Elgin News - 9B 2023

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Letters to the Editor

The Elgin News

P.O. Box 152

Elgin, SC 29045

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.

The monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council took place on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:00pm with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Present were Mayor Melissa Emmons, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwoman Dana Sloan, Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Chief Alan Anders, Attorney John Wells, and Elgin’s Town Clerk, Becky Summey.

The Invocation was given by Mayor Melissa Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Brad Hanley.

A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan to approve the minutes from the regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, with a unanimous vote from Council. There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum.

The following New Business License Applications were approved in August 2023: (1) 3AS4U Bounce House, (2) Cozzy Blankets, (3) Casa Maria Restaurant, (4) Loads of Flavour, (5) Helados Las Estriias, (6) Megan’s Cleaning Service, (7) Pizza for Pyros, (8) Wilder ERA Realty, (9) Blanwright Event Planning, (10) The Dog Wrangler, and (11) Ashley’s Food Truck. Please remember to support the businesses in our community and when possible, shop locally.

The following Charity Event Request Applications was approved for August 2023: (1) Munchie’s SC, (2) Midlands Regional Rehab Hospital, (3) A Gift of Glass, (4) Piece by Piece Autism Support Group, and (5) The Dog Wrangler. If you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. There were no Complaints for August 2023. There was no need for a Public Hearing.

In Old Business under Elgin Community Center Update (placed on the agenda by Councilman Brad Hanley), Councilman Hanley provided Council with an update and informed everyone that the building plans had been reviewed by the town building official and there were no issues at the time. Mayor Emmons discussed the need to review and update the Town of Elgin Procurement Ordinance in respect to RFP Bids and asked Attorney, John Wells, to review the current code and advise Council if any changes needed to be made. A copy of the current code will be sent to Attorney Wells by the Town Clerk the following day.

In New Business, Chief Alan Anders reminded Council of the upcoming Run for Roundup Event that is scheduled for September 23, 2023, at Blaney Elementary/Stover Middle School. Chief Anders also informed Council that a new Investigator, Aaron Threatt, had been hired by the department and started on August 28, 2023. He also informed Council that Officer Dexter Handy was retiring effective September 15, 2023.

Mayor Melissa Emmons presented Council with the National Diaper Need Awareness Week Proclamation that designates the week of September 18, 2023, to September 24, 2023, as the designated observation time and encouraged the public to donate generously to diaper banks, diaper drives, and support the many organizations that collect and distribute diapers to families struggling with diaper needs. Shameka Huff was present to accept the proclamation and share with Council how her organization, United for Baby, assists those in need in Kershaw County.

Also in New Business, a motion to approve the First Reading of the Town of Elgin Comprehensive Plan (placed on the agenda by Mayor Melissa Emmons) was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous vote from Council. A Public Hearing/2nd Reading is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6:00.

In Council Briefing, the following reports were provided: Councilwoman Cristy Bradley had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley informed Chief Anders of a possible incident involving an

See MAYOR'S DESK, Page 9 >>

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The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108

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From The Chief's Desk

We are loving this cooler weather, I hope you are too. In this Chief’s Desk I want to address an issue that we are dealing with. It’s drivers crossing private / business property to avoid intersections or traffic control devices. We are receiving complaint after complaint of vehicles driving through parking lots so that they can avoid other traffic. It’s selfish, rude and unsafe.

want to have to issue any of these tickets, but I assure you that we will.

