“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff and Camden”Volume 18, No. 8B August 19, 2022 SEE PAGE 6 Dine In or To 803.408.2757Go!
• 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 men tioning 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
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The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
The Camden Junior Welfare League is now accepting applications for its Fall Classroom Enrichment Grants. These grants are open to all Kershaw County School District educators. The grants will provide up to $500 to teachers for classroom support, project support, and extracur ricular support. The purpose of the grants is to support enrichment areas such as math, science, history, language and writing, arts, physical education, life skills, and special education for students with dis abilities.Applications must be submitted online. The link to the grant application form can be found on the League’s website at www.camdenleague.org. Deadline to submit applications is Friday, September 9th, 2022.The League is excited to be able to offer these grants for the sixth year in a row, as each year we see a remarkable response from teachers in the Kershaw County School District. For a list of past classroom enrichment grant awardees, please visit the League’s website at www.camdenleague.org/grants
Letter Submissions
CJWL Announces Fall Classroom Grants
The King family is pictured above at one of several fundraising events held in their honor. Matt and Jessica will undergo transplant surgery on September 7th in Charleston to give Matt a new kidney.
The Matthew, Jess, Jessica, and Camden King family believes God will supply all our needs according ments, our friends, our church family, coworkers, businesses we love and have worked at, our friends and family in states we lived in before SC, strangers that fell in love with our family from reading or hearing about our story, gatherings for art, music, games, for the Lugoff fire department advertising-WOW. To God be all the glory for the support we have been so graciously and sacrificially given by so many. Thank
2 August 19, 2022
The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.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 re quest. 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.
3August 19, 2022
Shortly before her first birthday, Savannah Amerson was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called CTNNB1 Syndrome. Savannah is the daughter of LEHS graduate Cody Amerson, and the granddaughter of Elgin residents Jackie and Russell Amerson.CTNNB1 Syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by disruption of chromosome 3p22. 1 of the CTNNB1 gene. It is a recently discovered condition associated with developmental delay, intellectual disability and speech delay. In Savannah's case, she didn't sit up until she was 10 months old. Many kids with this syndrome don't walk until they are 3-4 years old, and often don't speak until they are 5-6 years old. This disorder is extremely rare, and in fact, Savannah is the only child in SC to have been diagnosed with the disorder. Due to the recent discovery of the disorder, many cases are believed to have been misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy. To aid with the research for this disorder, Savannah's family and friends have organized a fundraiser walk. This event will take place on Saturday, September 3rd at Blaney Elementary. The entire community is invited to participate in the walk. There will be no registration fees to walk, instead the family will be collecting donations at the walk, or participants can pledge a donation online at ctnnb1-doundation.org or at curectnnb1.org.
Elgin Native's Daughter, Granddaughter Fighting Rare Genetic Disorder
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer I was never a devoted Elvis fanatic, but after seeing the summer box office hit biopic of Elvis, staring Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, I have become an enthusiastic fan. The movie grossed over $251 million worldwide and became the summer number one blockbuster at the box Watchingoffice.it twice (once with girlfriends and once after asking my husband to take me on a double date with Glenn and Nancy Smith) brought back memories when I went from pre-teen to my teenage self.
4 August 19, 2022 A Blockbuster Summer
Saturday, August the 13th at 7:00 PM Lugoff Elgin High School’s first athletic director and longtime principal Willie Mickle received a fitting tribute on his 83rd birthday. The road that turns off Highway 1 and winds through the old (1972-1992) LEHS and the new LEHS building, and stadium to Wildwood Lane was named in his honor… Willie Mickle Drive.
I have always wanted a way to see recognition given to the ones who made an impact in our community. In the city of Camden, the Leaders’ Legacy benches have become a fitting tribute for so many including Mel Pearson, who recently retired as Camden City administrator, husband of former LEHS history teacher Delaine Pearson and father of Wendy, Jeff, and Lauren all LE honor graduates. I attended the dedication ceremony and reception for Mel Pearson on June 23 at the Revolutionary War Park. Some of my happiest LE memories were spent with this school spirited and communityoriented family. I would like for our readers to challenge our local leaders on the County Council and the Town of Elgin to consider a proposal to establish a way to honor our two communities and those who have made a difference. One of my all-time favorite ballad singers Brook Benton who also wrote for other hit artists was born here in Lugoff September 19, 1931 and named Benjamin Peay. Many of his family members still live here. One proposal might be a music festival or tribute to him with a sign designation. Brook Benton was friends with Elvis, and they traveled in the same music circles. Some of Benton’s Billboard hits were “A Rainy Night in Georgia, It's Just a Matter of Time”, and in 1961 he let us know about “The Boll Weevil Song”.Letus hear from you about your thoughts and suggestions. Email or Facebook us at The Elgin News. Savannah Amerson was recently diagnosed with CTNNB1 Syndrome. A fundraising walk in her honor is scheduled for Saturday September 3rd.
