Volume 17, No. 5A
May 14, 2021
Schools Honor Special Olympics Athletes
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CSD nnounces 2013 Event rkleberry Country Fair
Story Page 6
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A Park and a Pandemic By: Julian Burns, KC Council Chairman
Letter Submissions It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate. Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, culture, or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal attacks. The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information. Only letters written exclusively to the newspaper will be published. Letters to a third party or those written to more than one newspaper are not accepted. Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand and, rather than mentioning the writer by name, should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Discourse should be civil and people should be referred to in a respectful manner. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication. All letters must be signed and include the writer's street address or route address telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only. We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:
Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
What does a Park have to do with a Pandemic? Simple. We in Kershaw County have begun to master this virus – with work still yet to do – and, undaunted, we continue to build better lives for our families and our communities in spite of COVID and economic crises. On Friday the 14th of May we opened the Elgin Community Park. It is located in the Wateree Executive Park adjoining Elgin Urgent Care Clinic and next to Haigs Creek Housing. Come see for yourself ! With grit and determination, Kershaw County Recreation by direction of the County Council and with the help of Senator Tom McElveen turned unused swamp and woodland into this wildlife refuge with walking paths and scenic overlooks. It is in our nature as Americans to be optimistic, and we resolved to press on with such needed improvements to County life in spite of the Pandemic. And not only in Elgin. You see it everywhere: at KC West Ball park with hundreds of people watching Tee ball, in our churches and in sustaining our businesses. Growing and improving, County Council will announce in June two new major businesses coming to the County; “For Hire” signs are up in virtu-
See CHAIRMAN'S DESK, Page 9 >>
Note From The Editor
In our last issue, we published a letter from Ms. Sherri Few, and while we referenced the letter's author in our note, we did not directly attribute the letter to Ms. Few within the text of the letter itself. We apologize for any confusion this inadvertent omission may have caused. Cate Goff Editor
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 May 14, 2021
Celebrating Hospital Week May 9 – 15
Our healthcare heroes. Our heartfelt thanks.
Our healthcare heroes are a living example of our mission of Making Communities Healthier.®
For your commitment. For your care. For never giving up. We can’t thank you enough.
May 14, 2021
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Remembering LEHS in the 1980's By: Liz Simon Staff Writer
1983-84 Freshmen required to earn 20 units for graduation. Varsity boys’ basketball state runner ups. Track team conference championship. Mike Woods set a 43- yard field goal for school record. Brad Layton McDonald's What major events occurred in the 1980’s All-Star band. Soccer club sponsor Coach Phil Dorris. and shaped the lives and influenced the 1984-85 Willie Mickle named principal. Myra Canipe named first female thinking of the LEHS faculty and students assistant principal. Governor Riley’s Education Reform policies (longer days, who experience this decade together? shorter lunches, no pep rallies or assemblies). New athletic director Rut DinHeadlines discussed in classes were the gle. First year varsity soccer. Danny Tarte bronze medal Junior Olympics. rapid appearance of technology with video Track boys and girls conference championships. Thomas Odom ranked 45th games (Pac-Man), blockbuster movie rentals, in nation as cross-country runner. Cross country team state runner ups. Track and MTV with the video of Michael Jack- state runner ups. son's “Thriller”. Finally, there were cable lines 1985-86 865 students. School dismissed 3:05. Minimum wage $3.35. laid in the community, and hundreds of TV channel choices. The changing Cross country conference and state championship. Brent Carraway scored styles of shoulder pads, parachute pants, big hair, and lots of Hairspray were over 1000 points in basketball. Terry Robinson set records in cross country. the fun conversations. Serious topics were the assassination of Beatle John Winifred Tucker set school record 52 points in basketball. Gary Hart state Lennon, the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, the boy- champion pole vaulting. Brian Hawkey state champion 110-meter hurdles. cott of the Moscow Olympics in 1980, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the return Track team conference and state championships. First year Advanced Placeof the Iran hostages on the day President Reagan was sworn into office, the ment classes. Christy Burgess state championship. 