Elgin News - 9A 2023

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Letters to the Editor

The Elgin News

P.O. Box 152

Elgin, SC 29045

News From KC Council

By: Councilman Derek Shoemake

If social media is any indication, folks enjoy identifying problems far more than working to fix them.

Fortunately, when I travel around the real world of Elgin and Lugoff I see no shortage of people doing everything they can to make our community a better place. I am especially proud to see so many people from this area who have agreed to serve on the various boards and commissions that make the work of Kershaw County possible.

We have recently appointed, and plan to appoint, many folks from District Three to a variety of Board and Commissions. I wanted to personally thank and recognize the recent nominees from our area, who join others already engaged in this important work:

• Leo Scott, of Elgin, was recently appointed to the Health Services District. This group is the governing body for our hospital and its various related entities like the new Beechwood campus of the Karesh Wing.

• Paul Curtis, of Elgin, was recently appointed to the Airport Commission. This Commission helps manage the Woodward Field Airport in Kershaw County.

• Aundrea Larrymore, of Elgin, was recently appointed to the Recreation Advisory Commission. The Commission is responsible for advising the Recreation Department on all matters related to recreation.

• Chris Renfroe, of Lugoff, was recently appointed to the Tourism Advisory Committee. This Committee makes recommendations on how Kershaw County spends its accommodation tax revenue.

• Mark Sury, of Elgin, will be nominated Sept. 12 for the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board handles appeals from various zoning decisions made in the County.

• Tiffinie Lee, of Elgin, will be nominated Sept. 12 for the Library Board. This board is responsible for the governance of our Kershaw County Library system.

If you see any of these friends and neighbors, please tell them thank you for agreeing to serve. If you want to be considered for a board or commission, you can learn more or fill out an application here: https://www.kershaw.sc.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/candidates-for-boardscommissions.

In addition to appointing new folks to help lead Kershaw County, the Council has been hard at work on several matters. This includes allowing our RV parks to be more competitive with surrounding counties by expanding minimum allowable stays, authorizing our economic development folks to pursue businesses to help our economy, and passing the first-ever increase in minimum lot sizes across the County. In fact, we have seen an uptick in rezoning requests. My personal position is this: until we get a handle on our residential growth, I will not support a rezoning request that adds population density absent an extenuating circumstance.

I remain confident in the future of Kershaw County, especially thanks to all the folks willing to serve on our critical boards and commissions. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please text or call me at 803-427-4929, email me at derek.shoemake@kershaw.sc.gov, or visit my Facebook page (where I also share updates on County business).

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

From The Chief's Desk

In this Chief’s Desk I want to again talk about people leaving their animals in hot cars. This is a continued problem that we are seeing over and over.

It is not okay to leave an animal inside a hot car while you run into a store for any amount of time. You never know what could happen that could cause a delay in your visit.

And folks, it is against the law, and we do charge individuals for these

violations, even seizing the animal until court, where a Judge decides if you can even get your pet back. You will also be responsible for the Animal Shelter’s bill that accumulates while you wait for your court date.

It’s not safe, we all know how fast a car can heat up, even with the windows cracked. So please don’t risk it, thank you.

Toy Round-Up Run/Walk | September 23 | 8 am | Blaney Elementary

Elgin PD Incident Reports

Disorderly Conduct/Littering/Open Container: I was given a call by Chief Anders about a white male urinating on the wall, drinking beer and leaving his beer cans at Berger Dental in the Town Limits of Elgin. Chief Anders and I attempted to locate the individual and could not. I went to Berger Dental and spoke with Complainant who showed me the video of the man. After I left, we received a call from dispatch that the suspect was at the IGA drinking alcohol at the front door. I arrived and Chief Anders had the Subject detained. I searched Subject's person and placed him in my patrol car and transported him to KCDC. Once we arrived at KCDC custody of Subject was turned over to the KCDC staff. Subject was charged with disorderly conduct, littering and open container of alcohol.

