Elgin News - 1A 2023

Letter Submissions

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, January 3, 2023, at 6:00pm with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Present were Mayor Melissa Emmons, Councilman Ed Smith, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwoman Dana Sloan, Town Attorney, John Wells, Chief Alan Anders, and 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.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the minutes for the December 6, 2022, meeting will be presented to Council for approval at a Special Business Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Also, the new business license applications for December 2022 will be presented to Council at the February meeting.

There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum.

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

In New Business, Chief Alan Anders informed Council that (2) FLOK Cameras had been purchased and should be installed by the end of the month. He also stated that the EPD Toys Roundup Foundation serviced (53) families consisting of (132) kids for Christmas and handed out (25) fruit baskets to some local senior citizens.

Also in New Business, a motion to approve the 1st Reading of a Special Election Ordinance was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan with a unanimous vote from Council. The special election is for a council seat left vacant after the recent resignation of Councilman Paul Rizzo. The special election is scheduled for March 28, 2023, and the filing for the election will commence at noon on January 20, 2023, and close at noon on January 30, 2023.

In Council Briefing, Councilman Ed Smith had no report. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley had no report but wanted to verify that the cyber security testing emails were legitimate. Mayor Melissa Emmons reminded Council to complete the survey received regarding the Elgin Comprehensive Plan that is under review. Town Attorney John Wells suggested that the 2nd Reading for the Special Election Ordinance and the Building Code Ordinance be added to the agenda for the meeting that is scheduled for January 10, 2023.

Motion was made by Councilman Ed Smith, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley with a unanimous vote from Council to enter an Executive Session to discuss a town personnel matter at 6:34 pm. Motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Ed Smith with a unanimous vote from Council to exit an Executive Session at 7:51 pm. Mayor Emmons reported that no action was taken.

A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Ed Smith with a unanimous vote from Council to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 pm. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, February 7, 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Anyone with items in Moak Storage Units over 60 days delinquent, the items will be discarded. Any questions or to update billing information call or text Nikie 803-917-7446 or Nikiencarolina@gmail.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.

Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604 (803) 513-5108

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

Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com

Resolutions And Reflections Heading Into 2023

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

It is time for my first article. I cannot settle on a topic or find a subject. Do you like to look back at the old year and review the headlines and newsmakers? Should I write about the over eighty earthquakes that shook our community since Dec. 27, 2021, or should I highlight all the concerns about traffic congestion on Hwy 1 in Lugoff and Elgin?

January is a month of new beginnings where we close the final chapter on 2022 and start anew. It has been a busy season with packed schedules of holiday happenings the last few months. Now we each have our own blank slate and a new calendar.

I have reviewed the resolutions that I made last year. I have Googled the most popular ones and how most people like to regroup and reset in January. Some of the top goals most Americans plan to complete are the ones I had on my list.

Should I dream big and write a Bucket List, or will I really keep to it this year? My hopes are the following: to become organized, to learn a new skill or hobby (line dancing), to live life to the fullest, to save money, to spend more time with family, to travel, to read more non-fiction, to attend church more regularly, and to work out to feel good and be healthy.

These were the top resolutions made nationwide last year and again this year. There are sixty-seven million Americans who made health goals. Most Americans hope to lose weight, yet 49% failed within six months.

My number one intention that I promised myself and my family that I would do this year is to de-clutter our home and clean every closet, cabinet, and discard. So far, I have accomplished cleaning a 5-drawer buffet and a linen closet. I discovered items packed away from over 50 years ago. I think I

MEET DEREK SHOEMAKE

have spent more time going through my finds than discarding.

I discovered my poetry scrapbook packed away with some college notebooks and lesson plan books. I cannot remember why I stopped writing poetry. I certainly enjoyed teaching poetry and studying the famous poets. It was interesting to read the various subjects I had chosen to write and reflect on when I was in my late teens and early twenties.

When I read the poetry that I had written so long ago, I thought about the different people (students, parents, faculty, friends, family, and neighbors who had touched my life.) Think about your circle. After all, that is what the new year is about, isn’t it? Looking back and reflecting, finding a balance in life, and focusing on who or what matters for us whether it is New Year’s goals, resolutions, or sweet intentions. They are all the same.