Injuring a pedestrian or causing a wreck is not worth saving a few seconds in your commute. Trust us, we know how congested

Shoplifting: OFC Picciuolo was dispatched to Food Lion to investigate a shoplifting that had occurred on 09/10/23. At 1410, a white male (later identified as Subject) removed the bar code from a can of baby formula and scanned that bar code instead of the proper bar code on a more expensive tub of baby formula, depriving Food Lion the full value of the baby formula Subject removed from the store. This shoplifting was very similar to case number 23-0800602 that had occurred on August 21, 2023. The Manager on duty, was able to pull surveillance video from this incident. Additionally, Subject used a MVP customer loyalty card. This card came back as belonging to Ex-Wife. OFC Picciuolo contacted Ex-Wife who, once OFC Picciuolo sent her photographs of the white male in Food Lion, immediately identified the subject in the surveillance still photographs from case number 23-0800602, as her ex-husband, Subject. ExWife stated that she had not been in contact

with Subject for years, but knew that Subject had been "getting into a lot of trouble lately." Ex-Wife further stated that she had heard that Subject lives with his grandmother off of Leslie Branham Rd. Subject is likely on probation, as he was recently released from prison. Manager requested surveillance footage copies be sent to EPD for the case file.

Town Ordinance/All-Terrain Vehicle: On 09-15-2023, Chief Anders received multiple calls on a four wheel on the road way on Abbey Rd (Pine Forest) in the Town Limits of Elgin. Upon arrival, Officer saw a green four wheel driven by an eleven-year-old juvenile on the road way. Officer made contact with the juvenile and she showed me where she lived, on Abbey Rd. Officer met with her mother and talked about the four wheeler on the roadway, Father drove up and Officer was talking to him about the problem when Chief Anders advised me there has been two reports about the four wheeler

in the roadway already done. Officer did write Father a town ordnance for all-terrain vehicle in the roadway (#40.02) since he is the father of the juvenile. The four wheeler was parked in there garage so Officer did not tow the four wheeler. Court date set for 11-02-2023 at 1300hrs. Theft From Vehicle: On 09/13/2023, at approximately 8:00 am, Officer Handy, responded to Brentwood Drive home in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a possible theft from a motor vehicle. The Victim stated between the hours of 8:30 am on 09/12/2023 and 8:00 am on 09/13/2023, some unknown person entered her 2012 Dodge Caravan and took her wallet. Victim stated that the wallet contained two debit cards and her South Carolina Driver's license. Victim was not sure of the location of the breakin, but she stated that the only place the vehicle had been was her home and her job at Food Lion (2465 Main St.). Victim did state that the vehicle was not locked at the time of the break-in.

Remembering September 11th (Part II)

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

After 9/11, patriotism was evident as Americans joined the military and volunteers stood in lines to donate blood. Everywhere were flags waving from homes and businesses. We came together as a nation.

Country music star Alan Jackson recorded, “Where were you when the world stopped turning….” Did you look up at the sky and ask why?

My son Bo, working at the Atlanta airport with construction of additional runways, said that the airport closed within 30 minutes of the second attack and all the work crews, personnel, and passengers hastily exited.

My daughter Rhetta, a senior at the College of Charleston, called and said, “I finished my 8:00 AM class, hopped in my car and turned on the radio and heard Howard Stern talking about the events happening in New York City. I thought it was a spoof for their morning show and popped in a CD. I realized once I reached home and turned the TV on that it wasn't a spoof. I watched the first building collapse live on TV. It still gives me chills to think about it.”

My daughter Belle was at home watching the news on TV in real time. My husband was at Dupont and saw the news on TV in the break room.

Elgin News Editor Cate Lynch, at work on her first job after college graduation said, “I remember everyone huddled around the TV watching the burning tower and praying for the safety of everyone involved. When the second plane hit, I think almost every person in America blinked about one or two times, and then the realization hit. It was on purpose. We were under attack. What was first perceived as a terrible accident was in fact a carefully orchestrated attack on American soil. I was 22 years old, and for the first time in my young life I knew what it felt like to be truly afraid.”

Ten years ago, Lugoff resident Don Stewart retired from managing

apartments in Stuyvesant Town Peter Cooper Village New York City. Don lived in Brooklyn and took the subway or train to work. His office was in the basement, formerly a soundproof air raid shelter three miles from the World Trade Center. Don remembered a coworker came and said that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers. He thought it was an accident. Within an hour another coworker received a call from her mother who lived in upstate New York describing the horror of the TV news. Don took the elevator to the top of the thirteen storied building. He went onto the roof and observed running crowds and plumes of smoke. When he saw two fighter jets circling the airspace above the city, he knew the city was under attack. Months later he was in a security meeting with firemen and police. When he asked why there were so many young officers in leadership roles, he realized the depth of 9/11’s loss.

