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Photo courtesy Johnny Deal.

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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.

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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

From The Mayor's Desk

By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons

The Elgin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Council members Cristy Bradley, Brad Hanley, and Dana Sloan were present, along with Chief of Police Alan Anders, Lt. Chris DeLong, Clerk of Court Doris Craven, and Town Attorney John Wells.

Mayor Emmons opened the meeting with an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Hanley.

Minutes and Agenda Approved

Council approved minutes from several prior meetings, including the August 26 special business meeting, the September 2 regular meeting, and the September 10 special meeting. The evening’s agenda was also unanimously adopted.

New Business Licenses

Several new business license applications were approved for the month of September, reflecting continued local economic activity. New or renewed licenses were granted to:

• Jenkins Restorations LLC

• Delta Plumbing

• DC Services of Kannapolis Inc

• Steph’s Nail Studio

• MRG Enterprises

Community Center and Police Updates

Under Old Business, council reviewed rental data for the Elgin Community Center for July and August.

In New Business, Chief Anders reported that the annual Elgin Car Show was a success, raising $2,100 for The Toy Round Up, a holiday initiative supporting local children. The Toy Round Up Committee is set to meet later this month to plan for the upcoming season.

Lt. Chris DeLong provided an update on police department grant-funded projects. New School Resource Officer (SRO) vehicles have been ordered and are expected to arrive within a month, along with necessary equipment. The grant reimbursement process is moving smoothly, and all related items should be finalized by early 2026.

Chief Anders commended Lt. DeLong for his dedication to managing the grant process while continuing his regular law enforcement duties.

Zoning and Planning

Council approved the appointment of Haifa Santiago to the Zoning Board of Appeals following a unanimous vote.

Council Reports

• Councilwoman Cristy Bradley: No report.

• Councilwoman Dana Sloan: No report.

• Councilman Brad Hanley: Discussed information about stormwater management and the

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

LEHS Yearbook Wins Palmetto Award

For the sixth time in seven years, the LugoffElgin High School Kaleidoscope has received the Palmetto Award from the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association. The Kaleidoscope yearbook competes in Class IV with other schools with 1500 to 2000 students enrolled. The Palmetto Award, given to the best yearbook in each class as determined by population, signifies that LE’s yearbook continues to be one of the best among other high schools with a similar population and one of the top in the state. The LEHS yearbook also received this award in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Front Row: Haley Starcher, Hannah Flake, Charli Small, Caroline Sapp, Baya Hardee, Scarlett Hornsby Second Row: Lynleigh Bowen, Skyler Karlsberg, Grayce Morrow, Savannah Howell, Zoei O'Quinn Nichols Back Row: Amy Smedberg (Scholastic Media Programs Manager at USC), Gauge Tankersley, Grayson Proctor, Georgia Young, Tori Potter, Jenny Proctor (Yearbook Adviser) Not Pictured: Karmen Bramlitt, Addie Greenwood & Braylen Hinton

Leadership Kershaw County Coat Drive

This year’s Leadership Kershaw County cohort is proud to announce its class project aimed at providing warmth and comfort to those in need within our community during the colder months. The winter coat and blanket drive will run from now until December 5.

Leadership Kershaw County is a vital program dedicated to identifying and developing current and future leaders within Kershaw County. Through a series of immersive sessions and community projects, participants gain a deeper understanding of local challenges and opportunities, fostering a commitment to service and civic engagement. This Winter Coat and Blanket Drive is one such community project undertaken by Leadership Kershaw County to address an immediate need in Kershaw County.

The organization is collecting new or gently used winter coats and blankets. All donations will benefit Food for the Soul, a local organization dedicated to assisting the less fortunate in Kershaw County.

“Leadership Kershaw County is committed to making a tangible

cohort.

In addition to coats and blankets, Leadership Kershaw County is also collecting monetary donations to purchase a new commercial grade washer and dryer for Food for the Soul. Checks can be made payable to Leadership Kershaw County and sent to C/O United Way of Kershaw County, PO Box 737, Camden, SC 29021.

