Volume 17, No. 3A
“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff, Camden and Northeast Columbia”
March 12, 2021
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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
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From The Chairman's Desk Not Yet...
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
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
Americans love anniversaries. This edition of the Elgin News arrives at the Pandemic’s one year mark. A full year with COVID as uninvited companion passed by, with emergent hope at last. I appeal in this “anniversary” edition to be thankful, while embracing the same successful techniques that got us thus far, and to get through COVID and out of this dilemma. Though the vaccines arrived just in time, beware: “vaccines don’t stop viruses; vaccinations do.” So, take advantage of a blessing not available to our ancestors in the Spanish Flu in 1918: get the shots. There are months more of common-sense courtesy and discipline in wearing the mask, distancing and hygiene – and pressing on with inoculations. As the BIBLE suggests: we live “in between,” where joy is eternally assured, but not yet. St. Paul says we must “run the race.” So, too, in our contest with an unrelenting, sometimes deadly virus. While success is in view, we live in between the “Already” and the “Not Yet.” Our Governor last week lifted some of the bans, allowing more movement, and now what he calls Phase 1B, where shots are open to those 55 years old. All good. Meanwhile, scientists and media are busy speculating that “herd immunity” might arrive in May. Only speculation for sure, because we must persevere in the real world where our final hope is realized more slowly, ever so slowly at first, and then SUDDENLY – but not yet. Sure, we are all tired of this trial. Take heart from emergent good news after our year of endurance, bravely shown in business, schools, worship, hospitals and family life. Press on to the goal, with confidence in the tools we have at hand to protect, to heal and to cure -- not in panic or fear, but with a clear resolve.
See CHAIRMAN'S, Page 5 >>
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 March 12, 2021
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March 12, 2021
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3
Remembering Leslie M. Stover
son. Leslie taught agriculture classes for six years before becoming principal of Blaney High School in 1966. In the 1971-1972 school year, Leslie Stover opened the doors at the new Most Elgin residents could give directions LEHS as the first principal. He helped with the plans for the new school to the Leslie M. Stover Middle School lo- campus and the closing of Blaney High. One of his first students said, “God cated 1649 Smyrna Rd, but many of these sent you to minister. It made moving from Blaney to LE as a sophomore a community-minded members do not know little less scary to know Mr. Stover was going with us.” In 1973, Mr. Stover returned to his beloved Blaney Elementary as the the man whose name the school honors. Leslie Stover and his twin brother Frank principal. Melissa Brazell Emmons currently Elgin’s mayor said, “Mr. Stover were born March 10, 1929. They grew up in was a principal whom I respected. He was always kind to the students and Heath Springs, South Carolina and gradu- knew each of us by our first names. He praised us when we did well and of course, disciplined us when we made poor choices. I have always admired his ated from high school in 1946. Leslie attended Clemson, majoring in agriculture/education from 1946 – leadership, and I am grateful for his influence in my life.” Leslie M. Stover retired as Blaney Elementary School’s principal June 30, 1951. During this time, the United States became involved in the communist conflict in Asia. The Soviet Union sided with North Korea. The United States 1986. He was involved with the planning and building of the new Blaney entered the war June 25,1950 supporting South Korea. Leslie graduated with Elementary School and worked with the Kershaw County School District a BS degree in 1951 and entered the army as a lieutenant after graduation. for another six months after retirement to oversee that the furniture and all He was overseas in Korea for two years and saw the devastation and poverty the new features were in place. Leslie was also involved in the American Legion, Lions’ Club and Salem caused by the war. He often spoke to friends and family of the sadness he felt for the soldiers who did not return, and the plight of the people who lived United Methodist Church. Leslie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his large vegetable garden. He shared his crops with neighbors and friends. there. He designed the plans for his home on Pine Crest Drive, Lugoff. He enWhen the war ended, Leslie returned home and married his college sweetheart Cornelia. Leslie met Cornelia by being her “pen pal “when she was a joyed working in his grape vineyards that he planted in his backyard. Another freshman at Winthrop. The girls were required to write letters to the Clem- interest Leslie had since he was young was music, and often on Friday nights son military cadets. After six weeks of written correspondence between the he could be found at Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor in Columbia playing his Martin two, the friendship turned into a courtship. They married June 20, 1953 and guitar in a band of seniors. Leslie also played string bass and the mandolin. He was a big fan of Bluegrass music. moved to Estill where they both taught school. In talking with his wife Cornelia, she shared her favorite memories of travWhile teaching vocational agriculture at Estill High School, Leslie’s students placed first in the state in soil judging for crops’ suitability. In 1960 eling with Leslie to visit family and friends. His favorite subject was Clemwhen this was awarded, 7,500 boys in SC were enrolled in vocational agri- son. During football season they were both there at Death Valley to cheer the Tigers. In 1981 they drove all the way to Miami, Florida to see Clemson culture classes. In 1960 Leslie and Cornelia moved to Elgin and taught in the Blaney University win its first National Championship with a Tiger’s tail hanging schools. Leslie received his Masters in School Administration from the Uni- from their car’s trunk. To be continued… versity of South Carolina and an honorary State Farm Degree from ClemBy: Liz Simon Staff Writer
LEHS National Honor Society
Lugoff Elgin High School National Honor Society members have been very generous this year. In January, their service project was for local heroes - Kershaw County Sheriff 's Department and Lugoff Fire Department. The students made 50 individual goody bags for the Sheriff 's office. The bags included water, Gatorade, and snacks to eat on-the-go (granola bars, crackers, gum, etc.). The National Honor Society officers also delivered cases of water and Gatorade, along with convenient snacks, to our local firefighters at Lugoff Fire Department. In February, NHS delivered 35 individual Cancer Care Packages to KershawHealth. Over 275 items were donated to help those who are battling cancer!