Kershaw County Councilman Derek Shoemake said, “I was a defense contractor in Norfolk VA, having left the Marine Corps only a few months earlier. I worked on concept development thinking about ways America might find itself fighting wars in the future. I had no idea I would be there as one of the most transformative military events in 50 years unfolded before my eyes. CNN was on in the office, and after the first plane hit, we all began watching. I was shocked at the live feed when the second plane hit. The world had changed. As a group we were concerned with the strike on the Pentagon as we had a team in Washington scheduled to have meetings there that day. Most of the military installations were evacuated. Ships in Norfolk were sent offshore as a safety measure. At the local military school where my future wife taught, armed marines escorted the children and teachers to buses and cars. I spent most of the day watching the news while on the phone checking in with family, friends, and colleagues. Overnight the world did change. In fact, thinking about new ways to approach military conflict became a priority for the military. Friends from the Marines found themselves deployed. The very fabric of how we think about the world including travel, safety, and security were forever altered.”

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

Stover Middle Students Honor 9/11

On 9/11 students and staff at Stover Middle School learned about the events of 9/11 through video and discussions in classes, meeting everyday heroes within our community and talking with first responders.

Blaney First Graders Celebrate Career Day

Blaney Elementary first graders recently

International Dot Day at Doby's Mill

In celebration of creativity and creation, 4th and 5th graders at Doby's Mill collaborated to build the tallest free-standing tower possible, using 12 notecards and 20 DOTS! It was so cool to see the teams' varying approaches.

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LES Celebrates Grandparents Day

Hip! Hip! Parade! Students and staff at Lugoff Elementary School showered grandparents with cheers and waves at the Grandparents Day Parade!

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KC Farmers Market Named First in SC KC Library Announces Growing Readers Center

With 3,890 votes Kershaw County Farmers Market has placed #5 in the nation and #1 in South Carolina. The 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, presented by American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition, was a huge success with over 2,000 markets participating.

In addition to bragging rights, the KC Farmer's Market wins cash prizes, a gift box of merchandise for friends, complimentary memberships to AFT and FMC, and more for being named one of America’s favorite farmers markets of 2023.

The Farmers Market is located at 906 Broad Street in Camden, and is open Saturdays from 9 am - 12 pm. For more info, visit them on Facebook @ KCFMMarket.

MAYOR'S DESK, Continued from Page 2

individual/individuals climbing on top of the cover for the playground at Potter Community Park. Chief Anders will pull surveillance footage to attempt to identify the individual/individuals. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons had no report. Attorney John Wells had no report.

A motion to adjourn at 6:30 was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Council. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6:00 pm. I encourage everyone to try to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved. And 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. Also, we now broadcast our monthly council meetings live on the “Town of Elgin” Facebook Page. Just remember that when you are informed, you are empowered. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@ townofelginsc.com.

The Kershaw County Library is pleased to announce the completion of the new Growing Readers Center (GRC) at the Camden library location. The center includes reading stations, materials, information for growing readers, and a mural painted by Colt Shirley and Summer Reading Program participants.

The GRC will provide space for beginning readers or people of all ages experiencing reading difficulties. Inside the space are private reading stations, and new resources such as books with audio, hands-on literary skills cards and games to support reading education, educational information, and handouts. The information addresses emerging literacy, learning challenges like dyslexia, and includes directories to area resources.

The Camden library is also hosting a series of programs introducing the GRC to parents, teachers, and people who work with children. The first program will be “Introducing the GRC” and will be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 6 PM at the Camden branch. Guest speakers include Kershaw County School District’s Director of Elementary Education Ginger Catoe and Doby’s Mill Elementary Librarian Betsy Long. The topic will be “Help Your Child Get Ready to Read.”

