Elgin News 1A - 2021

Volume 17, No. 1A

“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff, Camden and Northeast Columbia”

January 15, 2021

113 Families, 306 Children Helped This Holiday Season

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ng-term plans for nsider what each uickly! Do your other capacities. is wife are always elginhvac@aol.com he citizens of our (803) 272-6535 cell manner are office (803) and 419-2880 have served John our Cook ? ur town would be d by and let this s can not always nding our Elgin or! kr?of know there ut toItime!” also share their individual views regarding current topics which impact the community. ty of column your family f this is to provide all of our town councilmen a place to not only give the minutes of anley uncilwoman Melissa Brazell-Emmons

CSD nnounces 2013 Event rkleberry Country Fair

Elgin Toy Round Up, Tigers Take Time To Care Successfully Aid Families Despite Pandemic

Dine In or To Go! 803.408.2757

From The Chairman's Desk COVID 2021: Stronger Together By: Julian Burns, KC Council Chairman

Letter Submissions It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate.

Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race.

• Poor taste.

• Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products

or services.

• Personal tributes, attacks or thank you’s.

The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information.

Only letters written exclusively to the newspaper will be published. Letters to a third party or those written to more than one newspaper are not accepted.

Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand and, rather than mentioning the writer by name, should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Discourse should be civil and people should be referred to in a respectful manner. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication.

All letters must be signed and include the writer's street address or route address telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only.

We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:

Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045

Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108

2

Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604

Let us challenge one another to set a common New Year’s Resolution: that no one should want themselves, their families, schools or businesses to be the next, or even the last, to get the Virus. Granted, the Corona Virus or the next pathogen may re-emerge in the Fall. The “pandemic” will become “endemic,” which means it will continue to circulate, mutate, and mix with the prevalence of succeeding Flu seasons. (These nasty bugs persist and morph, with multiple new variants in England, South Africa, Colorado and now in Georgia today.) Next Fall will be a composite of infections, a more severe Flu season, but manageable -- if, to repeat, “IF” we are wise & learn from these last 10 months, and do so right now. Given our recent unacceptable growth in cases, County Council on Tuesday urged citizens to mask and take the vaccine shot when it becomes available them, and if recommended by their medical advisor. (SEE CHART, PAGE 9) All the Mayors and County agree. Stronger together, we joined in an unprecedented “Joint Message” on Christmas Eve – an urgency that resonates into the New Year to stem the tide of COVID infections. Our unified County-wide appeal constitutes a common purpose among municipalities and the County to suppress Pandemic growth in Kershaw County. Not to alarm folks, we rely on our confidence in you as Americans – informed -- that you will take the proper steps for the good of all, and for your own good. Regard for one another is the foundation of society, of responsible exercise of Liberty, and in crushing every foe, even COVID. Therefore, until COVID truly abates, we urge everyone to persevere and continue to mask, separate, distance, and commit to hygiene. And, as a matter of personal convic-

See CHAIRMAN'S DESK, Page 9 >>

Letter To The Editor Open Letter of Appreciation

To: Blanketing Families, the Mayor of Elgin and staff, Elgin Police Department, Brown's Oil and Lube, Elgin Food Lion, Elgin IGA, John Paul's Hair Salon, Red Robin, Tangles Hair Design, Radiate Church, and the United Way of Kershaw and a great group of volunteers; thank you for operating as one BIG team!

Pastor Lorenzo White and the Father's House church family would like to send our sincere thanks to you all for your generous participation in our community events.

Whether you donated services or time to our Back to School event or in our bi-weekly Free Food giveaways, we are sincerely grateful. Our collaboration with Blanketing Families under 'No Family Hungry" has been a great success!

Our community has had tremendous needs this year and your organization has gone above and beyond to help us help them.

We pray you have an amazing holiday season and the Lord's blessing this new year on all you do!

With gratitude, FATHER'S HOUSE Ministries International Family 1150 Sessions Road, Elgin, SC 29045

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 January 15, 2021

Blood Donation:

Aid the COVID-19 Fight and Make Your Community Healthier

Pam Roberts C(ASCP)cm, BHS MT, MLT(ASCP) KershawHealth Lab Director

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood – but only about 10 percent of those who are eligible to give actually make a blood donation each year. Donated blood is a necessary part of helping patients cope with a wide variety of conditions, including burns, trauma, heart surgery, cancer, organ transplants and more. A one-time blood donation can save the lives of up to three people.