I think that most of us need the time to reflect on where we have been, and where we are hoping to go. Think back on all the people who have come along on our journeys with us. Think about the ones who have chosen to stay with us and be in our circle of life. Think of the ones in our small community that we run into at the grocery store or see at a community event. We chat as if we last talked yesterday, and yet it may have been months or years.

I am impressed with the optimism and for the determination I have observed this new year by our community leaders at recent events I have attended - the reception at the Robert Mills Court House for our first chairwoman of the Kershaw County Council Katie Guinn, and the breakfast for the Kershaw County Delegation recognizing our newest representative in the State House, Ben Connell.

I plan to host a Meet and Greet - Desserts with Derek- January 19 from three to six at Southern Mama’s 1101 Church Street across from the Elgin Post Office. Derek Shoemake is a LEHS graduate (’97) and candidate for District 3-Elgin for Kershaw County Council. Derek was my former newspaper editor. I hope all friends and former students will come by and chat about future articles they would like to see me write and meet Derek.

United Way's Ready Reader Program Expansion

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Ready Readers Program is thrilled to announce the expansion of our Ready Readers United4Literacy program. This is an exciting partnership with Target, United Way Community Gardens and AmeriCorps SC to increase the presence of Little Free Libraries in our Community. The United Way’s Ready Reader Program is dedicated to lifting lives through the love of literacy and we plan to place donated books into the hands of willing readers at our United Way Community Garden Sites.

Shanna Redfearn, Director of United Way Ready Reader Program stated, “Through this partnership we plan to feed both the body (Community Gardens) and the mind (Ready Readers United4Literacy).

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great… because everybody can serve.” Here at the United Way of Kershaw County we are dedicated to serving our Kershaw County Community in multiple ways through our many programs and grants. If you are interested in volunteering and making a significant impact in our community or for more information about Ready Readers and/or the other programs at United Way. Please call 803-432-0951

Early Voting Now Open thru Jan 20th at Blaney Fire Dept., (M-F)

Candidate for Kershaw County Council, District 3

From

the Chief's Desk

Happy New Year Elgin! This is our first Chief’s Desk of 2023. We at the Elgin Police Dept. look forward to another year serving the town. In this article I want to talk about social media and reporting incidents. We have a lot of people, some that live in the town limits and some that live in the county’s jurisdiction that post and comment on problems they are having. I scan social media as much as possible to look for complaints that need to be reported to Police. I am constantly reading people complaining and commenting about issues, but will never actually call and report it so that it can be addressed. I assure you, we take all our calls

seriously here at the Elgin Police Dept. and will do everything within our power to settle those problems.

So please call (803-424-4000 or 803-4389917) and report the problems you may be experiencing and allow us to help. Even if it’s outside our jurisdiction, we will guide and assist you to the right agencies to help.

Thank you, Chief Anders

Elgin Police Department Incident Reports

Shoplifting: OFC Picciuolo went to "It's a Deal" to investigate a shoplifting. Upon arrival, the Complainant explained that on 12/31/2022, Subject had been in the store aggravating customers and stealing things. Subject returned again and was doing the same thing. Complainant spent around two hours keeping Subject from stealing things and cursing around customers. At some point, Complainant got worried because Subject became agitated. Complainant told Subject she was going to call the police. Complainant spoke to the shop owner who stated that he wanted Subject trespassed from the store, but did not wish to prosecute. Complainant filled out a statement form, a trespass notice, and a refusal to prosecute form.

Mentally Ill Person/Assisting EMS: Officer Bass was dispatched to a call regarding a man walking in the roadway on Main Street in the Town Limits of Elgin. I arrived and spoke with Subject as cars were driving around him. Subject stated he just wanted to get away from his wife. I then asked if he would like a ride to another residence and he said he would like to go to his sister's house on Barfield Road. Subject got into my patrol car then asked if EMS could come and take him to the hospital for a mental evaluation. I then pulled over at Blaney Baptist Church where EMS came and got Subject and transported him to the hospital.

