Volume 16, No. 5A
“A Companion for People who Live, Work, & Play in Elgin, Lugoff, Camden and Northeast Columbia”
May 15, 2020
Meet the Candidates Kershaw County Council District 1
Russell Brazell
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CSD nnounces 2013 Event rkleberry Country Fair
April Wach
Story Pa
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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.
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, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal tributes, attacks or thank you’s. 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
The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council was held on Tuesday, May 5th at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. Due to the current public health emergency related to COVID-19, Mayor Emmons, Clerk Ansley Champe and Chief Brown were on site at Town Hall and Councilman Hanley, Councilwoman Sloan, Councilman Smith, Attorney John Wells and Ben Connell participated through the ZOOM Software. Councilwoman Eyers was unable to participate in the meeting due to internet/Wi-Fi issues. The Invocation was given by Mayor Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Hanley. The first order of business was the approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, April 7th. As stated in the Emergency Ordinance approved at the April Meeting, with respect to any electronic meeting, any public comment periods provided for by local ordinance, resolution, policy, or bylaws are hereby suspended. Members of the public may submit written public comments, which shall be distributed to the members of the Governing Body. We also allow the opportunity for such comments during our live-stream segment of the meeting. There were no email comments or livestream comments presented for Public Forum. There were no New Business License Applications in April 2020, no Charity Permit Requests, no Complaints and no Old Business. As always, we welcome new businesses to our community and encourage you to visit them and Think Elgin First. Also, if you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event taking place. In New Business, Ben Connell submitted a request on behalf of Rampart, LLC requesting approval for a Quick Claim Deed in relation to a parcel to be developed at 2468A Main Street. The size of the parcel involved in the request is .06 of an acre and the request will provide permanent easement for any maintenance required for the sewer lines or water lines located in the area. After some discussion, the request was approved. Also in New Business, Council discussed several ways to possibly assist small businesses located in town that have been affected by COVID-19. After some discussion, Council agreed to extend the deadline for Business License Renewals from April 15th to July 15th with no late fees or penalties. It was also agreed to further discuss any additional options that may assist in the coming months at a later meeting.
See MAYOR'S DESK, Page 4 >>
SENIOR TRANSPORT NOW AVAILABLE! The KC Council on Aging is offering senior transport to grocery stores and essential locations during Covid-19. Please call 803.432.8173 to schedule a ride.
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 15, 2020
Your Health. Our Heroes. Moving forward with care from those you trust As we move forward, healthcare might look trusted and dedicated healthcare heroes you’ve relied on for all your health needs. We’re again here to provide a range of healthcare services, from your annual screenings and physicals to quality of life procedures that help you make the most of every moment moving forward.
May 15, 2020
Our doctors, nurses and entire team are working hard to ensure a safe place of care for you and a healthier community for all of us.
To learn more, visit us at KershawHealth.org
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Mother's Day Memories
adults who did not have small children. Then the next morning, my mother would sing the songs from the movie as we would swing high and low in our front porch swing. My mother was my first friend and my true friend. I Mother’s Day always the second Sunday realize now that I am a mother, how strong that love is. I remember also in those long ago days my mother would take me once in May has been celebrated for over 100 years. It became a national holiday in 1914 a week to have a tea party with my Great Grandmother Lizzie. On another when President Woodrow Wilson signed the afternoon, I would spend time with Great Grandmother Henrietta learning the family history especially the background of “family names.” I realize now proclamation into law. My first memories of Mother’s Day that I was influenced by strong and determined women who had survived two celebrations were in my Pre-K Sunday school world wars and the Great Depression. My maternal grandmother wanted me class when we made arts and crafts to give to learn to play the piano since music was a joy in her life, and my paternal to our mothers. Our teachers taught us Bible grandmother wanted me to memorize Bible verses on Sunday afternoon verses from Proverbs and encouraged us to because she was the daughter of a Baptist preacher. Today I am without the women who raised me. I realize regretfully that I copy on our project. I never needed to copy a verse because I was very proud of my poetry skills: "Roses are red, violets are blue, and Mama, I will always never really