Donation sites include:

• Mid Carolina Credit Union - Camden, Lugoff, Elgin and Sandhills branches

• KCSD - District Office

• Synovus Bank - Camden branch

Donations will also be accepted during the United Way Chili Cookoff on October 25 in downtown Camden. Look for the Leadership Kershaw County table!

About Leadership Kershaw County: Leadership Kershaw County is a partnership of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and

One Local Family Shifts Gears to Follow Their Dreams

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

Jay Gates (LE’ 2003) and brother-in-law

Jay Hart (North Central ‘2000 married to Jay’s sister Niki) are connected not only by family but by the love of the classic car. Next Friday night, they will load up their children ages three to eleven to go through the neighborhoods trick or treating in a 1959 blue and white Cadillac with big silver fins named “Jolene”. This oldie belongs to the five Gates Girls - now that is in classic Halloween style.

River Rat Classics, located at 10 and 26 Elm Street in Lugoff, is a family-owned dealership specializing in buying and selling classic cars of all makes and models. The business opened in January 2020. The oldest car they have ever owned was the 1929 model A Ford, and the most expensive was a brand-new blue $580,000 Bentley that they negotiated for one of their clients.

The definition of a ‘classic’ is defined by Google as a car that is at least 20 years old, kept in its original condition, and has historical significance, and causes strong emotion. For registration purposes, a classic car must not have undergone significant modifications from its original design. A classic car has the value to appreciate over time. Collectible cars can be vintage cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and convertibles.

Jay Gates, athletic director at Camden Middle School, thought it was time to try something different after he and his brother-in-law received an unusual Christmas present from their wives, Jessica Gates and Niki Hart. Jay Hart was weighing the same decision as a City of Camden fireman. Their wives booked the two Jays a Christmas trip to their first

dreams of a classic car partnership a reality.

According to River Rat classics, “A classic car is defined as one that is 25 years old. The most requested brand of car for the 55 years and up is a Chevrolet Corvette. The most popular colors for cars are red, black, white, and blue. The 1957 Chevrolet is the most recognized car, a classic Corvette is one of the most requested.

When you visit the dealership Jay Gates is more into sales, while Jay Hart works on the cars. Over 99% of their business is out-of-state sales and some even out of the country to the classic car enthusiast in Germany, Russia, Romania, and France. Online shopping and social media have boosted their sales.

“Wild” Bill Wichrowski, “The Deadliest Catch” star on the Discovery TV channel, was one of their first customers. He purchased a 1962 Ford F-100. Recently two of their classic mustangs were featured in the movie The Pickup starring Eddie Murphy.

One of the lessons Jay and Jay have learned is Don't impulse buy. Compare and sleep on it. Cars, especially classic ones, move fast, but if a buyer really is interested in a car, he should put a deposit down.

Before buying a classic car, remember it's a want, not a need. Build trust with sellers and pay for an inspection first.

River Rat Classics is willing to help you obtain your dream car and participate in local civic events. Recently they helped with the 29th annual Fire Fest in Camden. They also helped with a birthday parade for Lugoff Elementary School’s principal.

The first car Jay Gates built was the 1965 midnight Navy blue Ford Mustang fast back 2 + 2 built with white pony interior. He rode away in it for his “wedding getaway car” and still owns it today. Jay said,” Leaving a guaranteed paycheck was certainly hard. I was working with the kids at middle school but loved waking up and chasing my dream. I love sharing my passion for cars with my kids and kids in the community. The only regret I have is not chasing my dreams of building and selling classic cars

LEHS XC Team Are County Champions

Lugoff-Elgin High School’s boys and girls cross country teams captured 1st place team trophies and multiple top-seven medals, earning the title of Kershaw County Champions for the season. The boys claimed six of the top seven medals, while the girls earned four. Coach Brittany Sirmon said she was “super proud of all our runners,” and Head Coach Sierra Oliphant added, “At the beginning of the season, I set a standard: 'ONE Team. ONE Goal. NO Limits.' These wins are a result of building that culture.” The teams will continue to train hard as they now turn their focus to the upcoming Region Championships.