Today, as our community continues to fight COVID-19 and KershawHealth cares for patients suffering from this deadly disease, the need for donated blood is greater than ever. In addition to blood donations needed to prevent blood shortages and ensure a sufficient supply for standard surgical and patient care, certain donations may be able to help COVID-19 patients recover more easily. Evidence shows that convalescent plasma from the blood donations of people who have recovered from COVID-19 can be used in some hospitalized patients to help lessen the severity or shorten the length of their illness. When someone who has recovered from COVID-19 donates blood, the liquid plasma and COVID-19 antibodies are separated from the blood cells and used for treatment.

If you have recovered from COVID-19, please consider donating. It is a gift that could potentially save lives. Even if you have not had COVID-19, your blood donation can help prevent a blood shortage.

Donating Blood Is Safe & Simple The process includes registration, a confidential medical history survey and mini-physical, and the donation itself, which takes less than 10 minutes. After your donation, you’ll receive a snack and take a brief rest so you can get back to your day’s activities with minimal disruption.

January 18 | January 25 10 am - 3 pm KershawHealth Hospital

Donating Blood Helps Others All blood donations made through The Blood Connection are currently being tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Certain donations may be able to help COVID-19 patients recover more easily.

Starting the donation process is easy with the eXpress Donor Pass service from The Blood Connection. The app is available from the Apple App store or Google Play Store. The app can give you a head start on your donation experience.

* To donate convalescent plasma, you must call 1-864-751-1168 to see of you are eligible to donate plasma. * If you have already had the COVID-19 vaccine, you are currently ineligible to donate convalescent plasma, but you can donate whole blood.

This recommendation may change, so follow thebloodconnection.org for further updates.

January 15, 2021

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Hindsight is 2020

If hindsight is 2020, what did we learn about our mindset this year in the way we think and react? How have our lives changed? What is most important?

The passing of 2020 into the history books Depression, loneliness, and isolation are real emotions that many of us has had little fanfare, no hype, and few fire- have felt deeply this year. According to a national news poll, 67 percent of works. our country believe this past year has been their most negative and stressful.

Those revelers who wanted to venture out They willingly admit that they had real fear, yet most Americans say they are on New Year’s Eve faced complications due willing to risk it all to bring their lives back to normal. The question is how to weather forecasts of snowstorms and thun- do we do that? Get back to a “new normal? “ derstorms throughout our country.

In the Bible, Esther has always been one of my favorite heroines because I miss the optimism we had for this de- she trusted in God’s call for her life. Esther 4:14 “Perhaps you were born for cade! We could not have imagined the cir- such a time as this. It means that God has put you on this earth at this time cumstances we would face. Who would have where you are and with the people you are with for a reason.” thought we would have toilet paper shortages and quarantines due to a We are given defining moments to alter circumstances. We must act as worldwide pandemic?

Esther with courage and not fear. Esther believed in the prayers and fasting Then came the National Emergency Declaration March 13, and all the of others. She prayed and fasted herself. Her story gives us hope and teaches schools and churches had to close their doors. Mask wearing, social distanc- us all obedience to God’s purpose. ing, and hand washing were requirements we had to follow. As winter beWe can discern how God is working in our lives if we will pray for His came spring, and spring turned into summer, we learned that riots and pro- guidance in our daily situations. It is not in our happy moments we cry out tests were real and happening in many cities throughout our country. to Him. It is in our grief and sadness that we become aware of who we are Thankfully in Kershaw County we saw peaceful meetings between our and why. leaders and those with concerns. We felt the aftereffects of flooding rains Darkness creates fear. How many times is it stated in the Bible “Fear not”? from strong weather systems due to the busiest hurricane season on record. Do you know how many times “Fear not” is stated in the Bible? The answer Thirty named storms formed in the Atlantic. is 365 times.