thanked them for their devotion and love in helping me become an independent adult. love you too." I have tried to establish a Mother’s Day tradition of honoring my two After my mother passed away in October 2013, I found all my Mother’s Day projects packed carefully away in her cedar chest along with every letter daughters Belle, and Rhetta and my daughter-in-law Suzanne. I give them I ever wrote to her from camp, trips, and college. She had saved all of my a token of flowers in remembrance of my Mother’s Day gift to my mother. My sister Martha, and my brother Greg, and I visit our parent’s graves writings, and they are now in a box under my bed. I wish I had been as careful with my cherished children’s projects. I stuffed several times a year to bring flower arrangements. An unknown author describes the loss of a mother “Sadness in your heart when your mother’s the artwork here and there after I took it down from the refrigerator door. The most vivid memory of my mother is of her sitting in her rocking chair spirit leaves the earth but you can still feel the love. “ I still feel the loves from my mother and grandmothers; even my motherreading her devotions and her Bible. She set an example for her children, and as long as we lived at home we had to be in church Sunday morning no in-law who treated me as her daughter. However, at times the sadness comes back - rushing back when you least expect it. As I began drafting this article, matter what time we came in Saturday night. It was a tradition on Mother’s Day Sunday that when you entered the I prayed that I could recall memories of my childhood days with my mother. church, there were baskets of red and white roses. If your mother was living As I brainstormed, it all came back across seventy years with happy tears. “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother,” President Lincoln you selected a red rose to wear and if your mother had passed away, you selected a white rose. To this day I think that is why I do not like white roses. once said. I second that statement. Happy Mother’s Day this past Sunday, May 10th. Do not forget the The earliest memory I have of my mother is sitting in a swing on our front porch swing with me singing, “Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina special women in your life. I mailed a card to my mother’s younger sister. My only living aunt Ruth Aycock; sharing with her the memories of the ladies in the morning.” Once or twice a month my mother and my aunts would take my cousins who helped raise her too. To those who still have your mothers and grandmothers, know that you and I to the “picture show” to see the latest musical on the big screen. We all had to sit in a small sound proof room and watch the movie through the glass have God’s blessing; cherish them. We only have them with us for a little window and hear the voices on a speaker because we could not disturb the while is an old and wise and true statement. By: Liz Simon Staff Writer
MAYOR’S DESK, Continued From Page 2 Next item on the agenda was the 1st Reading of the 2020-2021 Budget. After some discussion, Council scheduled a workshop for Tuesday, May 19th at 4:30 to take a closer look at the budget as we try to prepare for any negative effects from COVID-19 in regards to Revenue and Expenses for the upcoming year. Since we are currently under an Emergency Ordinance/ Procedure, this meeting will be closed to public access, but will be livestreamed in the same format as our April and May Meeting. Chief Brown did not have any updates for Council at this time. In Council Briefings, Councilwoman Sloan expressed her appreciation for the credit card documentation that had been provided and asked for clarification of a POD rental that had Toys Roundup on the Invoice. It was explained that the charge was for the town when the storage building had to be emptied for termite treatment. The account had originally been established for Toys Roundup and the company did not change the information on the invoice. Councilman Smith had no report. Councilman Hanley expressed concerns of not receiving additional financial reports from our accountant as we had in prior years and was informed that they were having difficulties accessing the finance module using a remote access portal. We currently have our IT specialist working with them to possibly repair/solve the issues. Councilman Hanley also suggested that Council may want to consider creating a Financial Committee to assist in some of these responsibilities in
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the future. Mayor Emmons informed Council of the following upcoming events that will assist the community in their time of need: (1) To-Go Meals for Anyone with a Need at Blaney Baptist Church on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00-a service provided by Kershaw County’s Food for the Soul, (2) Senior Meals Drive-Thru on Saturday, May 9th, May 16th, May 23rd and May 30 from 1:30-3:00 at Elgin Town Hall-a service provided by Kershaw County Council on Aging, sponsored by a grant from Blue Cross-Blue Shield Foundation and (3) Mobile Nutrition Center produce distribution on Wednesday, May 13th at 2:00 at Elgin Town Hall-a service provided by United Way of Kershaw County. Elgin Attorney, John Wells, asked our Clerk to add the Extension of the COVID-19 Ordinance to the June Agenda. Since there was no further business, the meeting adjourned. Our next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020 at 6:00. I encourage everyone to make an effort 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. We also now broadcast our meetings live on the Town of Elgin Facebook Page. 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. May 15, 2020