Grandparents Jackie and Russell will be matching the first $5k donated.
Hearing his number one signature hit record “Suspicious Minds” and my personal favorite “Can't Help Falling in Love with You” made me feel happy and carefree again. Music has a way healing and lifting our spirits. Music truly calms the soul. I would watch this two hour and thirty-nine-minute movie again, and again - as well as all the thirty-one movies that he made in hisAugustlifetime.16, 1977, when I was out shopping for back-to-school clothes with son Bo and daughter Belle, the 42-year-old King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley died of a massive heart attack in his home in Memphis, Tennessee. Today fans all over the world still make the pilgrimage to Elvis’s home Graceland to pay tribute to the legendary Elvis Presley especially on the anniversary of hisVisitingdeath.
Mr. Mickle’s drive is what encouraged others to succeed, and this community has thrived because of his love and leadership for others. This was a highlight for me and others who were present in LEHS ‘s stadium on those perfect 83 degrees summer night. It was a reunion under the lights and a birthday gift Mr. Mickle, and his extended family, friends, and former players will long remember. Some of our readers may have different memories of this summer, but hopefully you had days to enjoy outings like the movie Elvis or Maverick Top Gun or moments to cherish with family and friends.
Graceland is on my bucket list of places to go and things to do. After I celebrated my 75th birthday in June, and faced my husband’s openheart surgery in July, I decided I needed to rethink the difference between my needs and my wants and redo my bucket list. Visiting Graceland still made the cut because I enjoy traveling for short get aways or at best I am holding on to this goal for now.
Elgin Police Department Incident Reports From the Chief's Desk
5August 19, 2022
Dr. MedicalD.O.T.FergusonCertiedExaminer2547Main Street, Elgin • (803) 408-0965 Now offering D.O.T. Certi ed Physicals for only $99. Call today! In this Chief’s Desk, I want to talk about an ongoing issue in which we are receiving numerous complaints. It’s the issue with dog’s running at large throughout the town and surrounding Elgin area. Almost every day, someone is reporting a dog in their yard, or damage from a dog and even reports of vicious dogs attempting to or attaching people. Most of these dogs belong to citizens and are not strays. Please keep in mind that the owner is responsible both criminally and civilly for any damage or injuries it causes.
Domestic Disturbance, Verbal: On 08/13/2022 at approximately 1515 hours Officer responded to 1466 Highway Chuch Road in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a Domestic Disturbance complaint. Once I arrive the caller, Husband and his Wife were both in the driveway of the marital home they are currently sharing until their divorce is finalized. Husband stated he had come to the home to pick up something when Wife went into the driveway and sat on his motorcycle refusing to get off, preventing him from leaving. Wife stated that Husband is taking items from the home and selling them without her knowledge and doesn't think that it's fair. I advised her because the divorce isn't final, and all of these items are still considered marital property, she might want to contact her lawyer and advise him of the situation. There was no physical altercation according to both parties and Husband was able to leave with Informationincident.Only,Welfare
The Elgin Police Dept. and Kershaw County’s Animal Control do have laws in place and we do enforce them. In certain incidents the owner has been charged and Animal Control has even seized the dog. We understand that dogs can get out without you knowing, but please understand that you are still responsible for the dog’s actions. Thank you.
