured in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on June 17, 1977, by FBI agents and U.S. marshals.

Captain Orr was to retire the following January. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

KCSO Deputy Ernest Christian “Chris” Potter, III End of Watch: February 21, 1974 Deputy Sheriff Ernest Potter was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to investigate two men who were hitchhiking on I-20. As the deputies stepped out of their patrol car, a third suspect surprised them from behind a guardrail and held them at gunpoint.

The three suspects walked the two deputies down an embankment, where they opened fire on both deputies. Deputy Potter was struck in the head several times and killed. The other deputy was shot in the head and seriously wounded.

The three suspects had murdered Patrolman Richey Finch of the Forest Acres Police Department when Patrolman Finch stopped their vehicle several hours earlier. The shooter was sentenced to life plus 99 years. As of 2020, he was still in prison.

Deputy Potter had served with the Kershaw County Sheriff 's Department for four months. He was survived by his expectant wife and son. In 1997, his son became a Richland County Deputy.

KCSO School Resource Officer Rob Evans End of Watch: November 27, 2013 On November 26, 2013, Deputy Evans was directing traffic at the Wateree Elementary School when he collapsed in the roadway from a heart attack.

Two nurses were in line to pick up their children and saw Deputy Evans fall to the ground. They immediately went to his aid and began administering CPR to him. Lugoff Fire Department responded and assisted.

Rob was then transported to Kershaw Health, and later Providence Hospital. He passed away at 5:30am the next morning.

Deputy Evans served KCSO for 14 years and was survived by a wife and two children.

11

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