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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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Letters to the Editor
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
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.
Elgin Town Council convened for its first regular meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6:02 p.m., with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. All members of Council were present, including Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwomen Dana Sloan, Brandy Bradley, and Cristy Bradley, who attended remotely via Microsoft Teams. Also in attendance were Police Chief Alan Anders, Lt. Chris DeLong, Town Clerk Jamie Parker, and Town Attorney John Wells.
Mayor Emmons opened the meeting with the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Hanley. Council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025, regular meeting and the December 10, 2025, special meeting.
During presentations, Jan Pierce of Cantey Tiller Pierce & Green, CPA, provided Council with the Town’s 2024 audit report. No items were brought forward during the public forum.
Council unanimously adopted the meeting agenda before reviewing new business license applications for December 2025. Approved businesses included Sweet Frog, Black Tuesday, Martin’s Philly Ice, US Automation Solutions Inc., Burish Builders, JJ Rez, LLC, JM Masonry, SEA Associates, LLC, LSG Construction LLC, Wayne Spencer Contracting, Inc., and RCS Roofing.
Under old business, Council reviewed December 2025 rental data for the Elgin Community Center. Mayor Emmons also announced JB Nealy Fence as the Town’s new Business of the Quarter, congratulating the company for its contribution to the local business community.
New business included several updates from the Elgin Police Department. Chief Anders reported that the annual Toy Round-Up was able to assist 41 families, serving more than 100 children, and included food vouchers for IGA. He thanked the community for its loyal support, which allows the program to continue each year. Lt. DeLong informed Council that the process to renew the School Resource Officer (SRO) grant is underway. He also noted that new police vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, with older units to be sold, and that the SRO grant will cover upcoming conference expenses, though reimbursement may take additional time.
A special moment followed when Clifton Emmons surprised Mayor Emmons by presenting her with an official Town of Elgin Mayor’s badge, drawing appreciation from Council and attendees.
During council briefings, Councilman Hanley shared an update from the most recent Stormwater Management meeting with Kershaw County. Councilwomen Brandy Bradley and Dana Sloan both expressed gratitude to the Town, the Police Department, and community members for their support of the Toy Round-Up. Councilwoman Cristy Bradley had no report.
Mayor Emmons informed Council that a storage pod and dumpster would be delivered on January 7 as part of Town Hall renovations. She noted that food pantry operations will change temporarily during the remodeling process and asked residents for patience. She also shared that a meeting with SERVPRO was scheduled to discuss upcoming plans. Attorney John Wells reported no updates.
Council entered executive session at 7:09 p.m. and reconvened at 7:54 p.m. Following the session, Council unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
The next regular meeting of Elgin Town Council is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
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Elgin Police Department Incident Reports
Shoplifting: On 01-11-2026 at approximately 1300, Officer responded to 2530 Main St (Family Dollar) for three unknown subjects that have stolen items from the Family Dollar prior were told to leave by the manager. While talking to the Manager of Family Dollar, the manager of IGA walked up and asked if the manager of Family Dollar and I were talking about three unknown subjects that continue to come inside their stores and pass all points of sale without rendering payment and using the outlets outside their stores to charge their cell phones. The manager of Family Dollar stated the unknown subjects did not steal from her store today (January 6, 2026) but the Manager from IGA stated the two unknown females stole a 12 pack of Twisted Tea ($14.99) on January 6, 2026. IGA Manager showed me security video footage of the two females walking into IGA around 2146 grabbing the 12 pack of Twisted Tea, one of the female subjects put the 12 pack into a bag, then walked out of the IGA around 2147. The two unknown females look young, one with blond hair, and the other with brown hair. The two females on 1-06-2026 deprived IGA of $14.99 worth of items. The manager of IGA stated the third unknown subject was not in the store with the two females. IGA Manager stated there is another unknown male that has been seen with the other three unknown subjects. IGA Manager stated he is an older white male. My Body Warn Camera was on during security video footage on 1-06-2026.
Trespass Notice: On 01-26-2026 at approximately 1830, Officer responded to 2513 Main Street (Bojangles) in the Town of Elgin within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C., in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with the Manager who stated she terminated an Employee and his Mother came into the store and inquired why Employee was terminated. Manager and Mother started to argue, Manager stated she would call law enforcement if she did not leave the property. Mother stated she stood by in the parking lot and waited for Officer to arrive. Manager requested that Officer place Mother and Employee on notice of trespass. Mother stated she understood and they would not come back to the property. Mother also stated she did not want a copy of the trespass notice.
