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
From The Mayor's Desk
By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Note: From e Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the o cial minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
Summer is one of my absolute favorite seasons of the year. I love the longer days and spending time with family and friends. We are blessed to live in a community that is just minutes away from a beautiful lake and just a couple of hours away from the coast or the mountains. I personally prefer the coast, but also enjoy visiting the upstate from time to time.
As this great season winds down, the first day of school for Kershaw County is just around the corner. School will begin on Thursday, August 1, 2024. We have two schools located within our town limits, Blaney Elementary School and Leslie M. Stover Middle School. This will increase the volume of traffic in town, especially on Smyrna Road. Please make sure you add some extra time for your commute for the first two weeks of school, as these are generally the heaviest in regards to traffic in and around the area. We have students who will be walking and/or riding their bikes, so please make sure you exercise caution while driving in the area as well.
The Elgin Police Department and the Town of Elgin have partnered with Kershaw County School District and will be providing an SRO for each school site. We look forward to being involved in the schools and serving the two campuses. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the department at 803-438-9917.
We are making progress on the construction of the new Elgin Community Center. At this time, we are anticipating a completion date of early 2025 and the facility will be available for rental for events and we will be partnering with several agencies to offer classes of interest in the future. The Blaney/ Elgin Museum will have its very first official home and we look forward to them opening to the public to display their vast inventory of artifacts they have collected over the years to display the history of Blaney/Elgin. Make sure you visit their establishment once they open.
We have also added a new staff member to Town Hall and we couldn’t be more excited. Some of you will recognize her as a familiar face in the school car rider line for the past few years at Blaney Elementary. We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Jamie Parker as our new Town Clerk. She will be a valuable asset to our community and will welcome you with a smile and a hug. When you are in Town Hall for your next visit, make certain you stop by and welcome her to our staff.
So many wonderful things are happening in our Elgin Community and I am honored to be a part of it. As we continue to grow, I would love to hear from you. We have started a new program to recognize our “Business of the Quarter”. Residents have an opportunity to nominate the businesses and we will honor them each quarter. What a great way to show your appreciation to one of your favorite businesses.
I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of their Summer and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for our beautiful community.
"Elgin Business of the Quarter" will give the community the opportunity to nominate a business that they wish to be recognized for their quality customer service, their variety of items or exceptional food offerings that are reasonable priced, the atmosphere in a particular location that stands out for any reason, such as cleanliness, decor, or just plain fun to hang out.
The Town of Elgin will accept nominations for the 2nd Quarter Winner until Friday, September 27, at noon and will announce our first winner on Tuesday, October 1, during the Town Council Meeting. This business will receive a certificate to display in their establishment and a yard sign to post outside for the public to see.
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 PD Incident Reports
Shoplifting: Front End Manager of Food Lion stated that a black male in a handicap cart went to the meat courter and took an assortment of meats (value $100.00). Manager stated on store camera she could see him put some meat in his basket and when he came out off of aisle 1, the meats were gone out the basket and appeared to have under his shirt. The unknown black male left the store and got into a blue Ford Explorer and drove off with out paying for the items. Officer was unable to get a license plate number. Officer had his BC recording. Manager will send store video over when it is available.
