Volume 17, No. 4B
April 30, 2021
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CSD nnounces 2013 Event rkleberry Country Fair
Story Page 11
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Note From The Editor
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
We at The Elgin News would like to reiterate the fact that the views expressed by our contributing writers, as well as those views expressed through Letters To The Editor submitted to the paper reflect the thoughts of the writer, not the publisher. As I'm sure you are already aware, comments made by SC Representative Vic Dabney regarding the Hate Crime Bill have led to much discussion amongst the citizens of SC. In our last issue, we shared a joint letter penned by the Kershaw County chapter of the NAACP and the Kershaw County Concerned Clergies, which rebuked Mr. Dabney for his comments. Below, we are sharing a letter submitted by Ms. Sherri Few, which supports Mr. Dabney's comments. It has been our goal to allow readers to share their thoughts and opinions freely, sometimes even relaxing the guidelines of our own Letter Submissions Policy to do so. However, in the future, we plan to more closely adhere to our own policy (as stated at left.) By publishing content from both sides of the issue, we uphold the greater ideals forged in our constitution, that of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, as well as our own journalistic integrity, by not silencing one side while giving the other a platform. Additionally, no further letters or comments regarding Mr. Dabney's comments will be published. If you have comments or questions regarding either of these recently published Letters to the Editor, please direct those questions and comments directly to the authors of said letters. Thank you for your continued support of The Elgin News, Cate Goff Editor
Letter To The Editor
Open Letter In Support Of Rep. Vic Dabney
Having spent much of my adult life actively advancing the SC Republican Party Platform, and as a Christian resident of Kershaw County, I pen this letter to voice my concern over recent opinions and reporting of Representative Vic Dabney’s Facebook post concerning the Hate Crimes bill. Most of the slanderous opinions and reporting have come from people who vote for Democrats. They contend Republican Vic Dabney does not support the entire community when he voiced his opinion against proposed Hate Crimes legislation. Granted, Representative Dabney could have tempered his truth with more Christian charity, but in my opinion he nonetheless spoke the truth. The letter to the editor published in the last edition of the Elgin News written by the NAACP, Concerned Clergies, and allegedly the Masons, said Representative Dabney does not represent “LGBTQ communities.” I contend that an honest candidate campaigns to represent his constituents based on his beliefs and core values. Representative Dabney is a Christian and I believe only supports legislation and policy that will align with and defend Biblical principle. While the Bible calls us to love sinners and even our enemies, we are also called to defend Biblical truth. The truth is homosexuality is an abomination to God. I will support Representative Dabney should he oppose policy that legitimizes the practice of homosexuality and I pray that Christians regardless of race or political affiliation will unite against this abomination. The letter signed by the NAACP and Concerned Clergy also said Representative Dabney’s “words were designed to marginalize and dehumanize the community” and his “remarks were hateful,” “spewed of negative stereotypes,” and said he “was not worthy of the responsibilities and duties” of the office for which he was elected. They close their letter demanding an apology from Representative Dabney. I beg to differ. It is Representative Dabney who deserves an apology!
See LETTER TO THE EDITOR, 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 April 30, 2021
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Remembering LEHS in the 1970's
championship. First year girls allowed to join ROTC. Libby Rinker named first Homecoming Queen. 1974-75 First class to complete all four years at the school graduated. Paul What do you know about the 1970’s? Ehrlich selected for McDonald’s All-American Band. Tennis courts built. Whether it was disco, pop, or folk music it Zan Sistare State Championship in two-mile track. Varsity football team was a decade of change not only in the music continued to play their home games in Camden’s stadium. Intramural softball. world but our entire world. 1975-1976 First class to graduate in stadium. Dark room for photography This generation saw The Beatles, the most popular rock group in the world, disband in set up at LE High. Jeff Jackson won State Photography Award. Billy BelApril 1970. Then President Richard Nixon ton All-State Basketball. Homer Carraway named new coach for basketball. resigned in disgrace from his office because Kershaw County students celebrated Bicentennial Founding of our country. of the Watergate Scandal in 1974, and Ger- Psychology class added. 