Littering/Improper Tags and Unregistered Vehicle: On above date and time, Lieutenant was parked on Ross St, near Railroad Ave, and observed a gold colored Tahoe westbound on Ross Street. Just before reaching the stop sign at Railroad Ave, the driver lowered her window and through a large white napkin/tissue into the roadway, raised her window, and pro-
ceeded to disregard the stop sign while turning right (northbound) onto Railroad Ave. Lieutenant pulled out behind her and activated his blue flashing lights. Subject yielded at Sloan Roofing and continued through the parking area to the side of the building. Immediately upon making contact, driver (identified as Subject #1 via her SCDL) began apologizing indicating that her brakes had failed because the "seal on the brake cap" was off and she had to use the emergency brake to stop. Driver was asked for, and provided her SCDL. While she was looking for that information, dispatch returned information that the tag belonged on a 2001 Mercedes SUV and was expired as of October 2023. However, the tag was on a 2007 CHEV Tahoe SUV and had a decal with an expiration date of October 2021. Driver was unable to provide either a current registration or valid insurance. She stated that the vehicle belonged to her Boyfriend with whom she resided at Shearwater Road address. Lieutenant explained that the initial reason for the stop was the littering and driver stated "I did, I did". She then explained that she had blown her nose and didn't want that in the vehicle with her. A records check of the VIN showed that it was registered to Boyfriend and should have a different tag number on the vehicle. That tag was also expired and SC DMV records indicate that there was no valid insurance on the vehicle. License tag on the vehicle was seized for return to DMV because it belonged to another person/vehicle and had a status of "turned in". Due to no tags, uninsured, unregistered, and unsafe equipment, the vehicle could not be driven away and a tow truck was requested and Eddie Roberts Towing arrived on scene at about 1630hrs. Prior to arrival of tow truck, Lieutenant asked that the driver walk with him to the location of the littering and pick up the products she had discarded. She agreed to do this and we walked to the scene where she picked up the discarded items. Upon returning to her vehicle, driver was issued three citations Littering, Improper Tags, and Unregistered Vehicle. She was issued a verbal warning for Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle and for Operating an Unsafe Motor Vehicle and was released. She initially declined for a ride to be called, but then changed her mind asking that Boyfriend be called to pick her up as she started to walk home. KCDispatch spoke to Boyfriend and he advised that he would attempt to find a ride. Driver left scene. Roberts Towing arrived and picked up vehicle and scene was cleared at 1640hrs. BWC activated and downloaded.
Shoplifting: On 01-23-2026 around 2229, Officer responded to 2465 Main St (Food Lion) in the Town of Elgin within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C. in reference to a shoplifting. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with the
Manager who stated an unknown black male subject came into Food Lion and had a back pack on his person. The Night Shift Manager stated he watched the subject walk to the back of the store where the meat and chicken were located and grab possibly three packages of beef or chicken skewers. Night Manager stated the subject then walked down an aisle and put the items inside his bag, where he concealed them. The subject walked passed all points of sale to the parking lot of Food Lion. The Subject was not at the incident location when Officer arrived. Manager showed Officer security footage of the subject entering Food Lion around 2215 and leaving around 2221. On the security footage the subject is seen leaving in a red vehicle. The security camera was unable to get a clear make and model of the vehicle or license plate number. The beef or chicken skewers ranged from $7.00 to $9.00. Officer's Body Warn Camera was recording during the duration of the security camera footage.
Assisting Other Agency: On 01-24-2026, Elgin Police Department heard a call that Highway Patrol was in a pursuit with a vehicle and informed KCSO. KCSO stated they would help out with stop sticks if the vehicle would get off the interstate and headed towards the county. The unknown Subject's vehicle turned onto White Pond Rd and started heading towards Elgin. Officer arrived on White Pond Rd and attempted to use stop sticks but the time Officer arrived and got out of the vehicle Subject was already passing by me. The unknown subject was driving a black BMW. The unknown subject "bush bond" (abandoned the vehicle) at Blaney Baptist Church. Officer pulled perimeter on Jeffers Rd while KCSO and Highway Patrol were on Cherry Ln, Blaney Rd, and other areas. The scene was cleared by KCSO.