Left, NHS members deliver Cancer Care Packages to KershawHealth. Above, NHS delivers water, Gatorade and other supplies to Lugoff Fire-Rescue. 4
March 12, 2021
From the Chief 's Desk
I hope everyone’s year is going great so far. 2021 seems to be speeding by, it is already March! In this article I would like to talk about a couple of positive things going on in the Elgin Police Dept. and Town Hall. First, we now have a food pantry that allows us to keep our Blessing Box fully stocked. This gives us a clean, safe place to store the food inside of Town Hall. And please keep the food donations coming. Your donations are how the Blessing Box remains full. Next, I would like to let everyone know how proud I am of our Po-
lice Dept. Recently we have had an Officer out with surgery (not Covid related). While he has been recovering, all of our other Officers have stepped up and covered his shifts. They have done this without complainant, nor hesitation. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that we can work together and do what is necessary to continue to serve and protect Elgin. Thank you.
Chief Alan Anders
Elgin Incident Reports
Civil Disturbance: On 3/5/21, Officer was dispatched to the Bojangles, located on Main Street in Elgin concerning threats. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with complainant/victim who was parked in her vehicle. Complainant related that she was going through the drive-through and had a verbal disagreement with the employee at the window (Subject). She stated that the employee had made a comment similar to "I should slap the b!#&h". Complainant stated that she was physically fine, but still a bit upset about how she had been treated. Other employees confirmed that raised voices were heard on both sides (Complainant and Subject). Case to be reviewed. Information Only: I was dispatched to a call about a possible hit and run at Blaney Elementary School in the Town Limits of Elgin. I arrived and spoke with Complainant who stated she believed her vehicle had been "keyed." I looked at the vehicle, which was parked in the designated handicapped spot, and observed the damage was very minor on the rear passenger side door. The damage also did not appear to be fresh and wiped away. SC Tag and 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Complainant's handicapped placard was expired and she was issued a Town Ordinance Summons for illegally parking in the designated handicapped parking. Assisting EMS: Officer was dispatched to a call about a female employee at Subway attempting to cut her wrist because she got fired. I arrived with Chief and spoke with the owner. The owner stated that he had to fire Subject, and she began trying to cut her self with a pocket knife
that belonged to her. We called EMS once they arrived Subject was turned over to them and transported to the hospital. The knife Subject had was taken for safe keeping. Shoplifting: Officer was dispatched to Family Dollar in reference to a shoplifting that had occurred. When I arrived to the scene the staff stated that white female wearing a blue and white shirt attempted to leave the store with four dollars worth of miscellanies beauty products stowed in a cart. A staff member confronted the female as she passed the last point of sale. The female then exited the store in an expeditious manner which allowed the employee to recover the property. I conducted a brief foot patrol around the exterior of the property adjacent to Family Dollar which resulted in me locating the Suspect who was later identified by her S.C. D.L. Subject was placed in an investigative detention until her identity was confirmed by Family Dollar staff. Subject was issued citation for shoplifting and was released from the scene without incident. A statement was filed from Family Dollar employee. Vandalism of Property: Officer was dispatched to Dogwood Avenue for a vandalism. Officer met with Complainant in his driveway. Behind the house his GMC Yukon was parked since 0700 hrs. This afternoon his girlfriend said when she drove up she saw the back glass broken out. Officer found no usable prints or tracks and Complainant stated nothing was taken. Officer checked the area for outside cameras and found none. Officer talked with a neighbor and they saw nothing.