Failure To Stop For Blue Lights: While on patrol, Officer Bass got behind a red in color Nissan SUV that was involved in an assault at Waffle House in Lugoff that KCSO was actively looking for. I activated my lights and siren on Pine Street in the Town Limits of Elgin, as I observed the vehicle run the

stop sign on Pine Street turning onto Main Street toward Lugoff. I advised dispatch to notify Chief Anders. I pursued the vehicle to Lugoff-Elgin High School where I was told to terminate the pursuit by Chief Anders. A short while after terminating the pursuit, Deputy Trent Davis and other Deputies located the vehicle on Fredericksburg Drive, in Lugoff after the vehicle struck a neighbors house. When I arrived on scene and spoke with Deputy Davis, I identified the vehicle as the same vehicle that I was pursuing earlier. The driver of the vehicle was Subject and the passenger was his Son. Waffle House video footage shows Subject getting into the vehicle as the driver and Son getting into the passenger seat. I issued Subject a citation for failure to stop for blue lights, and KCSO arrested him and Son for assault and other charges related to the Waffle House incident. Both subjects also appeared to be extremely intoxicated.

Assisting Other Agency: Richland County SD was in a high speed chase with a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The chase came into Kershaw county and deputies were attempting to get into position in an attempt to use stop strips. OFC Picciuolo went down White Pond Rd. to be in place in case assistance was needed. The subject vehicle got off of I-20 and came toward Elgin on White Pond when they "bush bombed" and ran of foot into a cow pasture across from the Outpost BP station. A perimeter was set up to prevent subjects from eluding law enforcement and OFC Picciuolo was asked to stay in the area to add to the security perimeter. Three subjects were apprehended in the cow pasture and units cleared.

The Arts Center of Kershaw County Presents:

This Far by Faith: Carolina Camp Meetings, An African-American Tradition

The Arts Center of Kershaw County is proud to announce the opening of its new gallery exhibition This Far by Faith: Carolina Camp Meetings, An African-American Tradition!

This exhibition represents a fourteen-year journey of research, photographs, and video footage by Dr. Minuette Floyd, professor of art education in the School of Visual Art & Design at USC Columbia’s campus. Consisting of 42 large black and white photographs, this exhibit explores both the history and traditions of camp meetings that take place annually in the Carolinas.

Floyd’s interest in camp meetings derived from her own personal experiences of attending camp meetings in North Carolina. Upon returning to this tradition as an adult, she realized that research and publications were extremely limited and decided to capture the tradition for future generations. Since 2001, Floyd has travelled to seven African-American campgrounds and captured the rich tradition through photography, video, and oral interviews.

Dr. Floyd will join the Arts Center for an opening reception on January

12th from 5:00-7:30pm in the Bassett Gallery. The reception is open to the public and refreshment will be provided. The exhibit will remain on display January 12th to February 28th and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm.

“We’re so excited to welcome this exhibition to the Arts Center,” says Executive Director Dolly Patton. “The pictures themselves are spectacular, and to have Dr. Floyd join us for the reception to share her perspective is such a treat.”

A graduate of Winston-Salem University, Floyd also holds a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a doctorate degree from Florida State University. Currently, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina, she serves on the Arts in Basic Curriculum Steering Committee, the board of the South Carolina Alliance in Arts Education, and the education advisory committee at the Columbia Museum of Art.

For more information, visit www.artscenterkc.org or call (803)-425-7676.

Sworn In As

First Female Chair

On Tuesday, January 3rd, Katie Guinn made history by becoming the first ever female County Council Chair as she was sworn in at the Robert Mills Courthouse. Family and friends, as well as community leaders and elected officials gathered to celebrate this historic event.

