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From The Mayor's Desk By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
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
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council was held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. All members of Council were present. The Invocation was given by Mayor Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Brad Hanley. The first order of business was the approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Ed Smith, with a unanimous vote from Council. There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum. Council adopted the agenda for the meeting. Motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. There were no new Business Licenses approved for March 2022. There were no new Charity Permit Requests for March 2022. Always remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. Also, please remember to support the businesses in the Elgin Community and shop local. There were no Complaints for the month of March 2022. In Old Business, Council amended the 2021-2022 Budget to include the following information: General Ledger #6516-Revenue-ARPA Funds-$394,541.34 and General Ledger #7401-ExpenseARPA Funds-$394,541.34. Motion was made by Councilman Ed Smith, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from Council. There was some discussion from Councilman Brad Hanley about designating separate General Ledger #’s for various capital projects and/or maintaining a separate budget that would include this data. In New Business, Councilwoman Dana Sloan informed Council that she had been contacted by a representative for Blaney High School Class of 1965 Alumni and they would like to do something at Potter Community Park to honor Dr. Rabon Rogers. They mentioned a bench or something of that nature that would be permanent and they would like to commemorate the event at possibly the upcoming Elgin Catfish Stomp Festival. Chief Anders was not present at the meeting, therefore, there were no updates from the department. In Council Briefing, Councilman Brad Hanley had no report. Councilman Paul Rizzo had no report. Councilman Ed Smith had no report. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons requested that Council move the date of the July 5th meeting to July 12th to avoid any scheduling conflicts with vacations and Council agreed. Motion was made by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from Council. Mayor Emmons also reminded Council of the following upcoming events: (1) April 22nd @ 7:30-Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast at the Woolard Technology Center in Camden and (2) May-TBD @ 7:30-Kershaw County State of the County Breakfast at the Kershaw County Recreation Office in Camden. Mayor Emmons also informed Council of a recent Stop Work Order for a project located in Jeffers Circle that was in violation of the Stormwater Ordinance. It has been resolved and is in compliance with DHEC’s requirements. Attorney John Wells Informed Council of a recent challenge of one of the town’s criminal ordinances that are enforced by the Police Department. He requested that the criminal ordinances be placed on the town website with the zoning ordinances to make it easier for the public to access them. After some discussion, he was informed that Chief Anders had already made the same request and the task has been completed. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, May 3 2022, at 6:00 pm. If you miss a meeting, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. Just remember that when you are informed, you are empowered. Also, we now broadcast our monthly council meetings live on the “Town of Elgin” Facebook Page. Feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com.
The Elgin News builds community and brings people together by informing everyone about local businesses, services, schools organizations, government, activities, events and other information useful for becoming involved. It helps those who live and work in Elgin to get to know each other as people and to become friends. The Elgin News accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or articles. Advertisements and articles are accepted with the full responsibility of the advertiser for worth and accuracy. Readers who wish to comment or have concerns regarding advertisements contained herein are urged to phone the Elgin News at (803) 513-5108 or (803) 466-4604. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation. Rates are net - discount agreements must be reflected on the publication order. Invoices due on receipt. Tearsheets and proofs available upon request. Advertising setup, changes and publication verification are provided at no charge. 15% agency comm. is 30-days firm. Photography charges negotiable. By-line articles are the property of the contributor and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com April 28, 2022
April 28, 2022
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Prom: The Annual Rite of Spring