1986 Kaleidoscope yearSpace Shuttle, and the Challenger Explosion. book selected as Best in the State with the Palmetto Award by SC Press 1979-80 820 students enrolled. Baseball field built with support from Op- Association. timist Club and National Guard. Football team conference championship. 1986-87 Drought cancelled River Rat Regatta because of driest sixKaleidoscope yearbook staff joined South Carolina Press Association. month period in 108 years. New athletic director Ed Porter. Cross country 1980-81 Senior privileges leaving campus cancelled (Closed campus new conference championship. Eugene Clark All-State. Track state championschool board policy). Football team conference championship. Marching ship. Scott Capelle shot put state champion. Christy Burgess two-mile state Pride band second in state. Zoology added. Math Department received five champion. Tennis team third in state. New class rank adopted by district for Radio Shack computers. School dismissed 2:35. Donny McElveen hit Grand weighted classes. Additional AP courses added. The Apple Mac computer Slam during first home baseball game. was purchased for journalism. First Mr. LE contest Landis Johnson. Most 1981-82 Creig Tyler named SC Football Coach of the Year. Pay telephones student/ faculty deaths in one school year with seven. Yearbook theme reinstalled. Lunch price $0.80. Marching Pride band (127 members) won state flected the story “More than our Share.” championship. Football team conference championship. Marcos Catoe won 1987-88 First spirit assembly in five years. Andre Nelson set school record Mr. Demon. Track team conference championship, Fourth in state. Darrin 1205 yards/10 touchdowns. Christy Burgess and Rainey Gettys All-State. Sweet state champion shot put. Danny Strawderman state champion pole Boys’ track conference championship. Girls’ track conference championship. vaulting. Sharon Mickle state champion two-mile run. Jim Gogan and Jeff New assistant principal Rosemary Shuler. Graduation held in gym due to Ramsey organized first wrestling team. Girls’ track conference champ. Cross rain. country conference championship. Psychology 101(24 students). 1988-89 54 faculty. 930 students. New assistant principal Mike Hep1982-83 School dismissed 2:45. 50-minute lunch. Daphne Clonts taught ner Computer processing classes. Typing still taught. 20 credits to graducomputer classes with twenty computers. First female in ROTC named drill ate. Chandra Richardson state champion high jump. Christy Burgess state commander Otilya White (also the band’s drum major). Band second in champion 2 miles Rainey Gettys state champion track. Lee Boan (Current state. Jeff Ramsey undefeated in wrestling. First year for Booster Club’s River KC Sheriff ) Commander of the rifle team. Rat Regatta. Please contact The Elgin News if you have any additional facts to add.
KCL Receives Van Through Grant
While in-person programs have been temporarily suspended at the Kershaw County Library during Covid, the library has increased efforts to reach families and children by going out into the community. Additional services will now be available with the acquisition of a programming van. The converted Dodge Caravan is equipped with a ramp, and an interior outfitted to secure book carts, tables, chairs, and whatever else might be needed to create outdoor, pop-up programming. Since reopening in June, the library has provided over 175 outreach events at parks, schools, churches, and other partner sites. To reach families who might not have access to books, the library held book giveaways at sites also visited by the Food for the Soul mobile kitchen, United Way Mobile Nutrition Services, and Kershaw County School District summer food distribution sites. To date, over 3,000 books have been distributed. Hanna Gustafson, Outreach and Publicity Coordinator, expressed the library’s excitement. “We are excited to have another option in delivering outreach services. This van will allow us to have a library presence at events where we can easily drive up, unload, and set up an outdoor space. We’re looking forward to being out in the community even more.” The van purchase was made possible by a Library Services Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the South Carolina State Library, which funded the majority of the cost.
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May 14, 2021
From the Chief 's Desk
In keeping the Elgin community safe, the Elgin Police Department depends upon our residents to share suspicious criminal activity with us. The Midland’s Crime Stoppers is one way for you to report crime and potentially receive a reward for your anonymous tip. You can reach Midland’s Crime Stoppers by calling 888-274-6372, or on the web at midlandscrimestoppers.com, or download the P3 Tips App that you can download on your phone. Remember to call 911 for emergencies or for the non-
emergencies contact Dispatch 24 hours a day at 803-424-4000. We thank everyone that reports and helps us to keep Elgin safe. We would not be as proficient as a Police Department without our community’s help. Thank you, and feel free to call us at 803-438-9917 for any questions or comments.