KCSD Hosts Read-In At Zemp Stadium

The Kershaw County School District’s annual Read-In: A Celebration of Literacy was held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Zemp Stadium in Camden. The beloved district-wide event brought together hundreds of students and staff to celebrate the joy and importance of reading.

More than 1,000 attendees from 14 KCSD schools participated in the festivities, which featured engaging literacy activities, dramatic performances, and guest readers.

A highlight of this year’s event was a lively presentation by Preston Thorne and Langston Moore, University of South Carolina alumni, former SEC football players, and co-authors of the popular children’s book #Justachicken. Their energetic program inspired students through stories of teamwork, confidence, and self-acceptance—bringing the book’s powerful message to life on stage.

The Read-In once again showcased the district’s commitment to promoting literacy and fostering a lifelong love of reading among students across Kershaw County.

Stover Middle Implements 'House System'

Stover Tigers are proud to announce we are implementing the Ron Clark House System. Every student in the school was sorted into 1 of 8 houses by a spin of the wheel. We believe in Ron Clark’s belief that, “By assigning students to diverse houses, it ensures everyone feels an integral part of the school's vibrant culture. It's remarkable how this system fosters deep relationships and connections.” Our houses consist of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and a set of teachers/staff to promote a sense of belonging and allows us to develop a community. Houses meet every other Wednesday to build those relationships and create a sense of unity. We rehearse our cheers and chants, discuss issues, and will strategize and prepare for house challenges that will come up during the year; all while building a supportive and collaborative

Our eight Houses are: Amistad the House of Friendship, Altruismo the House of Givers, Isibindi the House of Courage, Protos the House of Success, Onraka the House of Unity, Sollevare the House of Uplifting, Reveur the House Dreamer,and Nukumori the House of Dreamers.

ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down

LEHS Boys and Girls Swim Team Results

in the 200 medley and Zoe Branham, Layla Miller, Allyssa Tutt and Lydia Cyrier in the 200 and 400 free relay.

Junior Zoe Branham will finish the season as 34th in the 50 and 32nd in the 100 free. Junior Allyssa Tutt 38th in the 200 free and 54th in the 50 free. Sophomore Lydia Cyrier 42nd in the 200 IM and 37th in the 100 breast. Junior Layla Miller 48th in the 50 free and 43rd in the 100 back. Freshman Presley Guster 63rd in the 50 free. the 100 butterfly.

ATTORNEYS:

Springvale Fall Festival

November 2 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM 1496 Springvale Rd, Lugoﬀ

Join Springvale Baptist Church for an evening of community fun and fellowship for all ages— not just the kids! Enjoy games, balloon animals, a train ride, cake walk, cotton candy, SnoCones, hotdog supper, and Trunk or Treat at 6:00 PM.

Admission: A non-perishable food item or pop-top canned good to support local families in need.

For more information, call 803-438-1505.

Annual Rummage Sale

Join us at Salem Methodist Church, located at 2367 Bowen Street in Elgin, SC, for our Annual Rummage, Bake, Plant, and Hot Dog Sale on Saturday, November 1, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Come early to shop great finds, enjoy delicious treats, and support our community!

Smyrna Trunk or Treat Camden Community Band Concert

Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM 16 Smyrna Rd., Elgin

Bring the family for a fun afternoon of Trunk or Treating at Smyrna Methodist Church! Enjoy candy, decorated trunks, and festive fellowship for all ages.

Free hotdogs and drinks will be served (while supplies last).

The Camden Community Concert Band presents its Fall Concert, Music Meets History, on Sunday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m. at Historic Camden. Admission is free, and all are invited to enjoy an afternoon of music and community in a beautiful historic setting. Don't forget a lawn chair - and a friend!