After holding the Prom for over ten years at Rhame Arena, the event moved to the Camden Shrine Club because of a scheduling conflict at Rhame. The It is officially prom season at all the Ker- location changed again in 1987 when the decision was made to host the shaw County High Schools. Outfits have prom in Columbia because many couples made dinner reservations in the been purchased, flowers ordered, and reserva- Capital City. The USC Russell House Ballroom hosted our students for sevtions for dining have been made. The LEHS eral years. Then it was back to Kershaw County and the Camden Conference prom is scheduled for Friday, April 29. Center (Health Resource Center) and then to the beautiful cafeteria at the I really enjoyed being a part of this spe- school. That year 1997 was the year the Junior Class decided not to continue cial event when I attended my first LE High paying a high rental fee for a facility because they could not decorate as they Prom in 1980 as one of the teacher chaper- wanted to do. I remember that year the decorations transformed the cafeteria ones. We even had our own reserved table. into an elegant ballroom. In the 1981 Kaleidoscope yearbook editor Cheryl Jenkins wrote, “An EveAll my children and granddaughters attended LE’s Proms. My youngest ning in Paris” was the theme of the (1980) prom. Rhame Arena (City Arena granddaughter Grace had her Junior Prom canceled due to Covid, with the in Camden) was truly converted into an authentic all-French setting. April schools having to cancel all spring events. Last year, her Senior Prom was 18, 1980, dashing young men in tuxedos and young ladies promenaded into held outside on the football field with a dance floor under a huge tent. the prom which lasted from 8 pm to midnight. The Junior Class spent over As I looked back through the LEHS yearbooks and talked with others, $300 on the decorations for the prom. A trickling fountain began the walk- I enjoyed remembering popular prom themes such as “Springtime Magic”, way to the Eiffel Tower. A highlight of the evening was the couples having “Hold on to the Night”, “Lost in a Dream” “Somewhere in Time”, “An Evepictures taken by Molly Nettles, a local professional photographer. I enjoyed ning to Remember “and “In the Still of the Night.” I also remember the having my picture made with my husband that night and that became a tra- changing hair styles of the girls from Lady Di cuts to the sprayed and teased dition for us for every prom that we attended. Big Hair, and “The Rachel” look. I watched the formal fashions for the stuBill Pinckney and the original Drifters and their band played that night, dents change through the decades. That was a night to be with a special as couples danced to the old beach music I had enjoyed and listened to in my someone or a group of close friends. teen years. “This Magic Moment” and “Under the Boardwalk” are still among Do you remember your Prom? I remember the themes of my Junior and my favorite songs. Senior proms: 1964 “Mardi Gras”, 1965 “Seventh Heaven”. From bands to deejays such as Leo Windham and TJ McKay…from sellOne year, I wore a gold satin empire style gown with long white gloves ing candy bars (World's Finest chocolate at one dollar a bar. Most teachers with tiny pearl buttons down the seams from my elbows to my wrists. I had allowed students to eat the candy bars in class) to help the Junior Class fund to unbutton them and take the gloves off when we sat down to eat our bantheir prom. In the 1990’s the juniors sponsored and participated in the Prom quet meal. That was difficult, but long evening gloves were in style. I do not Fashion show. The profit made at this fun event in February funded the Prom remember the menu, but it was printed on my dance card. Those are packed in the spring. Now, tickets are sold for $25-$35 to pay the prom expenses. away with all my high school souvenirs for me to think about some day. By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Guinn Announces Candidacy for KC Chair
Kershaw County needs new leadership. We need responsible leadership that listens to the will of the people. Kershaw County needs fiscally conservative leadership that requires the government to live within its means. We need a County Council Chair that governs transparently and not with backroom quorums where the citizens are left out. We need a balanced budget with an emphasis on public safety, and a council committed to responsible spending and accountable of that budget. These urgent needs are why I’m running for Chair of the Kershaw County Council. Your family and mine deserve better representation. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a local businesswoman and mother of two. My husband, Tripp Guinn, and I own The Catery on Broad, LLC. I am a combat veteran in the South Carolina Army National Guard. I serve as an Apache helicopter pilot in the rank of CW2. My pledge to you is that I will fight for the needs of Kershaw County just as diligently as I fought on the battlefield. We will keep our citizens safe by supporting our fire service and law enforcement agencies. Under my leadership Kershaw County will live within its means. As chair, I will ensure council always listens to the public and considers their perspectives before acting on an issue. Plus, there won’t be any backroom deals. I will make it my business to keep you informed about the business of Kershaw County. It is time to give the power back to the taxpayer. I look forward to working for you and making it truly a great day in Kershaw County.
