Elgin News - 10B 2022

Letter Submissions

From The Mayor's Desk

By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons

Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.

The monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council took place on Tues day, October 4, 2022, at 6:00pm with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Present were Mayor Melissa Emmons, Councilman Ed Smith, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilman Paul Rizzo, Councilwoman Dana Sloan, Town Attorney, John Wells, Chief Alan Anders, and Town Clerk, Becky Summey. The Invocation was given by Mayor Melissa Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Brad Hanley.

The first order of business was the approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Tues day, September 6, 2022. A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. Councilman Ed Smith recused himself due to his absence.

There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum. A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Councilman Ed Smith, with a unanimous vote from Council to adopt the agenda.

It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage read er 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 re jected 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 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

The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045

The following new Business Licenses were approved for September 2022: (1) Rose Enterprises, (2) Simply, Piano Lessons, (3) Elite Towing, and (4) W. O. Canty Services. There were no new Charity Permit Requests for September 2022. Always remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about com pleting a Charity Permit Request Form prior to any events taking place. Also, please remember to sup port the businesses in the Elgin Community and shop local. There were no Complaints for the month of September 2022.

In Old Business, Councilwoman Dana Sloan discussed the option with Council to purchase ad ditional benches for Potter Community Park. Councilman Brad Hanley also discussed the need for a platform/additional step installed on the equipment to accommodate younger children. Mayor Melissa Emmons explained to Council her recent request to Bliss Products for an invoice that would increase the cost of the canopy by an additional $6,930.00 for time for inspections and additional materials to meet the inspection requirements. As soon as the information is received, it will be shared with every one.

In New Business, Chief Alan Anders provided Council with the following information: (1) Septem ber Call Log for Elgin Police Department, (2) Run for Roundup Data, and (3) Officer Chris DeLong has been promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Also in New Business, a motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Councilwoman Dana Sloan to approve the Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Resolution, with a unanimous vote from Council.

A presentation was made by Ms. Shirley Miles, President of the Blaney/Elgin Museum Committee, regarding a request for space for the museum to be in the new Elgin Community Center that Council is proposing to build at Potter Community Park.

A motion to approve the following amendment to the 2022/2023 Budget was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Councilman Ed Smith, with a unanimous vote from Council:

-Transfer $17,321.00 from G/L #7390 (Research & Development) to G/L #8530 (Elgin Police De partment Salaries).

A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unani mous vote from Council to approve the 1st Reading of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The 2nd Reading will take place at our November 1, 2022, meeting.

Mayor Melissa Emmons presented a Letter of Engagement to Council from Lindler Planning Con sultants for the revision of the Elgin Comprehensive Plan. A motion to approve the request was made by Councilman Ed Smith, second by Councilman Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from Council. It is required that the Comprehensive Plan be revised every 10-years and the last revision occurred in 2012.

MAYOR'S DESK, See 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 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.

The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108

Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com

513-5108

466-4604

Fred Davidson, Sales Manager

Beware - It's Scary Season!

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

Beware… the scare is in the air! Ghosts, little goblins, superheroes, and princesses are traveling around the neighborhoods. It is 10 days until Halloween, Oct. 31. Since World War II, the tradition of children in cos tumes going door to door requesting treats has grown through the generations. The only memory I have of going trick-or-treating as a child was when I was in the sixth grade. I was allowed to go with friends, so we decorated brown paper grocery bags and dressed as gypsies with scarves around our heads, dangling bracelets on our arms, wearing our mothers’ long skirts over ruffle blouses.

I cannot recall celebrating Halloween when I was in high school or col lege. My children who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s always wanted to dress up and “scare our neighbors.” As they reached their preteen years, they wanted to roam the neighborhood with friends. My own children were more creative with costumes. Daughters Belle, Rhetta, and niece Lisa used their dance cos tumes and exaggerated makeup. My son Bo and his friends Todd and Jim went as ballplayers or pirates. As they outgrew trick-or-treating, they still enjoyed dressing up, playing spooky music, while giving out candy.

Have you purchased your candy yet? Sticker shock! The bag I purchased last year for trick or treating was $11.98. Today that same bag has less candy and retails for $21. 98. Research shows that Snickers, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and Sour Patch Kids are the leading favorite treats. One fourth of all the candy sold in the United States is purchased for this holiday. Last year, over $10.4 billion dollars was spent on candy according to the National Re tailers Association. Today Halloween is the second most popular holiday in the world.

All around are advertisements for haunted houses, hayrides, harvest festi vals, ghost tours, or trunk or treats. It has become the trend to celebrate Hal

loween young and old since the mid-80’s. I enjoy seeing the decorated homes, businesses, yards with pumpkins, scarecrows, signs, and blow-up balloons of skeletons or creepy creatures.