Check: Officer was flagged down by a passer-byer. The passer-byer stated that she was traveling on Session Rd. near Smyrna Rd., when she saw a female laying in a yard that appeared to be unconscious. I followed the female driver to Session Road home and I saw a female laying in the yard of this home. The female was dressed in a Camden t-shirt, blue jean short and a pair of black socks laying on her side. I approached the female and said ma'am are you alright and she immediately responded yes. I asked her for her name and she stated Subject. Subject stated that she was laying in the yard watching the stars and fell asleep. I asked Subject if she had any ID and she responded " not on me". I asked her where is her ID and she stated in the house. I asked her where do you live and she said here. She got off the ground walked into her home and shut the door behind her. I knocked on the door several times trying to get her back to the door with negative results. Due to the fact that Subject was in her yard and refused to come to the door and had not commit any crime that I know of, I cleared the scene. Assault Simple: On 8/10/2022, I, Oficer was dispatched to Domino's Pizza in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a disturbance between a customer and employee. Upon my arrival I located both parties in the parking lot. I was first approached by Subject (Assistant Manager) who stated Victim came in to pick up an order. According to Subject the order was placed at the Sumter store. Subject stated that he told Victim he could make the order but Victim would need to pay him and request a refund from the store in Sumter. Subject stated that Victim called Sumter and was on hold for 15 minuets and got upset. Subject told Victim that he could not do anything about a refund. Victim became rude and was asked to leave the store several times. Subject walked Victim to the door, Subject stepped outside to make sure Victim left. Subject raised his hand to motion Victim to move along and Victim stepped forward causing Subject's hand to graze Victim's hat knocking it off and to the ground. I then spoke with Victim who stated he arrived at Domino's to pick up his pizza and it was not there. He asked for the Manager and Victim advised he was the Manager on site. Victim stated he then asked for the number for the district office. Victim further stated he was then asked to leave the store. Victim complied with the request to leave the store and said once outside, Subject locked the door. Victim asked for the district number or the owners number. Victim then said Subject unlocked the door, walked to the front of his car and slapped him in the face. Victim had very light swelling to his lower lip on the left side. There was no bleeding or signs of bleeding. Based on the minor swelling, Victim's written statement and not being able to review the cameras on site Subject was issued a ticket for simple assault. I was told I would need to contact the Owner to get the video of the incident. Officer planned to contact Owner on the afternoon of Breach8/11/2022.ofTrust: On August 5, 2022 Subject signed a contract and rented a 2002 GMC UHaul Cargo Van, AZ Tag AL64059. The signed contract shows the U-Haul was to be returned on August 7, 2022 at 1500 hours. After the cargo van was not returned, E&T Hardware employees called Subject and she did not answer on the first call, and immediately hung up on the second call. The secondary number on the rental agreement was for a Ms. Sullivan. Upon calling Sullivan she stated she did not know Subject. E&T Hardware asked to report the U-Haul as stolen to the Elgin Police Department. Officer also spoke with UHaul Regional Manager who requested a case number and my information. Manager advised the value of the vehicle is $28,000.00. The Breach of Trust Vehicle will be entered into NCIC.
Brandon Gibbs, #4, remembers Coach Car mon's speech after their first post-season loss. "Right out of the gate, we ran the table during the regular season only to get humbled by a strong team out of West Columbia in the playoffs," says Gibbs. "The one hour speech from Coach Carmon - yes I said one hour - after that game really hit us on the chin." The team battled back from this loss, and de spite falling in the State Championship game, the final result was winning the Southeast Regional championship," says Gibbs. "And that is what we did. Having a chance to finally hoist the trophy and wave the SC state flag as Southeast Regional champions was surreal. The rainbow appearing in the sky was confirmation to me that God had graced us with his favor." Time to celebrate was short, as the team was almost immediately off to the World Series.
“We played well during the regular season and won our league championship, but we didn’t get challenged enough to prepare us for the playoffs," says Carmon. "We played some of our worst base ball in our first few playoff games, but thankfully the boys did just enough to advance and earn a spot in the state tournament.”
6 August 19, 2022 play baseball, earn scholarships, grow in sports manship - and for a very small few, attend the World Series in Shelby, NC. This year, Post 17 made the cut after winning the Southeast Region in a roller coaster ride of a tournament. Head Coach Stephen Carmon is proud of the determination of his team.