United Way of Kershaw County
The United Way started in 1887, when a Denver priest, two ministers and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare problems. The Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J. O’Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman put their heads together to plan the first united campaign for ten health and welfare agencies. They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country to become the United Way (UW). Over 118 years later, United Way is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference in people’s lives. Coming out of the Great Depression and World War II, there was a great feeling amongst people Kershaw County of coming together and working together. A group of community leaders came together in 1954 and formed the Community Chest. They wanted to help people in the community with a “United Fund.” The first campaign supported eight Partner Agencies and raised $10,870.06 for our local community! This effort became the United Way of Kershaw County (UWKC). The mission of the UW is to meet the human and social needs in our community by uniting hearts, minds and resources. To accomplish this, UWKC supports 15 different partner agencies throughout Kershaw County – by supporting programs within these agencies that all fall within the categories of Health, Education, and Financial Stability. Additionally, the UWKC has its own initiatives such as the Mobile Nutrition Center, New Day Transitional Shelter, the Summer Food Program and the Hand in Hand Mentoring program. The Mobile Nutrition Center is a mobile food pantry that travels to five local churches in the high need areas of Westville, Mt. Pisgah, Bethune, Lugoff and Knights Hill Rd each month. At the Mobile Nutrition Center’s operational facility, individuals in need are able to come to the door for food. The main focus of the Center is to distribute healthy foods such as lean meats and fresh produce to Kershaw County’s “food deserts.” The Center typically serves 600 families each month. However during the COVID-19 pandemic, that figure has increased to approximately 1700 families served in April. During the pandemic, the Mobile Nutrition Center has held drive thru distributions at Elgin Town Hall. Twice a month, the Center has worked with Mayor Melissa Emmons, Elgin Town Hall staff and Elgin Police Department to coordinate this distribution where 100 boxes of fresh produce have been given out. Along with these distributions, new
partnerships have been formed with Blanketing Families Inc. and Father’s House Ministries International who contribute to the drive thru with bags filled with ingredients for spaghetti dinners and loaves of bread. Radiate Church also attends to help the process go smoothly. New Day Transitional Shelter provides a place for individuals and families that are experiencing homelessness. New Day has several cottages that come fully furnished so that clients can move in and begin putting their life together. Case managers at New Day work with the clients to help them gain financial stability and give them the tools they need to successfully transition to living independently again. Both the Summer Food program and Hand in Hand Mentoring program serve Kershaw County students. The Summer Food program addresses the issue of food insecurity for Kershaw County students. Through the Summer Food Program, students from elementary through high school are provided breakfast and lunch, free of charge, at designated Summer Food sites. Hand in Hand serves to remind students that there are people who believe they can achieve their goals, regardless of their obstacles. There have been several projects underway to upgrade New Day over the last year. With the help of William and Katie Cantey and Cantey Foundation Specialists, one of the cottages have been demolished with plans to rebuild a structure that will house two families instead of the one. The men’s shelter (at a separate location from the main New Day location) has also been under remodel for the past several months, with board member Steve Kimpton spearheading this effort. At the Holsten Center, where the UWKC office is located, we are excited to announce the that we have recently welcomed the Kershaw County Housing Authority and East Coast Housing Organization. Thanks to a portable classroom donated by the Kershaw County School District, KCHA and ECHO will be sharing office space with several UWKC New Day staff members. The portable is set to be renovated over the rest of 2020. These three programs working within the same space will allow for better communication between agencies. It is the United Way’s hope that these organizations will be able to offer more streamlined services to the homeless in Kershaw County and beyond. Soon the Mobile Nutrition Center will be continuing the legacy of the Community of Hope Food Pantry that Bill and Becky Taffle have built over the last 11 years. UWKC looks forward to being a permanent part of the Elgin community. To learn more about the UWKC, follow their Facebook page @ KCLiveUnited and visit their website at www.uwkc.net. From the website, you can volunteer to help, or donate to their programs.