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Katie Guinn, Candidate for KC County Chairman
April 28, 2022
From the Chief 's Desk
I hope everyone had a great Spring Break and Easter. In this article, I would like to address the parking issues we have had at San Jose on White Pond Rd. I am sure everyone has noticed the yellow caution tape placed by San Jose. After receiving many complaints from citizens, we accessed the situation and addressed the businesses at 1310 White Pond Rd. We asked the business owners and employees to help us stop future parking in the grassy area next to White Pond Rd. This was causing obstructed views when trying to pull out onto White Pond Rd. We have
had vehicle collision in the past and many near misses as a result. We do apologize for the inconvenience and do appreciate the understanding that we have received so far from citizens, business owners and employees. Public safety is our priority. Once again, thank you all for understanding.
Chief Alan Anders
Elgin PD Incident Reports
Information/Juvenile/Ding Dong Ditch: On 04-12-2022 Complainant reported to R/O by phone that on the evening of 04-11-2022 around 1840hrs, three what have believed to be juveniles one black male and two white males rang his door bell and ran off. Complainant ran out the front door of the house and across the street in the woods where they ran to see if he could see what house they may be going to. Complainant stated when he entered the woods after them he stepped on a rock and possibly broke his foot. Complainant stated nothing was taken, Complainant sent Chief Anders home video of the incident. Complainant did seek medical attention for his injury. All three juveniles were located, and parents were informed. Intimidation: On 04/18/2022 at approximately 1330 hours Officer responded to B.P. in reference to an Intimidation Complaint. Once on the scene I met with the Complainant who stated that on 04/12/2022 at approximately 1030 hours, Subject attempted to purchase $20 dollars in gas using a Cash App card at register #2. Complainant stated the transaction
did not go through and Subject was advised the transaction failed. Subject stated to Complainant that $20 dollars had been taken from his Cash App. Complainant informed Subject that she had no way of knowing if money was taken from his Cash App and he needed to contact Cash App. While still inside the store an unknown male paid for $20 dollars worth of gas for Subject. On 04/18/2022 Subject again contacted Complainant at the B.P. asking for his $20 dollars and again she told him he needed to contact Cash App. Complainant said that Subject began to call her a "B&#$h" several times and stated to her that he'll get his money back one way or another. Complainant said she became afraid of what Subject might do and that's why she wanted to file a report. Complainant stated that she did not want to place him on trespass notice because she did not want to upset him anymore. Complainant stated she did not want him hanging out in her parking lot, fearing he might follow her home. Complainant also stated that in the past she has had an angry customer pull a gun on her.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Town Clerk/Clerk of Court
The Town of Elgin is accepting applications for the position of Town Clerk/Clerk of Court. This is a full-time position with benefits and state retirement and this employee reports directly to the Mayor and Town Council. Requires a vocational/technical diploma in accounting, bookkeeping/accounting or related field supplemented by three to five years of general bookkeeping and accounting experience; and the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Salary Range: $31,500 - $51,500 Duties include, but not limited to: Accounting/Bookkeeping duties: Perform a variety of routine to moderately complex accounting functions to include: accounts receivable/accounts payable and related journal entries, account reconciliations, and compile budget information utilizing excel spreadsheets. Make bank deposits, compile payroll data, file quarterly and annual tax filings. Legal and Clerical duties: Record and edit meeting minutes, draft and post agendas, distribute town business correspondence, maintain all financial, legal and reference material and files. Communication duties: Effectively and professionally communicate with staff, management, council, government officials, and the public. Clerk of Court duties: Assist judges with municipal court preparation for cases and trials, enter and maintain LawTrak court records, calculate and disseminate fine collections. This individual must be able to perform in a demanding environment. The position will be open until filled, but the deadline for applications is Friday, May 6, 2022. Job Applications are available on the town website at www.townofelginsc.com under the “FORMS” tab and/or can be picked up directly from Town Hall at 2469 Main Street, Elgin, South Carolina. Please submit resume and application to: The Town of Elgin, Attention Mayor Emmons, PO Box 277, Elgin, SC 29045. For questions, contact Town Hall at 803-438-2362. April 28, 2022
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Lugoff-Elgin High 2022 Hall of Fame