A trip to the American League World Se ries, is about much more than baseball - for the team, coaches and their families - it is a once-ina-lifetime experience. Parent Ginger Catoe was overwhelmed with the reception they received in Shelby."While we were in Shelby, several host fami lies took care of our athletes," says Catoe. "Along with Landmark Baptist Church, these amazing families treated our students like they were fam ily. They fed the players; they cheered them on at each game; and they befriended our parents to make sure that our needs were met while we were out of town. For this, we have been humbled and foreverWhilegrateful."thePost 17 team ultimately did not leave Shelby with another championship, they left with something else to cherish. Gibbs will always re member the experience as the greatest of his base ball career. "I have played a lot of baseball in various leagues, but playing with the American Legion has by far been the greatest experience and truly brought to life one of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandella, 'Sport has the power to change the world, inspire, and unite people in a way that little else does,'" saysCoachGibbs.Carmon couldn't be more proud. “I am very proud of my guys and how they fought,” says Carmon. “We got behind early in most of our playoff games, but the team never flinched. No matter what the score was, they kept competing until the very last out and that is what I am most proud of.” This team's determination did not go unno ticed by the community. They defined resilience with their never-ending will to succeed - despite missing some key players, doing school work in between games, and enduring a grueling schedule of travel and play. "They all battled adversity, playing positions they may not have normally played," says Catoe. "What they exhibited all season is the epitome of teamwork."
Brandon Gibbs and Jamari Harris were named to the AL World Series All-Tournament Team. An honor given to only thirteen of the 136 players at the World Series.
Post 17 2022 Roster #1 Cobe Evans - LEHS #2 Jamari Harris - TSA #3 Zane Catoe - LEHS #4 Brandon Gibbs - SVHS #5 Banks Munn - LEHS Head Coach: Stephen Carmon - Assistant Coaches: Justin Dorton, Randall Vickroy, Brady White #6 Shane Thomas - RNE #7 Wil Stines - CHS #8 Brent Gibbs - SVHS #9 Max Branham - LEHS #11 Stephen Lang-Spittler - BHS #12 Alex Simmons - BHS #13 Riley Ward - LEHS #16 Justin Flemming - BHS #17 Wynn Ravan - SVHS #18 Keaton Harrelson - LEHS #20 Davis Beckley - CHS #21 Jacob Hardy - BHS #23 Patrick Daniels - CHS #24 Kevin Steelman - BHS Post 17, after winning the Southeast Regional Tourney, and punching their ticket to the AL World Series.
7August 19, 2022 GET YOUR PIT READY TO PARTY! We haul: • Fill Sand • Topsoil • Rock 39 Plaza Drive, Lugoff | 803.438.2195 39803.438.2195Plazadrivelugoff actseamlessgutters@gmail.com • (803) 669-2574 25 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM! Seamless, 1/2 Round & Copper Gutters Gutter Clean Outs & Repairs Gutter QualityCoversService to the Midlands for 10 Years ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down “Serving Columbia Since 1963” 4927 Alpine Road, Columbia, SC 803-788-823829223Hours:Wed 11-2 • Thurs - Sat 11-8 • Sun 11-3 Catering Available Call us at 318-6682 for your catering needs. ALL YOU CARE TO EAT!
Templar Named KershawAdministratorCounty
Where there's one Mickle, there is generally two, so it was no surprise to see most of the "Mickle Mafia" gathered to celebrate their patriarch. "You can always expect my family to show up," says Mickle. "It was nice to see them all standing behind me on the field."
On an 83 degree South Carolina evening, on his 83rd birthday, Willie Mickle was honored by Lugoff Elgin High School and the Kershaw County School District with the official dedication of Willie Mickle Drive. The road that winds between the LEHS and LEMS campuses was officially dedicated to Mickle, a local legend, having served as both Principal and Athletic Director during his long career at LEHS. Family, friends, colleagues and former players gathered at the annual DemonFest event to celebrate Mickle. For Mickle, the event was less about this honor, and more about celebrating the relationships Mickle cultivated during his career.
"As nice it was to be honored, the best part of the night was being able to visit with friends and former players that I haven’t seen in years," says Mickle. "They are what made my time at LE so special."
Willie Mickle, center in red, joins family, friends and former players at the newly installed "Willie Mickle Drive" sign, located between the campuses of LEHS and LEMS. During a Special Called County Council Meeting earlier today, Council unanimously voted to appoint Danny Templar as County Administrator. Templar has been serving as Interim Administrator since last month and has served as Deputy Assistant Administrator“It’sprior.agreat day in Kershaw County as we appoint Danny Templar as Kershaw County’s next County Administrator,” stated Chairman Julian Burns. “Danny’s hard work and service to our community will continue to benefit our citizens and businesses moving forward.”
