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From The Chairman's Desk We Hear You 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, 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

Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108

Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604

We hear you. Kershaw County Council is listening, and we are taking action. Our words in Vision2030 are of great consequence to set the course ahead, sure; but, words whisper where action thunders. Turning the Vision to substantive and enduring change is now the challenge. ( http:// www.visionkershaw2030.org/ ). Growth, especially in the West Wateree area and in Camden, is inevitable and the focus here is what we are going to DO. To the folks trying to build, we have changes in mind to make it easier. To folks driving crowded roadways like 521, White Pond Road and US 1, we are seeking new solutions on roads. To those experiencing delays in County Services, there are upgrades in mind. To those worrying about crowding – in parks, roads and schools – the School Board and County Council are seized with finding solutions at best value and least cost. Why is this ballooning growth occurring? We anticipated it, as borne out by Census2020 just completed, because new folks want to come here: over 500 new jobs added just last year, State-wide recognition of our schools, business-friendly culture, and low taxes. Our population surge is preferential to any and all counties around us in the Midlands. Folks come here because we are the Great Place to live and work and worship and play and to raise our kids. And those newcomers are pouring in. We can solve this and shape growth favorably, but we must not have a “metropolitan problem with a rural mindset.” Look what happened in Lexington and Lancaster. They ignored growth and now have a blight that could have otherwise been shaped favorably. I see five key actions…. Council actions to improve the process, already approved and underway 1. Address the work-load and staffing in the planning and zoning office so they are equipped to handle the load, and rewarded. Doing that now. 2. Install common-sense, courteous and efficient procedures to approve work requests, and resolve appeals more quickly. Also, get after this now. 3. Make the zoning codes appropriate to modern day, emergent circumstances. Start right now: deliberately and as long as needed to do it right. Council action and approval is needed…probably next year. Hand in hand, and underway as a Capstone effort, as will be directed by me as Council Chairman in collaboration with the School District. 4. Convene a no-nonsense collaboration to collect and analyze the growth data led by the Superintendent, Dr. Robbins, and County Administrator, Vic Carpenter, and then…. 5. When ready, convene an ad Hoc Task Force with members from County Council and the School board to examine the results and derive effective solutions for consideration by the School Board and the County Council. I am convinced that we are just in time. The first three steps above are not enough. We need to give to our people, and the wonderful volunteers on the Planning Commission, improved guidance. The Census2020 data will help us work with builders, developers and owners to understand their plans. They in turn must listen to our citizens just as we have been on Council …listen and help us shape the growth. Shape the growth so that roads and schools and County Services and funding are all there to continue to keep us #KERSHAWSTRONG, the Great Place.

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 February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022

Earthquakes and Tornadoes, Oh My! By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

The ringing of my NOAA weather radio alarm signaling a severe thunderstorm or nearby tornado warning terrifies me. I remember watching on the big screen at the picture show the movie “Wizard of Oz”. I also remember thinking I am glad South Carolina is a long way from Kansas and tornadoes! I have been a part of many weather-related drills, delays, and cancellations at school. It was not until the 1980’s when the atmosphere shifted, and South Carolina became Carolina Alley (from Interstate 20 in Georgia into North Carolina I-95) that I realized how dangerous these destructive storms are. According to South Carolina Emergency Management, whether the weather is a news maker depends on different variables and observations: temperature, humidity, precipitation, air pressure, etc. A tornado (twister) may appear in a violent thunderstorm as a funnel cloud with rotating winds. It is not called a tornado until the funnel cloud touches the ground. The average tornado can last from 10 seconds to more than an hour. The largest tornado path can exceed one mile, and the smallest could be less than 10 yards. The largest tornado outbreak in South Carolina was September 7, 2004, when 48 tornadoes formed from Tropical Storm Frances. There are more outbreaks of tornadoes in South Carolina during March, April, and May. Stay alert if a watch is issued because a warning may only give you a few minutes to take safety. I participated in the monthly fire drills where, with roll book in hand, we had to locate any absent student (bathroom break, library, or office visit) and report their names to the administration at the flagpole. The classes and teachers waited a safe distance outside the school building. The students always enjoyed these interruptions, and they all wanted to be the one to report to the flagpole. When a tornado drill occurred, an office aide would come knock on the