1976-77 Stadium construction completed. Band placed second in state. ald Ford became our new President. The war in Vietnam officially ended in New wing of classrooms added to school. Volleyball won Conference Cham1975. Dupont announced plans in the mid 70’s to build a plant in Iran, and pionship. 31 buses in West Wateree with student drivers. Gene Pike scored workers were offered the opportunity to work for Dupont overseas. My fa- first touchdown in stadium. Ernest Dixon set state record for basketball: 37 ther-in-law Bill Simon was one of those workers. In the latter part of 1979, rebounds. 1977-78 New classroom addition added. Creig Tyler named athletic dihe was fortunate to leave Iran before 52 Americans were taken hostage by the rector. Robby Way All-State Football. Band placed second in State. Glenn Iranian government during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The community grew with the consolidations of schools in Kershaw Coun- Price named band director. School hosted State Band Contest. 1978-79 James McGirt named new principal. Willie Mickle named asty and the opening of the new Lugoff Elgin High School in 1972. I had my first paycheck in September 1970, and it was less than four hundred dollars a sistant principal. First LE – Camden football game. Blake Hawkey, Don Chafin All-State Football. Trish Howell named first softball coach. Blake month. My car payment was $150, and gas was 36 cents a gallon. Two articles “Celebrating Fifty Years of Excellence” in The Elgin News Hawkey state champion pole vaulting. Don Chafin state champion discus. August 2020 featured the first year at LEHS 1971-1972 with Mr. Leslie Track team placed third in state. I transferred to LEHS in the 1979-1980 year. I learned quickly that seniors Stover as principal. Following are brief highlight of the 1970’s at LEHS. Please contact me could leave every day for lunch off campus (most likely the Pecan Station or if you have additional facts about the LE years you would like featured in Frank’s Dairy Bar). They were also allowed to leave class five minutes early to be first in the lunch line if they wanted to eat in the cafeteria. They also had upcoming articles. 1972-73 Robert Falls named principal. John Cole named guidance coun- the privilege of cutting in line. Another perk for all students and faculty was selor. First year Booster Club formed; Activity Bus purchased. New sport a pep rally on Friday for all home football games. In those “Happy Days” (TV show premiered 1974) of the 70’s smoking baseball added, Billy Koch Coach. New sport tennis added, Chuck Bingham Coach. New football practice field constructed. Future Farmers of America was not considered a danger to one’s health so students who were old enough to purchase cigarettes and provided the school with an approval note from Organization won state livestock judging contest. 1973-74 First year for Varsity Football (Willie Mickle Coach). First year parents could smoke in the designated smoking area behind the school. As the next articles will reflect the 80’s and 90’s, the readers will see in the for Marching Band (Bill Sarratt). James Green scored first touchdown. New sport added Volleyball. New sport added Track. Baseball won conference words of songwriter Bob Dylan “The Times Are A- Changin’ ”! By: Liz Simon Staff Writer
Royalty Named Director Lugoff Fire-Rescue of KC Virtual Academy Awarded V-SAFE Grant
The Kershaw County School Board recently voted to approve Pine Tree Hill Elementary School Principal Melissa Royalty as the new director for the Kershaw County Virtual Academy for the 2021-22 school year. Bethune Elementary School Principal Markeita Barber was approved to replace Royalty. "It will be greatly beneficial to have a veteran principal with Mrs. Royalty's talents lead our remote learning efforts as we transition to a virtual academy next school year," said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Shane Robbins. "We are also fortunate to have Mrs. Barber's leadership to continue the academic progress at Pine Tree Hill." "I am honored to be leading the KCSD Virtual Academy for the 20212022 school year," Royalty said. "The concept of traditional education has changed radically within the last year. Virtual learning is innovative, and I'm excited to be a part of this pioneering endeavor." Barber echoed Royalty's excitement for her new role. "As my journey takes me to new places, I am honored and blessed to join and serve the faculty, staff and families of Pine Tree Hill Elementary School," she said. "I look forward to continuing and contributing to the academic success of this great school while building positive relationships and nurturing a positive learning environment."