Driving Under The Influence (1st)/Driving Under Suspension (3rd or more): Officer initiated a traffic stop on a dark in color sedan near the intersection of Main St / Green Hill Rd which is located within the boundaries of the Town of Elgin (Kershaw County) in reference to a speeding violation. The final stop of the traffic stop was located on Highway 1 in between Watts Hill and Leslie Branham. Once Officer made contact with the driver, Officer stated the reason for the stop and requested his license, registration and insurance information. The driver stated that he had no license because they were suspended and he knew he should not have been driving. He was able to produce the other requested documents. As Officer was talking with him, he could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, as well as an odor of alcohol. Officer asked for an additional unit due to there being 3 occupants in the vehicle, as well
as a vehicle search and SFST's. Unit 115 arrived on scene and assisted with the stop, as well as Unit 66 (KCSO). Driver was identified by his SC ID. Trespass Notice Issued: Officer was dispatched to 2465 Main St (Food Lion) which is located within the boundaries of the Town of Elgin (Kershaw County) in reference to an altercation. Once Officer arrived on scene, he made contact with the two Subjects out front of Food Lion near the front door. Both Subjects stated that their family member was fired by Manager due to absences at work and they were confused on why the family member was fired when she had medical notes for her absences. The Subjects did admit that they did raise their voice to Manager and may have said some choice words, but never got physical with Manager. They were just upset over the fact that their family member got fired and she had medical notes to cover her absences. Officer then walked inside and talked to Manager about the incident and not much different was said by Manager, just that the subjects followed her to the Manager's Office and they were in her face and yelling and cussing in her store. Manager asked that both subjects be trespassed from the location. I talked to both subjects about being trespassed and they were not happy about the situation and stated that they had been shopping their for years and never had issues. They were told that they were being placed on trespass and they stated that they would call corporate office and talk to them about the situation because they felt like their family member was treated unfair. Both subjects refused to
sign the trespass notice.
Open Container of Beer or Wine/No SCDL: Officer initiated a traffic stop on a gold in color Chevrolet truck near the intersection of Main St. / Pine St. in Elgin in reference to failure to maintain lane. Prior to the vehicle stopping, I observed the passenger place a black in color bag behind the seat which appeared to contain an alcoholic beverage. Once I made contact with the driver, I stated the reason for the stop and requested his license, registration and insurance information. The driver was unable to produce a drivers license, but did produce insurance and registration information. Due to the alcoholic beverage being observed being placed behind the seat prior to the vehicle coming to a final stop, I requested the occupants step out of the vehicle. Both occupants stepped out of the vehicle without any further incident. The passenger admitted that the alcoholic beverage was his and took full ownership of it. The driver was identified as Subject. Subject was checked to make sure he was not under the influence, which I saw no signs of him being under the influence of alcohol. Subject was ran through SCMDV and it was confirmed that he had no valid SC DL nor any type of DL. Due to the violations that occurred during this traffic stop Subject was issued a ticket for NO SC DL. The passenger, which was identified as Subject #2 was issued a ticket for Open Container of Beer/Wine. Both occupants were explained their charges, court date, time and location which they understood.
Meet Jules Lemonds, Outgoing Miss Camden
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Jules Lemonds, Miss Camden 2024, crowned her successor Liliana Fogle July 20. It has been a whirlwind year for Jules, daughter of Scott and Melissa Lemonds, and sister to older brother Wade,19.
In May, Jules, 17, graduated from Lugoff Elgin High School as a Distinguished Honor Graduate in the top 4% of her class. She was recognized as a Palmetto Fellow, and she won the title of LEHS’s Miss Senior.
In June, Jules placed 3rd in the Miss South Carolina pageant. For her talent, Jules performed a contemporary dance “Say I Won’t”. Jules was a fourteen-year dance student of Britton Elliot of Palmetto Dance Center, and her dance group was selected to dance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. “Dancing in the Macy's day parade struck me by getting to see all of the bystanders watching the event. I saw so many different people from different backgrounds come together. I'll never forget looking up and seeing people hundreds of feet in the air looking down from their windows or the hills of Central Park being lined with families who were so excited to see the parade. I am grateful to have been a part of this event that people across America enjoy so much,” Jules added.
Jules’s platform for her community service was Alzheimer's disease and Dementia. Her Mimi and her grandfather both faced this debilitating disease. Jules and her family suffered the heartache that this disease causes family and friends to face. Jules has become an official advocate and will visit Washington DC this year to speak on behalf of this project. She volunteers at The Colonial and Karesh at Beechwood in their memory centers. For placing third in the Miss South Carolina pageant, she was awarded over $6000 in scholarship money and received $300 in a gift bag with gift cards.