Farmers Market 'LittleCheerDemon'ClinicVicki's Attic Fall Bazaar
The Lugoff-Elgin High Cheerleading Squad invites kids aged 4-12 to participate in their an nual "Little Demon" Cheer Clinic. The event will be held on September 10th from 9 am - 12 pm at the LEHS ParticipantsAnnex.will receive a t-shirt and bow, and the Little Demons will also perform at a Varsity Football Game on September 16th. For more info and to register, visit the LEHS Cheer page on Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements.
CLC is launching their Mentor Program, We G.R.O.W. By the Relationships We Sow, this school year. They are looking for community members and leaders, business leaders and workforce members, KC Civic Club members, and others willing to make a difference in our students' lives. A Mentor Application package must be completed and submitted, along with the Kershaw County School District Volunteer Application. To obtain the application package and KC School District Volunteer Application, or for questions, please contact CLC Special Projects Coordinator/Mentor Coordinator Kim Stokes: (803) 425-7712 ext. 1609, or via email: kimberly.stokes@kcsdschools.net.
Above, (left to right): Nature As Teacher Environmental Educational Specialist Leoncia Cruz, Camden Build ers Supply's Mike Flynn, and CLC Special Projects Coordinator Kim Stokes.
Stop by Vicki’s Attic, at Blaney Baptist Church on Saturday, September 10th, from 9:00 A.M. –12 Noon. We will be hosting a Clothing & Shoe Giveaway, for adults and children. For more de tails, contact Blaney Baptist at 803-438-3161. El-Bethel Faith Community Church’s Fall Ba zaar, sponsored by the Ladies Ministry, will be held on Saturday, October 1st, from 8am until 2pm, at El-Bethel Faith Community Church, 905 Longtown Rd., Lugoff. The Bazaar will once again host the popular “In door yard sale”, which includes many gently used and new items for the home, as well as outdoor items. In addition, vendors will be selling wonder ful gift items such as beautiful wreaths, arts and crafts, jewelry, Christmas items, collectibles, and many other items. Delicious homemade baked goods will also be sold. There will be biscuits for breakfast, with your choice of meat, and BBQ plates for lunch. All pro ceeds from this event will be used for needs within the church family and the community. For ad ditional information, please call Sandra Laney at 803-432-0885. If you would like to be a vendor, please call 803-427-7187. If you have questions, please contact church sec retary, Julie Keith at ebfaithnews@gmail.com or via telephone at 803-427-7187.
Kershaw County citizens age 65 years or older can receive lifetime Golden Circle passes that allow them to attend school-sponsored activities or athletic events free of charge. The passes are good from year to year. Admission to athletic play offs is not included. Golden Circle passes are available at all three high schools — Camden High, Lugoff-Elgin High and North Central High. Interested per sons should contact the main office at each school for more information. (Camden High: 803-4258930; Lugoff-Elgin High: 803-438-3481 and North Central High: 803-432-9858). Senior Adults Are FREE!
8 August 19, 2022
The KC Farmers Market, located at 906 Mar ket Street in Camden, is open 9-12 every Saturday through November, rain or shine. Visit www.ker shawcountyfarmersmarket.com, or follow them Facebook for more info.
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The first project for the G.R.O.W. program, is a partnership with Nature As Teacher's Environmen tal Education Specialist Leoncia Cruz to construct an art mural made of bottle caps that will be dis played at the school. Mike Flynn of Camden Builders Supply recently donated plywood and caulking supplies to CLC for this project.
9August 19, 2022
WTC FFA Chapter Nationally Recognized
The WTC Kershaw County FFA Chapter housed at the Woolard Technology Center in Camden achieved 3 stars in the National Chap ter Award Program. This program evaluates chapters in all 50 states and 2 U.S. Territories in the areas of Building Communities, Strengthening Agriculture, and Growing Leaders.
Genova Hosts Women's Self Defense Seminar
On Wednesday, August 3rd, Genova Family Karate hosted a Women's Self Defense seminar, at the request of former Columbia Mayor, and cur rent Elgin resident Steve Benjamin. Benjamin's wife and two daughters were among the 83 ladies in attendance for the free seminar conducted by Genova's own Mike Genova. Genova is proud of the attendees. "I’m so proud of the women of Elgin. By attend ing my seminars, these women, and their teenage daughters, are being proactive about their safety," saysSingleGenova.mother Maquita Perry, learned to protect her children from a potential kidnapper. "As a single mom, there was so much useful in formation that I learned today," says Perry. "One of the main things I took away from this seminar was different tactics a kidnapper may use to ab duct your children, such as threatening that they will hurt the child's parents if they don't go with the kidnapper. I feel that taking precautions to help prevent these situations, as well as prepare for these situations if they do happen, can go a long way."Mom Whitney Fitts shared the experience with her"Idaughter.amsoglad I could bring my daughter to this Women's Self Defense Seminar," says Fitts. "We want to believe that everyone is good in this world, and unfortunately, that's just not the world we live in."