My first article in the 2020 issue of The Elgin News concluded with these My faith has been tested in my life; however, as I have grieved, my faith optimistic lines. “I am a hugger. Everyone needs a hug.” My resolution was to has become stronger. Please think about what you have faced in 2020. What focus on my priorities. I cautioned our readers to do their research and know do you want in the new year? Write your thoughts on paper. Make your To the difference between facts and opinions.

Do List. I always accomplish more when I write my goals down. I become 2020 has been information overload with facts and opinions. I have had committed. to stop many times and remind myself to consider the source of this inforWe need to say, “I love you” more often. We need to ask, “What can I do mation. I am ready to hit the stop button and rewind back before closures, for you?” And hugs! I am still a hugger, and I am looking forward to the day cancellations, lockdowns, and COVID became everyday words. when we can hug again.

By: Liz Simon Staff Writer

CJWL Awards Grants To Benefit KC Youth

The Camden Junior Welfare League recently awarded three nonprofits with grants totaling $5,000 to benefit the youth of Kershaw County.

The following grants were awarded: Arts Center of Kershaw County/Kershaw County Music Association Funding a student scholarship to the Brevard Music School in 2021.

Boys & Girls Club of Kershaw County - Funding the purchase of COVID safety supplies at their ten Be Great Academy after school programs within Kershaw County schools.

Truth in Nature - Funding the purchase of fishing and cooking supplies to be used during activities that support boys and young men from single-

4

parent households in Kershaw County.

“In these uncertain times, we’re happy to be able to assist those who are providing support and services for the youth of Kershaw County, in the hopes of a brighter future,” said Camden Junior Welfare League President Caitlin Jones. “We are always excited to support the nonprofits that are caring for and improving the lives of our children.”

Each year, the Camden Junior Welfare League provides grants to teachers and nonprofits in Kershaw County, for the benefit of our community’s youth.

For a look at past grant awards, please visit the League’s website at www. camdenleague.org/grants.

January 15, 2021

From the Chief 's Desk

Happy New Year! In this Chief ’s Desk, I would like to brag on two of our Officers, Lt. Ed Hines and State Constable Rick Miller. Both Ed and Rick have been with the Elgin Police Dept. for the last 20 years.

Their service is greatly appreciated and essential to us better serving the Elgin community. And to top it all off, both Ed and Rick do this for free.

They have volunteered their services for no pay.

This year, Lt. Ed Hines has earned Elgin Police Department’s Officer of the year for 2020 and Constable Rick Miller has earned Officer of the

year from Elgin’s VFW Post 11079 for 2020.

Both honors are very well earned, they work hard and serve with pride and professionalism.

So please show your support and tell Lt. Hines and Constable Miller thank you for a job well done.

And I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous 2021, thank you!

Chief Alan Anders

Elgin Incident Reports

Non-violent Family Dispute: Officer was dispatched to Trumpet View about a female barricaded in the bathroom with a gun. Officer met with Complainant in his back yard where he told me he and his girlfriend, Subject, got into a verbal argument earlier that day. Complainant went to Bojangles and picked up some food and when he got back he saw her through the window take his hand gun from the dresser and locked herself in the bathroom. While Officer was talking to Complainant, Subject walked out of the house. Officer checked her for weapons and found none. Subject stated to Officer they did have an argument but no one hands were placed on anyone. Subject also stated she did not get a hand gun from the dresser. Officer and Complainant checked the house and found no gun. Complainant stated he did not feel safe and wanted her out of the house. Officer told Complainant no crime was committed and Subject lives and cohabitates at the house with him. Officer told Complainant if he wanted Subject evicted to see family court judge.

Disorderly Conduct: On 01-09-2021 Officer was dispatched to Dollar General in the Town

of Elgin for a disturbance. Officer met with the manager, Complainant, who stated that a young white male kept coming behind the counter.

Complainant stated she told him two times he could not come back behind the counter. Officer made contact with the young white male, Subject, at the front door of the store where he was being loud and boisterous. He stated that he had ate a cookie that was laced with some kind of drug. Officer asked him to step outside with me and talk.

Subject started yelling at Officer not to shoot him.