classroom door and whisper, “Tornado Watch.” Usually within an hour, the tornado alarm would sound. Students would take a book and place it over their heads as they sat in the hallway outside their classrooms. The students performed the drills as a routine; however, they all took the tornado drills more seriously. I had several occasions when a watch became a warning. My editors and I were working in the journalism room around four when Principal Creig Tyler's voice came over the intercom, “If anyone is in the building or on this campus, you must report to the office immediately. A tornado has been sighted.” We dashed to the office to shelter in the school safe. The last time I was involved in a tornado warning, I was in the car riders’ line waiting to pick up Granddaughter Grace. My phone alarm went off, “Seek shelter! Tornado!” At the same time an administrator ran out calling us into the building. We sat on the floor for over an hour while all the schools in the West Wateree area held the buses until the funnel clouds had passed, and the tornado warning expired. December 27, 2021, I was in the doctor's office in Lugoff. I heard a sound that seemed like a huge 18-wheeler truck had hit the side of the building. I looked at my phone and immediately friends on Facebook in Camden, Bishopville, Lugoff, and Elgin were asking “Was that an explosion? A tornado? Are we having an earthquake?” A month later January 27, 2022, I was in my kitchen when I heard a low roar coming up out of the air vent, and the floor seemed to roll. This made the 17th earthquake in a month in Kershaw County and number 18 for the Midlands. At press time we have had another quake. According to scientific definitions “Earthquakes are sudden and violent shaking of the ground as a result of movements within the earth's crust.” Earthquakes may be caused by volcanic action; however, sudden stress changes in the earth can also cause earthquakes. Induced earthquakes are caused by human activity such as tunnel construction, the filling of reservoirs, or mining in the area. Weather usually surprises most of us. Don’t be caught unaware because tornado season begins next month, and Highway 1 is on an earthquake fault line.

Lugoff-Elgin High School Hall of Fame

The Lugoff-Elgin High School community is continuing its celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary by reopening the school’s Hall of Fame, which inducted its first and only members in 1996 as a part of the school’s 25th anniversary celebration. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor alumni and contributors whose accomplishments, deeds and character exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and/or service to their community. This award may also honor individuals who did not graduate from Lugoff-Elgin High School, but who have significantly and consistently contributed to the work and mission of the school.

Current inductees include: Willie Mickle, Nancy Smith, Ann Roberts, Gary Frakes, David Dowey, Ernest Dixon, Wesley Herndon, Glenn Price, Craig Tyler, and the 1997-97 Varsity Cheerleaders, who were invited to participate in the halftime show of the 1997 Gator Bowl. The school hopes to add five more inductees this year, and they need your help to identify a pool of candidates. The form for nominations can be found at msha.ke/lugoffelgin50th. All nominations must be submitted by Feb. 15, 2022. If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Mr. Corey Wright at corey.wright@kcsdschools.net.

February 11, 2022

From the Chief 's Desk

In this week’s article I would like to revisit our need for the community’s help in reporting crime. Crime Prevention is one of the primary goals of the Elgin Police Department. Although we are patrolling 24/7, we cannot stop crime we don’t know is occurring. In an emergency, always call 911. In a non-emergency where you need a Police response call our dispatch at 803-424-4000. If you want to remain anonymous and report criminal activity that is not an emergency, Crime Stoppers of the Midlands will allow you to submit anonymous tips. Crime

Stoppers has three ways for citizens to anonymously report non emergent criminal activity. You may call the phone line at 888-CRIMESC (888-274-6372), Submit a web tip at midlandscrimestoppers.com, or download the mobile app P3 Tips. Remember, we are all in this together to help keep our community safe.

