Elgin News - 11B 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, November 1, 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, October 4, 2022. A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council.

A motion to amend the order of the agenda was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Coun cilman Ed Smith, with a unanimous vote from Council. The amendment moved the Executive Session to follow the approval of the October 4, 2022, Minutes.

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.

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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

A motion to enter an Executive Session was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, second by Council woman Dana Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Council. There were two items to be discussed: (1) Personnel Matter for the Town of Elgin and (2) Legal Advisement for the Town of Elgin and Elgin Police Department. A motion to exit Executive Session was made by Councilman Ed Smith, second by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. Councilman Brad Hanley had to leave immediately after the Executive Session concluded. Mayor Melissa Emmons informed everyone that no vote would be necessary.

There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum. A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Councilman Paul Rizzo, second by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Coun cil.

The following new Business License was approved for October 2022: (1) Lumio HX, Inc. The following Charity Permit Requests were approved for October 2022: (1) Yard Sale-1006 Branham Street-10/08/22 and (2) Yard Sale-2473 Main Street-11/05/22. Always remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to any events taking place. Also, please remember to support the businesses in the Elgin Community and shop local. There were no Complaints for the month of October 2022.

In Old Business, Councilwoman Dana Sloan shared that she had informed the Blaney High School Alumni of the costs for an additional bench to be installed at Potter Park, but that she had not received a response to date. Mayor Melissa Emmons informed Council that the Kershaw County Recreation Department will be making the necessary repairs to the playground equipment and there will be no fees/charges associated with this. Councilman Paul Rizzo provided an update regarding the contract with the Architect for the new community center project.

Also in Old Business, a motion to approve the 2nd Reading to amend the 2022/2023 Budget was made by Councilwoman Dana Sloan, second by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. The amendment moves $17,321.00 from Research and Development to Elgin Police Depart ment Salaries.

A motion to approve the 2nd Reading of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance was made by Councilman Ed Smith, second by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. There were no items in New Business.

In Council Briefing, Councilman Ed Smith had no report. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no re port. Councilman Paul Rizzo expressed appreciation to the Elgin Police Department in their commu nity engagement activities, such as being visible in the neighborhoods during Halloween. Mayor Melis

MAYOR'S DESK, See Page 9 >>

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.

Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604 (803) 513-5108

The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com

A Season of Blessings and Thanksgiving

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

There are many ways to express feelings of being truly humbled and in awe of God's di vine timing. My mother, a nurse, encouraged me to pray for others. She told me, “Where there is life, there is always hope. God is a prayer away.”

This article is a way to bring awareness and gratitude to our community who stepped in, stepped up, and lifted a family featured in a news article in this paper and on a local TV station last May.

When I met with the Kings: Matt, Jess, Jessica, and Camden in their home six months ago, I found an amazing amount of hope and love. I never imag ined God would move so quickly to answer all their family, friends, and our communities’ prayers.

Dr. Dubay from MUSC Charleston called the Kings on July 1 with the news that he would do the transplant for Jessica and Matt’s kidney surgeries Sept 7.

According to Matt’s wife Jess, LEHS art teacher, “The hospital was a “pit stop” experience to get some things changed out or added in with spectacular care and education. It was a time of celebration everyday not just for us. The kidney transplant bell was ringing throughout all three days we were there."

The King family also met Matt’s donor, George Hansen from Myrtle Beach, and Jessica’s receipt donor, Nicholas Bland from Greer, the day after surgery. It was physically and emotionally overwhelming meeting their do nors.

Jess continued, “We did not meet George (donor) and Nick (recipient) by themselves. MUSC had arranged reporters and column journalists and pho tographers to be there too. As we met George walking down the hall, he did not look like he was a patient. He had already changed his clothes and was ready to go home. George was very joyous and gave Matt a big hug. Walking around was very painful for all the patients. Nick (recipient) was not able to

get up and walk yet, so everyone went to his room. He was so elated to meet Jessica, and yes, there were hugs and crying.”

Jess told me, “After talking for a few minutes, George prayed over all of us and then everyone, but Nick went into the hall for the symbolic Transplant Bell ringing moment.”

Jessica and George were asked to write their thoughts on some paper leaves and paste them on the Living Donor Tree down from the bell. The Kings believe God orchestrated every single step, detail, person, place, event from beginning to end with this Kidney Transplant and Donation.