Pictured from left to right: Brian Conover, Abby VanDyke, Alyson Mehm, Presley Millett, Lily Campbell, Josh Davis
The WTC Kershaw was selected as a Gold Chapter at the SCFFA State Convention in June 2022, signifying it as one of the 12 best chap ters in South Carolina. Following this, the application advanced to the national level with the opportunity to earn one, two, or three stars. The chapter earned three stars indicating that in all categories, WTC Ker shaw FFA goes above and beyond and excels in all areas of their FFA Chapter and Agriculture Program. The FFA Chapter will now travel to Indianapolis this October to receive this award and recognition for their achievement. The FFA members, advisor, and officers work so hard throughout the year and this award reflects the efforts made during the school and summer months.
10 August 19, 2022 MRRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM 20 Pinnacle Parkway • Elgin, SC 29045 • ph: 803.438.8890 Follow Us treats those recovering from disabling injuries or living with chronic illnesses, such as: • Strokes • Brain injuries • Spinal cord injuries • Orthopedic injuries, including hip fractures • Major multiple trauma • ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) • Multiple Sclerosis • Parkinson’s disease • Amputations • Neurological conditions To learn more about our services, visit our website at MRRH.ernesthealth.com. Call 803.408.8500 to schedule a consultation. 20 Townlee Lane, Suite A, Lugoff • 803.408.8500 • www.lawconnell.com Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents Personal Injury & Death Business Law • Real Estate Law Nursing Home Abuse Medical Malpractice • Probate, Wills & Estates Workers’ Compensation All State & Federal Courts Serving Kershaw County for over 25 Years Joseph N. Connell, Esq.J. Ben Connell, Esq. 5 50%FREECLASSEST-SHIRTOFFREGISTRATIONValidthruSeptember30,2022130-CPontiacBusinessCenter Drive, Elgin genovakarate.com 803.736.4777genovakarate1@gmail.com Top: (left to right) Samir Johnson, Lily Johnson, Ryland Gardner, and Joella McBottom: (left to right) Brilyn Hopkins and Kate Kirkley, BES students are ready for
Sheriff Lee Boan Mental Health Crisis
• Monday, September 5th, the community coloring project continues from 12 pm – 4 pm on Town Green, 1015 Market Street.
11August 19, 2022
Kershaw
County Sheriff’s Office
The City of Camden and the Arts Center of Kershaw County are thrilled to announce a week-long celebration of the cultural district, featuring art, live music, historical lectures and education, a community art project and a special visit from GRAMMY nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon. This celebration begins Saturday, September 3rd and runs through Saturday, Sep tember 10th. The majority of events will be free or at little cost. In October 2020, the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) desig nated a portion of downtown Camden as the state’s ninth cultural district. Cultural districts are defined by the SCAC as walkable geographic areas with a concentration of cultural facilities and activities, galleries and artist studios, theaters and other live performance venues, public art, museums and arts centers, in addition to other attractions like parks, restaurants and bars, and other commercial activity. The week-long celebration includes: • Two events on Saturday, September 3rd: o a “community coloring” project at the Kershaw County Farmers Mar ket from 9 am – 12 pm at 906 Broad Street, sponsored by First Palmetto Bank. Residents are invited to color one of several large posters that will be hung around downtown.
Tickets can be reserved online at https://thoughtsongrief.eventbrite.com or by calling 803-549-5648. Tickets to both the conversation and a private 30 minute reception with Ms. Freelon afterwards are available for $35. In addition to these events, residents are encouraged to explore all of the cultural district’s shops and restaurants, where activities and special events are planned year round. For more info, visit www.downtowncamdensc.org/ cultural-district or call 803-549-5648.
• Friday, September 9th, Gallery 537 will host cellist and Camden native Clair Bryant in the debut of her new album “Whole Heart” from 7 pm – 10 pm. This debut album from Bryant features seven bold works for solo cello and string duo, written by a luminary slate of diverse living composers. These works reflect love and the human experience. “Whole Heart” is a reminder of the collective challenges we face and the resilience and strength that live inside each of us. Gallery 537 is located at 537 East DeKalb Street.
