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.
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• Personal attacks.
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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 The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. Those present included Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwoman Dana Sloan, Councilman Paul Rizzo, Mayor Melissa Emmons, Attorney John Wells, and Jamie Parker, Elgin Town Clerk. 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, August 13, 2024, was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo, 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 Councilman Paul Rizzo, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous vote from Council. The following New Business License Applications were approved in August 2024: (1) Ezra J & Emmy Lou-retail, (2) Clear View Window Cleaning and Home Services-janitorial services, and (3) Hurricane Builders-construction. As always, we welcome new businesses to our community and encourage you to visit them and shop locally. There were no Charity Permit Requests approved for August 2024. 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 filed for the month of August 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) Recently laid concrete for the patio (2) Planting flowers in the detention pond for education, coverage, and esthetics. (3) Trusses are about ready to be delivered.
Also in Old Business, Mayor Emmons read the Purple Heart Proclamation. Councilwoman Dana Sloan motioned to adopt the Proclamation, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous vote from the Council. The following representatives were on hand to receive and commemorate the occasion-SC Department Commander, Carl Lopez, SC Department Jr. Vice Commander, Harold Palmer, SC Department Adjutant, Charles Cook, Chapter 402 Commander, Jermal Washington, SC Department Finance Officer, Henry Geather, and members of the Chapter 402 Military Order of the Purple Heart Organization.
In New Business, Councilwoman Cristy Bradley read the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 125th Anniversary Proclamation for the Elgin VFW Post 11079 proclaiming September 29, 2024, as VFW Day. Councilwoman Dana Sloan motioned to adopt the Proclamation, 2nd by Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from the Council.
A motion was made to appoint Robert Andrews to the Elgin Zoning Board of Appeals by Mayor Melissa Emmons, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo, and an unanimous vote from council.
In Council Briefings, Councilman Paul Rizzo had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley expressed Council’s condolences on the recent passing of Elgin’s former Zoning Administrator/Building Official, Randy Pruitt. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons had no report. Councilwoman Cristy Bradley expressed appreciation to Kershaw County for fixing potholes in the Pine Forest Subdivision, as well as appreciation to Lugoff-Elgin Water Authority for taking the time to help her find a leak at her private residence. Attorney John Wells had no report, but informed Council that he was aware of the situation that was scheduled to be discussed during Executive Session, but it will be postponed to the October Meeting due to the absence of Chief Alan Anders.
Our next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 pm. Check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. We also livestream meetings on the Town of Elgin Facebook Page. Please feel free to contact me at 803-309-1385 or 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
Elgin PD Incident Reports
Hit and Run / Unoccupied Vehicle: On 09/11/2024, Officer was dispatched to 2465 Main St. (Food Lion) in the Town Limits of Elgin, in reference to a hit and run of an unoccupied vehicle. Upon arrival, Officer met with the Victim who stated that while she was inside the store shopping an unknown person struck the drivers side of her 2009 Hyundai Sonata and left the scene causing damage to the drivers door and mirror. I then made contact with Manager on duty at Food Lion who provided me with video footage of the incident. Video shows a Silver Chevy Silverado pull into the parking space next to the victim and strike the victims vehicle at 4:06pm. The white male driver gets out of his vehicle, looks at the damage, and attempts to fix the victims mirror. The male driver then parks his truck and goes into the store, shops and leaves with out making contact or attempting to make contact with anyone in reference to this incident. Once Officer cleared Food Lion, Officer went to the address that the suspect vehicle was registered to. The Silver Chevy truck was not there and Officer could not get anyone to the door. I left my card at the residents. At 1730hrs, Officer received a call from the registered owner who stated he was at Food Lion and he did strike the victims vehicle and left without making contact. Officer then explained the law and issued a citation for leaving the scene of an accident(unoccupied vehicle). The suspect was given a court date and time. Insurance and owner information for both vehicles will be in a supplemental report.