Chief Alan Anders

Elgin Police Department Incident Reports

Unruly Child: Officer was dispatched to a call about an unruly child at Rabbit Run home in the Town Limits of Elgin. I arrived and spoke with Complainants who are currently tending to a best friends child "TV." Complainant told me that "TV" got in trouble at school for cutting another child's hair with scissors and had to write a letter to the principal. Complainant stated when she told "TV" to write the letter he began showing out and hit her car and stated he would kill her. Complainant stated that "TV" had a very dramatic childhood and had his mom on the phone who told me about some of the traumatic events in "TV's" life. I went inside and spoke with "TV" and was able to get him to calm down and write the letter he was supposed to and talked with him about what he did and cleared the scene. Assault, Simple: On 01-27-2022 R/O was dispatched to Business on Main Street in Elgin to meet with employee, Complainant, in reference to an assault. Officer met with Complainant in front of the store and he stated Subject grabbed him by the shirt and was pushing him into the tire changing area. Complainant stated he yelled at Subject for parking in front of their work bay and asked him if he could read the big sign. Subject parked his vehicle and got into a verbal argument, then Subject grabbed Complainant by the shirt and tried to push him into the tire bay. Complainant stated he pushed Subject off him and Subject left in a white F-150 Ford pick up truck. Suicide Attempt: On 02/02/2022 at approximately 10:50 am, I Officer Handy was traveling on Branham Street in the Town of Elgin, when I was flagged down by Complainant in reference to an attempted suicide. Com-

plainant stated that her son, Subject who was at home, on Branham St., had attempted to kill himself. Once on scene at 1000 Branham St., I made contact with the victim Subject who was in his bedroom sitting on his bed. I observed a cut to his left inner wrist. The injury appeared to have been clean because it was not bleeding. Subject appeared to have been crying but was very calm at the time. I asked Subject what was going on and he stated that he wasn't happy with the way his life was going. Subject stated that he took a knife from the kitchen and sliced his wrist. Subject, who is a diabetic, also admitted to taking 150 ml of insulin. Subject admitted that he did want to hurt himself and that he would like to go to the hospital to receive help. Officer Handy contacted Kershaw 911 communication, who dispatched EMS service to the incident location. Chase was transported to KershawHealth without altercation. Shoplifting: Officer was dispatched to a call about two white males who came into the Food Lion in the Town Limits of Elgin and took two "hot plates" of food worth around $40.00. Complainant stated she saw the two leave the store with the food and did not render any payment. Complainant stated that she would bring the tape of the suspects to Elgin PD. Officer gave Complainant a victim's form and then cleared the scene. Motor Vehicle Accident: On 1/31/2022 Officer was dispatched to Carmichael's Auto Upholstery in reference to a vehicle versus building collision. Upon arrival, I observed a Ram 2500 pulling a pontoon boat. The pontoon was passing under the power lines and appeared to be too tall to clear the power lines, and pulled the lines from the building. Duke Energy was notified and responded to repair the down power lines.

Kershaw County Classic Archery Tournament

On Saturday, February 5th, several Kershaw County schools gathered to co-host the Kershaw Classic Archery Tournament at Stover Middle School. Participating schools came from all around the Midlands, and Kershaw County was represented by Blaney Elementary, Doby’s Mill Elementary, Stover Middle, Lugoff-Elgin High, North Central High and North Central Middle. Lugoff-Elgin High finished second overall, while Stover Middle finished second overall in their division. Blaney Elementary placed first in the Elementary Division, narrowly beating Doby’s Mill. Elementary top finishers include Harrison Polis of Blaney Elementary, placing second overall, and Aiden Bradley and Huntley Kirkland of Doby’s Mill who placed third and fourth overall. Among Middle Schools, Dallas Ray of Stover finished first overall, with Mason Blankenship, also from Stover, finishing second. Lugoff-Elgin High’s top finish came from junior Wesley Morgan, who placed eighth overall. February 11, 2022

National Wear Red Day at Stover Middle On Friday February 4th, Stover staff and students were decked out in their red for National Wear Red Day to raise awareness for the #1 killer in America, Heart Disease.