Camden Cultural District Celebration Set for September 3-10
• Thursday, September 8th see art in all its forms during the downtown Art Walk from 4 pm – 7 pm will feature the opening reception of “The Mountain Girls” at the Arts Center’s Bassett Gallery, 810 Lyttleton Street, which begins at 5:30 pm. Other locations on the Art Walk include Rutledge Street Gallery (508 Rutledge St.), featuring scenes of Camden by local artist Salley McInerney; Artists Attic (930 Broad St.) and Camden Art Shoppes (1011 Broad St.), featuring works from more than a dozen local artists; Gal lery 537 (537 East DeKalb St.), featuring the work of Lori Isom-Starnes; and Laurie McIntosh Art (1014 Broad St.), one of “The Mountain Girls” herself. This event is free.
• Two events on Saturday, September 10th: o Fire fighters, law enforcement and first responders invite the public to join in or watch as the third annual 9/11 Walk of Remembrance makes its way from Lugoff Fire Department beginning at 9 am, along U.S. Hwy 1 and through downtown Camden to Camden Fire Station 1, 1000 Lyttleton Street. Register at bit.ly/911walk.
Mental health is real. Law enforcement officers deal with mentally ill peo ple frequently. Unfortunately, we are very limited on resources to help people with mental illness in a timely manner. Our primary job is to protect people and property. If someone with a men tal illness is harming people or property, we have to take action. We would love to call out a mental health professional that can immediately treat the person. We would even be willing to take the person to a mental health professional. It has become very difficult to get immediate help to people dealing with mental health issues. We try hard. But, like many other things, we will never get all the training needed to become subject matter experts in everything we are forced to deal with. We do not have housing available at our office. We cannot ride some one around inside our vehicles throughout our shifts. This leads us to doing something we don’t want to have to do. We have to take them to jail. We know they need help and we know the jail is not helpful to them. We have no other options. Again, our primary duty is to protect people and prop erty. If someone dealing with a mental crisis is threatening harm to people or property, we have to separate them from the public. We want anyone dealing with a crisis in their life to get help. There are better options than law enforcement. DMH has a Mobile Crisis Team that is on-call 24/7. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact DMH’s Mobile Crisis Team at 833-364-2274 or email them at mobilecrisis@scdmh.org.
• Tuesday, September 6th join Preservation South Carolina to learn about their statewide Sacred Spaces Program. They will discuss how the or ganization has built solutions for historic church buildings that have lost or are losing their congregations. Explore the different approaches to help pre serve the legacy of these buildings that are a vital part of the state’s cultural landscape. This event will take place at 4 pm at Camden Second Presbyterian Church, 816 Market Street and is free and open to the public.
o A “Let's Talk About....." symposium at the Arts Center of Kershaw County from 1pm – 3 pm at 810 Lyttleton Street. This discussion will focus on critical race theory (CRT), led by civic activist, author, and former Cam den mayor Tony Scully and law professor and practicing attorney, Barbara Ransom. Together, these two individuals representing quite different life ex periences will explore what CRT is and is not. “Let’s Talk About…” is a community engagement initiative offered by the African American Cultural Center of Camden, a department of the Camden Archives & Museum. The program consists of a series of lectures, literary readings, panel discussions, and stories woven together to present different perspectives on the achieve ments, culture, and history of African Americans. Admission is free, with donations welcome. Seating is limited. Register at letstalkabout.eventbrite. com or by calling 803-425-6050.
o Rounding out the cultural district celebration, what is truly considered to be the highlight of the week, will be “Thoughts on Grief: An Intimate Conversation with Nneena Freelon”. In this guided conversation with Ro salyn Smith-Stover, executive director of the Family Resource Center and founder of Act Up Drama in Camden, Ms. Freelon will discuss how the loss of her soulmate and husband, renowned architect Phil Freelon, and her sister Debbie have reshaped her way of being in the world. Ms. Freelon has felt the need to find her "voice" once more, through the lens of grief and loss. Her 2021 recording "Time Traveler" (her first studio recording in nearly ten years) is a reflection of this new territory, an intimate expression of her love for Phil and their 40 year journey and a universal love letter to all who’ve lost someone dear. This event will begin at 4 pm at Camden Second Presbyterian Church, 816 Market Street. This event is free, with a suggested $25 donation.
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