Officer started escorting Subject to the front door when he pushed and pulled away from Officer and started running through the store yelling at people to help him. Officer caught Subject on one of the isles and got him in handcuffs. Subject calmed down and Officer was able to put him in my patrol vehicle. Subject was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct. Subject told Officer his car was in the parking lot. Officer search the vehicle and found no drugs. Vehicle was towed by Elite towing. Subject was taken to jail by Officer.

Trespass Notice: Officer was dispatched to family dollar in reference to the manager, Complainant, wanting a vendor placed on trespass notice.

When Officer arrived on scene Officer spoke to Complainant who stated that the milk delivery driver (Subject) had, "Gotten in my face and almost laid hands on me." The dispute was over a Covid-19 questionnaire. Complainant stated that she wanted Subject placed on trespass notice due to the argument. Subject was given a trespass notice and was released from the premises without incident. The following day, the Complainant called Chief Anders and asked to have the notice lifted. The trespass notice has been lifted as of 01/07/2021 at 1107 hours.

Harassment: On 01/04/2021, Victim came into the Elgin Police Dept. and filed a report in reference to being harassed / stalked. Victim stated that she has been harassed by Subject since 2014. And after not hearing from Subject for approx. two years, he made contact through Facebook on Nov. 26, 2020. After ignoring the unwanted contact, Subject again contacted the victim through Facebook on Jan. 03, 2021 and even showed up at her work. Per the Victim, Subject has sent her thousands of unwanted messages and explicit photos since 2014. The victim wishes to have a restraining order place against the subject, stating she lives in fear.

CLC Students Thank Local Officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

CLC students wrote letters to their SRO Sam Kelly and the Camden Police Dept. officers to commemorate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January. 9.

The officers were also treated to donuts and juice.

CLC Special Projects Coordinator Kim Stokes (middle) presents the Camden Police Dept. donuts and juice.

January 15, 2021

5

Elgin Toy Round Up, Tigers Take Time to Care Support Local Families During The Holidays

The Elgin Police Toy Roundup and Caring Hands Foundation and Stover Middle School's Tigers Take Time to Care Holiday Project coordinator Kim Stokes would like to thank those who donated to our project this year.

The pandemic did not dampen our holiday spirits and the gift of giving. Because of KC schools and community support, we are able to help 113 families, 306 children, and the elderly in Kershaw County have a brighter holiday season.

Blaney Elementary School donated 1,500 canned goods and 375 toys Doby's Mill Elementary School donated 43 bicycles Stover Middle School donated 2,806 canned goods Wateree Elementary School donated 100 toys and 40 canned food boxes Amy Schofiled/KC Library donated 3,000 books

The following Kershaw County businesses and civic groups donated over $5,000: Fairfield Electric Coop F.J. Rabon Construction Lugoff Paint and Body Barbells Gym Elgin Brown's Oil and Lube Elgin Davis Disposal MidCarolina Credit Union Upchurch and Jowers Insurance Drawdy's Heating and Air Conditioning First Citizens of Elgin Savage Law Firm, L.L.P. Sub Station II Lugoff Newman Furniture of Elgin Mr. and Mrs. Vic Dabney Lugoff Optimist Club Camden Lions Club Kiwanis Club of Kershaw County

Blaney Elementary School Assistant Principals Nicole Kirkley (Mrs. Claus) and Harriet Boykin Garity show off their school collections.

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803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com 6

January 15, 2021

KershawHealth Welcomes First Baby of 2021 KershawHealth is ringing in 2021 with the year’s first bundle of joy. Weighing 7 pounds and 12 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches, Baby Payton was born to Tierra and Kendrice, January 2 at 3:43 PM. “We are so excited to meet our new baby girl!” said Tierra. “Dr. King, the nurses and staff at KershawHealth took great care of us and really made the experience special for our family.”

KershawHealth’s Women’s Center is committed to providing high quality, compassionate care close to home for new and expecting parents in the region. The Center offers private birthing suites, specially trained OB providers on call 24 hours a day, lactations support for breastfeeding questions, incenter surgical suite for c-section, level 1 nursery with 24-hour, board certified pediatric coverage and alternative forms of pain management during labor.

“We have a committed clinical and support staff who are passionate about providing high quality care for mothers and babies and creating a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for them,” Tierra and Kendrice welcomed baby Payton at said Christi Kirven, Women’s Center Director at KershawHealth on January 2nd at 3:43 pm.