Jess complimented her son, “Camden, eighteen, became the most helpful, careful, and loving caretaker for his sister regardless of the lack of sleep. Matt was not only a patient on the mend because he still had some parenting to do. He led the reigns with very practical and hard steps to climb out the bed, walk, and stretch from Day 1. If Daddy can, Jessica will, and she did. There is no pain like what they experienced. We are all so very close and this took us to another layer of unity.”

A few weeks ago, Matt and Jessica were both released from their doctor’s care for only yearly checkups.

Jess concluded, “For the holiday season, we are trying to make each second count because our Jessica will be leaving us to go to medical school the end of February. We plan to visit family and go somewhere we have never been before to make memories.”

The Kings have jumped back into normal routines now that it’s past Week 8. Everyone is back at work and in the gym. One of the first activities they look forward to doing as a family is going back to church. This is what they gauged their recovery success … their everything. “Returning and worshiping in our community was a huge milestone and so life giving.”

I read recently in a devotion, “It is not good for us to fly solo in life. We need to have friends, and we need to be friends. Paul wrote in Romans, “Carry each other's burdens,” and in Galatians Paul said, “Become the kind of friend that encourages others and draws them close to the love of Jesus.”

Happy Thanksgiving and pray for those who are hoping for a miracle…for a normal life!

Stover Yearbook Recognized

PROWL was also recognized as one of the Top Ten Percent of yearbooks from the publishing company Herff Jones. The yearbook was featured in their publication of Portfolio showcasing the best yearbooks in the country. PROWL is Advised by Kara Matney.

On Saturday, Nov. 12th, the Camden Junior Welfare League and Kershaw County Parks & Recreation Dept. hosted their annual Touch-a-Truck event. Cripple Creek was one of several community partners to participate in this event.

Pictured above, Cripple Creek drivers Jerry (at left with his grandson) and Thomas enjoyed sharing Cripple Creek's newest truck with children at the event.

nized by the SC Scholastic Press Association. The 2022 book was awarded a rating of All-State and the Palmetto Award for best yearbook in Class I–

From the Chief's Desk

In this article I want to talk about a couple of upcoming events in Elgin. One, the famous Catfish Stomp and two, our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Catfish Stomp is on Saturday, Dec. 3rd, parade starts at 10am. This will be our 47th annual event. We will be serving Catfish stew down at Potter Community Park, along with other food.

Also, Town of Elgin and Radiate Church will be hosting this year’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Potter Community Park on Dec. 1st at 6pm -8pm. There will be food trucks available for you and your family to enjoy dinner prior to the tree lighting. Performances by the

Blaney Elementary Chorus, the Dobys Mill Elementary Chorus and the Radiate Worship Team. So everyone please come out and join us for these awesome upcoming events.

(If you have a food truck and would like to be a part of the event or if your church would like to set up a booth, please contact me at (803309-1385) or email Melissa Emmons at me lissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com. )

Elgin Police Department Incident Reports

DUS/Habitual Offender: On 11/01/202, I, Cpl. Delong was running stationary radar on Watson St. In the Town Limits of Elgin when I ob served a dark colored sedan approaching from the rear at what appeared to a speed greater than the posted 35 mph speed limit. I activated the rear antenna of my Stalker Dual radar that is certified and confirmed the vehicle was traveling at 60 mph. I then activated my blue lights and stopped the vehicle at Watson St. and Bowen St. I approached the ve hicle and explained the reason for the stop. The drive advised me his SCDL was suspended. I ran Subject's name through dispatch and was advised this would be a D.U.S 6th offense for Subject and he was also a habitual traffic offender. Subject was then placed under arrest and trans ported to KCDC. Subject was given citations for Speeding 60/35, D.U.S 6th, and Habitual offender.

Shoplifting Enhanced: On 10/30/2022, I, Cpl. Delong, was dispatched to 2465 Main St. (Food Lion) in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a shoplifter. Dispatch advised the Complainant said the same shop lifter she identified last week to be Subject, was back in the store. Com plainant stated that Subject removed 8 buttermilk chicken tenders from the hot bar and a container of potato salad from the deli cooler. Subject then passed all points of sale without paying for the items. Subject then went to his burgandy Ford Explorer sport track and placed the items in side. Subject then returned inside the store to return the motorized cart he was using. Subject then returned to his truck and left the property. At the time I was at the jail and KCSO units responded to the store but were unable to locate the suspect. A few minuets later after I arrived at Food Lion, a KCSO Deputy located in Camden, advised he had eyes on the suspect vehicle traveling north crossing the Wateree River bridge. I had already confirmed everything and requested the Deputy stop the ve hicle and I would be on my way. I arrived on scene of the traffic stop and made contact with Subject. At first, Subject denied being at Food Lion and stated he did not know what I was referring to and gave consent to look in his vehicle with negative results. I then advised Subject of his Miranda Rights. Post Miranda, Subject stated he was there and did take items without paying, but stated he left them in a shopping cart in the parking lot. At that point Subject was placed under arrest for shoplifting. After reviewing Subject's criminal history, I will be seeking a warrant for shoplifting enhanced as Subject has more then three prior conviction for shoplifting. Subject's vehicle was picked up by a neighbor at his request and Subject was transported to KCDC without incident.