Not only is Guinn the first female elected as Chair of County Council, she is also the first female to serve on County Council. Guinn's swearing in marks a new era in Kershaw County government, with County Council and all three municipalities being led by women, including Camden Mayor Alfred

BRAD PARSONS

I would like to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Brad Parsons, and I am a resident of Elgin and a life-long resident of Kershaw County. I attended high school in Kershaw County and then matriculated to The Citadel in Charleston, SC, and received my Bachelors Degree in 1987. After graduation, I joined the US Army Reserve and completed my basic training in Ft. Benning Georgia, graduating as an II Bravo Infantry Soldier. I began my service as a SC State Trooper in Charleston, and returned to Lugoff 30 years ago. Upon my return home, I began working in the private sector where I have been employed for 23 years at the same location.

Elgin and Lugoff encompass a vast majority of the West Wateree area, and the West Wateree area has seen remarkable growth and new construction the past several years - yet only has two representatives on Council.

I intend to be diligent in representing Elgin in a prudent and proactive way. My phone number is 803.699.1223. I encourage all citizens of Elgin and all of those in West Wateree to reach out to me about any and all issues that may concern you. I will be a representative, not a politician. I will represent the people of Elgin and will work to enact legislation that will help alleviate problems with the current economy we are living in.

I believe if we work together as one, we can help Elgin run smoothly towards the future. Simply put, if given the opportunity, I will work with the citizens of Elgin and the residents of West Wateree. I will listen to and promote your wants and needs to County Council. I am humbly asking for your support. Visit the Elgin Fire Department and vote early, or vote on 1/24/23 for Brad Parsons. I appreciate your time.

-- Obituary -Anthony Lynn "Tony" Walker

Funeral services for Anthony Lynn “Tony” Walker, 54, were held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help. Burial at Quaker Cemetery followed. A Rosary and visitation was held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Monday, December 19. 2022, at Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel. Father John Zimmerman officiated. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or stjude.org.

Tony passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022. He was born in Columbia, the son of Mack Lynn and Theresa Koumas Walker, of Camden. Mr. Walker was a loving, caring father to his son, Blake, who was his pride and joy. He loved Rock n Roll, Gamecocks, Atlanta Falcons, NY Mets, and was everybody’s friend.

Other than his parents, Tony is survived by his son, Anthony Blake Walker, his significant other, Katie and her children, Colton and Cash, whom he considers his grandchildren; siblings, Eric Reed Walker (Laurie), of Charleston, Andrea E. Walker, of Camden, Peter Gregory Walker (Hope), of Camden, Ellen Marie Walker, of Camden, special niece, Libby Walker, of Camden and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and beloved cousins.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online for the Walker family at www.kornegayfuneral.com.

SPECIAL ELECTIONS NOTICE:

Kershaw County Council District 3 (Elgin)

A special election is currently underway to fill Seat #3 on Kershaw County Council. This seat will represent the Elgin area. Early voting is currently taking place at Blaney Fire Department, MondayFriday, until January 20th (Closed on MLK Day). Polls will be open from 7 am - 7 pm on January 24th.

Elgin

Town Council

A special election will be held to fill a vacant seat on Elgin Town Council. The filing period will be open from January 20th-30th. To file as a candidate, contact Elgin Town Hall. The special election will be held on March 28, 2023.

Unsure if you're eligible to vote? Visit https://scvotes.gov for information on your status, a sample ballot and your poling location.

Upcoming Library Events

Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 3:30 - 5:30 PM | Elgin

Elgin Crafternoon: Feeling a spark of creativity? Children ages 6+ are welcome to stop in this afternoon for a craft project!

Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 5:30 -6:30 PM | Camden

Law Talk: Expungement: Join local lawyer Brett Perry, of the Perry Law Firm, for a Law Talk on expungement. Learn about expungement and how it can work for you. Registration is required. Please call the Camden branch at 803425-1508 to sign up. The Law Talk will consist of a 30–40-minute lecture presentation, followed by an open question and answer session. Law talks are designed to provide general legal information, not to provide guidance on your specific situation. The free clinics are sponsored by the South Carolina Bar Public Services Division.

Thursday, Jan. 19 | 4 - 5:30 PM | Camden

Chess Club: Come on in for a chess club for all! Teaching of beginners and play for all levels will be available. Ages 7 to adult.