At a banquet held at the LEHS annex, five new inductees were added to the LEHS Hall of Fame. Also, Willie Mickle Drive was officially dedicated, with an official sign unveiling to be held on campus during DemonFest, scheduled for August of this year. The 2022 inductees include: Mr. Ben Connell, Class of 2000 After law school, Ben Connell worked for the largest law firm in South Carolina and one of the top 100 law firms in the country, where he represented numerous small businesses and Fortune 500 companies in various litigation and contractual matters. Nine years ago, Ben joined his father at the Connell Law Firm in Lugoff, where he has represented businesses and individuals by providing much-needed access to legal services across Kershaw County. Ben serves as a civic leader in the surrounding community and has worked to develop various business entities, with large and small companies, to bring more industry into the local area. Since 2016, Ben has served with distinction as an elected member on Kershaw County Council furthering those same ends. LTCol Sean Quigley, Ret., Class of 1988 LTCol Sean Quigley, Ret served 23 years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1993. He is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, with a 23-year career as a helicopter pilot, college instructor, strategic planner, and training coordinator. During his time as a helicopter pilot, he served as a command pilot for the Presidential Helicopter Squadron based in Quantico, VA. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on three separate occasions. He also received the Navy/ Marine Corps Commendation Medal for exceptional and outstanding achievement as well as the National Defense Service Medal for service during an armed conflict. In May 2009, he received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for out-
standing volunteer service at St. William of York School in Stafford, VA. His final assignment was to the US Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command, responsible for the pre-deployment training programs for all forces bound for overseas combat zones. Mrs. Laurie S. Funderburk, Class of 1993 Laurie Slade Funderburk, was appointed by the Biden Administration to serve as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in South Carolina in October 2021. Prior to this appointment, she served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2004 to 2020. Funderburk also volunteers with local and statewide organizations that work to improve community health and access to nutrition. Currently, Funderburk serves as a Commissioner for the South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission, and she serves as the Health and Wellness Committee Chair for Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church in Camden, SC. SGM Thomas Patrick Payne, Class of 2002 SGM Thomas Patrick Payne, Class of 2002, has served 17 combat deployments. On September 11, 2020, President Donald Trump awarded SGM Payne with a Medal of Honor in recognition of his brave actions during a rescue operation in October of 2015. During this joint operation with the Kurdish Counter-Terrorism Group, Payne faced the intense opposition of enemy gunfire, yet he persevered. Even after receiving orders to evacuate a collapsing building, Payne remained to ensure all others had safely left the facility. His heroic and selfless actions resulted in the freeing of 70 Iraqi prisoners. Dr. Lori M. Pindar, Class of 2005 Dr. Lori M. Pindar earned a PhD from Clemson University, where she currently serves as the director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Communication. In this position, Lori
coordinates all advising procedures and implementations for the 300 majors in the Communication and Sports Communication programs. While she cultivates external relationships to create and promote student engagement opportunities, her primary duties include curriculum development, internship program administration and oversight, assessment, and review of undergraduate programs. One of her many accomplishments includes receiving the R.D. Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Diversity. She was also named the Outstanding Woman Staff Member in 2016. Willie Mickle Drive After graduating from Camden High School, where he was a standout three-sport athlete and contributed to six state championships, Willie Mickle attended Newberry College and played football for four years. He began working at Lugoff Elgin High School when the school opened in 1971. After serving as the athletic director and then as assistant principal, he became the head principal in 1978 and served in that position until 1992. While working at LEHS, he formed the first Lugoff Elgin football team by riding up and down the streets looking for and asking boys to sign up. During his time as principal, he encouraged, inspired, and motivated the community to perform in ways that created meaningful change that was instrumental to the growth of the community and student body. In addition to serving as a leader at the high school, Mr. Mickle also volunteered his time as a coach and a referee for the Kershaw County Recreation Department. After retiring, he has continued to support LE Athletics on a regular basis, sometimes as just a fan in the stands, and at other times, he was the very vocal grandparent of Will, Carrie, Jay, and Justin. At almost 83 years of age, he is still actively employed by the Kershaw County Recycling Center.