KershawHealth. “It is our goal – and privilege – to help make the experience of welcoming a new baby a positive and memorable one for families.”

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January 15, 2021

7

-- Obituary -VanDerrik Long A home going service for VanDerrik DeAngelo Long was held on December 19, 2020 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Derrik transitioned on December 10, 2020.

Born on June 5, 1979 in Columbia, SC and raised in Elgin, he was the son of Lula Harris, stepson of Curtis Harris and the late Julius Frank Long.

Surviving are his wife Marquenetta Stanley Long of Birmingham, Al; daughters Janan Harris and Brooklyn Kruetz, a sister Erica Long, two nieces Halo McRae, Traci Franklin an a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of his life Memorial service is being planned for next year in his home town of Elgin.

KCSD To Host Virtual Teacher Fair Kershaw County School District (KCSD) will host a virtual Teacher Recruitment Fair for certified teacher applicants on Friday, Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Applicants interested in attending must complete an online application by visiting www.kcsdschools.net/fair. All candidates must be certified

by August 1, 2021.

Interviews will be scheduled according to availability and by appointment only.

Contact KCSD Director for Educator Services Dr. Lisa Shannon at (803) 432-8416 or lisa.shannon@kcsdschools.net with questions.

KC Library Online Events For January/February

Wednesday, January 20 - 6:30 PM in Google Hangouts Library Book Club: This month, we’ll be discussing Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak. Since we don’t meet in December, we’re hoping to read the book and have time to watch both versions of the movie!

Thursday, January 21 5 PM on Facebook Youth Leadership Series: Designed for Kershaw County tweens and teens, join leadership coach Sara Jane Arnett discusses the topic of collaboration and problem-solving.

Friday, January 22 - 11 AM on Zoom Connect with Business Databases: Join us for a great series teaching you how to use library databases. For more information, see page 18.

Thursday, February 4 - 4 PM on Facebook LIVE Distance Drawing: Join Robb live for a Pictionary/Charades style guessing game, great for families! Ages 5+ Friday, February 5 - 10 AM on Facebook First Fridays with First Steps: Join Ms. Patrice Davis from First Steps for great stories for your preschooler!

Friday, February 5 - 11 AM on Zoom Connect with Business Databases: Join us for a great series teaching you how to use library databases. For more information, see page 18.

Tuesday, February 9 - 2 PM on Facebook Happy Hearts DIY: Gather the family to watch Cris and Debbie get crafty! Take and makes will be available for pick up at the library beginning Feb 4. Supplies are limited so hurry in!

Thursday, February 11 - 4 PM on Facebook Upcycle Tees: Let’s Donate: Cut up those old tee shirts to help our animal friends. We'll make toys to donate to the animal shelter. For teens and tweens.

Friday, February 12 - 10:30 AM on Facebook Little Explorers’ Club: Love: Love is in the air!

Join Ms. Rachael as she reads some LOVE-ly stories and shows you how to make a sweet little craft out of coffee filters. Supplies will be available starting the 8th. For ages 3-7.

Wednesday, February 17 - 6:30 PM in Google Hangouts Library Book Club: This month, we’ll be discussing The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory.

Thursday, February 18 - 5 PM on Facebook Youth Leadership Series: Designed for Kershaw County tweens and teens, join leadership coach Sara Jane Arnett discussing the topic of collaboration and problem-solving. This is a virtual event.

Friday, February 19 11 AM on Zoom Connect with Business Databases: Join us for a great series teaching you how to use library databases. For more information, see page 18.

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Kirkley Named Interim Principal At Blaney Elementary School

Blaney Elementary School Assistant Principal Nicole Kirkley will serve as the school’s interim principal as current Principal Sherrill Creel has accepted a position with the Sumter School District.

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Blaney family and look forward to this opportunity to serve as interim principal,” Kirkley said. “With a wonderful staff and awesome students, Blaney is a great place to be.”

Raised in Elgin, Kirkley was a student at Blaney Elementary in the 1990s and graduated from Lugoff-Elgin High School.