Disorderly Conduct / Public Drunkenness, Open Container: On 09-10-2024, An unknown person called 911 about a man sitting in a vehicle (Chev 2006 Trail Blazer red in color) in the parking lot of Circle K in the Town of Elgin, drinking beer. Officer saw a red Chev. 2006 Trail Blazer at 2507 Main St. (Circle K parking lot). Officer made contact with the person sitting in the driver's seat, and ask him for his SCDL. Subject handed Officer his SCDL and it came back clear through dispatch. As Officer was talking to Subject I could smell a heavy order of alcohol coming from his person, Subject also had slurd speech. Officer could see in plain view a 25 oz Natty Daddy beer open sitting in the cup holder. Subject did tell Officer he was driving and felt he had to much to drink and pulled over at the Circle K to sober up and call his wife to pick him up. Officer asked Subject to step out the vehicle. Subject had a hard time understanding what Officer was asking him. Once Subject was out the vehicle, he was unsteady on his feet and Officer placed him under arrest for PDC (public intoxication) and Open Container. Carter's vehicle was towed by Eddie Roberts and Subject was taken to KCDC. Officer had his body camera on.
Disturbance/Tresspass: Officer was dispatched to Bojangles in reference to a possible assault. Once on scene, Officer made contact with Employee at Bojangles. She stated that a vehicle came through the drive thru and ordered food, then drove back to the drive thru window and demanded her money back. Employee asked for the woman's receipt, but the woman stated that she
did not get a receipt from when she ordered the food. Employee stated that the woman started to get an attitude and threw her food and drink into the drive thru window, which ended up hitting Employee. Employee stated that she picked up the food and threw it back into the woman's vehicle and hit her with it. Employee stated that she did not want to press charges, but she called her manager and the manager wanted the woman trespassed from the store. Officer told Employee that for me to trespass someone from a business or trespass someone in general, that the person needs to be on scene and either refuse to sign my trespass notice or make verbal contact with them and tell them they are trespassed. The employees stated that they had a license plate number but Officer had it ran through dispatch and it did not come back to anything. Employee stated that the driver was a black female and the passenger was a black male, but it was only the female that was being irate. She stated that the manager would be back in to work on Sunday and could possibly run the cameras back and try to get a better look at the vehicle and tag number. Officer told her he would complete a report, that could be referenced in the future for a trespass notice.
Warrant Served: On 09/16/2024, Officer was notified that Subject who has an active warrant from Elgin Police was at KCDC to turn himself in. Officer picked up the warrant for DV 3rd and went to KCDC. I met with Subject in the parking lot and escorted him inside the jail where he was served his warrant and turned over to KCDC staff.
There Is A Season, Turn, Turn, Turn
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
In two days, Sunday September the 22nd, the fall equinox occurs at 8:48 AM. No time changes yet; however, according to scholars the term “equinox” means days and nights are equal in length for everyone across the globe. Time changes - clocks fall back at 2am on November 3. The season of fall and autumn arrive on our calendars Sept.22.
What is the difference between autumn and fall? Autumn is the formal word in the English language while the usage of the word “fall” has been more commonly used since the pilgrims made their way to the New World in the early 1600s seeking a better life. We know the seasons are spring, summer, and winter. Between summer and winter was “harvest time” in the late 1500s.
We have passed the peak time in this hurricane season from June the 1st to November the 30th. The peak date for hurricanes forming is Sept. 10. Forecasters predicted an above active season with tropical storms developing in the Atlantic Ocean; however, the Atlantic Ocean has been quiet thus far because of the Saharan dust from Africa. Saharan dust hinders tropical systems developing. It lowers water temperatures, and it is called dirty rain. The dust or small particles of sand from the Sahara Desert (the largest hot desert in the world) caused a haze during the day. The giant thick dust plumes cause the heavy rainfall we have experienced.
Most of my friends and family tease me about having an “eye on the sky.” They call me a “news and weather junkie.” When the local media or The Weather Channel gives a news alert, they call or text me and ask me what is going to happen in the world of weather.
Last weekend, we had our 7th tropical system Francine who took a direct aim at Louisiana. It hit Louisiana as a category 2 with winds of 100 miles an hour in the late afternoon. The state had storm surges, flash flood alerts,
power outages, tornado warnings, and heavy rainfall.