Reading station at the new Growing Readers Center.

The GRC program series continues on Tuesday, October 24 and Tuesday, November 28 at 6 PM at the Camden branch. For specific details on these programs and the guest speakers, check the library website.

For more information on the Growing Readers Center or the GRC programming, contact Lauren Decker, Youth Librarian, at 803-425-1508 or by email at laurend@kershawcountylibrary.org For media inquiries, contact Hanna Gustafson, Publicity Coordinator, at 803-438-7881 or by email at hannag@kershawcountylibrary.org

Shadow Program Trunk-or-Treat

The public is invited to a shadow program, Shadows of the Almighty, on October 7th @ 7:00 pm, at the Jubilee Theater, which is located at 411 Highway 601 in Lugoff, SC. Check out Facebook @ NEWLIFEJUBILEE for more details on this free event.

Union Baptist Church invites you to their annual Trunk-or-Treat event to be held on Saturday, October 21st, from 3 pm - 5 pm in the Union Baptist Church field. Join the fun for candy, bounce houses and more! Follow them on Facebook @UBCElgin

Email your community or church event to us at ElginNews@gmail.com or call 803.513.5108

Pick Up Your Free Mosquito Dunks Arts In Education

As temperatures remain above 60 degrees during the day, mosquitoes continue to be active and breed. In an effort to help reduce the mosquito population, Kershaw County is offering two free Mosquito Dunks® to all county households and businesses. Mosquito Dunks® are biological control discs that are deployed in standing water. Two Mosquito Dunks® treat 200 square feet of water surface and can be broken into several portions to treat multiple trouble spots. Each environmentally safe, nontoxic disc works up to 30 days and kills mosquitoes before they are old enough to bite.

Pick up your free Mosquito Dunks® at the following locations Monday through Friday 8:30AM – 5:00PM:

• Kershaw County Government Center – Sewer Desk (515 Walnut Street, Camden)

• Blaney Fire Station – 2344 Highway 1, Elgin

• Shepard Fire Station – 1057 Rogers Road, Cassatt

• Westville Fire Station – 2 Payne Pone Road, Westville

• Because all mosquitoes need standing water to begin their life cycle, any site where water stands for five days or more may breed mosquitoes. To easily control the mosquito population, locate sites that hold water including:

• Containers that hold water – empty and store dry or change water every few days

• Swimming pools – maintain with proper chemicals or cover/drain if not in use

• Plastic sheeting or tarps used to cover yard items – pull tight so water won’t pool

• Garden pools/ponds – stock with fish that eat mosquitoes, such as “mosquito fish” (Gambusia) or small goldfish

• Shallow edges of ponds – keep cleared of plants and weeds. Do not plant cattail plants in wetlands or retention ponds

• Clogged ditches and pipes – clean out weeds, dirt, and debris so water can flow freely

• Low places, such as tire ruts or puddles – fill with dirt

• Tree holes and hollow stumps – fill with sand

• Failing septic tanks that cause sewage water to pool on top of the ground – repair

• Leaky pipes and outdoor faucets – repair

• Small areas of water that can’t be drained – treat with mosquito control products like Mosquito Dunks®

You can also protect yourself from biting mosquitoes by:

• Avoiding being outside, if possible, during dawn, dusk, twilight hours, and at night when mosquitoes are most active

• Installing screens on windows, doors, and porches

• Closing car windows and garage doors at night

• Trimming or removing overgrown shrubs, grass, weeds, vines, and ground cover that provide a cool, dark, and damp area where adult mosquitoes rest

• Using yellow light bulbs or sodium-vapor orange lights for outside lighting

• Avoiding wearing products that smell like fruit or flowers

• Wearing light colored long-sleeve shirts or pants

• Wearing mosquito repellent that contains DEET, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or Picaridin

For a complete list of preventative measures for mosquito control, visit The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control at https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/insect-or-animal-bornedisease/mosquitoes-south-carolina.

For any questions or additional information on Mosquito Dunks®, please contact Kershaw County Fire and Emergency Management at 803.425.1522.