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Lugoff Fire-Rescue has been awarded a $14,600 grant to purchase 1.75inch and 5-inch sections of fire hose. The funding is allocated by the South Carolina Legislature through the Volunteer Strategic Assistance and Fire Equipment (V-SAFE) program, administered by South Carolina State Fire. Captain Chris Jones applied for the funding in December of 2020. Volunteer and combination (paid/volunteer) fire departments from around the State of South Carolina requested funding from the program. 181 fire departments representing 39 counties across the state will receive nearly $5.2 million in funding this grant cycle. The applications were judged by a 9-member peer review panel of fire service personnel from around the state. The grant has two key objectives in that it will replace all 1.5-inch attack hoses that are still in use and replace old, outdated 5-inch supply hoses. Replacement of 1.5-inch hoses with new 1.75-inch hoses will provide higher water flow for efficient fire attack. New 5-inch hose will replace 25-year-old supply hose sections that are leaking, beyond repair, and do not have locking connections for firefighter safety. “Thank you to the South Carolina Legislature, State Fire, and the peer reviewers for this program. We are honored to receive this award to better enhance the services we provide to our community.” said Chief Chris Spitzer. April 30, 2021
From the Chief 's Desk
Litter! With warmer weather and less pollen, May is a perfect time to help Kershaw County with it’s litter problem. On May 15th, from 10 am to 12 noon, Kershaw County will be having a litter pick-up day. We need all the help we can get. It’s only a couple of hours of your time and it makes a big difference in our community. If anyone would like to help, please register by email at the Kershaw County Clean Community Commission at KCCleanCommunity@gmail.com. We all look forward to the help and to seeing you all on May 15th!
Chief Alan Anders
Elgin Police Department Incident Reports
Assult/Intimidation: Officer was dispatched to Hwy Church Rd in reference to Complainant receiving threatening text messages. When I arrived on scene, Complainant stated that her child's father (Subject) owes his drug dealer an unknown sum of money and due to that she was receiving threatening text messages from the dealer. Complainant was unable to provide a description for the dealer, however she said mentioned his alias. I asked Complainant what gang Subject represented and she stated the bloods out of Camden. Due to my prior knowledge as a former Camden Police Officer I know that Subject is a member of a chapter of the Bloods. I reviewed the text message but did not determine that any form of threat had been made. Complainant was given my business card and was instructed to email screenshots of the messages to me, no screen shots were received. Complainant also stated that she was being threatened by Subject's girlfriend for keeping him from seeing his child, a review of the messages did not show threats. Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts: Officer was dispatched to the North parking lot of Blaney Elementary School in reference to a theft that had occurred. When I arrived on scene I spoke to Complainant who stated someone had stolen a catalytic converter from his 2015 Toyota Tundra. Complainant further stated he had parked his Tundra in the grass field on the north side of the
school at approximately 0700 hrs. Complainant did not return to his vehicle until approximately 1400 hrs when he noticed the converter was missing. No security cameras were facing far enough away from the school to offer a view of the crime scene. I was unable to speak to the school resource officers as she was not on school grounds when I had arrived. The principal will verify that no cameras captured any suspicious activity throughout the day. I had a large presence via vehicle patrols and traffic enforcement in and around the school with the majority of my time spent there before 1200 hrs, which indicates the theft most likely occurred sometime later in the day. DUS 1st Offense: Officer was patrolling the area of Main Street when I noticed a vehicle approaching me and the vehicle crossed over the center line into my lane. I made a traffic stop on the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Subject. I asked Subject for his license and registration and he told me that his license was suspended for insurance purposes. I confirmed through dispatch they were suspended and the tag on the vehicle was also expired. I told Subject to call someone to pick him and the vehicle up and he did. I issued Subject a warning for driving left of center and expired tag and issued him a citation for DUS insurance on ticket # 7102P0810316. A licensed driver arrived and I cleared the scene.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Continued from Page 2 I further support Representative Dabney’s position expressed in his Facebook post that it is wrong for his colleagues in the legislature to continue to use verbiage like “whiteness” and “straightness” when debating state policy. These terms stem from what is known as Critical Race Theory, which demands our country is systemically racist and White people should be ashamed of their race. This theory is being taught in America’s colleges and has made its way down to K12 government schools. Dr. Gary Thompson serves on the Advisory Board for the nonprofit I direct: US Parents Involved in Education (USPIE). Dr. Thompson is raising a bi-racial family and when recently interviewed about Critical Race Theory (CRT) said, “Racism is assumed and need not be proven.” As a matter of fact, he says, “It is not allowed to be debated as to do so is racist and tantamount to treason.” Another USPIE Advisory Board member, Lily Tang Williams who was raised in Communist China under Mao, compares CRT with the antics of the Mao regime. She says, “In today’s populist, racially-charged ‘social justice’ movement in America, I see the shadows of the Cultural Revolution in Critical Race Theory (CRT), and in the ideology that inspired this movement. For those unfamiliar with CRT, it is the idea that American law, society, and institutions are inherently racist. Whites are born racist because of the cultural domination by White people in furthering their own economic and political power at the expense of ‘people of color.’” In the end, Critical Race Theory makes White children feel guilt and anguish - not because of anything they have done, but solely based on the color April 30, 2021