Minor Vehicle Accident: Victim stated he was riding his moped on Pine Street in the Town Limits of Elgin, when a black in color Dodge Ram exiting Blaney Wings pulled out and failed to yield the right of way to Victim. The Dodge Ram did not stop and a witness gave the

description of the truck. Victim had a wrist injury and cut on his hand, which was treated by a member of the Fire Department. Lt. Hines and I stood by with Victim until a friend picked him and the moped up. We then went inside Blaney Wings and spoke with the manager who stated he would have video of the person leaving the bar on 11/05/2022. After looking at a credit card receipt it was found that the suspects possible name is, Subject. Victim's moped was not registered and he did not have a moped license. Investigation pending.

Larceny: On November 3, 2022 Victim came to the Elgin Police De partment advised she had been scammed out of approximately $1832.00. Victim stated she received an email from Amazon saying a shipment was not fulfilled and she called the number on the email. She was trans ferred to 'Jordan' who advised he was customer support for Amazon. Jordan advised Victim she would need to purchase gift cards and provide him the numbers to correct her Amazon account and she did. Victim produced receipts and gift cards from Publix in the amount of $750.00 for the purchase of three Target gift cards in the amount of $250.00 per card. She also provided a receipt for Kroger in the amount of $400.00 for the purchase of two Macy's gift cards in the amount of $200.00 per card. She also told me she purchased one Target gift card from CVS in the amount of $250.00. She did not have the receipt for CVS, but did provide the gift card. Victim also allowed Jordan to download and ap plication to her phone where he gained access to her phone applications and her Cash App account. The Cash App had $32.00 in the account and Jordan had Victim add an additional $400.00 to the account. Jordan then had a transfer of the $432.00 to 'Dana Cole,' who Jordan advised was a supervisor at Amazon. When Jordan asked Victim to continue making gift card purchases, she advised him she does not drive at night. Purchases were made from Victim's Safe Federal Credit Union check ing account totaling $1800.00 and the previous Cash App balance of $32.00 for a total theft of $1832.00. She told me she removed the phone app and advised her bank and Target, who requested a police report.

Shoplifting: On 11-03-2022 Officer stopped a vehicle for shoplifting at Food Lion. After Officer found cold meat from IGA, Sgt. Sinclair notified the Manager who reviewed his store camera and saw the same male, Subject, steal from their store. Manager gave Officer a list of items that were shoplifted and the value. The items shoplifted were five (5) packs of Oxtails and two (2) refrigerated Beneficial dog food for a total value of $136.76. Manager was unable to download the store surveil lance footage, and Sgt. Sinclair viewed and recorded Subject placing the packs of meat inside his shirt and jacket on her body cam. Officer placed the receipt for the shoplifted items in the case file. Subject was given a UTT for shoplifting and a Trespass Notice from IGA.

Holiday Market 46th Annual Tour of Homes

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!

Christmas Concert

El-Bethel Faith Community Church will host "An Old-Fashioned Christmas" concert featuring The Carroll Brown Band, sponsored by the Men's Ministry, on Thursday, Dec. 1st at 7:00pm. The address is 905 Longtown Rd, Lugoff.

This is a free event open to the public and you are invited!

If you have questions, please contact church secretary, Julie Keith at ebfaithnews@gmail.com or via telephone at 803-427-7187.

@theelginnews

The Camden Junior Welfare League is proud to present the 46th Anniversary Candlelight Tour of Homes once again in person on Saturday, December 10th, 2022. Long recognized as Camden’s premier holiday tradition, this year’s Tour is available as an in person self-guided tour. The 46th Tour will feature privately-owned homes, local landmarks, and historic “Sacred Spaces” not seen by the public in quite some time.

“We have a wonderful selection of private homes, historic landmarks and a few sacred spaces and houses of worship included for our Tour guests this year. We are honored to host this holiday tradition once again for our community and those that travel here to enjoy it.’’ says current president Hannah Rushmiller.