I was never a big fan of horror movies such as “Rosemary's Baby,” “Psy cho,” and “The Exorcist.” Watching those did me in. I resolved to never pay money to give myself a headache and heart fright again.

I did enjoy watching the music video hit in the 1980’s “Thriller.” Inter national recording artist 24-year-old “King of Pop “Michael Jackson had a disclaimer before the video that he in no way endorsed a belief in the occult. “Thriller” is the bestselling album of all time. “Thriller” created a new aware ness of the video industry for teens and adults alike. Two of my three children wanted to watch MTV almost nonstop, and so we had to cancel the cable when it dominated their viewing instead of their studying.

As the popularity and the fun of dressing up carried from the teens of the 80’s to the young adults of the 90’s, new traditions became popular. From clubs to colleges and neighborhood block parties, Halloween is celebrated. Fright night contests now give prizes for the best costume award for young and old. The most popular costume is still the witch. The easiest one to create is a ghost from a white sheet with holes cut for eyes and mouth.

Who enjoys listening to ghost stories? TV personality Alton Brown said in a recent issue of Southern Living magazine about growing up in the South, “We’re haunted! We're spiritual. We create astoundingly soulful pieces of art and soulful music.”

One of the favorite lesson plans in October for English teachers in high school or middle school is the study of American writer Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is known as the father of Gothic horror stories and mysteries. He spent time on Sullivan’s Island near Charleston and wrote the short story “The Gold Bug”. Today there is a popular restaurant named Poe’s Tavern where he was once stationed during the War Between the States. Perhaps the city of Charleston had an influence on Poe, since it is known as the most Haunted City in America. Why? One reason may be because it has the most cemeter ies in the city limits. Happy Halloween!

Lugoff Elementary Hosts Fall Family Literacy Night

Recently, Lugoff Elementary School held a Fall Family Literacy and Spirit Night. Families were invited to grab their dinner from one of the food trucks that participated, have a picnic in the LES courtyard, and then take part in a Reading Camp-Out. During the camp-out, families were able to take part by visiting various stations, all having to do with literacy. Stations included crafts, read alouds, choosing a FREE book to take home, and making SMORES! Parents were also given in formation on tips to try at home to help their student(s) as well. It was an amazing night! *Special thanks to Pizza for Pyros, Ashley's, Metro Grille, and KT's Lemonade & Funnel Cakes for serving up some delicious food!

From the Chief's Desk

In this edition of the Chief’s Desk, I’m pleased to announce that the Elgin Police Dept. Toy Roundup and Caring Hands Foundation has started accepting Christmas assistance applications. Each year, we look forward to this, helping the less fortunate in our area with buying Christmas gifts and even suppling a Christmas meal for the family.

Applications will be accepted until Nov. 25, 2022. Stop by Elgin Town Hall (2469 Main St. Elgin, SC 29045) and pick up an application.

Our charity, Toy Roundup and Caring Hands Foundation only exist because of our sponsors and their donations. We do have a few fund raisers throughout the year, but the bulk of our support is because of our sponsors. So, a big thank you to them! We, and the community that we are able to help appreciates you. Thank you.

Elgin Police Department Incident Reports

Shoplifting: OFC Picciuolo was dispatched and arrived at Food Lion to investigate a shoplifting. Upon arrival, OFC Picciuolo met with the Complainant, Assistant Manager of the store. Complainant stated that a black male who was riding on one of the store's mobility carts stole some potato salad and two packs of hot chicken. Complainant further stated the black male comes into the store often with a woman who is allegedly his wife. The two of them came in on this date and she got a bag of chips and paid for it on register #3. The black male and black female left the store and left the premises in two separate vehicles. The black male left in a maroon colored truck with SC Tags and the female left in a red color car with a SC Tag. Complainant will get a copy of the store's surveillance for EPD's case jacket. Additionally, Complainant provided OFC Picciuolo with a copy of a receipt showing the loss amount ($23.88) and a copy of the subject's wife's Food Lion loyalty card number. Complainant stated EPD could subpoena the customer's phone number and other data using this loyalty number. OFC Picciuolo watched the video that showed the black male get three items from the deli area of the store, place the items in the basket of the mobility cart and leave the store without paying for the items, depriving the store of their full value. OFC Picciuolo will speak with investigations concerning this shoplifting and will follow up with he returns on 10/19/2022.