Monday, Jan. 23 | 5 - 6 PM | Elgin

Law Talk: End of Life: Local Attorney, Jessica LeGrand Benson will be conducting a legal clinic on end of life matters. The Law Talk will consist of a 30–40-minute lecture presentation, followed by an open question and answer session. Registration required. Contact the Elgin branch at 803438-7881 to sign up. Law talks are designed to provide general legal information, not to provide guidance on your specific situation. The free clinics are sponsored by the South Carolina Bar Public Services Division.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 6 -7 PM | Camden

Small Business Workshop: Let’s Start a Business: Do you have an idea for a business? Have a hobby or side venture that you think could be profitable? Join the Main Street program and presenter Bob Jones from the Small Business Development Center to learn the steps to starting a successful business. Find out what resources are available and what best practices to follow when starting a business. Registration recommended, but not required. Contact Main Street Manager Kat Spadacenta by email at kspadacenta@camdensc.org or phone at 803-549-5648.

Thursday, Jan. 26 | 4 – 5 PM | Camden

Lego Club: Let’s have fun with Legos! All ages are welcome for free play inside.

Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6 - 7 PM | Camden

Library Book Club: We will be discussing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. New members are always welcome. You can pick up a copy at the Camden branch.

Monday, Jan. 30 | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Elgin

Elgin Game Night: Come play one of our games or bring your favorite from home! Be prepared to bring your strategy A-game and have a little fun! For all ages.

Recycling Center Guidelines

Now that it is the start of a new year, you may be getting a head start on your spring cleaning! Instead of creating a “throw away” pile, consider taking your recyclable materials to one of the ten Kershaw County Convenience Centers. Recycling at Kershaw County Convenience Centers is for Residents only, no businesses allowed.

Take a look at these recycling DOs and DON’Ts to make your trip to a convenience center easier!

DOs:

• Locate your nearest Convenience Center. There are 10 convenience centers across the County.

• Bring household recyclable waste. The Convenience Centers can take residential waste such as cardboard, aluminum cans, electronics, oil, etc. For a full list of accepted wastes see the list below.

• Bring household garbage. Our Convenience Centers can also be used to dispose of household garbage that is not accepted for recycling. Use the available compactors, which will be taken to a municipal landfill.

• Contain your waste. All loose loads must be secured and covered. This is state law and can result in a ticket.

• Break down cardboard. Breaking down your cardboard boxes will save room in the recycling bin. Don’t forget to remove any Styrofoam or other packaging material!

• Bring white goods. White goods include dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and other home appliances. If you have heavy or multiple white goods, bring them to the landfill for easier unloading.

• Bring help! Having an extra pair of hands to help unload heavier items will make everything go smoother.

• ASK QUESTIONS! We are all trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle, so do your part by educating yourself and others on recycling in Kershaw County.

DON’Ts:

• Do not use Kershaw County Convenience Centers if you are NOT a resident of Kershaw County. Businesses are not allowed to use the Convenience Centers and must use private recycling, trash services, or the landfill. All waste generated from commercial construction must be taken to the construction/demolition (C&D) landfill on Park Road in Cassatt.

• Do not bring large quantities. Large quantities of debris should not be discarded at the Convenience Centers but should be taken to the appropriate landfill. The Kershaw County landfill in Cassatt can accept large quantities of C&D waste, yard waste, and white goods.

• Do not bring wet paint. Wet paint is NOT accepted at any Kershaw County Collection Center. You may dry paint using kitty litter, coffee grounds, etc. Once the paint is completely dry, it can be discarded in the garbage compactors.

• Do not bring heavy appliances that you cannot unload yourself. Although Convenience Center attendants are happy to help, they are unable to assist in unloading heavy material.

• Do not bring pesticides or herbicides. Pesticides/herbicides are NOT accepted at any Kershaw County Collection Centers. Avoid disposing of pesticides whenever possible by using up/applying according to directions on the label or asking your neighbors/friends/family if they can use them. Never pour pesticides down the sink, toilet, or street drain.

• Do not bring glass. Due to the lack of glass recycling processors, Kershaw County is no longer able to accept glass as a recyclable item. All glass should be placed in the compactors along with your regular household garbage until further notice.