Prior to joining Blaney’s staff in 2019, Kirkley was an assistant principal at Camden Middle School for three years and served as an assistant administrator at Westwood High School for two years.

Kirkley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Education from Winthrop University and also earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Phoenix.

Asst. Principal Nicole Kirkley recently named Interim Principal at Blaney.

KCL Announces New Streaming Service

Kershaw County Library patrons with library cards, will have free access to more than 30,000 films, with the popular on-demand film streaming service, Kanopy beginning January 1.

Library cardholders can access Kanopy and sign up to start streaming films instantly by visiting https://www.kershawcountylibrary.org/ browse/digital-library/. Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku.

Each Library Card may download seven films per month.

Kanopy provides library patrons with access to films of unique social and cultural value. The collection includes some of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film-festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema with collections from Critereon, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers.

For more information, contact Amy Schofield at amys@kershawcountylibrary.org

CHAIRMAN’S DESK, Continued From Page 2 tion and choice, when the shots are available, to take them, too.

Here are the facts: With close quarters in cold weather, Thanksgiving, Religious observances, New Year’s and family celebrations, we have seen a drumbeat of over 20, 30, 40 and even 50 new cases in our small county each and every day since Halloween. More than 1 in 4 of every person tested tests positive. New cases accumulate to where we have well over 600 people actively infected right now. Among our vulnerable population, the death toll is mounting – three dead in a 24-hour period recently; and, the stress on our heroic medical personnel must be relieved.

Prevention both now and well into 2021 has benefits beyond COVID: it will slow other respiratory infections, including influenza, which caused over 40 million illnesses & 650,000 hospitalizations in 2018-19 alone, and economic damage ranging as high as $87 Billion. Largely preventable. The coming year demands adjustments – that phrase again, an abnormal “new normal.” Preparation for which starts with change in the way folks work, shop, eat, play, worship or educate. And, in healthier lifestyles as in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Consider also: even the US Army has issued to every soldier “Combat Cloth Face Coverings” (CCFC)… these precautions preserve combat power in war in Battalions or Aircraft Carriers, and so why not also for us at home? In businesses? Schools?

January is gonna be our worst month. So, prepare; in earnest and in hope that February just could be “COVID’s Winter of Defeat”. Undue optimism?

Some may call it premature with so many cases in December. The Virus is

about to do its worse in the next six weeks; yet, with reasonable precautions the Spring can bring relief: shots, therapy, medicines, protocols in our industry and schools, and masks and hygiene -- with prudent behaviors we should make commonplace in distancing and limiting contact. As Winter recedes things may begin to look up. If we persevere, then in but a little while we will put this scourge behind us, and as to be ready in unity for the next challenge -- Stronger together: #KCStrong.

Night To Shine Currently Accepting Guests

Night to Shine is still accepting registration of guests at www.nlcochurch. org for anyone with special needs 14+. The date is 2/12/21, and more information will be given after registration received.

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom experience for people with special needs, aged 14 and older. This event, started by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is centered on God’s love and celebrates people with special needs.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Night to Shine 2021 will be a fully virJanuary 15, 2021

tual experience. The safety of every honored guest is our top priority and this decision to go virtual was made after extensive prayer, discussions, counselseeking and conversations with families and medical professionals. While we are disappointed that we will not be able to celebrate in person, we are still excited and committed to creating an unforgettable virtual experience for every honored guest of Night to Shine!

Email nighttoshinekc@gmail.com with any questions you have.

9

Purple Star Students at Blaney Elem.

Recently, the 61 students of military families who attend Blaney Elementary had the opportunity to sit down to a delicious breakfast with their principals. Principal Sheryl Creel thanked these Purple Star children for their parent's service, for being the wonderful children they are, for the chance to get to know them, and for the sacrifices made by their families.

Students had Chick-fil-a biscuits, fruit, milk, and a small "sweet" to get them through the day. Tables were beautifully decorated by Mrs. Nicole Gardner, Blaney's Seagul teacher. Blaney students have parents serving in the Army, Army National Guard, the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marines.

THANK YOU, Purple Star Children!

Top: Blaney Elementary's Purple Star Students enjoy breakfast with their principals to thank the students and their families for their service.