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April 28, 2022
LEHS JV Soccer Wins Tourney
Congratulations to the Lugoff-Elgin Girls JV team for taking 1st place in the post season tournament held at Irmo High School this past weekend. The girls went undefeated in all games and won in the championship versus South Aiken with a 2-1 score. There were 14 goals scored all weekend and the winning goal during the tournament was made by Chloe Letchworth, #9. MVP for the tournament was Zoe Branham, #19.
Thank you teachers! My very best,
CANDIDATE FOR SC HOUSE DISTRICT 52 ELGIN • LUGOFF • CAMDEN
PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT EVE CARLIN
April 28, 2022
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Ft. Clark Baptist Announces New Pastor
Ft. Clark Baptist Church announces new Pastor elect Reverend Clarence R. Johnson. Congratulations and welcome to Reverend Clarence and First Lady Sandra Johnson.
Salem UMC Yard Sale
Join us at Salem UMC on Saturday, April 30th from 7 am - noon for a large church yard sale. 2366 Bowen Street, Elgin.
Camden Junior Welfare League Holds Pinning Ceremony
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The CJWL held a special ceremony in April, celebrating the women who joined the organization over the past year. Their countless hours of service, dedication and expertise were recognized in the pinning ceremony. In photo are: (left-right) CJWL President Kat Spadacenta, new members Christina Neely, Angela Knight, Felicia Mumford, Megan Reynolds, Patty Sager, and current provisional chair Jessica Faile Thomas. Interested in learning more about the League? A new member social will be held at 6:30 pm Monday, May 2nd at Louise C. Proctor Hall. For more information, visit http://www.camdenleague.org or call 803272-8081.
Rain Barrel Workshop
What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is used to capture excess water coming off your roof for reuse in lawn and gardening, car washing, window cleaning, etc. Rain barrels can provide both environmental and economic benefits for your home! • What are the environmental benefits? Rain barrels reduce pollution from stormwater runoff by capturing it before it runs off from impervious surfaces into local waterways. • Problems with erosion and flooding? Rain barrels help prevent erosion and flooding by reducing the amount of stormwater runoff leaving your property. • How much water can a rain barrel really catch? One rain barrel will provide runoff storage from a rooftop area of approximately 215 square feet for a 0.5-inch rain event! Since Elgin averages 44 inches of rain per year, one rain barrel can provide runoff storage for up to 5,000 gallons per year. Join Kershaw County and the Town of Elgin Stormwater Departments for the annual Rain Barrel Workshop on Saturday, May 14th from 10 AM to 12 PM at the pavilion at Potter Community Park at 2427 Main St, Elgin, SC. During the workshop, you will construct your own rain barrel to harvest rainwater at your home! All supplies and equipment are included in the cost of registration. You must register and pay in advance to attend. The deadline to register is Saturday, May 7th. Space is limited! Please contact Karen Jackson at karen. jackson@woodplc.com or (309)838-0021 to register for the event or for more information. The cost of the event is $25 per rain barrel.
April 28, 2022
City of Camden To Celebrate Kids to Parks Day
The City of Camden, along with several community partners, is celebrating its very first Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Children and youth, along with their families, are encouraged to participate in various activities in five parks across the City and elsewhere in Kershaw County. All activities take place from 9:00 - 11:00 am on Saturday, May 14. Preregistration is required for certain activities. Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play organized and launched by the National Park Trust for the last twelve years, with events taking place across the country typically on the third Saturday in May. However, the National Park Trust encourages local communities to celebrate Kids to Parks Day in their own way anytime during the month of May. Kids to Parks Day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors. The mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences. While discovering and exploring our parks, kids learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and the history of our country and its amazing national treasures – because kids need parks and parks need kids!