Sites for guests to explore on the day of the Candlelight Tour of Homes include the Camden Archives & Museum, “Mulhall” on Pine Street, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Temple Beth El, a private home on Fair Street, Grace Episcopal Church, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, the Monarch Building in downtown Camden, Old McCaskill’s Bed & Breakfast, and Swift Creek Baptist Church.

“We’re so grateful to our home and site owners, sponsors, and patrons for all of their support to make this another successful Candlelight Tour,” says Rushmiller.

Tickets are currently on sale at www.camdenleague.org, at the Camden Archives & Museum, 1314 Broad Street, and Books on Broad and Coffee, 944 Broad St, Camden. Tickets are $25 each in advance. Tour tickets and programs will be available on the day of the event at the Camden Archives and Museum, the Tour’s “first stop”, for $30. There will be an “express lane” open starting at 2:30 pm for Tour attendees who have purchased tickets in advance to drive through, receive a program, and continue to other featured Tour locations. The Candlelight Tour of Homes begins at 3:00 pm on December 10th, with all sites available until 9:00 pm. One site, the private home on Fair Street, will be available for viewing beginning at 5:00 pm.

This year’s hospitality site, Broad & Vine, within the Monarch Building at 1025 Broad Street, will include complimentary refreshments and League merchandise for sale, including unique holiday gifts.

As always, proceeds from this annual fundraiser go to support Kershaw County youth, through scholarships to high school seniors majoring in a helping professions, classroom grants to teachers for projects inside schools, and grants to nonprofits who are impacting Kershaw County students outside of the classroom.

This year’s major sponsors include the City of Camden, Kershaw County, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Cool Care, The UPS Store and Mighty Wash Auto Spa. Other community partners supporting this holiday event include: JP Photography, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, Grassroots Advisors, Wateree Family Dentistry, MUSC Health, Camden Living, Haile Street Grill, Lugoff Smiles, Clear Image Marketing, Clyburn & Sellers Insurance, Community Broadcasters, Graham Realty, Hampton Inn, Camden Media Group, SAFE Federal Credit Union, Sensor Enterprises, Speedy Tanner & Atkinson, Van Horn Insurance, Sam Kendall's, WPUB Kool 102.7, Upchurch & Jowers, and many other supporters, benefactors, and friends of the League.

The Camden Junior Welfare League has been committed to improving and enriching the social and economic environment of the children of Kershaw County since 1928. The League also aims to foster among its members an interest in the social, cultural, economic, and civil affairs of Kershaw County. For more information, visit www.camdenleague.org.

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Bobby Johnson Randolph (Randy) Carter, 50, of Elgin, died on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Born in Columbia, SC, on January 7, 1972, he was a son of Joyce Carter and the late Bobby Johnson. Mr. Carter went to Spring Valley High School, worked in construction and enjoyed riding his jet ski motorcycle and anything with a motor. He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Jean, and her mother, Karen; brothers, John Carter (Liz), Dan Daniels (Angela); as well as three uncles; one aunt; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents, Evelyn and Ernest Carter; as well as uncle, Stevie Carter. e service for Mr. Carter was be held at 11 o’clock, Saturday, November 12th, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. e family received friends from 5 until 7 o’clock, Friday, November 11th at the funeral home. John and Liz, Randy’s brother and sister, hosted a celebration of life for friends and family at their home in Blythewood directly after services. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

sa Emmons reminded everyone of the upcoming Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the Catfish Stomp Festival and Parade scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Town Attorney John Wells had no report.

Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, December 6, 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 meeting, 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.

If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com.

Blaney Elementary School fifth grade students Joella McCall and Iris Albino, canoe at Camp Leopold's outdoor classroom. Through hands-on activities, students learned about wildlife, wetland and

Obituary: Bobby Johnson Randolph (Randy) Carter

Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office

A Special Swearing In Ceremony for Veterans Day 2022

KCSO Corporal Dustin Tate was recently accepted into the Direct Officer Com missioning program in the Naval Reserve where he will serve as a Naval Supply Officer after completing Officer Development School and follow on training.

He is a former active duty US Marine. Since I am a re tired military officer, I was able to switch uniforms and per form the oath of office ceremony at the KCSO with Cpl Tate's family in attendance. The KCSO takes pride in the value our military personnel bring to our community and supports our Deputies in their part-time military careers with the SC National Guard and Reserves of all branches

Sheriff Lee Boan