Gracie Stockman who helps with the local pageant’s social media said, “To many, Miss South Carolina may be just a televised event that happens one night a year, but what they don't see is the countless hours of hard work and
dedication that the contestants poured into this journey. I have witnessed firsthand Jules’s tireless efforts this year from volunteering with the Alzheimer's Association and inspiring young minds through reading in local schools to advocating for legislative change alongside our state leaders. Her commitment and passion have been nothing short of inspiring. It is an honor to have been a part of her journey. Jules is such an amazing role model to girls all over South Carolina.”
Jules said, “True audacity and divine intervention empowered me to become the woman I am today. My Palmetto Princess was Isabella (Izzy) Martinez.” In August, Jules will be a freshman at the University of South Carolina where she will major in business. Already, Jules earned her cosmetology license from Kershaw County ‘s WTC. Jules credits her teacher Rebecca Teal for her positive influence and her encouragement to be an outstanding student.
Jules continued, “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the community that I was raised in. This year, Miss Camden has meant so much more to me than just a crown. It has been a microphone to create an impact in my community that I hope goes far beyond my year of service.”
Jules thanked the following businesses and individuals who sponsored her Miss South Carolina ad pages: City of Camden, my sweet family, Hidden Treasures where she found many great bargains to take with her to the pageant, Walker Lollis, The Colonial, Ideation, Johnson’s Auto, L&D Heating and Air, B Colson's, LEAF, Angie’s Kitchen and Baths, Chavella’s, Palmetto Dance Center, Ideation American Patriot Toy Shop, Elgin Pharmacy, Browns Oil and Lube, and hardware store.
Members of the 2025 Miss Camden committee are Kim Forest local executive director; Carly Powers Kersey assistant to director/ backstage area coordinator; Gracie Stockman emcee /marketing coordinator; Savannah Harvey emcee/staff; Johnny Deal, official photographer/Bowtie Photography; Garnet Robinson, Palmetto Star Coordinator; Emily Farmer Audio; Alane Vinson Judges Host; Debra Kelly and Tessa Kersey Admissions; Stephanie Colvin, Robin Sowell, Staff.
Kim Forest, executive director of the Miss Camden pageant said at the conclusion of the pageant, “I am so proud of Jules and her accomplishments. She epitomizes what the Miss Camden opportunity is all about.”
Blaney Hosts Meet and Greet Event
Blaney Elementary recently held a Meet and Greet, giving families and students the opportunity to meet new administration and staff members.
ly held in Elgin. The organizers would like to thank Blaney Baptist, Springvale Baptist, Father's House, Malvern Hill Baptist, Lugoff First Baptist and the many other individuals who helped make
the decision to accept Jesus as their savior. Next
ENDORSED BEN CONNELL
by GOVERNOR HENRY MCMASTER
“Ben Connell is a true Palmetto State conservative who has delivered for his hometown. In just one term in the State House, he passed historic conservative wins like constitutional carry and big tax cuts. Kershaw County, Ben Connell has my full support for Chairman.”
–Governor Henry McMaster
Miss Camden 2025 is Liliana Fogle (left) a senior at LEHS. Miss Camden's Teen is Hailey Scott (right) a sophomore at Camden High.
MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston was named by U.S. News & World Report for the 10th year in a row as the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina, with two of MUSC Health’s specialty areas ranking among the best in the entire country: obstetrics & gynecology(#30) and ear, nose & throat (#36).
“As the only public, statewide hospital system, MUSC Health remains dedicated to preserving and optimizing human life in South Carolina and beyond,” said Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., CEO of MUSC Health and executive vice president for Health Affairs, University. “Our teams across all divisions are committed to changing what’s possible in health care, ensuring that our patients receive the right care, at the right place, at the right time. It is a privilege to work alongside such committed, talented and compassionate individuals.”