CHAIRMAN'S DESK, Continued from Page 2 How are we in Kershaw County doing? The charts below show that our cases and morbidity are gradually improving. The long Winter’s isolation drove us indoors during Holidays that increased our vulnerability in closed spaces; COVID cases rocketed up: twice as bad as July, which itself was terrible. The “surge” in cases was avoidable but predictable, and, more so, regrettable. We suffered 6000 sick to the virus and over 100 deaths cumulatively to date. That now promises to improve -- though still unacceptably high. As we say in football: “Fourth Quarter’s ours!...” but we all know that the final quarter is where games are won and lost. Second, we are a long, long way from an end which brings the Plague to conclusion (or “Herd Immunity”). Americans are neither “herds,” nor sheep or a gaggle of geese. The image of barns and stalls comes to mind: ridiculous. Rather, take this image: that eventually many who can get sick may have already been sick and the rest of us protected by the wall of healthy folks who have immunity by shots or exposure. Not yet! For the present, the more of us that can spread disease then the more it spreads. The opposite is true: that the more of us masked, previously sick or inoculated and thus immune then the March 12, 2021
fewer of us are transmitters. Herd immunity may one day make the virus, and its mutating cousins, more nuisance than threat: “endemic” not pandemic. Not yet. Let’s look at the numbers: Johns Hopkins University and other scientists speculate that some 50% already have immunity, natural or otherwise. Perhaps. Speculation -- as a known unknown. Add to that the some 18% of the population who have had the shots. If we can only increase the level of vaccination – the “shots” – then we stand a better chance to build towards crushing the virus. True, only the irresponsible among us suggest we should build collective immunity by allowing the virus to rip through our populations. True, also, that there are among us those who say it is all a hoax. We have already had enough of that reckless talk. We now know what works. So, how does this all end? I cite a playground lesson from Kindergarten: climbing down from a great height is as dangerous as climbing up: the backyard tree, the ladder, the stairs. We long ago resolved that the way “out” is the way “through”: to end by getting on with our lives and livelihood, by masking even with the vaccine, and social distancing, because we are and will remain #KERSHAWSTRONG.
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Miss Gold & Black, Junior Miss Gold & Black
Mary Boucher, center, 2021 Miss Gold & Black. From left, Ava Neal, Miss Photogenic; Alyson Goodwin, Miss Junior; Mary Boucher; Halee Man, Miss Senior; and Ella Chandler, Miss Congeniality.
Taryn Greene, center, Junior Miss Gold & Black From left; Joy Back, Miss Congeniality and Best Interview; Caroline Cassidy, Miss Freshman; Taryn Greene; Arieyanna Wactor, Miss Sophomore and Meg Grumbach, Miss Photogenic. Photos Courtesy Johnny Deal, BowTie Photography. ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
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March 12, 2021
Read Across America Week
Students, Teachers, Faculty and Staff at Kershaw County schools celebrated Read Across America last week with fun-filled spirit days including "Wacky Sock Day" and "Hat Day" and more, and of course lots and lots of reading!
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Sandhills Medical Local Scholarship Fund Honors Elgin Teen Media Release Jaden Phillips Memorial Scholarship To Benefit LEHS Graduates
On March 5, Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc. (“Sandhills”) notified its patients that one of its vendors experienced a ransomware attack and the personal information of Sandhills’ patients was affected. The vendor specializes in providing health care and accounting entities with cloudbased storage. The vendor provided storage for Sandhills’ practice management and reporting systems. On January 8, 2021, the vendor informed Sandhills that it experienced a ransomware attack that affected Sandhills’ systems and data stored in them. The vendor’s investigation established that the attackers used compromised credentials to access their system on September 23. The attackers accessed Sandhills’ systems on November 15, and exfiltrated (took) Sandhills’ data before the ransomware attack was launched on December 3. The vendor reported the attack to law enforcement and hired a cybersecurity firm to investigate and respond to the attack. The vendor paid the attackers to return the data and received assurances that copies of the data were deleted/destroyed. Since the attack, the vendor has implemented additional security measures. Sandhills determined that patient medical records, lab results, and medications, as well as credit card and bank account numbers, were not affected. The affected information included patient names, dates of birth, mailing and email addresses, driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers, as well as claims information which could be used to determine diagnoses/conditions. Sandhills notified appropriate federal and state agencies and the national credit reporting agencies about the breach. In addition, Sandhills is offering one year of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection to all affected patients. For questions about how to enroll in the free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, affected patients should call 1-888-236-0854. To speak directly with Sandhills’ Compliance Officer about this incident, patients should call 1-800688-5525.