Left: UWKC Mobile Nutrition Center volunteers distribute food at Elgin Town Hall. Right: A cottage at New Day on Mill is demolished to make way for a new structure which will house multiple families in need. May 15, 2020
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Pomp And 'Unusual' Circumstance By: Julian Burns, KC Council Chairman
“Pomp and Circumstance” - the term applied to decades of past school graduations! Yet, this year is so very different. Pomp? Perhaps, thanks to the celebratory skills of parents, teachers and school staffs, K through 12 and in colleges, who came up with innovative graduations. Circumstance? More like “’unusual’ circumstances”, wherein the pandemic caused economic and social repercussions which must be addressed as urgently as medical consequences. New “circumstances,“ indeed. I write to assure you that County government stands firmly in the conviction that inaction is not a strategy. We commit to deal with the world as it is -- embrace the crisis; and in so doing forge a path for what will be a better opportunity for us and our youth. I speak in the following paragraphs about critical tasks before us: societal, medical, and economic. Let’s take societal first: for, congratulations are in order. Join us in celebrating every student and every teacher. Their achievement is a signal of the total community effort. Yes, an amazing year: tornadoes, pandemic, an occasional earthquake, challenging subjects, new school facilities, e-learning with dedicated parents and teachers, engaged students. Yet, what was altered by this pandemic? In what is a global crisis, a lot more than the three “R’s” found its way into the curriculum. “Disaster 101” was not offered as an “elective;” yet, our schools were involuntarily enrolled as was the rest of society in very grown-up topics: Students saw their community, parents, businesses and institutions – and themselves -- under stress. And what they saw must be counted as historic and inspirational: decency and dedication of ordinary folk in horrific times. In so many ways the County was the classroom. For which, “We the People” are the beneficiaries; the new generation will have been a part of a free people in common cause. For some, graduation will come as a let-down: Academic prizes only administratively recognized; prom nights canceled; championships set aside -- a lost spring. Nevertheless, the enduring prize was won, setting aside the “pomp” in full appreciation of difficult “circumstances” and to
win. It is what we do. Congratulations Class of 2020, at every grade: we have the expectation you will comprise a cohort at one with the community: the society showing its next generation “how it’s done!” The civics lesson before you in the streets, businesses, churches, and County offices was that nothing in life should be taken for granted. Next, let’s address medical and economic. Some would draw a false distinction between the two, saying we must solve COVID before we can return to work, to worship, to recreation. We know more now. With our initial medical success, it is plain that the economic lockdown is a monumental catastrophe. The worst unemployment in history, prosperity wiped out. Be clear, the medical job is not done, and County remains in awe of our amazing medical teams: they have slowed the contagion, bought time to save lives, preserved hospital capacity and “flattened the curve” as to protect the vulnerable – the elderly and those with health issues. Yet, we should not be confused; we approach a new phase, not the end. A transformation is underway. It was a “Lost Spring” not only for the graduating class of 2020 but also for an entire economy and society. Early successes were bought at terrible cost: the demolition of the world’s greatest economy and millions in jobs destroyed. The national and state governments have rejected any tension between medical and economic success. We must have both. The governments’ strict lockdowns were a policy choice. A correct, massively destructive one. The issue is what to do now. The population has awoken that public health cannot be sustained without economic health. There is no trade-off between lives and livelihood; we must do both. Hence, the Governor and County have moved with caution to begin “easing;” and, I call for us to be alert to hygiene as we get back to work safely. There is risk but much we can do if citizens stand together, stronger together. It is not our birthright to be untroubled in our lifetimes. It is our heritage, however, to be brave, to win. To set aside one or the other of economic, societal or medical components would forfeit the future for today’s graduates and tomorrow’s businesses. We must step up to the deeper challenge of renewal, preserving hygienic discipline while opening up. Inaction is not an option. Absent vaccines, we mask, separate, isolate, protect, test, and get back to our lives. Today’s historic choice of the moment remains that each individual -- you and you and you by the score -- recommits to be #KCStrong.