Kershaw County Public Library August Events
Weekly on Mondays
3 PM – 6 PM in Elgin
Anime & Art: Tweens & Teens can drop in to watch anime and create art! Use our art supplies or bring your own or just join us for great shows like One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Fairy Tale, and more! Ages 12-17. Parent permission required. No Anime & Art will be held on Mon. Aug. 26. Weekly on Wednesdays
10:30 AM – 11 AM in Camden
Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5. Weekly on Wednesdays
11:15 AM – 12 PM in Camden
Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2.
Weekly on ursdays
10:30 AM – 11 AM in Elgin
Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5. Weekly on Thursdays
11:15 AM – 12 PM in Elgin
Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2.
Events
Thursday, August 1 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden Lego Club: Kids of all ages are welcome to join us to play with Legos at the library!
Friday, August 2 | 6 PM – 10 PM | Camden
Open Game Night: KCL invites gamers ages 12-17 to come enjoy tabletop RPG and strategy-based board games at Open Game Night! Teens will have access to our selection of games and also be able to enjoy anime with Crunchyroll. Seats are limited, so RSVP is required to attend. Email markw@kershawcountylibrary.org to reserve your teen’s spot.
Saturday, August 3 | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Camden Adult Dungeons & Dragons: If you’ve always wanted to try the popular RPG Dungeons & Dragons, this new group is for you! Every other Saturday we’ll have an ongoing campaign filled with fun for every level adventurer, from the newest player to the most seasoned pathfinder. For ages 18+ To join the waitlist, call 803-425-1508.
Tuesday, August 6 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden Summer Seminars: Cybersecurity and Your Small Business: Cybersecurity is an important issue for businesses of all sizes. In this Grow with Google workshop, you will learn the basics of online security and how it applies to your business and customers, ways you can identify common digital threats, and steps you can take to protect your business. You’ll walk away with practical tips and tools to increase your business’ cybersecurity, as well as what steps you can take after a potential security breach.
Thursday, August 8 | 5 PM – 6:30 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.
Saturday, August 10 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Elgin
SaturYAY: Back to School: Join us at KCL Elgin to create cute caterpillar magnets! Supplies are provided, but limited to 15. Registration required. To register, email hannag@kershawcountylibrary.org
Tuesday, August 13 | 2 PM – 3 PM | Camden
Master Gardener: Native Plants in the Garden: Join Jackie Jordan, Master Gardener Coordinator, to learn about native plants in your garden. Find out what plants are native in the American Southeast. Come grow with us!
Tuesday, August 13 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden
Downtown Camden Cultural District and Community Development Strategy Workshop: Join Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta to learn about upcoming events and activities taking place in the Downtown Camden Cultural District and how you can be a part of them. Help in the planning and design of a community mural, brainstorm for the
holiday season, and share your thoughts on what you’d like to see in your community.
Wednesday, August 14 | 9 AM – 6 PM | Elgin
Origami Bookmarks Take-and-Make: Swing by the Elgin branch and pick up a take-and-make pack to make origami bookmarks! Limit 3 per family. Recommended for ages 6 to adult.
Wednesday, August 14 | 4 PM - 5 PM | Elgin
Bricks n’ Blocks: Join us in Elgin to build with Legos, K’nex, Lincoln Logs, Duplo Legos, building blocks, and more! For kids of all ages.
Wednesday, August 14 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Camden
Crafting with Preserved Flowers: Jasmine Winkler from the Down to Earth Co-op and Lifestyle Center will round off her series of informative floral programs. Using preserved flowers, she will give us ideas on creative crafting. Please call the library at 803-425-1508 to register. Ages 18+
Thursday, August 15 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden Lego Club: Kids of all ages are welcome to join us to play with Legos at the library!
Saturday, August 17 | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Camden
Adult Dungeons & Dragons: If you’ve always wanted to try the popular RPG Dungeons & Dragons, this new group is for you! Every other Saturday we’ll have an ongoing campaign filled with fun for every level adventurer, from the newest player to the most seasoned pathfinder. For ages 18+ To join the waitlist, call 803-425-1508.