Incident Reports
Larceny: Officer was dispatched to a call about some 4x4 post being stolen from the Community Garden on Sessions Road, in The Town Limits of Elgin. I arrived and spoke with Annette Hammond who stated that when she arrived to do some work on the garden around 25-26 post were gone and the bundle was cut open. Other bundles are also there and were untouched. I attempted to find tire tracks or shoe prints but due to the rain washing them away I was unable to locate any. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Officer was running stationary radar on Highway Church Road when I noticed a vehicle approaching me at a high rate of speed. My radar indicated that the vehicle was running 50/35. I made a traffic stop on the vehicle and spoke with the driver Subject. While speaking with Subject I could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming out of the vehicle and I asked him about the smell. He stated he had a joint in his pocket and he pulled out a burnt joint and I asked him to destroy it and he did. After his passenger got out I began searching the vehicle. I located a small wallet that had a small glass jar inside that contained a green leafy like substance believed to be marijuana located under Passenger's seat. I then found another wallet that contained the same on Subject's side of the vehicle. Both individuals took ownership and I issued Subject a cita-
May 14, 2021
tion for speeding and a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. I also issued Passenger a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. Once I arrived back at the police department I weighed the marijuana, each jar contained approximately 2.2 grams and I placed them into two separate evidence bags along with a chain of custody and put them in the drug evidence drop box. Found Property: Officer was approached by Complainant who stated that her ex-husband had loaned her his vehicle. Complainant further stated while she was cleaning it, she located a small amount of marijuana as well as a magnetic pipe with residue on it. She requested that officer's come and remove the narcotics and paraphernalia. The reporting officer followed her to her residence. At the residence Complainant took the reporting officer to the garage where she had separated the narcotics and paraphernalia. The reporting officer then took possession of two diabetic test strip bottles, one of which contained approximately 1.5 grams of marijuana, and the other containing a small green metal smoking accessory with marijuana residue. The reporting officer placed both items within an evidence envelope and marked them both for destruction prior to placing them into the property locker at Elgin Police Department headquarters.
Chief Alan Anders
Elgin PD Hiring The Elgin Police Department currently has 1 opening for full time Patrol Officer. SCCJA certification required. If interested please fill out an application at the Elgin Town Hall or on line at the Town of Elgin web site. Competitive starting salary and benefits. Call 803-438-9917, or email your request to anders@elginpolice.org to have an application emailed. Thank you.
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2021 Special Olympics
Covid may have dampened spirits throughout this school year, but it could not kill the spirit of Special Olympics. Recently, schools across the district hosted their own Special Olympics to support these athletes, as the county-wide event was canceled due to Covid concerns. Lugoff Elgin High School students lined the sidewalks and cheered on the athletes as they marched from the main campus to the Annex. Then the athletes and their buddies spent the afternoon engaging in fun activities. They began by eating a lunch prepared by Mr. Dave Stanek, hospitality teacher, and his students. Then students played carnival games, had a dance party, and participated in a kickball game. At Camden Middle, students enjoyed food, games, face painting, and fellowship. CMS staff work hard to make this a special day for everyone participating.
Blaney Elementary and ALPHA Center Highlight Hispanic Heritage
The ALPHA Behavioral Center of Camden piloted an art contest on Cinco de Mayo to highlight the Hispanic heritage of area students. Blaney Elementary's 3rd-5th grade students and teacher Wende Myers, responded to the request for original artwork. When the judges completed their tallies, the winners were (pictured from left to right) Haleigh Sanders, Anairis Ponce-Hernandez, and Charlotte Beckham (1st-3rd place, respectively). The girls received Walmart gift cards. Their artwork will be made into posters and used during Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2021.
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May 14, 2021
LEHS Faculty Reunion
ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
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LEHS Faculty and Staff celebrated their 22nd reunion on May 11 at Dave’s Place in Lugoff. Pictured are Liz Simon, kneeling. First row seated, left to right: Ollie Brisbane, Margaret Nelson, Linda Hall, Glenn Price, Jean Boan, Theresa Muldrow. Second row, left to right: Allan Upchurch, Steve and Margaret DeGroat, Tammy Kirkley, Donna Noelle, Mary Luce Naso, Emily Finley, Ava Doby, Judy Ford, Daisy James. Back Row, left to right: Chuck Bingham, Mary Ann Pineau, Mary Lostetter, Terri McManus, Sandy Fitts, Creig Tyler, Marcia Cashion, DeLaine Pearson, Kay Roberson, Ernie Hughes, Harriett Thomas Absent from photo: Andrew Heddy and Daphne Clonts.