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May 15, 2020
Meet the Candidates
Kershaw County Council District 1 Republican Primary | Vote June 9th
April Wach
Why did you decide to run for County Council? During my experiences speaking at Senate Subcommittees, I had an incident where a bill was being presented regarding healthcare, and while speaking with the presenter, I realized that no one in healthcare had been asked nor had given any input. After speaking with the presenter and discussing different options, it was decided that more research needed to be done before presenting the billthat was one of my first experiences dealing with politics. That experience made me interested in local politics. I decided to run for KCC after I met with AirMethods Medical Helicopter- based in Camden, SC to see how we could support the citizens of KC. I had citizens requesting not to be flown, due to fear of bankruptcy. I asked for a meeting with AirMethods, and they developed a proposal for KCC. The proposal would not have raised taxes, and would have kept any KC residents from getting a Medical Helicopter bill. To my disbelief, the majority of KCC did not even put the proposal to a vote- I decided then and there if I wanted to make changes I needed to run for KCC. What past personal and work experiences will make you the best candidate for Council? I have been a Registered Nurse for the past 19 years. During that time I have been in supervisory roles, serving for the past eight years as Director of Emergency Services for KershawHealth. I work with EMS, Fire, and the Police Departments daily. I also have to manage the budget for the ER, as well as direct and lead employees. For several years, I also served as the Government Affairs Representation for the SC Emergency Nurse’s Association. During that time, I have spoken in Washington, DC and in Columbia, SC to Senate Subcommittees. I helped get the Concussion Law for Student Athletes passed, as well as CPR as a requirement in SC schools. I currently sit on the board for the Montessori School in Camden, as well as the Kershaw County Free Medical Clinic. Community has always been important to me. Given my experience, I know what it means to make tough decision at tough times. What would be your goals as the next Representative for District 1? My goals as Representative for District 1 are simple. Give the people a voice, and be transparent. What do I mean by that? Given my experience I have found when a problem arises, it is normally the people who deal with the problem everyday- that have the best solutions. Why not use that to our advantage? Citizens should know what is going on their county and should have an opportunity to have input. Citizens have good ideas and can collaborate with KCC in many instances. As for transparency - that has always been easy. Just be honest…. Not everyone is going to like every answer or every vote- but if you have open discussions as to why and what reasons, I believe you will find transparency is easy. KCC should have open dialogue and discussion, in front of the citizens - and respond to the citizens. That is what I plan to bring to the table. What changes do you want to see in KC? What are our issues? And what things are we doing right? Let’s start with what is right - We have a great community. While experiencing COVID-19 first hand, it can only leave you in amazement at how strong our community is. #KCStrong is exactly correct. We come together and help one another, in ways I do not see other communities doing. However, it seems we need more communication with citizens. Just in the short time of running for KCC, often I hear “no one listens,” or “only person one will listen.” We all need to listen- whether it is politics, land purchases, or just ideas from community members. I would like to see more expansion on growth and development in our county. I'd like to see KC host Little League Play-off games, or even Championships, that would bring more people to our county and invest in our children. By hosting events like this, people will be staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, and shopping in our stores. May 15, 2020
Russell Brazell
Why did you decide to run for County Council? I was born and raised here in Kershaw County. My family has been in the kitchen cabinet and millwork industry for over 60 years now in Kershaw County. As I have reflected over my 20 year tenure at my family’s business, Roy’s Wood Products, I have realized how important local economy is to each and every citizen of the county. Industries and small businesses work hand in hand. My grandfather, Roy Brazell Sr., was able to build a home, purchase vehicles, and raise his family due to the positive economic impact that DuPont made in our community. His job at DuPont allowed him to earn a living, as well as meet others in the community, that led him to expand his small, kitchen cabinet business. My motivation for running for Kershaw County Council is to help give back to this community that means so much to me! Through the skills I have acquired while working and helping manage our company, I see how much potential Kershaw County has to provide a solid economic foundation for its citizens. I would like to help with future economic development plans for other industries looking to expand in South Carolina and help make Kershaw County a desirable location. What past personal and work experiences will make you the best candidate for Council? I have managed a successful a company for 20 years. I have learned that just when you think you have seen it all, something new pops up. As of late, the Covid -19 virus has