Domestic Violence: On 8/29/23, Officers from Elgin police department where dispatched to Cherry Lane in the Town Limits of Elgin, SC in reference to a domestic. Upon arrival officers met with the Victim who was sitting in her car. The victim looked to covered with some sort of liquid that she said was grease from a pot that had been on the stove. The Victim stated she came home to gather some belongings and during that time the Subject began cursing and yelling at her while trying to jump on her during the argument. The Subject broke her phone, threw grease on her and punched her in the face. During the argument the suspect told her he hoped her baby died. The Subject stated the two had been arguing earlier in the day and during that altercation Victim had hit him in the head with a broom but he did not call 911. Subject stated he had changed a lock on the house to try to keep her out after the fist altercation. Subject stated he was in the house and started smelling a burning smell and when he looked he saw she had been burning some cards he had given her in the past. Subject stated he turned off the stove and removed a pot of grease that was beside the eye that was on. Subject stated when he grabbed the pot she grabbed the other handle and

the grease spilled on them both. Both had grease all over them. Officer Bailey placed Subject under arrest for DV 2nd based on the victim statement and evidence at the scene.

Suspicious Person/Mental: On 8/29/23, a unknown female called into Elgin Police department. The female stated there was a male subject laying face down on the side of the road near Bowen and Watson street in his underwear. Listed officers began to check the area the female stated the male was last seen in. Listed officers located the male on the train tracks behind Dollar General. Officers made contact with the male who identified himself as Subject from Lugoff who stated he was just out for a walk. The male subject was wearing what appeared to be underwear but he stated they where swim trunks. Subject was checked through central dispatch and came back clear. Subject was released from the scene with a warning.

Shoplifting: I received a call from Manager at Food Lion in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a shoplifting that occurred on 08/21/2023. A white male walked into the store with his child, and swapped labels on Similac baby formula from two small containers that was $5.59 to a large powder container of Similac that is valued at $36.19. In total the subject defrauded Food Lion of $47.84. Dixon put in a request for the camera footage of the subject taking the baby formula.

Larceny (theft of cell phone) / Trespass after Notice: Employees from the Elgin IGA called Kershaw Dispatch to have EPD officers investigate a trespassing after notice and larceny that had occurred at the store. OFCs Bailey and Picciuolo responded and got statements from the Complainant, Witness to the trespass and larceny, another IGA employee working in the deli area. Complainant and Witness stated that Subject came into the IGA, went to the deli area where Complainant works, and took her cellular phone without her consent. Subject then left the store,

got into a maroon in color vehicle and fled the area. Subject is well aware that he was trespassed from the Elgin IGA. Both Complainant and Witness stated that Subject would not be back since he saw EPD units at the IGA. Complainant is married to Subject and Witness is very familiar with Subject. Case was turned over to CPL. DeLong and investigations for trespassing after notice and larceny warrants.

Littering: OFC Picciuolo was dispatched to investigate a person in the dumpster behind the Dollar General who was dumpster diving and throwing a lot of trash on the ground. Upon arrival, OFC Picciuolo was met by employees of Gyromania who stated that Subject was halfway into the locked dumpster behind the Dollar General. Subject was throwing all sorts of trash on the ground. Complainant stated that he told Subject that the dumpster was locked for a reason and that Subject needed to pick up the trash he had thrown about. Subject stated something to the effect of "f&$% you". Complainant called 911 and Subject took off through the woods. OFC Picciuolo was unable to locate Subject in order to ticket him for littering. Subject will be charged for littering. Subject was charged with littering on a summons, 08/31/2023, court date 10/05/2023 @ 1300 hours.

Motor Vehicle Collision: On 08/22/2023, at approx 1300 hours, Complainant came to the Elgin Police Department to report a vehicle collision that occurred on Bowen St. at Main St. around 0930 hours on the morning of 08/22/2023. Complainant stated that Subject struck the rear bumper of her 2019 Honda CRV while she was stopped in traffic. Complainant stated that she was on a crisis call from work so the collision was not reported, her and Subject just exchanged information and parted ways. Complainant was advised due to not reporting at the time of the collision Elgin Police would not be investigating the collision.

Remembering September 11th

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

September 11th, 2001, or as we refer to it 9/11. Where were you on that date and what do you remember?

It is a time we must never forget. On our calendar, it has been renamed Patriot’s Day for remembrance of those we lost and the heroes who are still with us.

That fateful morning, I was in the Lee Academy library working as the media specialist in my hometown of Bishopville. It was 9:00 AM as I lined up my elementary students to return to their teacher’s classroom after their library visit.