There have been 94 fatalities since the beginning of Hurricane season 2024. Also there has been over $8 billion in damages. Hurricane Debby, then Tropical Storm Debby came through our state last month and brought with it excessive rainfall.
More people need to have an awareness and respect for the weather patterns. During these last months of October and November of hurricane season, look beyond the 10-day forecast and plan for your family’s safety.
Another special and important date on the September calendar is the fourth Wednesday September 25th. This is See You At The Pole Day. An estimated one million students have met for the past 30 years at their school's flagpole to pray in public beginning at 7:00 AM. This is a student led worship service which has grown internationally from a few small high schools in Fort Worth Texas to the Congo. Prayers by students cannot be banned by school officials. This would be a censorship violation of the First amendment. This concept came about by Baptist preachers who were attending the Southern Baptist Convention. They had seen a decline in teenage baptism and discussed with youth leaders a way to encourage teenage leadership with their friends in youth groups. As a Lugoff Elgin High teacher, I witnessed the interest and support this event brought to the students. I always remarked what calmness it brought to the school day.
A month before I retired from teaching at LEHS April the 20, 1999, the United States witnessed the first mass shooting at a school during my teaching career. There were 15 dead including the two student shooters, one teacher, and twenty-one were wounded. From January 1 to September 9th of this year, 45 school shootings have occurred. Almost 50 people have been killed at more than 20 schools. What can we do about school violence? How can we stop the students’ fear of going to school when they are afraid of a mass shooting? There is a frightening frequency with the impact social media has had on their young minds. Think about this problem of mass shootings most of us have never faced. What do we do? We can start with prayer.
To be continued…
Connell Appointed KC Council Chairman
tredge at 6:00 pm Monday, September 16, 2024 in Kershaw County Council Chambers, with wife Kristin and son Bennett lending support. Connell’s first council meeting as Chairman will be 6:00 pm, Tuesday, September 24, 2024. With this appointment, Connell will complete the term of former Council Chair Katie Guinn. Photo courtesy Johnny Deal.
Grits with Grands at Blaney Elementary
We will begin accepting nominations for the 2nd Quarter Winner until Friday, September 26, 2024, at 12:00 pm and will announce the winner on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 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. We will choose a winner every quarter.
Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents • Workers’ Comp
Personal Injury & Death
Business Law
• Real Estate Law
Medical Malpractice
• Criminal Law
• Nursing Home Abuse
• 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.
Math Fun at LEHS
Lugoff-Elgin High School math teachers Coach Casey Stevens and Coach Joseph Dvozenja brought their Algebra 1 and Math Strategies classes to the library to review for an upcoming test in a fun and engaging way! Students played a version of Jeopardy which involved selecting tiles from a Jeopardy board that would reveal a math problem. Students would then have a limited time to solve the equation on a dry erase board and display their answers for
Helen Delores Napper Blanketing Families, Inc.
Helen, affectionately called "Mama Dee," is 80 years young and is as sassy and loving as she can be. She is an integral part of Blanketing Families, serving seniors who are unable to get out and about. Helen makes deliveries every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, and she also serves with the Blanketing Families team twice a month on Wednesdays at Elgin Town Hall. Want to Highlight a Hero? Email or text us! elginnews@gmail.com | 803.513.5108
28th Annual Fire Fest
The 28th Annual Fire Fest returns to Camden City Arena on Saturday September 28th, beginning with a parade downtown of current and antique fire trucks at 9 am, leading to activities and demonstrations at the City Arena, 420 Broad Street. Each year, this family friendly event allows residents and visitors learn about the importance of fire prevention and fire safety while enjoying live firefighting demonstrations and competitions, K-9 demonstrations, as well as a live burn to show the basics of outdoor grill safety. See antique fire trucks, a cruise in, vendors and food trucks, and other live entertainment. Admission is free. For more information, visit the Camden Fire Department’s Facebook page.
VFW
125th Anniversary Celebration
Calling all veterans, advocates and anyone who loves their freedom. This year, the VFW — America’s largest organization of combat veterans is celebrating its 125th anniversary. That’s 125 years of service to veterans, their families and our communities. We are Celebrating the Legacy that is the VFW and you’re invited. Join VFW Post 11079 on 2464 Bowen Street, Elgin, SC on Sept 28, 2024 as it marks this momentous occasion with a day of great fun and events.