shaken things up tremendously. During 2008-2012, the housing recession was a hard blow for many of us in the construction driven business. As a result of these and other challenges in business, I’ve learned how to react and adjust when situations change. We live in an ever-changing world; our leaders must know how to react with thoughtfulness, without fear and emotion becoming a factor. What would be your goals as the next Representative for District 1? My goals as a representative for District 1, first and foremost, are to listen to the community’s needs. The needs of a community are important, and each individual member has a different opinion of what is important and what is not. I want to listen to the community and prioritize the needs that the citizens of Kershaw County feel need to be addressed. We must then work together as a team to achieve these goals without large tax hikes. What changes do you want to see in KC? What are our issues? And what things are we doing right? I love our way of life in Kershaw County and I want to preserve that as much as possible while adding positive, community growth. Kershaw County is strong and we can stand on our own. We can add job opportunities within the community for our residents and for our future generations rather than becoming a bedroom community that relies on the economic growth of surrounding counties. I think our issues have been too much negative talk and not enough positive solutions. I want to be a representative that has a solution for every problem, not a problem for every solution.
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Maintaining Your Health, Ensuring Your Safety By: Tallulah Holmstrom MD, MBA, CPPS, CMO KershawHealth
For healthcare providers, patient wellbeing is our chief concern every day of the year. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, part of how we kept our community safe was limiting elective and non-urgent procedures at KershawHealth. Currently, the threat of COVID-19 in our community is currently lessening, allowing our community to start to re-open and KershawHealth to begin gradually resuming these procedures. For some, this change is a welcome return to maintaining personal health and addressing medical issues. For others, this news may cause anxiety about safety. I’d like to address these concerns with the hope of relieving fears that might make people overly cautious about seeking care and treatment. Expanding care – cautiously Maintaining patient health is vital – but healthcare should never come at the cost of safety. At KershawHealth, you don’t have to decide between health and safety. Rest assured that we would not have resumed elective and non-urgent procedures if we didn’t have the resources and processes in place to do so safely. You can rely on your medical team to keep you protected while addressing your medical needs. Throughout the pandemic, our team at KershawHealth has been focused on conserving key resources – including personal protective equipment (PPE), beds for patients and other critical supplies. Due to our teams’ stewardship, we have adequate supplies to begin resuming certain elective procedures. Maintaining a safe environment for all Keeping our facilities sanitary and disinfected has always been a top priority. Now more than ever, cleanliness is imperative as we fight against infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
In addition to heightened infection prevention protocols, our environmental services team continues to implement effective cleaning and disinfecting practices throughout our hospital. When you enter our facilities, be assured that great intention has gone into maintaining cleanliness. Enhancing safety with new protocols As we broaden our services, things look a little different than before COVID-19. For instance, patients won’t see much of our faces due to the masks and PPE our medical staffers are wearing. While this is not ideal because connecting with our patients encourages us all, such protection is essential to keeping our patients and staff alike safe. Underneath the masks, know that there are healthcare workers who care very much about your health and wellbeing. Along with having proper PPE, staff members are being screened daily for the virus. Our facility has implemented a requirement for face covering prior to entering the hospital. Patients who haven’t brought their own masks are being issued cloth ones to wear as they proceed through our screening table. We also are taking steps to limit the number of people in our facility. Out of an abundance of caution, we are maintaining our strict no-visitor policy. Additionally, we are limiting patient volume for elective and non-urgent procedures, assessing the situation on a week-by-week basis. Monitoring the situation Ultimately, I want to reassure you that KershawHealth is constantly assessing where we are on COVID-19 and making decisions based on the most current data available. While we are confident that we have the resources and capabilities to expand services safely at this time, if at any point we determine that is no longer the case, we will immediately reverse course. This pandemic is uncharted territory for all of us. Not only do I provide care in Kershaw County, I trust the care my family and I receive in Kershaw County. Because of this, I know we are always seeking ways to best serve our community. In doing so, we are balancing two essential priorities: meeting the medical needs of our neighbors and mitigating the threat this virus poses. For more information about our services and our COVID-19 policies and procedures, visit KershawHealth.org.