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February 11, 2022

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Rotary's Annual Wild Game Dinner

The ninth annual Rotary Wild Game Dinner and Auction is scheduled for Saturday, March 12th from 6pm to 10pm, at the Camden City Arena. Through the collaboration of the West WatereeLugoff and Camden Rotary clubs, this fundraiser provides scholarships for Kershaw County high school seniors who are pursuing higher education. Through this event, and other efforts of our members, we are proud to have provided more than $210,000 in educational support for 170 local students. The Lugoff Automotive Group leads the way as the Supreme Sponsor once again followed by dozens of other local sponsors. Haile Street Grille will provide a wide variety of wild game dishes including venison and wild boar loin medallions, pheasant and quail breast, smoked wild boar, mustard fried venison cube steak, venison and pork sausages, and other delectable items. An assortment of side dishes and desserts will accompany the entrees. All of the wild game was locally harvested by After a year halt due to COVID, the United our members and friends. In addition to the meal, attendees can particiWay of Kershaw County Caring Hearts Ball is back! The 2022 ball, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Wil- pate in live and silent auctions that include local liam Cantey, will take place at 833 S. Broad Street and international vacation packages, grills, coolers, on Sat., February 26 from 7-11 pm. Join us for paintings by local artists, gift cards from various dancing, fun, food, and drinks! The ball is a black- businesses and restaurants, and more. Any and all tie event, and all proceeds from the ball benefit donations are welcome. Tickets are $90 for a couple and $50 for a single. New Day Transitional Housing. Music provided by The Finesse Band and Lil- They are limited and may be purchased at www. fred’s Creative Catering will be providing heavy kershawrotary22.givesmart.com. Please like and hors d’oeuvres. Complimentary beer, wine, and follow us on Facebook as well. Questions can be directed to Chip Hardy at 803-261-3402. spirits will be served throughout the night. “We would like to thank all of our generous Tickets are $100 and are available for purchase. Purchase tickets online at www.uwkc.net or from sponsors, donors of auction items, and the entire the United Way office at 110 E. Dekalb St., in community who continue to support this great event. They, along with the dedicated committee Camden. Tables can be sponsored for $1,500 and include members and volunteers, allow us to provide more 10 tickets, a complimentary bottle of champagne, scholarships each year,” says Dr. Brian Spilker, chairman of the Wild Game Dinner committee. and advertising for you or your business.

The CJWL is accepting applications for its Spring Classroom Enrichment Grants. These mini-grants of up to $500 are open to all Kershaw County School District educators for classroom, NO FAMILY HUNGRY will be serving at project, and extracurricular support. The purpose Elgin Town Hall on Wednesdays in February on of these grants is to support enrichment areas 2/9/2022 and 2/23/2022 and also in March on such as math, science, history, language and writ3/9/2022 and 3/23/2022. ing, arts, physical education, life skills, and special We will continue to serve twice a month. education for students with disabilities. ApplicaIf you would like to help on those dates, or make tions must be submitted online by Friday, Februany donations, please contact Blanketing Families ary 18th. The link to the grant application form at 803-470-4232; or Father’s House at 803-240- can be found on the League’s website at www. 3814; and please leave a message. camdenleague.org.

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February 11, 2022

LEHS Wrestling Team Finishes In Final Four

Lugoff-Elgin Wrestling completed their team season on Wednesday, February 9th with a 47-24 loss at home to defending State Champions Eastside High School. The Demons finished the season with a 32-5 record, in front of a record crowd at LEHS. The starting line-up for Wednesday's match included: Jeremiah Barzanti, Shane Richburg, Ryland Griggs, Erick James, Kadine Perry, Shawn Perry, Justin Brazzell, Wade Lemonds, Rone Ferris, Cameron Reddick, Carson Miles, Ethan Korn, Nate Auten, Johnathan Sirard, Troy Evans and Kerrington Charles.