Street, Elgin • (803) 408-0965 Now offering D.O.T. Certi ed Physicals for only $99. Call today!

The Lugoff-Elgin High School Lady Demons volleyball team has been crowned Region Champions after an incredible undefeated season! Head Volleyball Coach Katie Ham expressed her pride and excitement in the team, noting that the Lady Demons have worked tirelessly to achieve their impressive 12-0 record this season.

Roll Con Returns to Camden

Get ready to play! The Kershaw County Library invites you to Roll Con 2025, a free celebration of games, cosplay, and creativity on Saturday, November 8, from 12–5 PM at the Old Armory (1034 West DeKalb St, Camden). Held annually since 2020, this local gathering of game enthusiasts attracts several hundred participants to visit vendors, win game-related prizes, dress up in Cosplay costumes, and play games in all formats: board games, video games, role-playing games, and even giant chess. Whether you're a tabletop tactician, RPG adventurer, card game collector, or cosplay connoisseur—Roll Con has something for you!

What to Expect:

Board Games & RPG Adventures

Roll the dice with KCL’s game library or bring your favorites to our open play tables. In addition, we will be running one-shot tabletop role-playing games (ttrpgs) for ages 12+ that

offer a perfect intro to games like Dungeons and Dragons.

Camden’s local gaming store, SpecterGames will host a Pokémon Phantasmal Flames Prerelease tournament ($30 Phantasmal Flames game pack purchase required) as well as Magic: The Gathering, Two-Headed Commander tournament (free to enter). SpecterGames will also be selling a variety of games.

E-sports/Video Games

For the second consecutive year, Palmetto Mobile Arcade will bring an outdoor mobile trailer featuring a variety of video games. The nonprofit Midlands Gaming Coalition will host video game exhibitions and discuss its ongoing programs and tournaments.

Manga Swap

Gaming enthusiasts are often fans of Manga– Japanese graphic novels. For Manga fans specifically, doors will open at 11 am for

a Manga Swap meet hosted by The Mage's Emporium. Participants can buy, sell, or trade gently used manga and find new favorites.

Cosplay Contest

Dress to impress for our cosplay contest— open to kids, teens, and adults—with the chance to win the coveted Roll Con Trophy!

Vendors, Raﬄes & Local Flavor

Explore unique goods from local creators for crocheted handicrafts, keychains, jewelry, and game-related accessories. Vendors include Random Acts of Karma, Unlovely Frankenstein, Mages Emporium, and vendors from Camden’s Artists Attic. Enjoy food trucks, meet our cosplay ambassadors, and participate in prize raﬄes all day.

Event Details:

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 | 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Old Armory, 1034 West DeKalb St, Camden FREE – All Ages Welcome

Books on Broad Announces Book Signing Event

Books on Broad will host Mark Fava for a book signing on Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5pm – 7 pm.

A retired U.S. Navy Captain and a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace company, Fava is the author of Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders. Books on Broad is located at 944 Broad Street, Camden, S.C. 803-713-7323 Sun-Sat. The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and autographing. As the aide for a navy admiral more than thirty years ago, Mark C. Fava learned valuable lessons that were formative in his emergence as a thoughtful and successful leader. Now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace company and a career aviation lawyer, Mark is sharing his wisdom in this insightful and entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the successes and failures of a young naval flight officer working every day for the Admiral and how the Admiral reacted as a great leader. Mark’s stories will inspire you to unlock your leadership potential by applying lessons that will propel your leadership journey forward. An

insightful guide for mid-career managers, early career lawyers, and junior military officers who aspire to be promoted, this book is also a fun read for all military veterans who relished their time in uniform. The lessons Mark shares have timeless value. They are just as meaningful today as they were over thirty years ago and have been the keys to Mark’s promotions in both the military and the legal profession throughout his career.