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@theelginnews May 15, 2020
LEHS Student Author Series
Missing the Milestones
Student Cameron Hoffman Talks About His Senior Year at NCHS By: Tatyanna Himes, LEHS Student Writer
Senior year was supposed to be the best one. It was supposed to be a year full of memories, lasts and milestones. It was the final year of school before growing up and having adult responsibilities. But for North Central students, senior year was the complete opposite. On the night of January 11, 2020, an EF-2 tornado ripped through North Central High School, destroying the gym, the roof of the main office, exterior walls of the building and more than 25 buses. The impact of this tornado left students like senior Cameron Hoffman confused and scared for what the rest of the year would look like. “I found out about the tornado when my mom told me and showed me pictures on Facebook,” Hoffman said. “ At first, I thought she was joking, but when I realized it was real, I was confused [about] what they would do for us to go to school.” Hoffman had been attending North Central area schools his whole life and was involved in cross country, wrestling, track, JROTC and FFA. Because the tornado hit during wrestling season, Hoffman was uncertain about what the season would look like. However, he remained hopeful while practicing in the middle school gym and went on to win state. “When I won state, I was shocked and kind of sad at the same time,” Hoffman said. “I was finally able to accomplish the goal that I had been going for since I started, but I also knew my wrestling
May 15, 2020
season was over.” By March, school for North Central students was starting to look normal again. They adjusted to being in a new building and the Carolina Panthers had decided to host their prom. But during that same month, the coronavirus hit the United States and schools were ordered to close for two weeks. At the time, students thought this two-week closure was the worst that would happen. But on April 22, Governor Henry McMaster announced that schools would remain closed for the rest of the academic year. For Cameron, this meant no prom, no military ball and no track season. “I was kind of mad about prom and the military ball being canceled because I was really excited for it, even though I was only going with a few friends,” Hoffman said. “For track, I only got to run one meet and I did really good, too. I really thought I could beat my record and break five minutes for the mile, but now I won’t get the chance.” But aside from the events that Hoffman was forced to miss, schools closing meant that he had walked out of high school for the very last time on March 13 without even knowing it. “I wish that I could’ve gone back and been with my classmates for the last part of the school year,” Hoffman said. “Most of us had been together since the 6th grade and some even longer. This was our senior year and we weren’t even with each other to finish it.” Although this was not the senior year that Cameron expected, the school district made sure that the North Central stadium would be repaired so that he and the other seniors could graduate on their home field. “This year was hectic and crazy, but I just couldn’t wait to graduate on our field and go to college,” Hoffman said.
With a smile on his face, senior Cameron Hoffman poses for a first place picture at state. Despite everything that North Central had been through, Hoffman refused to give up. “When I won state, I was shocked and kind of sad at the same time,” Hoffman said. “I was finally able to accomplish the goal that I had been going for since I started, but I also knew my wrestling season was over.”
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May 15, 2020
Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office
National Police Week
May 10-16, 2020 | Remembering KCSO Heroes
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. Listed below are the KCSO deputies that have lost their lives in the line of duty in Kershaw County. This week is dedicated to remembering their ultimate sacrifices.