of their skin. THIS is racism. More and more parents are waking up to the indoctrination of children in government schools, and parents are organizing to push back. USPIE encourages states to pass a law banning Critical Race Theory (CRT) to provide parents legitimacy and grounds to demand schools stop discrimination altogether. Well-constructed laws would also provide a basis for litigation should that be necessary. USPIE believes teaching children Critical Race Theory is in fact child abuse. Teaching children they are oppressors or victims based on their skin color, teaching children to judge others based on the color of their skin, teaching children they cannot succeed in America because of the color of their skin is just plain wrong. Black Christian friends explained to me two decades ago that the majority of Blacks are raised to believe that Republicans are racists. This was long before Black Lives Matters and all the race-baiting nonsense that is happening today. The leadership of the Black Lives Matter movement is self-avowed Marxists and the Marxist agenda is to divide and conquer. This is why CRT, Black Lives Matter, Antifa, and the 1619 Project are intentionally pitting people groups against one another. It is called identity politics and it is destroying our country, which I believe is by design. It is ultimately a spiritual battle of good versus evil. If people, especially Christians, don’t wake up and get involved and speak out, we will lose our very freedom. God calls His people to unity and He is no respecter of race.
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Wateree Elementary ACKC Honors Jordan Opens New Playground Wateree Elementary School (WES) officially opened a new playground last week that includes features that will accommodate all students, especially those with special needs. Features of the playground include sensory boards for those with autism, wheelchair accessibility and a shade for those who cannot be in the direct sun. The playground has a small stage so that the area can be used as an outside classroom and theater. The play area is also safe for students who have traches who cannot be in the sand or dirt. Palmetto Corp donated the concrete. The school also wrote a grant and its PTO helped raise money to build the playground.
The Associated Charities of Kershaw County (ACKC) hosted a ceremony to honor Dean Jordan for his 40+ years of service on its board of directors. In appreciation of his many years of service, ACKC is donating $3,000 to the Kershaw County Music Association (KCMA) in Dean’s honor. The monies will help fund local scholarships to the prestigious Brevard Music Camp. Associated Charities of Kershaw County is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that supports and assists the children and youth of Kershaw County through medical assistance, educational needs, school program support, scholarships and other needs. Children may be referred for assistance by their guidance counselor, school nurse, social worker and/or physician. ACKC can serve children from birth to 18 years of age. They partner with the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County and physicians throughout Kershaw County. ACKC also has relationships with all Kershaw County schools to assist in meeting the needs of children within our area schools.
Pictured, from left, is Dean Jordan, Laina Shoemake, Chair of the KCMA and Dennis Stuber, Board President of ACKC.
CORRECTION: Relay For Life
A ribbon cutting was held to formally open the new playground at Wateree Elementary School. Left to right: Palmetto Corp Director of Business Development Melissa Cole, WES Assistant Principal Amy Jordan, WES Principal Charles King, WES Assistant Principal Lindsay Christofaro and WES Teacher Gladys Thompson.
In the last issue of The Elgin News, we shared information regarding the upcoming Relay For Life of Kershaw County, and in that article the location was listed as LEHS. However, the drive-thru event will actually take place at Lugoff Elgin Middle, on May 1, 2021. For further details, please visit Relay For Life of KC on Facebook or on the web at relayforlife.org/kershawcosc
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April 30, 2021
Blaney Elementary Supports Aqua Es Vida
ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
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Agua Es Vida's goal is to get clean water (and groceries during this pandemic) to the villagers along the Amazon in Peru. Blaney Elementary's students and Kona Ice of the Midlands cooperated to help them achieve that goal recently raising $451 for the effort. Shown here are Elgin's Mayor Melissa Emmons, Kona Ice's Dan Cantey, and Agua Es Vida's Rev. Jimmy Hanf.
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Jenny Proctor won VFW 11079 and VFW State high school teacher of year. VFW comrade Ginger Graham presented Mrs. Proctor and Lugoff High School principle with certificates.