Students across Kershaw County School District recently celebrated National Arts in Education Week September 11th-15th.

School Fights Are Not New

School fights have happened for years. They are seen more now because most students have cellphones and social media. I am not trying to downplay the seriousness of a school fight. They are disruptive and can be dangerous. Schools are for learning, not fighting.

Fights are not something that can always be blamed on the school administration or law enforcement. We do our best to prevent fights and we do our best to break them up as soon as we see them. We also discipline and/or criminally charge the student(s) when appropriate. There are always two sides to every story. That doesn’t mean either side is the complete truth. I have a lot of experience investigating these types of assaults. A very small percent of victims are completely innocent. Someone can place themselves in a position that they are more likely to become a victim of violence. Stay away from the “bad crowd” and don't be confrontational. Being kind to others will usually keep you safe from violence.

When will we stop blaming everyone else and start taking responsibility for our own actions? I always hear people blame the school administration, parents, and (of course) law enforcement for everything a kid does wrong. Instead of blaming someone, we should all spend more time working on what we can do as a community. It takes a village to raise a child.

CMC Hosting 8th Annual Oysters + BBQ Event

Having entrenched itself as a fall staple on the county calendar, the Community Medical Clinic (CMC) of Kershaw County’s Oysters and BBQ Bash is returning to Camden City Arena on Thursday, Oct. 19. The festive and fun evening will commence at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 9:30 p.m. at the spacious 420 South Broad St. facility.

Not only does this annual event afford its attendees to enjoy an evening of delicious food and drinks, but it also serves as a vital fundraising effort to support life-saving medical services for individuals who lack access to healthcare.

“The Oysters and BBQ Bash serves as a crucial fundraiser for CMC, which plays an essential role in providing medical care to those in the community who are without health insurance or proper access to medical services,” Event Committee Chair Tom Cooper. “The event brings together compassionate individuals, community partners, and local businesses in a shared mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.”

For the second consecutive year, the culinary experts at Haile Street Grill in Camden will take the reins in the kitchen.

“We are immensely grateful to Haile Street Grill for once again stepping up as an event sponsor,” Cooper said of the business owned by Camden native and resident Scott Edwards. “With their generous support, attendees can expect a delectable feast featuring mouthwatering BBQ and oysters.”

The Oysters and BBQ Bash is an event that consistently sells out and CMC officials encourage everyone to secure their tickets early.

“Come join us at the City Arena to mingle with fellow supporters of the Community Medical Clinic and make a real and lasting impact on the lives

of those in need,” Cooper said. “Together, we can continue to provide vital medical services and make a difference in the lives of individuals like Warren, ensuring a healthier and stronger community.”

For ticket information and further details, please visit www.cmcofkc.org. Direct questions to Mary Hill at mhill@cmcofkc.org or call (803) 669-4457.

For those unfamiliar with the services provided to Kershaw County residents, they need only learn of the inspiring story of Warren, a patient of CMC. His journey illustrates the impact of the clinic’s services.

Warren is enjoying renewed health after coming through the clinic’s doors. Warren struggled with severe migraines for years. He saw local providers until his money ran out, and he couldn’t afford his insurance any longer. Eventually, his health took a turn for the worse when he had a heart attack.

Warren worked since he was 15, always had insurance, and took care of himself for most of his life. When faced with an unexpected medical issue, he had to summon courage and humility to walk through our doors and ask for help. Today, Warren is getting back to work.

“You could actually get a person to sit and have a conversation with you and help you. They’re like family,” he said.

Without CMC, folks like Warren would not have access to the continuity of care they need after emergency room visits.

About the Community Medical Clinic (CMC): Established in 1998, CMC is a community leader in providing medical care and resources to Kershaw County residents. They provide primary care to patients at no cost while leading a collaborative effort to empower individuals to take charge of their own health and well-being. Learn more at https://www.cmcofkc.org.

Attorney Dennis N. Cannon, Jr.

Arien Cannon