Disorderly Conduct: Complainant called dispatch to report an incident that happened the night before at her daughter's place of employment, Pizza Hut (2465 Main St). OFC Picciuolo called and spoke with the complainant. Complainant stated that her daughter (16 YOA juvenile 'DD') had a customer who had made sexual comments and advances on her. OFC Picciuolo asked the complainant if it was ok to speak with her daughter and she stated that it was ok. OFC Picciuolo went and spoke with 'DD' and two witnesses, a co-worker and Manager who stated an unknown white male came into the store to pick up an order. While checking out, the white male made comments to the victim about how beautiful she was and then the comments turned more sexual in nature. The male placed another order, according to the victim, "To spend more time talking to the victim." The male eventually asked the victim to go to his truck with him. At this point, the other employees who were working

MAYOR'S DESK, Continued from Page 2

In Council Briefing, Councilman Ed Smith had no report. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley discussed the most re cent CEDS Report from Santee Lynches for 2022-2027 regarding economic development. Councilman Paul Rizzo had no report. Mayor Melissa Em mons had no report. Town Attorney John Wells had no report.

There was no need for an Executive Session. A motion was made by Coun cilman Brad Hanley to adjourn the meeting at 7:28, second by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council.

came up front to make sure the male left without incident. Manager asked the male to leave and the male left. The male got into a maroon colored pickup truck (extended cab) and left. Witnesses stated that his wife was in the truck with him. OFC Picciuolo had the victim fill out a statement and victim's form. OFC Picciuolo had the Manager fill out a trespass notice. OFC Picciuolo will follow up with Pizza Hut corporate office to obtain a copy of the video.

Obtaining Goods Under False Pretenses: On 10/14/2022, Complainant came into the Elgin Police Department with $800.00 in counterfeit money. Complainant stated that she had just sold an iPhone 12 Pro to a black male only known to her to be "Ty Carter" from his Facebook profile. Video from Town Hall shows the male backing into the parking area at the Food Lion end of the building, then walk to the victim's car, exchange money and the iPhone. The suspect then runs back to his white Kia and sped out of the parking lot. The suspect paid with (6) $100.00 bills, (2) $50.00 bills, and (5) $20.00 bills. All money was secured in an evidence bag and placed into an evidence locker. This phone will be entered into NCIC as stolen.

Shoplifting: I was dispatched to a call about a black male shoplifting from the Circle K in the Town Limits of Elgin. Dispatch advised the sub ject ran out the store and down Ross Street. I arrived on Ross Street look ing for the subject and saw Manager of the Circle K walking back toward the store. Manager chased the subject to Rail Road Avenue and stopped. I circled the area for a while and could not locate him. I returned to the store and spoke with Manager and she stated the subject entered the store and got a Mike's Hard Lemonade and ran out the door, passing all points of sale. The value of the Mike's was $2.89. Manager downloaded the video on to a flash drive for me and I cleared the scene.

Illegal Dumping: Ofc. Handy and Cpl. Delong responded to Blaney Backyard Grill, in the Town Limits of Elgin, in reference to illegal dump ing. Upon our arrival the owner showed us several items placed in his dumpster with the name of Subject with an Elgin address. Officers then went to that location and met with Homeowner who put us in touch with Subject. The owner of Blaney Backyard Grill agreed if Subject returned to the location a removed the trash he would not file charges. Subject returned and retrieved the trash he dumped.

Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 6:00 PM. I encourage everyone to try to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved. And if you miss a meet ing, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. Also, we now broadcast our monthly council meetings live on the “Town of Elgin” Facebook Page. Just remember that when you are informed, you are empowered.

Contact me: 803-309-1385 or Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com.

Doby's Mill Elementary Celebrates 20 Years

YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

Vote

EVE CARLIN FOR STATE HOUSE

Early voting runs October 24 - November 5 at the City Arena in Camden. On Election Day, November 8th, vote at your local precinct location. Vote for EVE CARLIN. A good choice.

PAID

EVE CARLIN

Holiday Market Trunk-or-Treat

The Kershaw County Farmers Market invites you to their upcoming Holiday Market! About 100 vendors are expected, so don't miss it!

Saturday: 12/10/2022 | 9 am - 2 pm

There is still room for a few more vendors! Scan the QR code to sign up!

Contact the KC Farmers Market on Facebook for further details!

Salem United Methodist invites you to their Drive Thru Trunk or Treat! Stop by: October 29th | 2 pm - 4 pm 2367 Bowen Street, Elgin

Fall Litter Pick Up

The Kershaw County Clean Communities Commission, and Palmetto Pride are co-hosting the bi-annual Litter Pick Up Day. This event will be held on Sat., November 5th, from 10 am - noon.

This is a great opportunity for community organizations, citizens and business owners to come together to beautify our community!

To sign up, email KCCleanCommunity@gmail. com. Free t-shirts will be provided to participants (while supplies last).

Republican Women's Club Meeting Set

All are welcomed to join this growing group of like-minded, conservative women of Kershaw County. Our meetings are right in the heart of Camden, SC, where those gathered enjoy each other’s company and of course, talk politics!

The October meeting is set for: Oct 24th at 6:00 pm at Broad & Vine, 1025 Broad Street, Camden

Free Harvest Holiday Painting

at Blanketing Families Community Garden

Join Blanketing Families on November 19th from 11 am - 1 pm for a FREE painting event at the Elgin Community Garden on Sessions Road. Special guest for this event is Nevylon Miller. Call 803.605.8177 to register.