Our school’s public relations director came in and told me in a whisper

ordered to return to the nearest airport. At 10:03, Flight 93 crash landed Shanksville, PA. The brave passengers broke into the cockpit to try and take control of the plane from the terrorists. This heroic story is related to readers in the book Let’s Roll.

Later it was confirmed there were 2996 deaths from 9/11 (343 firefighters and 92 policemen). Nineteen militants had hijacked four commercial airplanes carrying 9000 gallons of fuel and caused shock waves around the world.

My husband and I have been to Ground Zero in New York City and toured the museum, read the names on the memorial fountain wall, and visited the church built in 1776, Saint Paul's Chapel. It sits directly across from the World Trade Center. We both knew we were on sacred ground. The church did not receive any damage, not even a broken window. It became a resting place for the workers who worked 12-to-18-hour shifts searching through the rubble of the 110 story World Trade Center in lower Manhattan.

Little Demons Help Cheer LEHS To Victory

Lugoff-Elgin High School Cheer hosted its annual "Little Demon Cheer Clinic," at the school on August 25th, where little cheerleaders learned from the LEHS Cheer Team. Clinic participants joined the LEHS Cheerleaders on the sideline at the LE home football game on Sept. 1.

"We were pleased to host over 60 future athletes and share the love of cheer with them," says LEHS Cheer Team Coach Linda Branham. "A huge thank you goes out to our cheerleaders and their families for supporting this event."

Photos courtesy Kamille Charles, Ridge Tate and Linda Branham.

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Honors Biology at LEHS

Lugoff-Elgin High School students in Laura Hamilton's Honors Biology 2 class recently participated in an inquiry lab to test various beak types of birds in different environments as part of an overall lesson on natural selection of organisms. Beak types were simulated through the use of spoons, chopsticks, binder clips, forks, test tube holders, forceps, and clothespins. Lab environments were created to represent various food sources such as rubber bands (worms), marshmallows (juicy bugs), rice in soil (grubs), toothpicks (stick bugs), paper clips (roaches), and black beans in soil (burrowing beetles). Through this experiment, students were able to determine the differences between birds who were "generalists" and could eat from multiple food sources and those who were "specialists" and could only eat from limited food sources. Students were also expected to graph their data, and use that data to practice CER: claim, evidence, and reasoning.

On August 16, 2023, students from Lugoff-Elgin High School (LEHS) participated in mock trials at the National Advocacy Center (NAC) on the campus of the University of South Carolina. Among other types of training, the NAC prepares newly hired federal prosecutors. The attorneys participate in mock trials, switching roles between attorneys and witnesses. At the end of the trial, attorneys listened to LEHS students as they deliberated the suspect's innocence or guilt to help attorneys better understand the students' perception of evidence and arguments in the trial. This opportunity is provided to LEHS annually and gives students insight into serving on a jury and evaluating perspectives of an event. Pictured above, left to right: Front Row: Wendy Mullis, Jenny Proctor, Laci Morrow, Kayla Rocha, Abby Shoemake, Dillon DuBois, Khristian Alexander, Johanna Williams, Anne Lemieux Second Row: Jordan Best, Gretchen Proctor, Maddie Haskell, Kyndall Peake, Emely Gonzalez, Breasha Robinson. Back Row: Walker Little, Nyasia Johnson, Caymen Truesdale,Andrea Kish, Isabella Scott, Gabriel Dixon, Aidan Benns, Erica Glover, Jada Diaz, Pavel Cartis, Erin Carpenter, Colin Sellers, Izabell Brown, Griffin Proctor, Sarah Herndon, Emilia Robinson, Dax Parsons, Aria Roberts, Davin Parsons, Peyton Stanley, Dominick Stanley, Abigale Crates, Brooke Lassiter, Landon Byrd

Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Elgin can help you regain your independence after an injury.

Our inpatient rehab hospital has 40 all-private rooms and treats those recovering from disabling injuries or living with chronic illnesses, such as:

• Strokes

• Brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Orthopedic injuries, including hip fractures

• Major multiple trauma

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Amputations

• Neurological conditions

To learn more about our services, visit our website at MRRH.ernesthealth.com.