We will have food, drinks, music, games, 50/50 bake sale ,and silent auction items to bid on. The event starts at 2:00 pm. Come on out and show your appreciation to the veterans in our community. Email us at vfwpost11079@gmail.com , visit our VFW at 2464 Bowen Street, Elgin, SC and keep your eyes open for posting on our Facebook page for more information. We hope to see you there!
Springvale Baptist Homecoming
Springvale Baptist Church invites you to their homecoming celebration. Join them on September 29th at 9:30 am for Old Fashioned Gospel Singing, followed by a service at 10:30 am. A meal will be served after both services. Don't forget to dress like it's the 1950's! Springvale Baptist is located at 1496 Springvale Road in Lugoff.
Health Foundation Grant Applications
The Health Foundation of Kershaw County (HFKC) will begin accepting applications for grants beginning September 1st. The application process will close on September 30th. Selected grants will be awarded to 501 (c) (3) organizations, which demonstrate a positive impact on the overall health and safety of Kershaw County residents. Grants will be awarded in December.
In the past the foundation has distributed more than $450,000 to organizations in Kershaw County. Some past recipients have included The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County, Food for the Soul, Alpha Center, Camden Fire, Lugoff Fire, United Way, Christian Community Ministries, and the Boys & Girls Club of Kershaw County.
Organizations wishing to seek funding and an application, can contact the foundation by sending an inquiry email to healthfoundationofkershawco@gmail.com or by calling (803) 432-8433.
Community Medical Clinic Receives AED Donation
In an effort to educate and inspire a Nation of Lifesavers, the American Heart Association and Molina Healthcare of South Carolina recently hosted a ceremony recognizing the donation of an AED (automated external defibrillator) to the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. (ET) on Monday, September 16, at 110 C. East Dekalb Street in Camden, S.C.
Kai Kroger and Connor Shaw, former University of South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback, presented the AED. Following the donation, the American Heart Association hosted hands-only CPR demonstrations for area residents and patients of the clinic.
“We are deeply grateful to the American Heart Association for their efforts in securing a grant for the Community Medical Clinic to receive an AED. The AED provides a life-saving tool that increases heart attack survival. The powerful story of Damar Hamlin’s (Buffalo Bills) collapse brought great attention to the benefits of AEDs in a cardiac emergency. Every moment is critical in these situations and that inspired us to reach out to the American
Heart Association about providing AEDs to free medical clinics in South Carolina,” said Charlotte Rankin, CEO of Community Medical Clinic.
This donation is made possible by the ‘Kickstart Your Heart’ initiative, a project between University of South Carolina Gamecocks kicker, Kai Kroger, Molina Healthcare of South Carolina and the American Heart Association, to have AEDs donated for every kick return within the 15-yard line from the 2023-2024 college football season.
“As an athlete watching the events around Damar Hamlin’s collapse, I am reminded how important it is for AEDs to be easily accessible in the case of an emergency. I am honored to be able to leverage my talent in a way that will positively impact the Midlands,” said Kai Kroger.
Three AED’s will be donated this fall in the Midlands, including the Good Samaritan Clinic and a Boys and Girls Club location.
“Having the AED in the clinic means having the ability to react fast should a patient, guest or co-worker suffer a cardiac arrest and strengthens our ability to serve and protect our community should the need arise,” said Rankin.
Kershaw County Announces Hires, Promotions
Will Glover, Director of Emergency Services – Formerly the County’s Fire Chief, Glover now serves as the County’s Director of Emergency Services overseeing EMS, Fire, 911 Dispatch, and Code Enforcement. Glover began his fire career in Kershaw County 22 years ago and continued to serve in a volunteer capacity until accepting the Fire Chief’s position in 2021. During this time, he spent 15 years as a career firefighter at Sumter Fire Department working his way through the ranks which included several years in the training division. During his education, he attended The South Carolina Fire Academy, National Fire Academy, Emergency Management Institute, Center for Domestic Preparedness, New Mexico Tech, Central Carolina Tech, and Columbia Southern University receiving many various qualifications. He is a member of several associations and currently serves as a committee member for The South Carolina Firefighters Association. He also serves as an adjunct instructor for The South Carolina Fire Academy and RescueTechs where he has sat as a subject matter expert on several different committees. Glover resides in Kershaw County with his wife and three children.