Montessori School Announces New Leadership
The Montessori School of Camden (MSC) Board of Directors is excited to announce Deb Cyrier as the new Head of School beginning with the 2021-22 academic year. Deb is a lifelong Montessorian, as she was a Montessori student herself. She holds a Master’s Degree from Xavier University in Montessori education and holds Montessori credentials for Early Childhood and both levels of Elementary. She has been active in the local, state and national Montessori community, largely representing the interests of Montessori schools in the public-sector. She played an instrumental role in establishing and growing a Montessori magnet program in her local community. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Deb is relocating with her family to Kershaw County in the summer of 2021. She and her husband are proud Montessori parents of three girls aged 7, 9, and 11. After 19 years, current MSC Head of School, Dr. John Moncure is retiring effective July 1 to spend time in his next life adventure “sailing the seven seas.” Dr. Moncure led MSC through its last physical expansion as well as being instrumental in the school’s transition from a private school to a public charter school. The Board thanks Dr. Moncure for his love and dedication to Montessori and the MSC students and families!
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Worship @ The Park
May 15 | 5-7 pm | Potter Park This is a community outreach event put on by our Beyond Students at Highway PH Church. We will have food trucks, live music, games, giveaways, and Pastor Corey Miller, former Gamecock and NFL linebacker will be delivering a message to our community.
SC NAACP Library Events Vaccine Event
Weekly Programming | Every Other Tuesday 6:30 PM on Zoom Yoga for EveryBody: Join Scott Freiberg for Mt. Moriah Outreach, Inc., DHEC and the SC Yoga from the comfort of your own home. Dates NAACP are hosting a vaccine clinic on June 5th, are April 13, April 27, May 11, May 18, and May from 9 am - 5 pm, at Mt. Moriah Outreach, lo- 25 at 6:30 PM. To join the class, fill out the waiver cated at 813 Broad Street in Camden. on the KCL website This event is free of charge, and appointments are not required. Drive through service will also be available. Friday, May 14 | 10:30 AM on Facebook
Manna Food Giveaway
The Revival Center Northeast will hold Manna, its free food giveaway on Friday, May 21st, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon as long as bags last. Bags will have contents for a Family Fun Pizza Night for the average family of four. The ministry is located at 1662 Highway 1 South (next to Johnson’s Transmission) in Lugoff. In observance of CDC Guidelines, we ask you to wear your masks. Call church offices at 803-764-2720 for more information.
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Little Explorers’ Club: Hats: Hooray for hats! Today we’re going to have fun with a great hat story and we’ll make a fun hat craft! For ages 3-7. Wednesday, May 19 6:30 PM in Google Hangouts Library Book Club: This month, we’ll be reading and discussing News of the World by Paulette Jiles. Join the club by emailing Jennifer Kelley at jenniferk@kershawcountylibrary.org Friday, May 21 | 11 AM on Zoom Exploring Information: NoveList: There are various online resources available for finding information on different educational levels. Teachers, parents and students can explore these resources for assignments as well as for fun. These resources are provided through the South Carolina State Library's Discus program. Tuesday, May 25 | 4 PM on Facebook Denim Feather Craft: Pick up supplies at the library doors starting May 18. We're going to make feather earrings. For ages 8-18. Thursday, May 27 | 7 PM on Facebook Bedtime Storytime: Memorial Day: Join us for bedtime stories celebrating Memorial Day and learning the meaning of this special day. Ages 5 and up.