Kids to Parks Day Activities:
Bike Rodeo at Scott Park, 222 Battleship Road, Camden. - KCTrails and Wholespire will host a bike rodeo and trail ride, bike safety check, bicycling safety review, and giveaways at Scott Park. Registrants should arrive at 9:00 am with their own bike and helmet. Open to children 5 to 12 years old. Limited to 25 participants. Preregistration is required at www. eventbrite.com. Nature Walk at Goodale State Park, 650 State Rd S-28-331, Camden. - Join University of SC Sumter Naturalist Austin Jenkins for a quiet, easy walking, 1.7-mile loop. Watch for a variety of wildlife, including wood ducks, blue herons, turtles, snakes, and maybe even an alligator. Open to all ages. No registration required. Fishing at Wateree River Veterans Park, 550 US-1, Lugoff. - Learn the basics of freshwater fishing, safety & etiquette. Bring your own rod & reel. Parks Dept. will have limited supply of gear available. Open to children 5 to 12 years old. Limited to 30 participants. Preregistration required at www.eventbrite.com. Animal Evidence Nature Program at Kirkwood Community Park, 192 Stowers St, Camden. - Clemson's Nature as Teacher presents a morning of fun, games and learning about animal tracks, habitat and behavior. We'll create animal track art to take home and leap, hop, gallop, run or waddle with high energy animal behavior games! Open to all ages. No registration required. KCL Bookmobile & Games at Powder Magazine Park, 820 Market St, Camden. - The Kershaw County Library Bookmobile will be have a collection of board games to play on-site, a giant chessboard, and books to check out. There will also be a limited supply of giveaway books for children and young adults. Open to all ages. No registration required. Special thanks to community partners LiveWell Kershaw, Kershaw County Master Gardeners, Kershaw County Parks & Recreation Dept., KCTrails, Wholespire, Nature As Teacher, Camden Police Department, University of SC Sumter, and SC State Parks. Learn more at www.cityofcamden.org/kidstoparksday.
Roberts Announces Bid for KC Treasurer
My name is Randy Roberts and with your vote on June 14, 2022 I hope to be the next Kershaw County Treasurer. I am a lifetime resident of Kershaw County and live in Elgin with my wife, Sheila. We are both graduates of North Central High School, Go Knights! We have two wonderful children, Victoria and Holden who both are graduates of Lugoff-Elgin High School. Victoria recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Holden is currently pursuing his Biology degree at Francis Marion University. My experience revolves around my 30 years of service in county government. I’ve worked in Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Fairfield, and Aiken Counties. My fondest memory of my career was working at Kershaw County as the GIS Manager and later promoted to Assessor. My first project as GIS Manager was to convert the old mylar maps to a digital parcel layer that most citizens use today. A great group of talented individuals from the University of South Carolina compiled all the deeds and plats to create this new digital parcel layer. This online parcel layer hosted on our county website allows the public the ability to research information from the privacy of their home and not bound by the hours of operation of the county. I was later promoted to Assessor and began to evaluate current processes and software. It was apparent to me and the staff we needed a better Computer Aided Mass Appraisal software. An RFP was compiled with specifications of the requirements needed and Patriot Properties was awarded the contract. This program was successfully implemented and still in use today. I am a technology-driven person and not afraid of trying something new if it is within my budget to do so. I worked with Treasurer Steve Vincent and Bradshaw Consulting to implement a software program to help capture GPS coordinates of properties posted for delinquent taxes. I worked with April 28, 2022
Jill Catoe and M&H Land to post delinquent properties and very familiar with posting seizure notices. I was also responsible for updating the E911 road centerline file to ensure all new subdivision roads were identified and geographically displayed correctly. As the GIS manger, I was responsible for updating all digital layers and maps produced for E911, Fire Service, EMS, Sheriff, Voter Registration, County Council, and the public. The ISO maps that I worked on with Gene Faulkenberry and Keith Ray were Randy Roberts, time consuming but was so benefiCandidate for Kershaw County Treasurer cial in planning the location of future fire stations. I could go on, but what I am attempting to emphasize is my dedication to improving processes and the level of service provided to the citizens of Kershaw County. I will be financially responsible with the funds entrusted to the Treasurer’s office and continue to provide great customer service. When I think of the residents of Kershaw County who served in this position previously, Steve Kelly Sr, RC Gainey, Steve Vincent, and Jill Catoe; it would be an honor to serve as Kershaw County Treasurer! Please join us for a “Meet and Greet” May 7th 5:00 PM-7:00 PM in Potter Community Park, 2427 Main Street, Elgin.