April 30, 2021
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Announcements: Revival Center NE
Elgin Congregational
Pastor Appreciation Service Sunday, May 2nd-10:45 am at The Elgin Congregational Holiness church 1331 Smyrna Rd. Elgin, SC. Speaker will be Rev Randal Brickey from Beckley WV. Dinner Served after service. Please practice distancing. Public invited. Revival Services will be held May 14--16th at The Elgin Congregational Holiness Church 1331 Smyrna Rd. Elgin, SC. Speaker will be Rev Kenny Lambert from Lewisburg, WV. Service times Fri & Sat 7pm & Sun at 11am. Please practice distancing. Public invited. For information call Pastor Judith Luke at 803438-5351
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To Host 'Manna' Food Giveaway
The Revival Center Northeast will hold Manna, its free food giveaway on Friday, April 30th, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Bags will be available for you, neighbors, relatives, or friends who would appreciate this support as long as supplies last. In observance of the CDC Guidelines, we ask you to wear your masks. Baked Chicken Dinner bags can be picked up at the church at 1662 Highway 1 South (next to Johnson’s Transmission) in Lugoff. Call church offices at 803-764-2720 for more information. RCNE is under the Apostolic leadership of Visionary & Overseer Apostle Margie L. Gallman, local pastors are Pastor Tashia Castellano and Pastor Forest Sims.
Little Demon Cheer Clinic
The LEHS Varsity Cheerleading team announces their Little Demon Cheer Clnic, "Under The Sea with LEVC" which will be held on May 22, 2021 at the LEHS Annex Gym and Practice Field. This event is open to ages 4-11 (as of 1/1/2021). Sign up with the Google Form which can be accessed via Facebook @LEVCdemoncheer. For questions, email lehsdemoncheer@gmail.com
Patrick Davis Coming to Camden
Patrick Davis is coming home to play at the Arts Center on Friday, May 7th to help raise funds to safely reopen the Center. The concert will be held at 7:30pm in the Wood Auditorium, the Center's first theatre performance after closing in March of 2020 due to COVID-19. Seating is very limited as the Center is carefully following all guidelines as issued by the CDC. Socially distanced general admission tickets are $35. About the musician: For over a decade, Patrick Davis has made a name for himself as a prolific and versatile songwriter, sought after by artists ranging from Guy Clark and Robert Randolph to Jimmy Buffett and Imelda May. As frontman of Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir, Davis has discovered his own personally authentic sound. Tennessee-born, South Carolina-raised and Nashville-based, Davis received his calling in his teenage years, inheriting his talent from his father, Rusty Davis, a gifted guitar player and instructor. Davis picked up his craft quickly, becoming a deft and intuitive guitar player and writing his first fully developed songs at age 17. He was first driven to put pen to paper by the same motivation as many of his musical heroes: to win a girl’s affection. Recognizing untapped potential, his friend and musical collaborator Mark Bryan (Hootie & the Blowfish) advised Davis to move to Nashville and his songwriting career took off. Davis is also founder of Songwriters In Paradise (SIP), a uniquely crafted singer- songwriter festival designed to bring together the world’s top songwriting and performing talent in the world’s most exclusive and awe-inspiring destinations for a priceless musical experience, such as Hope Town, Bahamas; Napa Valley, California; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In addition to his musical endeavors, Patrick is co-founder of Whiskey Jam Whiskey with South Carolina’s world-renowned, Firefly Distillery. Tickets may be purchased online at www. fineartscenter.org or in the Box Office at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. For more information, call 803.425.7676. Patrick Davis LIVE! Benefit Concert for the Arts Center May 7 | 7:30 pm $35 Socially Distanced General Admission While COVID-19 could delay this performance, we are planning according to CDC guidelines for the safety of our patrons, staff, and volunteers. The Arts Center of Kershaw County safety practices can be found at www.fineartscenter.org. April 30, 2021
From The Mayor's Desk
ness license tax year from December 31, 2021 to April 30, 2022. Going forward, the Elgin business license tax year shall begin on May 1st, each year Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by and end on April 30th of the following year. This amendment will bring the Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official min- town’s current business license tax into compliance with Act 176, the South utes of the Elgin Town Council. Carolina Business License Tax Standardization Act. Also, Council adopted The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin and passed a Proclamation observing the month of April 2021 as Donate Town Council was held on Tuesday, April 6, Life Month. 