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803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com 8
May 14, 2021
Education is a Collaborative Effort Jenny Proctor, KCSD Teacher of the Year Guest Writer
As the 2020 district teacher of the year, I recently had the opportunity to compete for the title of South Carolina Teacher of the Year. After this challenging season, I so desperately wanted to give Kershaw County a reason to celebrate. Though I made the top five, I was not able to clinch the victory for our district. As I sit here and reflect, though, I realize Kershaw County already has multiple reasons to celebrate. First and foremost, our schools are full of teachers who love first and teach second. I had them, my own kids have had them, and I work with them daily. Secondly, look at what we have been able to accomplish in the last calendar year. Who was prepared last spring to teach students virtually thanks to our eLearning program? Kershaw County teachers. Who opened their doors for five days of face-to-face instruction in September? Kershaw County. While I hate I was not able to bring the title of State Teacher of the Year home to our district, I still feel like a winner. Being a part of Kershaw County as a former student, a current employee, and a mom of three current students, is a victory. In addition to our teachers, we also have assistants, counselors, administrators, nurses, SROs, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, etc. who want the children of this county to have every opportunity for success. While we desire to help each child reach his full potential, we cannot do it alone. We need the sup-
port of our community. Please continue to stand beside us as we strengthen our community by providing the children in it with a first-rate educational experience. Not sure how to help? Here are four easy ways you can support the schools in our district: 1. Be positive. Speak to school staff with respect, and be mindful of the good things happening in our classrooms. If you are a parent or guardian, you know how hard it is to be responsible for one child. Try having 30+ to nurture. 2. Shop locally whenever possible. We need your tax dollars investing into our school system, not the surrounding districts. 3. Make a connection with one of our schools. Maybe you own a business, and you can offer an internship to a high school student. Maybe you have the ability to provide an enriching experience for our elementary students. Reach out, and we will find a way for you to contribute. 4. Use your voice and vote. Be aware of our politicians’ plans regarding education in our state, and consider the role education plays in our economic development when you cast your ballot. The educators in our county are doing great work. It may not be glamorous, but it is work with a purpose. What we do matters. It matters every day to our students that we are present. It matters every day that we are giving our students hope - hope for a future that can be different, or just a little better, than their present. It matters that we help our students find their callings. No one ever said it would be easy work, especially during a pandemic, but we must remind ourselves every day that it is a great work, and we cannot stop now. The work we do can be even better, however, when we complete it in conjunction with our community, and it is worth every effort because public education is the structure that holds our society together. If we were not sure of that in previous years, we certainly cannot deny it now.
Beautiful Business Award The Mason Automotive Group is the latest recipient of The Beautiful Business Award by The Kershaw County Clean Community Commission. The Beautiful Business Award is presented to businesses in Kershaw County who demonstrate a clean and litter free property. “We are proud to award the beautification award to The Mason Automotive Group for their continued effort to maintain a clean environment at their dealerships,” stated Clean Community Commission Chairwoman Wanda Swann. “Their efforts continue to provide an attractive entrance into the Lugoff community.” If you would like to nominate a business for this award, please Photo (from left to right): Kershaw County Councilman Ben Connell, Christy Gardner, Pam email kccleancommunity@gmail.com. Beautiful Business Awards are presented on a quarterly basis. Delk, Mark Mason Sr., Jill Wolfe, Dennis Outlaw, Mark Mason Jr., and Tom Webb.
CHAIRMAN'S DESK, Continued From Page 2 ally every shop and store; and, two new schools are being built in North Central, to include the High School hit by the tornado 15 months ago. Let’s get back to work; let’s get on with our spiritual, educational and family lives. With the help of vaccinations, we can now begin to do that. Our case numbers have dropped below 100 for the first time in a year! The ordinary, day-to-day thrill of being vaccinated is dawning in Kershaw County. You hear the chatter: “First time in a year that…: “I flew to Atlanta…or...I hugged the grandkids… or…worked at the office…or.. went to the ballgame…or..attended Church services inside.” We feel adventuresome again, like Indiana Jones, even in the smaller joys of life. Signals of progress, with trust in one another as we honor the historic accomplishments of our Medical teams, the workers in business, and particularly Vic Carpenter and all May 14, 2021
County personnel -- in KCSO, KCSD, Dispatchers, EMS, Recreation, Fire, Public Works, Detention, Zoning, Auditor, Assessor, Treasurer, Probate and Justice agencies…and the list goes on. Thank them; thank them all. To signify the moment -- with little fanfare, the County Declaration of “Emergency” quietly lapsed in April, as did that of Camden. And the CDC announced important new guidance, relaxing masking and other measures we have followed for a year. Yet, some precautions apply when common sense suggests masks indoors, and especially to take the shots! Why? It is because we continue under attack from uninvited, unseen visitors -deadly ones at that -- and our post-Spring Break COVID numbers were as bad as that of a year ago. (See chart, page 2). Success in sight, but another reality lingers. Epi-
demics have surged and morphed worldwide, and mutant variants and animal cross-overs are emerging. For us, Booster shots seem a certainty in the Fall. Meanwhile, India is in a crisis far beyond our own as they prematurely relaxed their defenses; and, lagging in vaccinations, they are learning the terrible costs of the new “Double Mutant.” Nevertheless, County life is renewing: May & June 2021 bring our great Springtime celebrations that we set aside a year ago in the COVID of 2020: the Carolina Cup, a range of Sports championships, recreation on the Wateree, School Graduations, and more events beyond counting. We are well-equipped in materiel and in savvy to enjoy life with the help of vaccines and new knowledge that we could only dream about a year ago. So, get the shots and press on, as we have done from the beginning, because we are #KCSTRONG!