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Spring Shearing Farm Day
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A memorial scholarship fund has been established to honor the life and legacy of Jaden Corwin-Ray Phillips (2001–2020), an Elgin, South Carolina teenager who died following a boat wreck in May of 2020. The fund will be housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation. The scholarship is open to seniors graduating from Lugoff-Elgin High School who plan to attend a college, university, community college or vocational-technical school. Jaden was a 2019 graduate of Lugoff-Elgin High School (Lugoff, South Carolina) where he played football for the L-E High Demons and was a member of Beta Club. He was an avid outdoorsman devoting much of his free time to hunting, fishing and boating. Jaden was excited about finishing his first year at Anderson University, with plans to graduate from Clemson University with dual degrees Jaden Phillips in Math and Mechanical Engineering. Jaden was widely known in his schools and throughout his community for being a caring supportive friend, confidant, and encourager—in addition to being a carefree, fun-loving, goof-ball! “Our hearts are broken and our lives forever changed by Jaden’s death,” says his mother, Sabria Phillips. “But we are grateful to be able to be able to honor his life and carry on his legacy in a school and the community that Jaden loved." Eligible students can obtain information and apply for the Jaden Phillips Memorial Scholarship through The Lugoff-Elgin High School counseling office. Persons interested in donating to the scholarship fund can do so through the Community Foundation’s website at www.yourfoundation.org/givenow/scholarship-fund by selecting the Jaden Phillips Scholarship Fund from the “Designation” list. Central Carolina Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible.
803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com March 12, 2021
Jackson School Plaque Rededication
On Thursday, Feb. 25, at 10:00 a.m., the Continuous Learning Center (CLC) students, faculty, and staff hosted a rededication of the Jackson School plaque from 1988. Jackson School alumni were in attendance. A special thank you to Jackson School alumni Mrs. Margaret Lawhorn and Mr. Ted Haley, for coordinating alumni attendance. Woolard Technology Center students Ameer Blow and Corbin Hoffman, along with Welding Technologies, Digital Art and Design, and Auto Collision Repair and Carpentry students, refurbished the plaque, which will be permanently displayed in CLC's lobby. In conjunction with Black History Month, the Camden Archives and Museum provided photographs and historical information to CLC students, faculty, and staff about Jackson Schools. CLC Special Projects Coordinator Kim Stokes created a slideshow with Jackson yearbook photos and information about all the Jackson schools in KC. Students have been learning about the Jackson Schools, and have written letters to alumni. Woolard Technology Center Culinary Arts Instructor Bryan Catoe and his students provided a Above: Jackson School Alumni pose with the rededicated plaque; KCSD Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins, "grab and go" breakfast for the alumni and special KC School Board Chairman James Smith, Woolard Technology Assistant Dr. John Thompson, CLC Director Casey Faulkenberry, and Camden Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford also appear with alumni. visitors.
Miss Patriot Pageant Principal of the Year
Pictured (left to right): KCSD Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins, David Burns, North Central Middle School held its annual Miss Patriot Pageant on Weyland Burns, Kershaw County College and Career Navigator Bridgett Bailey February 26th in the North Central High School auditorium. Rosemary and Adult Education Teacher LeKeith Bufford. Stukes was named Miss Patriot 2020-2021. Rosemary is a seventh grade Adult Education Director Weyland Burns was named KCSD 2021 Princistudent at the school and daughter of Kurtis and Crystal Stukes of Cassatt. pal of the Year. Burns was selected after a vote of school and district adminMiss Patriot Runner up was Addie Bittner. istrators and has served in his position since 2011. Other winning titles presented during the evening were Miss Congeniality Under Burns' leadership, the Kershaw County Adult Education Pro& Miss 8th Grade to Alyssa Faulkenberry, Miss Fan Favorite, Miss Stars & gram received the SC Department of Education's “Stepped Up to the Plate Stripes & Miss 7th Grade to Makayla Gainey, and Miss 6th Grade to Catie Award” for developing innovative solutions to address the challenges from Bittner. the pandemic.
March 12, 2021
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Thanks to a Distinguished Arts Program grant from the SC Department of Education, 3rd graders at Doby's Mill Elementary were able to work with visiting theatrical artists, The Baillie Players, for 5 days t learn about theatre and acting through training for a production of Peter Pan. The students practiced safe practices while rehearsing and performing for their 2nd grade peers while their parents and friends watched virtually through Facebook Live. 3rd grade virtual students were also offered singing roles to be filmed at home and included in the professional video that will be shared with interested parties at a date in the near future. The students were so thankful to be able to take part in this annual 3rd grade tradition. Pictured are pirates: Landon Waltz, Caydence Crippen-Powell, Keston Cunningham, Aislyn McGonigle, Lucy Breadberry, McKenzie Humphries, William Gordon, and Jocelyn Boback.