The Demons are lead by Head Coach Ted Monroe, and assistant coaches Joe Carron, Jay Murray, Mat Mendelssohn, Eric Cooper, Brice Carron, Rick Jay and Derrick Robinson. Next up for the Demons is Upper State individual qualifying matches for State, which will be held on February 18th at Eastside. Congratulations to the Demons on a fantastic season against a very difficult schedule. Finishing in the top four in the AAAA division is quite an accomplishment. You are all a credit to your team, your coaches, your family and your community.

LEHS To Offer AP Capstone Diploma Program

Lugoff-Elgin High School (LEHS) is one of approximately 2,000 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone Diploma™ program - an innovative program that encourages students to develop skills for college and career success, including critical thinking, research, collaboration and communication. The program consists of two yearlong courses taken in sequence: AP® Seminar and AP Research. “The AP Capstone program will prepare our diverse student population to become skilled collaborators, critical thinkers, and consumers of information,” said LEHS Principal Corey Wright. “The Capstone courses will give students the flexibility to explore the complex topics affecting their lives, and we are excited to see their research.” Students who score a three or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing earn the AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of collegelevel academic and research skills. Students who

score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research (and not on 4 additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™. LEHS will start offering AP Seminar in the fall of 2022. Wright said that in the AP Seminar—typically taken in 10th or 11th grade—students choose real-world topics and evaluate them from multiple perspectives. “Students identify credibility and bias in sources and develop arguments in support of a recommendation.” The LEHS principal also explained that in the subsequent AP Research course, students design and execute a college-level research project on a topic of personal interest. Students receive firsthand experience in writing a research question, executing an appropriate method, analyzing data, presenting their results, and defending their findings. Both AP Capstone™ courses are project-based, and students are required to deliver written arguments, collaborate in teams, and deliver profes-

sional multimedia presentations as part of their AP Exams. “The AP Capstone courses enable students to explore real-world issues in great depth through research and collaboration,” said Rushi Sheth, Executive Director of the AP Capstone Diploma program. He adds, “This provides terrific opportunities for students to write and present their work effectively, both individually and in teams—the skills professors and employers are demanding.” In partnership with the higher education community, College Board developed AP Capstone so students can practice and master skills that serve them well in college and career. “We’re excited more schools are offering the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Kedra Ishop, vice president for enrollment management at the University of Southern California. “We believe the research, collaboration, and presentation skills taught in the two courses will be valuable to students throughout their academic and professional careers.”

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February 11, 2022

Lugoff-Elgin Middle (LEMS) and Camden Middle (CMS) have earned the national honor of being re-designated as a "School to Watch." This is the first time that CMS has been redesignated, having earned the original honor in 2019. LEMS was the first school in the state to be named as a School to Watch (STW) in 2007 and has earned the honor every three years since. "Earning national recognition as a School to Watch recognizes the exemplary programs at these schools," said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Shane Robbins. "Receiving the honor more than one time shows the commitment of both the LEMS and CMS school communities to maintain this high standard of excellence." Sponsored by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, Schools to Watch have outstanding academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structures. The program began in 1999 and South Carolina joined the National Forum in 2006 and currently has 30 schools that have earned the award.

Mayor Drakeford Visits CLC

Camden Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford recently spoke with CLC students about career paths and employability skills as well as her role and responsibilities as Camden Mayor. CLC is also celebrating Black History Month the month of February; Mayor Drakeford made history as the first African-American elected as Camden Mayor. She shared her journey with the students, faculty, and staff.

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February 11, 2022

Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office Not All Drug Problems Can Be Resolved With Handcuffs

In 2018, we had a record setting 37 drug overdose deaths in Kershaw County. Prior to 2018, our record was 8. NARCAN (medication that reverses the effect of opioid overdose) came and drastically cut that number down to 12 in 2019. Unfortunately, NARCAN was only a bandaid for the problem. Our deaths started rising again in 2020. We currently estimate overdose deaths for 2021 to be as high as 36 (pending toxicology reports). Our families, friends, and neighbors are dying from overdoses of this street poison. Your KCSO makes multiple arrests on dealers and users. As we all know, our court system is overwhelmed with cases and our jails are always full. Arrestees are often able to make bond within days of being arrested. A short stay in jail will never deter someone from using illegal drugs when they are not even deterred by death from overdosing. Good rehabilitation programs can help. But, they have to want it. Nobody can be forced to get rehab. They have to want help and will need all the support they can get when they are ready for help. Unfortunately, most rehab