Free Cooking Class

The Community Medical Center (CMC) and DHEC have partnered to present “Snap Into Health” interactive cooking classes FREE to the public! Led by Registered Dietitian, Farrah Wigand, classes include interactive cooking demonstrations with samples, recipe books, and handouts at each session!

All classes are held from 4-5:30 pm.

Classes are held at 700 West Dekalb Street in Camden, at the Health Services District of KC offices, with the exception of the November 17th class, which will be held at the Clemson Extension Homemakers Building at 634 West Dekalb Street in Camden.

October 6 | Health Services District

October 20 | Health Services District

November 3 | Health Services District November 17 | Clemson Ext. Homemakers Bldg. December 1 | Health Services District

To register, contact Kamela at 803-713-0806

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Remembering Adonis Moses - 'Shine Like Adonis'

When you mention the name Adonis Moses to those privileged to know him during his life, the same word is used, over and over again. Love.

"He was an optimist that truly loved love and loved to see and to make others happy," says Adonis's mom Alicia Stewart. "He epitomized love in all that he was."

On August 8th of this year, Adonis passed away from Sudden Unexpected Death In Epilepsy (SUDEP), and with his death, a great light left our com munity.

Adonis's former teacher Von Duncan remembers the way he brought joy to all those around him.

"When I think about Adonis or ask others what comes to mind when they think of him, often 'bright light' or 'ray of sunshine' makes the list," says Duncan. "Adonis was one of the most positive students at LEHS. He had the ability to change your mood for the better."

Teacher Koehler Beard remembers Adonis at Stover Middle.

"We always called him the "Mayor of Stover", and there wasn't a person there that didn't know him," says Beard. "Walking down the hall with him meant waiting on him to say hello to all of his friends. He brightened every day in my classroom, with a joke or a song at the ready."

Fellow LEHS student Malorie Rabon remembers his kind spirit.

"He would always make sure everyone was kind and when people weren’t being kind he definitely would say 'Hey, let’s be nice. Don’t be mean,'" says Rabon.

Teacher Jennifer Williams also remembers his kindness, as well as his very particular tastes.

"He was a little picky when it came to food," says Williams "He was not a fan of most fruits or vegetables, and, when we would try to entice him to try something new, his response would be, 'Never have, never will!'"

Adonis's mom hopes others can "Shine Like Adonis" by treating all people with love and respect the way Adonis did. One day, she hopes to create a pro gram to mentor special needs children, and further spread Adonis's message.

"I hope to one day have a group of men willing to spend time with special needs boys and women willing to mentor the girls," says Stewart. "I hope to bring awareness to special needs people and how they are people deserving love and respect."

Stewart is currently trying to raise funds for a headstone and to pay some other final obligations. If you would like to donate, look for the GoFundMe ShineLikeAdonis.

CJWL Now Accepting Youth Enrichment Grant Applications

The Camden Junior Welfare League is now accepting applications for its Youth Enrichment Grants. These grants are offered to nonprofit organiza tions serving the children in Kershaw County.

This grant is provided as a reimbursement of project expenses for appli cants selected by our Honor Committee. Once the project is completed by the nonprofit organization, a completion report will be returned to the CJWL and funds will be dispersed.

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Project requests must directly benefit or impact youth. Applications must be submitted online.

The link to the grant application form can be found on the League’s web site at www.camdenleague.org. Deadline for this grant application is Friday, November 11, 2022.

The League is excited to be able to offer these grants to other nonprofits that benefit the children in Kershaw County.

SHARON HATFIELD Prior Experience:

Adonis Moses

Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office KCSO Deputy of the Quarter

Your KCSO is proud to announce Corporal John Patton as the KCSO Deputy of the Quarter for July-September 2022. This award is sponsored quarterly by the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Foundation. The following nomination was submitted by KCSO Corporal Dustin Tate:

I would like to nominate Cpl John Patton for Deputy of the Quarter. Cpl Patton routinely goes above and beyond for the community in

• Don will strengthen the Rights of Parents by demanding full transparency on education policies.

• Work to prevent Critical Race Theory and the“Woke Agenda”.

• Protect female athletes from having to compete with transitioned biological males.

• Support the District Superintendent with policies that recruit excellent Teachers using merit based incentives.

• Support the School Board in setting the conditions to make the Kershaw County School District one of the Top 5 Districts in the State.

• Help develop Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Policies that make our Students more competitive.

• Help develop policies that spark more student’s interest to get training in the Allied Trades like electricians, heating and air certi cations, welding, carpentry, and metal working skill sets.

November 8th Vote Donald Reeves for Kershaw County School Board Seat #2