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March 12, 2021
Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office
Your KCSO in 2020
Like so many other agencies, your KCSO had a tough 2020. We were fortunate enough to only have 17 deputies contract COVID-19 with no more than six out of work at one time. The virus limited us on face-to-face contact with our great citizens. New “virtual” technology was forced on many of us. Many businesses and government agencies closed. However, at no time was your KCSO closed for business. Your KCSO answered 33,104 calls for service, filed 4,749 incident reports, performed 4,074 traffic stops, made 1,918 total arrests (738 felony arrests), served 1,351 warrants, wrote 3,921 traffic citations, and served 3,676 civil papers. Our total arrests increased by 16% (felony arrests increased by 35%). Domestic violence saw an increase of 21% while other assaults decreased by 21%. Kershaw County’s total homicides increased from 3 to 8 while our suicide deaths dropped from 21 to 8. Our total traffic stops were down 30% last year. However, our DUI arrests increased 19%, failure to stop for blue lights increased by 26%, and vehicle pursuits increased by 10%. Even though methamphetamine charges increased by 25% and heroin charges increased by 3%, overall drug charges decreased by 15%. We began tracking drug overdose calls and Narcan use in 2020. Narcan is an FDA approved nasal spray for the treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Your KCSO deputies responded to 49 overdose calls and administered Narcan during 23 of those calls. Our growing issues in 2020 were use of force incidents, catalytic converter theft, and firearms stolen from unsecured vehicles. Use of force incidents were up 125%. This could be due to any of three factors: 1) increase in arrests made from 2019 to 2020, 2) reduced trust in law enforcement in our cur-
rent climate has led to a decrease in compliance with law enforcement, and 3) KCSO changed Sheriff Lee Boan reporting procedures to document every time we touch someone during an arrest other than placing handcuffs on them and putting them in our patrol cars. We reported the use of some type of force in approximately 7.5% of all arrests made in 2020 compared to 3.9% in 2019. Our thefts from motor vehicles increased by 3% and motor vehicle thefts increased by 7%. Catalytic converter thefts spiked in 2020. Criminals steal catalytic converters for the precious metals inside them including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. A thief can get hundreds of dollars for each converter they sell. Firearms stolen from unsecured vehicles increased over 75%. On average, criminals got their hands on at least one unsecured firearm every week in Kershaw County during 2020. Let’s end this article on a good note. Your KCSO has fully implemented Power DMS computer system that allows deputies digital access to all of our new policies and procedures. In the near future, Power DMS will greatly improve our ability to receive and maintain accreditation for the first time in KCSO’s history. We are also well on our way to establishing the first CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) Unit in KCSO’s history. An $80k grant has been awarded to your KCSO to purchase the first AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) in our history. We are also well on our way to a Live Scan (fingerprint scanner) to assist in sex offender registry. The year 2020 was only a speed bump for us. We will continue to pave the way to a bright future for your KCSO and the great citizens of Kershaw County.
City of Camden Municipal Court To Resume
The City of Camden will resume its court operations once again at the Historic Robert Mills Courthouse, located at 607 Broad Street in Camden. Nonjury trials are to resume on March 24, 2021 and jury trials will resume on May 12, 2021 at this same location. The Welcome Center at the Robert Mills Courthouse will remain open on the first floor while Municipal Court is being conducted in the courtroom on the second floor. The City of Camden Municipal Court has employed several measures to ensure everyone’s safety. In addition to requiring the maintenance of social distancing, court hearings are staggered so that there are no more than ten (10) hearings per hour to minimize contact. Additionally, everyone who enters Robert Mills Courthouse will have his/her temperature checked and will be required to wear a face covering. A face covering will be provided for an individual who does not have access to one. All court personnel will be required to wear face coverings as well. There will be an option to remain in your vehicle until your specific matter is called before the Court. The Court is also providing multiple hand-sanitizing stations, “sneeze guards,” and will be actively cleaning the Robert Mills Courthouse to minimize any health risks. Individuals, victims, and witnesses are being separately notified of the rescheduled date and time to appear at Robert Mills Courthouse for the respective hearing. The City of Camden requests that if an individual is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if an individual has had close contact with an individual experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19, this information should be communicated to the Clerk of Court, The Honorable Belinda Davis, at 803-432-2421, ext. 102 or via email at beldavis@camdensc.org so that the matter may be rescheduled.
March 12, 2021
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Mediators facilitate and improve communication between parties, while still allowing the parties to make the final decision.
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