Sheriff Lee Boan

programs are getting as backed up as our court systems. This is a community problem and EVERYONE needs to help. We can’t keep blaming this problem entirely on law enforcement, judges, court systems, mental health, hospitals, parents, schools, etc. We need to start doing our part to prevent our families and friends from experimenting with illegal drugs. The best way to beat a drug addiction is to never start using drugs. We also need to encourage and support rehab for those who are already addicted. We can’t give up on them. Yes, your KCSO will keep doing our job. We will continue to arrest the dealers and users of unlawful drugs. We are also working to have all of your elementary and middle school SROs (School Resource Officers) trained in D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) so we can try to deter illegal drug use at an early age. Our drug problem will not be solved by law enforcement alone. We need everyone’s help. We can’t arrest away our drug problem. All drug problems can’t be resolved with handcuffs.

Announcement of the SC Senate Rural Action Caucus Senator Penry Gustafson has announced plans to form a special interest caucus titled, “SC Senate Rural Action Caucus.” This caucus is the first in the South Carolina General Assembly designed to specifically focus on addressing and meeting the needs of rural counties. The Senate Rural Action Caucus (SRAC) is designed to be a bipartisan group of South Carolina Senators working together to find solutions to specific challenges in rural South Carolina such as healthcare access, agri-business, educational opportunities, and funding community services. The long-term goal of the caucus is to enable the highest standard of living in rural areas. To provide a roadmap to achieving this goal, Sen. Gustafson offers a legislative policy agenda that includes “protecting agricultural tax exemptions, improving healthcare access to professionals and facilities, increasing funding for county roads and bridges, protecting natural resources, increasing economic [development] and job growth,

Belle of the Ball Seeking Donations

Prom season is right around the corner and the Camden Junior Welfare League is seeking donations of gently used prom gowns, shoes, purses, jewelry and other accessories. Donations from local business, such as unopened makeup, silk flower corsages and boutonnieres, restaurant gift cards, and vouchers for prom-related services such as hair and nails are also very appreciated. The League offers these items – free of charge - to Kershaw County teens with limited resources. Donations may be dropped off at City Laundry and Cleaners locations in Camden, Lugoff and Elgin, The Edge of Broad Street, 938 Broad Street in downtown Camden, or by contacting any member of the League. Donations will be accepted until February 18th. Young women interested in booking an appointment for the annual “Belle of the Ball” Boutique Day should contact their school guidance counselor. For additional information, email camdenjuniorwelfareleague@gmail.com or call 803-713-7302. February 11, 2022

finding funding solutions for water, sewer, roads, fire and law enforcement, ensuring the protection of private property rights, tax incentives for smaller business development, focusing resources on growing small businesses.” The development of the SRAC is the most recent initiative created by Sen. Gustafson to improve the quality of life for rural South Carolinians. The creation of the caucus is a result of Senator Gustafson’s efforts to advance rural infrastructure, including roadway safety initiatives and emergency services. Gustafson states, “Being told that every household in South Carolina will have access to the internet and knowing how many do not currently have this basic necessity, I am counting on this coalition to hold leaders accountable to their promises. Internet services are as vital to the individual as electricity. Our rural constituents need strong advocates who can provide legislative pressure to follow through on all rural initiatives.”

Arts Center Donation

The Duke Energy Foundation generously donated $10,000 for the Preservation of the Douglas Reed House, located on the campus of the Arts Center of Kershaw County. Pictured above at right, Quinetta M. Buterbaugh District Manager-Government and Community Relations, presents a check to Arts Center Executive Director Dolly Patton. Be sure to drive by and see the work that has been done on the Douglas Reed House - it’s beautiful again!

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

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

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