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, feel free to contact the Kershaw County Department of Solid Waste (803-425-1507) or at www.kershaw.sc.gov/government/departments-r-z/solid-waste Kershaw County Collections Centers Collect for recycling:

• Aluminum cans

• Antifreeze

• Appliances, large (refrigerators, washers, dryers)

• Batteries, lead-acid (car, truck, boat)

• Cardboard

• Cooking oil

• Household electronics (televisions, computers, computer monitors, printers, and other electronic equipment)

• Microwaves

• Mixed paper (magazines, newspaper, and inserts)

• Oil/gasoline mixture

NOW HIRING: Bookkeeper Position

Under general supervision, perform data entry to prepare nancial statements, payroll and sales tax returns. Experience with payroll and QuickBooks a plus. Send resume to Anthony@StokesMessier.com or call 803.408.0005.

PO Box 115, Lugo , SC | www.stokesmessier.com | 803.408.0005

• Paperboard (cereal boxes, shoe boxes)

• Paperboard canisters (coffee canisters, peanut containers, Pringles and similar snack containers, dough canisters)

• Plastic bottles, jars, and jugs

• Tires and metal tire rims (remove tires from rims; limit 4 tires per visit; take large tires to landfill)

• Used motor oil, filters, and bottles (limit 5 gallons of oil per trip)

• Yard trimmings

• Construction and demolition (C&D) debris

• Tires and metal tire rims (remove tires from rims; limit 4 tires)

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Stover Middle recently hosted their first ever Career Fair. Students enjoyed speaking with visitors from around the county about their careers. Students from WTC were also on hand to talk about the cosmetology programs and give demonstrations.

Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office

New Year. New Term. Same Sheriff.

“I do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified, according to the Constitution of this State, to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and that I will, to the best of my ability, discharge the duties thereof, and preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of this State and of the United States. So help me God.”

I officially took my oath of office from Judge Thomas Cooper on January 3, 2023 for my next four years as your sheriff. I have three special thanks that I would like to give:

Thank you to all citizens for supporting me through my first term and re-electing me for my second term. It is truly an honor. I will not be successful as your sheriff without your continued support.

Another special thank you goes to my wife, Jennifer McElveen-Boan, and my mother, Debra Boan. Being the spouse and mother of an elected official is not easy. I can’t imagine what it’s like. I am very gratefully to have a supportive wife and mother who stands beside me as I serve the great citizens of Kershaw County.

Last, but not least, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve where he wants me. In God we trust.

ALPHA Center Legislative Breakfast

After a brief hiatus due to Covid, the annual ALPHA Center Legislative Breakfast returned earlier this month.

Hosted by the ALPHA Behavioral Health Center at their Camden location, the breakfast is an opportunity for community leaders, and elected officials to fellowship with the Kershaw County Legislative Delegation which includes SC State Representatives Ben Connell, Cody Mitchell and Will Wheeler, as well as SC State Senators Thomas McElveen and Penry Gustafson.

Each member of the Delegation spoke regarding their plans for the 2023 year. ALPHA Center Director Mara Jones also spoke briefly regarding the Center's plans and goals for 2023.

I’m running for County Council because I care about this community. Elgin is where I was raised, it’s where I live, and it’s where my wife - a teacher at Doby’s Mill - and I are raising our children. My goals are straightforward. One, keep taxes low. As a prosecutor, I sent people to federal prison for mishandling taxpayer dollars. I’ll treat your tax dollars with the same respect and accountability. Two, make sure we grow in a way that allows people living and moving here to have green space, recreation for their families, and proper infrastructure. Honestly, that’s going to take some work because things like that don’t happen overnight. Still, I’ll roll up my sleeves and get to work as soon as I’m sworn in. Three, be accountable and transparent. I can’t promise you’ll always agree with me. But I’ll be available, and I’ll shoot straight with you.

- Derek Shoemake

Attorney Dennis N. Cannon, Jr.

Attorney Arien Cannon

Conservative

MARINE CORPS VETERAN PROVEN LEADER FISCAL CONSERVATIVE MINDFUL OF GROWTH