Left: Dominic Presley from Ms. Lauren Brown's 4K class enjoys his breakfast.

20 Townlee Lane, Suite A, Lugoff • 803.408.8500 • www.lawconnell.com

REHABILITATIVE CARE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK 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:

J. Ben Connell, Esq.

Joseph N. Connell, Esq.

Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents Personal Injury & Death Business Law • Real Estate Law Nursing Home Abuse Medical Malpractice • Probate, Wills & Estates Workers’ Compensation All State & Federal Courts Serving Kershaw County for over 25 Years

Call 803.408.8500 to schedule a consultation.

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• Strokes

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

• Brain injuries

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Spinal cord injuries

• Parkinson’s disease

• Orthopedic injuries, including hip fractures

• Amputations

• Major multiple trauma

• Neurological conditions

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

MRRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM 20 Pinnacle Parkway • Elgin, SC 29045 • ph: 803.438.8890 Follow Us

January 15, 2021

Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office

KCSO Names Robinson Deputy of the Quarter

Sheriff Lee Boan

Sergeant Derek Robinson has been selected your KCSO Deputy of the Quarter (Oct-Dec 2020). Derek is the supervisor over your KCSO Civil Division. He is a true team player who is always willing to help other divisions within your KCSO: patrol, investigations, drug unit, K-9 tracking team, etc. Sgt Robinson’s leadership and selfless service to the citizens of Kershaw County make him a great asset to your KCSO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE, SGT ROBINSON!!!

KershawHealth Now Offering Monoclonal Antibody Treatment For Covid-19 Patients

KershawHealth announced today the hospital is offering bamlanivimab, a new monoclonal antibody therapy, for treatment of non-hospitalized patients with a mild or moderate case of COVID-19. Developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, the drug recently received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is now being allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC) and other state agencies.

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful viruses. Bamlanivimab is specifically designed to help block the SARS-CoV-2 virus and prevent the virus from further infecting healthy cells.

Administered intravenously, this innovative treatment is designed to help lessen the severity of COVID-19 in individuals who are COVID-19-positive and are at risk for developing a severe form of the disease.

January 15, 2021

“KershawHealth is proud to offer this treatment locally for qualifying patients, and our team has seen promising results in our initial patients,” said Tallulah Holmstrom, MD, MBA, CPPS, chief medical officer at KershawHealth. “Offering this treatment locally is an important step forward in helping prevent the most at-risk patients from being hospitalized due to COVID-19.”

Patients must meet specific clinical criteria including having a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 that is mild or moderate; having underlying health conditions or > 65 years of age; and being stable enough not to require hospitalization. As bamlanivimab is an investigational treatment, the hospital’s supply is limited and carefully allocated by DHEC and requires an order from the patient’s provider.

For more information about monoclonal antibody treatment now available at KershawHealth, visit https://www.kershawhealth.org/covid-19-treatment/.

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Over 35 Years Experience!

Our Family Caring For Your Family Since 1931 Camden Chapel 1112 Fair Street, Camden, SC 29020

803-432-3583

Personal Injury

Lugoff-Elgin Chapel 1139 Highway 1 S, Lugoff, SC 29078

803-438-3419

www.kornegayfuneral.com

Room-Sized Remnants Get new carpet for your ENTIRE home at a fraction of the price, with our room and home-sized remnants!

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Hurt On The Job

Wrongful Death Automobile Accidents Truck/Trailer Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Accidents Caused by DUI Drivers Hit & Run Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Uninsured Motorist Claims Neck and Back Injuries Boat Accidents Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse

Other Services • Wills • Probate Administration • Durable Power of Attorney • Living Wills • Healthcare Power of Attorney

512 Rutledge Street, Camden, SC dncannon@bellsouth.net

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We’re over-stocked and need to make room for new items, so we’ve slashed our prices! Stop by today to select carpet for your room or home.

Hurry, while supplies last.

Not valid for current students. Offer expires 1/31/21.

803.736.4777 | GenovaKarate.com 1123 Highway 1 South, Lugoff • (803) 408-8707 •carpetoutletlugoffsc.com Hours: Monday-Friday from 10 am - 6 pm • Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm

130-C Pontiac Business Center Drive, Elgin