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Blaney Elementary's Community Garden
Blaney's second graders have started a community garden. They are growing peppers, squash, tomatoes, carrots, beets, and a variety of herbs and flowers. The garden was started so students could have a better understanding of the farm-to-table process. They are learning about needs and wants, good and services and producers and consumers.
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Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office
National Police Week 2021
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. We have four Kershaw County Sheriff 's Office deputies who have died in the line of duty that we would like to recognize this week:
KCSO Deputy Theodore "Ted" Turner End of Watch: April 29, 1971 Deputy Theodore Turner was shot and killed while he and another deputy served commitment papers on a mental subject. The man was given permission from the two deputies to obtain some personal items before being removed from the home. As the two deputies spoke on the front porch the suspect returned to the door and fired a shot from a 410 gauge shotgun, striking Deputy Turner in the back of the head. The suspect was arrested following a massive manhunt and committed. Deputy Turner was survived by his wife and several children. KCSO Captain James Eugene "Pat" Orr End of Watch: July 2, 1973 Captain James Orr was shot and killed by a 22 year old Massachusetts man wanted for armed robbery. A sequence of events started when a lone gunman entered the office of a mobile home dealership north of Camden; tied up the manager; and robbed him of $190 in cash. The manager worked himself free seconds after the suspect fled and called the sheriff 's department. Captain Orr was patrolling in Lugoff when he spotted a car matching the description of the suspects vehicle given by the manager. Captain Orr pulled the car over and was shot several times by the suspect as he got out of his patrol car. Later in the day the suspect abducted at gunpoint a mother and her four daughters from their home several miles away. He forced the mother with her four children to drive him in her car south toward Georgia. He released his hostages, unharmed, just outside of Savannah. A few days later in Florida, a St. Augustine Police Officer received an anonymous phone call telling him where the suspect could be located. He went to a local residence and took the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect was convicted of Captain Orr's murder, armed robbery, and five counts of kidnapping on October 24, 1973. He was sentenced to six life terms plus 26 years in prison. Captain Orr was to retire the following January. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
KCSO Deputy Ernest Christian Potter, III End of Watch: February 21, 1974 Sheriff Lee Boan Deputy Sheriff Ernest Potter was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to investigate two men who were hitchhiking on I-20. As the deputies stepped out of their patrol car a third suspect surprised them from behind a guardrail and held them at gunpoint. The three suspects walked the two deputies down an embankment where they opened fire on both deputies. Deputy Potter was struck in the head several times and killed. The other deputy was shot in the head and seriously wounded. The three suspects had murdered Patrolman Richey Finch, of the Forest Acres Police Department, when Patrolman Finch stopped their vehicle several hours earlier. The shooter was sentenced to life plus 99 years. He was survived by his wife and unborn son. His son (Chris Potter, IV) is now a captain at Richland County Sheriff 's Department. KCSO School Resource Officer Rob Evans End of Watch: November 27, 2013 Deputy Evans was directing traffic at Wateree Elementary School when he collapsed in the roadway from a heart attack. Two nurses were in line to pick up their children and saw Deputy Evans fall to the ground. They immediately went to his aid and began administering CPR to him. Lugoff Fire Department responded and assisted. Rob was then transported to Kershaw Health, and later to Providence Hospital with a police escort from several law enforcement agencies. He passed away at 5:30am the next morning at Providence Hospital. He was survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son. Never forget the sacrifices these heroes made to the citizens of our county.
Junior Leadership Class of 2021 Recognized
Above, left: Noah Miller of Camden High School was named the Robert J. Sheheen Outstanding Junior Leadership Student for 2021. Miller was presented with the honor at the graduation dinner by Junior Leadership co-chairs Teri Luther and Amy Kinard. Above, right: Junior Leadership Class of 21 at their program end graduation. Photos courtesy Johnny Deal, BowTie Photography. May 14, 2021
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Our Family Caring For Your Family Since 1931 Camden Chapel 1112 Fair Street, Camden, SC 29020
803-432-3583
Lugoff-Elgin Chapel 1139 Highway 1 S, Lugoff, SC 29078
803-438-3419
www.kornegayfuneral.com