Matthew Bullard, Fire Chief – Previously the County’s Deputy Fire Chief, Bullard now serves as Fire Chief. Chief Bullard has spent the first 21 years of his fire service career as both volunteer and career in Spartanburg
County before relocating to Kershaw County as the Deputy Fire Chief in June of 2022. Chief Bullard is a graduate of Columbia Southern University and Waldorf University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and has served on various local and state committees for the betterment of fire service in South Carolina. Bullard is a graduate of The South Carolina Firefighters Association Leadership Institute and is currently completing The South Carolina State Fire Chiefs Association’s Chief Officer program. Chief Bullard, his wife Amanda, and their three youngest kids reside in Camden, along with his oldest son who serves as a firefighter with The City of Sumter and The City of Camden as well as a volunteer for Kershaw County Fire Service.
Johnny Deal, Public Information O cer – Deal joins the County as Public Information Office where he will focus on County communications. Deal was born in Camden and grew up on the shores of Lake Wateree. A graduate of Camden High School and Winthrop University, Deal spent 28 years at First Palmetto and most recently on-air with local radio stations WPUB/ WCAM. Deal is a trumpeter in The Camden Community Concert Band, choir member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church, and has been involved in many local community organizations including Jaycees, Camden Rotary, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Wateree Association, Camden Planning Commission, and Habitat for Humanity.
KCSO Explorers Program
Your KCSO welcomed the newest Explorers to our post on Monday night (9/16/24) at Woolard Technology Center in Camden. Everyone seemed very interested in learning more about a career in Law Enforcement. Your KCSO instructors were more than willing to help start their training. It’s never too soon to invest in our future peacemakers.
The Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office Explorer Program consists of young adults between the ages of 14-20 years old, who are considering a career in law enforcement. The Explorer Program is fully chartered by the Scouts of America. The KCSO Explorer program will prepare these young adults by participating in basic law enforcement training, a broad look into investigations and other day to day functions of today’s law enforcement. They will also participate in physical fitness training, K-9 demonstrations, traffic enforcement, and more. Members of the program will meet on a monthly basis. Who is in charge of the KCSO Explorer Program?
The KCSO Explorer Program is run by leadership within the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office School Resource Officer Unit. These highly qualified law enforcement officers are responsible for training, evaluating, and recruiting qualified young adults into the program.
How to become a Kershaw County Sheri ’s O ce Explorer:
Interested Explorer candidates who meet the minimum requirements should complete an application (link below). If under 18 years of age a parent or guardian will have to sign off on the application.
Once an application is received and is considered acceptable the candidate will be contacted for a panel interview. The interview will be conducted by members of the Explorer Program leadership team.
The candidate will then undergo a background screening and reference check. Each candidate must also maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher while enrolled in high school or college. *Candidates cannot have any felonies or major misdemeanor convictions.
Once all this has been completed without any issues, the candidate will be called back in for a final interview where they may be offered a position with KCSO Explorers. Candidates that accept the appointment will be placed on a ninety-day probation period where they will be evaluated and taught the basic tenants of the explorer post-mission. After ninety days, they will be accepted as an Explorer and given their Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office Explorer shirt.
What is the cost to be a KCSO Explorer?
Each Explorer must pay an annual fee of $60.00. This fee goes toward registering themselves under the charter of the Scouts of America. This also goes toward the insurance that is placed on every individual Explorer. This protects them during training, officially approved duties, and during any competitions. This will also include a KCSO Explorer T-Shirt.
Interested? Apply Now!
https://www.kershawsheriff.com/kcso-explorer
2024 9/11 Remembrance Walk
In what has become an annual tradition, local first responders walked from the Lugoff Fire Department to the Camden Fire Department in remembrance of all the first responders who died on 9/11/01. Participants walked Highway 1 from Lugoff to Camden, with first responders escorting in emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