KCSO Deputy Ernest Christian “Chris” Potter, III Sheriff Lee Boan End of Watch: February 21, 1974 Deputy 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 KCSO Deputy Theodore “Ted” Turner and held them at gunpoint. The three suspects walked the two deputies down End of Watch: April 29, 1971 an embankment where they opened fire on both deputies. Deputy Potter’s Deputy Turner was shot and killed when he and another deputy went to a son, Ernest Christian “Chris” Potter IV, followed his father’s footsteps and residence to take a mental patient into custody on a court order of admittance. pursued a career in law enforcement. He is currently employed with the The man emerged from the residence with a shotgun and fired the fatal shot. Richland County Sheriff ’s Department as a Region Captain. He fled the scene but was captured and arrested. KCSO School Resource Officer Rob Evans KCSO Captain James Eugene “Pat” Orr End of Watch: November 27, 2013 End of Watch: July 2, 1973 On November 26, 2013, Deputy Evans was directing traffic at the Wateree Captain Orr was investigating a suspicious person. He was shot as he Elementary School when he collapsed in the roadway from a heart attack. approached the suspect to question him regarding a robbery. Captain Orr Two nurses were in line to pick up their children and saw Deputy Evans fall was planning to retire later that year. to the ground. They immediately went to his aid and began administering The man who shot Captain Orr was arrested, convicted in court, and CPR to him. Lugoff Fire Department responded and assisted. Rob was then sentenced to life in prison. He was recently paroled on this charge despite transported to Kershaw Health, and later Providence Hospital. He passed KCSO Sheriff Lee Boan appearing before the parole board in protest. away at 5:30am the next morning at Providence Hospital.
2020 Nursing Leader Award Announced
Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital (MRRH) in Elgin, SC is proud to announce Jill Benns, RN, MSN/MBA, NPD-BC has been awarded the 2020 Leader Award by The Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD). Benns is the Director of Nursing Operations for MRRH which is opening in August of 2020. “Having been a nurse for over 20 years, I am proud to provide a strong emphasis on life-long learning and professional development within the Midlands of South Carolina. Developing strong nurses enhances community health and wellness, supports positive physical and psychosocial behaviors, and empowers Kershaw County residents to share in their healthcare decisions”, said Benns. ANPD advances the specialty practice of nursing professional development for the enhancement of healthcare outcomes. Professional development as a specialty of nursing practice is defined by standards, based on research, and critical to quality patient and organizational outcomes.
The ANPD awards are presented each year at their annual convention which was canceled due to COVID-19. ANPD presents eight prestigious awards recognizing excellence in nursing professional development. The awards are presented to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in each category. The Leader Award recognizes the NPD practitioner’s influence of the interprofessional practice and learning environments, the NPD specialty, the profession of nursing and healthcare. Benns is raising her family in Kershaw County and currently building a new home in Elgin.
Jill Benns Leader Award Recipient
New Charter School Coming To Midlands
The midlands’ first tuition-free school to provide support for students with dyslexia and language-based reading difficulties, Palmetto Achievement Center for Excellence (PACE) Academy, was approved by the Board of Trustees for the South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) on April 17, 2020. The school is scheduled to open July 2021. Applications will be available starting July 2020. “For many families, private school or even private tutoring is not an option,” Melissa Rabon, PACE Chairperson, said. “We want to give all students of the midlands an opportunity to receive this type of educational approach, regardless of their family’s financial standing.” PACE Academy is designed so that students will receive over two hours of Orton-Gillingham based language instruction each day. They will also receive May 15, 2020
multi-sensory math instruction and project-oriented instruction in science and social studies. Structured movement brain breaks will be incorporated throughout the school day as well. “When we look at countries like Finland who incorporate more opportunities for students to move and play throughout the day, we see disruption in the classroom is minimized, identification of ADHD is lowered, and students perform better academically,” Rabon said. PACE will open with grades 3 through 7 in July 2021. Additional grades will be added each year for four school years. By July 2024, PACE will serve students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. For more information or to register for the weighted lottery, parents can visit the school website or facebook page.
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