Blankets & Bands CJWL Classroom Grants

Free concerts return to Town Green this fall, with a variety of music on certain Thursday evenings in September and October. Get your blanket or lawn chair, family and friends, to enjoy live music outdoors. Bring a picnic dinner, grab some takeout from your favorite local restaurant or enjoy food and beverages available for purchase on site.

Kicking off the concert series on Thursday, September 14th is Camden’s own Rusty Davis & Friends, playing classic rock and timeless tunes that will have you singing along. Music begins at 6:00 pm with one of Rusty’s student musicians as the opening act. Rusty Davis & Friends will play from 6:30 –8:30 pm.

All concerts will be held on Thursdays, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, weather permitting. Beer and wine are permitted on Town Green during the hours of the concerts. No glass containers are allowed on Town Green. In the event of cancellation due to weather, notifications will be placed on the City’s website and Downtown Camden Cultural District social media channels.

On Thursday, September 28th, local favorites The FMS take the stage, playing 1960’s and 70’s songs everyone knows and loves.

On Thursday, October 5th, the free Blankets & Bands concert on Town Green will feature Columbia-based The Dubber & Tetrahedron, as part of the Arts Center of Kershaw County’s MAD Festival. Enjoy an evening of rock, jazz and funk, flavored by the international sounds of reggae, Armenian music, and Afro beat.

On Thursday, October 12th, you can swing the night away with The Tony Torre Orchestra. Led by Tony Torre, the band is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. This 15 piece Big Band based out of Myrtle Beach will be playing an evening of swing hits with an occasional turn to blues, beach music and pop favorites.

Closing out the fall Blankets & Bands concert series on Thursday, October 26th is the Bout Tyme Band, an ensemble of talented musicians playing jazz standards, danceable pop songs, and everything in between.

The Blankets & Bands concert series is a partnership between the Downtown Camden Cultural District and the Arts Center of Kershaw County, bringing free, live music to the community during the spring and fall months. For details about each concert, visit experiencecamdensc.com or artscenterkc.org.

Blanket & Bands Fall Concert Schedule

Rusty Davis & Friends – Thursday, 9/14

The FMs – Thursday, 9/28

The Dubber & Tetrahedron – Thursday, 10/5

The Tony Torre Orchestra – Thursday, 10/12

Bout Tyme – Thursday, 10/26

Ft. Clark Baptist Church Life Center / Food Bank

The Ft. Clark Baptist church Community Life Center / Food Bank is located at 424 Veterans Row, Elgin. The Center will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 am - 1 pm. The purpose of the Center is to give help to those in need of food and clothing in the community.

Additionally, the Emergency Food Assistance Program is available to lowincome residents at no cost. Please call 803.427.8253.

The Camden Junior Welfare League is now accepting applications for its Fall Classroom Enrichment Grants. These grants are open to all Kershaw County School District educators.

The grants will provide up to $500 to teachers for classroom support, project support, and extracurricular support. The purpose of the grants is to support enrichment areas such as math, science, history, language and writing, arts, physical education, life skills, and special education for students with disabilities.

Applications must be submitted online. The link to the grant application form can be found on the League’s website at www.camdenleague.org .

Deadline to submit applications is Friday, September 22, 2023.

The League is excited to be able to offer these grants for the seventh year in a row, as each year we see a remarkable response from teachers in the Kershaw County School District. For a list of past classroom enrichment grant awardees, please visit the League’s website at www.camdenleague.org/ grants.

United Way of Kershaw County Celebrates 2023 'Day of Caring'

Friday, September 1, 2023, 103 volunteers participated in projects across Kershaw County. "United Way of Kershaw County Day of Caring brought out the best in our community", says United Way of Kershaw County President, Donny Supplee. "Over 100 volunteers invested their time at 12 different sites throughout the county. From yard work to reading to children, and from installing tiny libraries to building ramps, much was accomplished." Some of the projects in this year's Day of Caring included painting at

Housing and Homeless Services, garden cleanup at elementary schools, installing art at a Community Garden, painting at Mt. Pisgah Community Center, and repairing a wheelchair ramp with Habitat for Humanity of Kershaw County.

The annual fundraising campaign for United Way of Kershaw County, United We Rise, officially kicked off in July. They have raised $162,000, over 20% of their 2023 goal of $775,000. For more about United Way of Kershaw County, visit their website www.uwkc.net.