Thursday, August 22 | 5 PM – 6:30 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, August 22 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden
Camden Book Club: We will be discussing The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. New members are always welcome. You can pick up a copy of this book at the Camden branch.
Saturday, August 24 | 10 AM – 2 PM | Elgin
Strategy Saturday: Join us for board games at the Elgin library! We have board games for all ages, classics and indie games alike! From Jenga to Carcassonne, Connect-4 and Sorry, Uno and Fluxx… we’ve got what you’ll love. Play together, in a quiet area, or on our enclosed porch. All ages welcome.
Monday, August 26 | 10 AM – 11:30 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, by Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta.
Monday, August 26 | 5 PM – 6 PM | Elgin
Elgin Book Club: Come to our monthly book club where we’re reading When the Jessamine Grows by Donna Everhart. Request your copy at the front desk and join our discussion!
Tuesday, August 27 | 9 AM – 11 AM in Camden/Elgin
SC Works: If you’re looking to reenter the work force or need help with your career planning, drop by and see how SC Works can help.
Thursday, August 29 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden
Lego Club: Kids of all ages are welcome to join us to play with Legos at the library!
Friday, August 30 | 5 PM – 7 PM | Elgin
Elgin Library Movie Night: Enjoy a movie at the Elgin library! This month, we’re enjoying another movie from the library’s streaming service Kanopy! Bring a blanket or beanbag, or sit with us in library chairs and enjoy a movie with family & friends.
Saturday, August 31 | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Camden
Adult Dungeons & Dragons: If you’ve always wanted to try the popular RPG Dungeons & Dragons, this new group is for you! Every other Saturday we’ll have an ongoing campaign filled with fun for every level adventurer, from the newest player to the most seasoned pathfinder. For ages 18+ To join the waitlist, call 803-425-1508.
National Night Out Set for August 6th
Join the Kershaw County Sheriff 's Office for our annual National Night Out parade and events.
We will start the event out with a first responders’ parade around LugoffElgin Middle School and the Lugoff-Elgin High School Annex Building. Next, join us behind the Lugoff-Elgin Annex for a first responder toucha-truck, school supplies give-away, food, bounce houses, K9 demonstrations, and more. This is a FREE EVENT!!!
National Night Out culminates annually on the first Tuesday in August. It enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Follow our Facebook event for updated information on this year's National Night Out.
Post 195 Donates $10k to Fisher House
Post 195 presents the Columbia Fisher House with a donation of $10,000. Presenting the check to Fisher House Manager Chandler Rhodes (center) are (l-r) American Legion South Carolina District 11 Commander Pete St. Onge, American Legion Post 195 Commander Cliff Turner, Post 195 2nd Vice Commander Kate Brock, and Past Auxiliary Unit 195 President Marianne Larson.
House, Monday, June 24th. Located on the grounds of the WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center on Garner's Ferry Road in Columbia, the Fisher House is a home away from home for the families and caregivers of US military veterans receiving care at the VA Health Care facility. Guests can stay at the Fisher House at no cost for as long as their loved one is hospitalized.
Fisher House is a non-profit and receives no government or military support for its daily operations. More than 95 Fisher Houses are in operation in the United States, Germany, and in the United Kingdom with partnership
support from British charities the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and Help for Heroes. The foundation has had more than 445,000 families stay in Fisher Houses since 1990, saving them more than $575 mil-
With that in mind, immediately after the tour Post 195 presented the Columbia Fisher House with a donation of $10,000. Presenting the check to Fisher House Manager Chandler Rhodes (center) are (l-r) American Legion South Carolina District 11 Commander Pete St. Onge, American Legion Post 195 Commander Cliff Turner, Post 195 2nd Vice Commander Kate Brock, and Past Auxiliary Unit 195 President Marianne Larson.
Attorney Dennis N. Cannon, Jr.
Attorney Arien Cannon