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. All Chief Anders asked Council to continue to remember Chief Brown and members of Council were present with the ex- his family in their prayers following the recent passing of his oldest daughter, ception of Councilman Paul Rizzo, who was out Fran Brown. He also stated that Officer Collins had returned to duty after of town. The Invocation was given by Mayor recovering from surgery. In addition, Chief Anders commended his officers Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Al- in the way they handled a recent stabbing in one of our residential neighborlegiance, which was led by Councilman Hanley. hoods. He also reported that the annual “Run for RoundUp” will take place The first order of business was the approval of the minutes from the Regu- on October 9, 2021 and all proceeds will benefit the EPD Toys RoundUp lar Meeting held on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. There was no one signed up and Caring Hands Foundation. to speak during Public Forum. At this time, Council voted unanimously In Council Briefing, Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Councilto adopt the agenda for the April 6, 2021 meeting. The following Business man Brad Hanley reminded the Town Clerk of Council’s request to receive License Application was approved in March 2021-Tabi Martial Arts, LLC-a copies of receipts/invoices for all credit card purchases made each month mixed martial arts gym to be located at 1100 Rose Street in Elgin. There with their financial reports. Councilman Ed Smith had no report. Mayor were no Charity Permit Requests or Complaints for the month of March Emmons informed Council of a recent meeting that she had with Senator 2021. If you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in Penry Gustafson and a representative from US Senator Tim Scott’s Office in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about which she was able to express concerns regarding traffic issues in our comcompleting a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. munity. She also gave an update regarding the funds that the Town of Elgin Also, please remember to support the businesses in the Elgin Community is scheduled to receive from the American Rescue Plan. Mayor Emmons and shop local. also stated that she had been informed by Kershaw County Chairman Julian In Old Business, Kathryn Johnson, LiveWell Kershaw Coalition Director, Burns, that the county will possibly conduct a corridor study for White Pond provided Council an update on the federally-funded transportation route Road and the Elgin area during the 2021/2022 budget year. Attorney John that will consist of a proposed (29) bus stops located between the Town of Wells requested that the Clerk email a copy of Ordinance #240 to the KerElgin and the City of Camden. The purpose of the bus route is to connect shaw County Election Commission once it has been signed by the Mayor. residents to medical care, social services, and food access. A (24) passenOur next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at ger van will travel daily (5) days a week and is being funded through the 6:00 pm. I encourage everyone to try to attend our monthly meetings so you CARES Act for a two-year period. Also in Old Business, Council approved can stay informed and find ways to get involved. And if you miss a meetthe Second Reading of Ordinance 240-Determination of Election Results ing, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, that states that the town’s Municipal Elections shall be conducted under the minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. Just remember that when non-partisan plurality method set forth in 5-15-61 of the South Carolina you are informed, you are empowered. Code of Laws. Also, we now broadcast our monthly council meetings live on the “Town of In New Business, Council approved the First Reading of an amendment Elgin” Facebook Page. If I can be of assistance, please contact me by phone at to Business License Ordinance 43 that will extend the end of the 2021 busi- 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com. By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Stokes Named Post 17 Teacher of the Year
Kim Stokes, Special Projects Coordinator at CLC, was recently named the Teacher of the Year by the American Legion, Post 17. The American Legion looks for educators who impact students and the community as a whole in a positive way, and Mrs. Stokes does exactly that! Congratulations Mrs. Stokes, on this well deserved honor. April 30, 2021
Lugoff Elgin High Freshman Orientation
On Monday, Aug. 2, Lugoff-Elgin High School will host a Freshman Orientation. While full details are not yet available, the faculty and staff would like the families of rising 9th graders to save the date for this event. Students who attend will have the opportunity to meet other students, as well as some faculty and staff members, while becoming more familiar with the campus layout and school procedures. “We hope this event will help relieve some of the anxiety they might feel on the first day of school,” Mr. Corey Wright, principal, said. Freshman Orientation helps with the transition from middle school to high school and allows students the opportunity to begin building relationships with adults in the building, which can prove beneficial to students throughout their high school years. “Our hope is that each student on our campus can develop a relationship with at least one adult,” Wright said. “We would like to do all that we can to welcome our incoming freshmen to LEHS and create a phenomenal 4-year experience that will impact them for the remainder of their lives.”
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Family Literacy Night FFA Spring Cleaning Students and their families had a blast at Family Literacy Night at Lugoff Elementary! Families enjoyed a book walk, selfie station, subs, a special book and seeds to take home and plant!
Kershaw County FFA students recently spent the day cleaning up around the road and campus of the Woolard Technology Center.