9/11 Walk of Remembrance

This year’s Kershaw County First Responders 9/11 Walk of Remembrance will start on Saturday (9/9/23) at 9:00 am. Your local first responders will walk from the Camden Fire Department to the Lugoff Fire Department in remembrance of all the first responders who died on 9/11/01. We will walk on Highway 1 from Camden to Lugoff with first responders escorting in emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

We ask that anyone who wants to show their respect and support to please stage anywhere on the side of Highway 1 with American flags, signs, or just your friendly cheers and waves. T

he plan is to leave the Camden Fire Department at 9am and arrive at the Lugoff Fire Department before 11am.

Please be patient if you are passing by the lane we are walking in. This is our way of showing respect to all those who unselfishly gave their lives on 9/11. We ask everyone passing to also show respect for the fallen heroes of 9/11.

#NeverForget

At right: Photo from the 2022 Walk of Remembrance.

Arts Center Announces 'Mad Festival'

The MAD Festival is a 9-day festival celebrating music, art, drama, and dance with events in Downtown Camden and throughout Kershaw County from September 30 to October 8, 2023. With access to a network of world class talent, the Arts Center is uniquely positioned to host this festival and firmly establish Kershaw County as the arts hub of the Midlands. This year’s schedule serves as a perfect launch point, including an incredible range of gospel, chamber, and popular music, as well as the visual arts, theatre, and more.

The MAD Festival’s capstone event is the MAD Extravaganza. Based at the Arts Center of Kershaw County, this full-day celebration of the arts features access to the Basset Gallery, an open house, artist market, and an all-day concert. The concert features a number of well-known groups from across the Midlands, including the Brighter Beginnings, Marcus Gullen, Villa*Nova, and The Terence Young Project. Tickets are just $5 to experience the Extravaganza!

“When we were planning the MAD Festival, we were very intentional to build a range of experiences that suited people of all interests,” says Arts Center of Kershaw County Executive Director, Dolly Patton. “The MAD Festival creates so many opportunities for people to discover and pursue their artistic passions.”

Nestled in the heart of Kershaw County, The MAD Festival presents the opportunity to celebrate the best of classic Southern charm and contemporary Southern brilliance.

This year’s festival features restaurant and gallery crawls which enable attendees to experience the cultural and culinary richness of Camden. Guests are empowered to put those experiences in context through a talk led by Preservation SC entitled, “Historic Preservation: The Art of Making a Difference in South Carolina’s Smaller Communities.”

“Downtown Camden has so much to offer folks attending the MAD Festival,” says Katharine Spadacenta, Main Street Manager for Downtown

Camden. “With charming boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and a host of entertainment, there’s something for everyone –art and culture connoisseurs, antiquers, foodies, and families.”

The MAD Festival is a program of the Arts Center of Kershaw County, with significant support provided by Downtown Camden Cultural District, the City of Camden, and Kershaw County. The MAD Festival is also supported by fantastic sponsors, including Duke Energy, Grace Outdoor, The Chronicle-Independent, and Timothy+Sinclair.

“By investing in our artistic and cultural assets, we can attract and retain the talent needed to continue driving growth in Kershaw County,” says Kershaw County Council Chairwoman Katie Guinn. “The tourists the festival attracts are also a tremendous boost for local businesses. This 9-day festival provides a multitude of opportunities to eat, drink, and experience everything Kershaw County has to offer.”

For more information on the schedule, ticketing, and sponsorship opportunities, attendees can visit the MAD website at www.madfestivalkc. org.

MAD Festival Funding

The MAD Festival is a program of the Arts Center of Kershaw County. The MAD Festival is made possible through the support of Downtown Camden Cultural District, the City of Camden, and Kershaw County. The MAD Festival is also supported by fantastic sponsors, including Duke Energy, Grace Outdoor, The Chronicle-Independent, and Timothy+Sinclair.

About the Arts Center of Kershaw County

The Arts Center of Kershaw County was founded to bring arts experience and exposure to all ages. Today, the Arts Center continues that work as it pursues its core mission to create an environment that promotes artistic and cultural experiences and provides superior educational, instructional and entertainment opportunities that elevate and enrich the community for all residents of Kershaw County and beyond.

Dennis N. Cannon, Jr.

Arien Cannon