Learning by observing both good and bad leaders is a solid strategy for professional development. The knowledge you gain becomes a treasure trove that guides you, the insight becomes part of your leadership fabric, and the observations shape you into the impactful leader you aspire to be. Putting the knowledge you gain from this book into practice will make you stand out among your peers as a high performer. You will gain an understanding of how executives think and what they appreciate. You will be organized, humble, and thoughtful—and you will be identified as an emerging leader.

Visit Books on Broad on Facebook for more info.

LEMS To Host STEAM Family Night

Lugoff-Elgin Middle School is excited to announce its 2025 Family STEAM Night, “Math in Motion,” on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. This engaging, communitycentered event is open to the public and promises an evening filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and fun for all ages.

Who’s Invited:

Everyone is welcome—including past, present, and future LEMS students and their families, community members, Board of Education representatives, and district leaders.

What to Expect:

• Interactive teacher-led STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) stations

• Engaging demonstrations from community partners

• Delicious offerings from local food trucks

• LEMS PTO Leopard Swag available for purchase

District Science Coach Tracy Elmore and LEMS Math Interventionist & Coach Crystal Blanton emphasized the impact of the evening, stating:

“Events like Family STEAM Night highlight the extreme importance of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics in preparing students for a STEM-driven workforce. By coming together as a school and community, we can inspire students to see themselves as future innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in tomorrow’s world.”

“Our goal is to show that math and science are not just subjects in a classroom—they’re living, moving parts of our everyday world,” said principal Rebecca Shackleford.

This event is funded through a STEM grant from the SC Coalition of Mathematics and Sciences and designed to highlight the importance of STEAM education while building strong partnerships between school and community.

Halloween Patrol From Your KCSO

This year, Halloween falls on a Friday, which means our little Trick-orTreaters may be out a bit later than usual, enjoying the evening without the worry of school the next morning.

To help keep everyone safe, KCSO will have increased patrols out on Halloween night. Our deputies will be watching for children walking through neighborhoods and keeping an eye out for impaired or unsafe drivers on our roadways.

Our children are the most valuable members of our community, and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep them safe — on Halloween and every day of the year.

Have a fun, safe, and spooky night!

— Your KCSO

Battle & Bones Event

The countdown to Revolutionary War Week begins with an experience unlike anything you’ve seen at the Center.

On November 1, we’re opening the doors to the Black Box Theatre for Battle & Bones: A Revolutionary Experience — an interactive evening of food, drink, and immersive history that will plunge you into one of America’s most dramatic chapters!

Teasing Secrets from the Grave

Become a battlefield archaeologist and help “solve” centuries-old mysteries using realistic skeletal models, simulated DNA testing, and forensic science — guided by Dr. Tray Dunaway, Camden’s own battlefield surgeon.

Battle in a Box

Pick up (non-firing) muskets and bayonets, follow expert reenactment coaches, and step into the Battle of Camden itself in this live-action interpretation led by Liberty Live from Southern Campaign 1780.

Tickets include all activities and heavy hors d’oeuvres, with beverages available for purchase. This experience is recommended for ages 13 and up!

MAYOR'S DESK, From Page 2

potential for future fees.

• Councilman Paul Rizzo: Absent.

Mayor Emmons reminded the public that Elgin’s MS4 stormwater designation stems from its location near 25-Mile Creek. She also announced the Business of the Quarter, recognizing Elegance 1 on 1 Nails for their contributions to the community. Jean’s Hair

Blaney Elementary Food Drive

Thanks to the generosity of Blaney students, over 4000 non-perishable food items were donated to Blanketing Families for distribution to those in need in the Elgin area.

Place received honorable mention, and other nominees included South by Sunset, Swanky Southern, and Southern Mama’s Kitchen. A sign recognizing Elegance 1 on 1 Nails will be presented next week. The next quarter’s nominations open October 8, with the next award to be presented at the January 6, 2026 meeting.

Town Attorney John Wells provided a briefing on the pros and cons of an upcoming annexation request.