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New LEHS Practice Field Named for Randy Stokes
The new practice field for LEHS Baseball has been named for former Head Coach Randy Stokes. During his time as at LE, Stokes was an assistant coach on the 1992 and 1993 State Championship teams, and was head coach for the 2010 State Championship team. Additionally, he received numerous other honors and awards during his
tenure as head coach, including: 375 wins, four District Championships, eight Region Championships, SC Baseball Coaches Association President 2018-2019, 2009 North South All Star Coach,2010 Class AAA Coach of the Year, 2015 North South All Star Coach, 2017 Class AAAA Coach of the Year and 2019 Select Team All Star Coach.
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April 28, 2022
Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office
Deputy of the Quarter
Sheriff Lee Boan
Please help us congratulate your KCSO Deputy of the Quarter ( Jan-Mar 2022): Deputy Gervase Williamson. She is currently the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Doby’s Mill Elementary School. Deputy Williamson consistently goes beyond the call of duty in and out of her assigned school. She always stands ready to assist the patrol and investigations divisions outside of her school hours. Her “can do” and “will do” attitude brings great credit to herself and the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office. NOTE: This is the first Deputy of the Quarter co-sponsored by our Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Foundation (KCSF). The KCSF is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the needs of deputies at your Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office. They also sponsor the annual KCSO Deputy of the Year award; supplement bulletproof vest and body cameras in the event of budget restraints; and many other critical activities that support your KCSO deputies.
Left to right: Christa Jeter (Counselor), Alana Powers (Principal), SRO Deputy Gervase Williamson, Melinda Johnson (Asst Principal), Sheriff Lee Boan
United Way of KC President Donny Supplee Celebrates 30 Years April 13th, 2022 marked 30 years of service to Kershaw County for United Way President, Donny Supplee. Donny came to United Way of Kershaw County from the Babcock Center in Columbia where he learned the true meaning of servant leadership. From his co-workers to his leaders Donny observed and showed leadership in caring for others. Since coming to the United Way of Kershaw County Donny had a vision for the work he would do, and he’s been making things happen in the past 30 years. When he arrived, there was only a staff of one, him, but over the years UWKC has evolved into a staff of 18 people operating numerous programs in three different focus areas Health & Hunger, Financial Stability and Education. The celebration began under sunny but cool skies with over 100 in attendance to help acknowledge Donny Supplee and his impact on Kershaw County. Several spoke about Donny, including Susan Outen who was on the search committee that recommended the board hire Supplee, and Janis Gardner, long time VP of Finance, to Bruce Little, Executive Director of Kershaw County Council on aging. Comments were made such as; "Donny is a visionary, Donny inspires others to do good things, working with Donny is like working with family, some days are good, some days are not but I have loved every minute of it." Kind. Caring. Compassionate. Loyal. Family. Friend. These are other words that were used to describe Donny Supplee at the celebration for him that took place on April 19, 2022. Julian Burns, County Council Chairman was in attendance and was quoted as saying, “Donny, you’ve shown us how WE the people can care about our citizens of Kershaw County.” One thing about Donny that everyone should know is, he always finds a way to say “yes”: yes to feeding the hungry, yes to housing the homeless, yes to providing trans-
Above: Donny Supplee is honored during a banquet celebrating 30 years with the United Way of Kershaw County. portation, yes to establishing community gardens, yes to helping the people of Kershaw County. Alfred Mae Drakeford, Mayor of the City of Camden said, “Donny is one of the most caring people I have ever met”, she continued by saying “I’m not sure if you remember what you were doing 30 years ago today, but I think it is the same thing you are doing today- helping people.”
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