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April 30, 2021
Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office Deputy Brian Clark Named 2020 American Legion & VFW Deputy Sheriff of the Year
Sheriff Lee Boan
Please help us congratulate Deputy Brian Clark on being awarded the 2020 American Legion & VFW Deputy Sheriff of the Year. Brian is a retired US Army First Sergeant with 25 years of honorable service. He has served 4 1/2 years in Kershaw County law enforcement. Deputy Clark always does his job with a level head and calm demeanor. He led the KCSO last year in DUI enforcement with a total of 23 arrests.
2021 KCSD Teacher of the Year
Doby’s Mill Elementary School (DMES) fifth grade teacher Lysa Manning was named 2021 Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Teacher of the Year at a celebration tonight while Midway Elementary School (MDWS) fourth grade teacher Renata Inabinet was chosen as first alternate. Also honored during the evening’s celebration was Woolard Technology agriculture teacher Audrey Cutlip who was named as the Outstanding First Year Teacher and Midway Elementary School third grade teacher Grace Smith who was selected as the first alternate for the award. Adult Education Director Weyland Burns was recognized as the district’s Principal of the Year. All 20 Kershaw County schools selected teachers of the year. Manning and Inabinet were two of five honor roll teachers selected as finalists for the district award. Other honor roll teachers are Lynley Jones-Blankenship, Continuous Learning Center; Nicole Gainey, North Central High School and Amy Hall, Wateree Elementary School. Both Manning and Inabinet started their educational careers working as instructional assistants in elementary schools. Manning has worked at DMES since 2018 and has served as the fifth grade team leader this school year. She developed and facilitates the school’s I-Doby’s community service learning project that focuses on teaching students the importance of serving their school community, district personnel and local community outreach programs. The program has raised over $450 for Wreaths Across America, donated more than 100 pair of socks for a local shelter and collected money to purchase 43 bicycles for the Elgin Toy Round Up. The program will be featured at this summer’s South Carolina Association of School Administrators’ Innovative Ideas Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education degree from Grand Canyon University and was selected as Round Top Elementary School’s Staff Person of the Year when she served as a special education teaching assistant before receiving her college degree. “Building relationships with my students allows me to better understand their academic and social/emotional needs, which then transitions to them becoming more engaged in their learning and the demonstration of positive behavior,” Manning said. “These relationships built also provide me with the opportunity to create individualized instruction that can be the most meaningful for my students.” Her principal Allison Hepfner said, “Lysa Manning has a pure teacher’s April 30, 2021
heart. She exudes love and compassion for her students and the profession in everything she does. I love how she sets her expectations high, but also helps create individual paths to those expectations so all of her students feel success.” Inabinet began her teaching career in 2018 at Midway Elementary School. She was named as an Outstanding First Year Teacher Honor Roll finalist last school year and serves as Midway Elementary’s 4th grade team leader and as the school’s communications contact, webmaster and social media representative. Burns has served in his position since 2011 and has over 35 years of experience in the educational field. He previously served as the Career Center Director and Adult Education Director for the Palmetto Unified School District. Cutlip is the 13th KCSD educator to receive the district’s award to honor first year teachers. She hosted the First Annual Woolard Technology Center FFA shelter drive for the Kershaw County Humane Society where they collected and donated hundreds of pounds of dog and cat food along with treats, toys and beds. Smith’s principal Gail Stehle calls her “the pinnacle of magnificent teaching” and notes that her students had the highest gains of any Midway teacher from fall to winter MAP tests. Other Outstanding First Year Teacher honor roll finalists are Allysa Coleman from Camden Middle School and Breanna Sellers from North Central High School. All of the 2021 local school teachers of the year were honored at the celebration. They are: Baron DeKalb Elementary – Jaston Hawes Bethune Elementary – Sandra Gregg Blaney Elementary – Kayla Beckham Camden Elementary – Casey Snodgrass Camden High – Joey Hendrix Camden Middle – Aaron Johnson (CLC – Lynley Jones-Blankenship Doby’s Mill Elementary – Lysa Manning Jackson School – Taylor Cotton Lugoff Elementary – Taylor Anderson
Lugoff-Elgin High – Katianne Rickwood Lugoff-Elgin Middle – Liz Brown Midway Elementary – Renata Inabinet Mt. Pisgah Elementary – Blake Carrigan North Central High – Nicole Gainey North Central Middle – Michelle Reid Pine Tree Hill Elementary – Paige Fourett Stover Middle – Jordan Gurtcheff Wateree Elementary – Amy Hall WTC – LeKeith Bufford
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