Failure to Yield/No SCDL: While on routine patrol at the intersection of Green Hill Road and Main Street Officer was behind a tan 2006 Honda Pilot bearing SC temporary tag. The vehicle was observed making a left turn onto Main Street failing to yield to an on coming vehicle traveling south on Main Street. That vehicle slammed on brakes and was able to avoid a collision. Due to this a traffic stop was conducted. Suspect was found to be the driver and produced her Honduran Passport, confirming her identity. She was clear NCIC. She was advised the reason for the stop and stated she did not see the other vehicle. A check of her name and birth date through SC DMV files revealed there was not a valid drivers license. She was cited for failing to yield left turn and no SC drivers license. She was released until her court date. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver. Officer's body worn camera was activated.
Behind The Stories We Dream
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Can you believe January is nearly over? Have you been managing your New Year's resolutions and adjusting to writing "2026"? I have been reading motivational books and devotionals, and a recent visit to the doctor's office inspired me to focus this second article of the new year on dreams.
I noticed two posters on the wall: one said, "Nothing happens unless first we dream," and the other read, "Hope is the dream that awakens the soul." I have always been a dreamer, especially as a student in a boring class. I also respect the nighttime dreams I have had and wonder sometimes what they might mean. Sometimes I have shared those dreams with friends and families, especially if the dreams worry or upset me.
As I researched dreams, I found several definitions. As a noun, "dreams" refer to a series of thoughts, images, or sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep, but they can also mean inspiration, ambition, or ideals. As a verb, "to dream" means to indulge in daydreams or fantasies about something we desire. Most people experience dreams during sleep.
According to The Bible, dreams are thought to be used as a means by which God conveys messages, imparts revelations, issues warnings, makes predictions, and provides guidance. God’s Word mentions dreams in more than 28 passages. There are many examples throughout the Old and New Testaments where God speaks to us through our dreams in the scriptures. Repeatedly, we see God leading through dreams with Jacob, Joseph, Dan iel, and Pilate’s wife and her dream about Jesus.
Dreams often reveal insights about our subconscious and can reflect our current mindset. Recurring patterns may indicate unresolved issues or anxiety; for example, 70% of people with PTSD have nightmare dis orders, while 35-45% of the general population experience at least one nightmare monthly. Several factors, including light exposure, caffeine, naps, disrupted sleep, and emotional processing—can affect dream con tent, which usually relates to personal concerns.
Blaney Elem. Teacher
Honored by PSTA
Blaney Elementary School first grade teacher, Randi Ray, has been selected as one of only eight teachers across South Carolina to attend the STAR (Strategies for Teacher Advancement and Renewal) Teacher Seminar this spring! Sponsored by the Foundation of Professional De velopment and the Palmetto State Teachers Association, STAR focuses on recognizing, rewarding, renewing, and retaining outstanding veteran teacher leaders across our state through a week long of meaningful profes sional development.
Pictured with Ms. Ray (left) is Toni Chewning, the PSTA Director of Association Activities.
Prominent leaders like Eleanor Roosevelt believed the future is shaped by those who have faith in their dreams. Scientist Albert Einstein connected dreams to imagination and scientific discovery, using his childhood dream of racing light as inspiration for breakthroughs in physics.
I have repeatedly dreamed of sitting on my front porch in my favorite rocking chair at the home I grew up in, talking with my father who passed away 65 years ago. I do not remember our conversation, and I have often wished that I could.
In another recurring dream, I find myself back in the classroom, noticing that my students lack motivation and are behind in their work. During my college years, I would often dream about missing exams or not graduating. I am not sure whether my dreams are in color or black and white. Some nightmares have been so vivid they jolted me awake. Interestingly, even though I think about my family before bed, they rarely appear in my dreams.
Understanding what influences our dreams can provide insight into our emotions and challenges. Dreams reflect our subconscious, often revealing anxiety or unresolved issues through common themes like falling, flying, arriving late, losing teeth, being chased, or seeing loved ones who have left us. Many believe that seeking guidance through prayer can help us interpret these messages.
Consider what your dreams might be telling you, as well as factors in your sleep patterns that could cause restlessness. A healthy body is a healthy mind. And yes, I have dreamed dreams that have come true many
Above, Miss LE 2026, and her court (left to right): Shani Haltiwanger, Miss Entrepreneur; Sara Wells, Miss Senior and Miss Photogenic; Jada Diaz, Miss LE and Miss
1,000 Days Smarter At
Today was a BIG day for Mrs. Cook's 5th Grade Students!
Not only was today the 100th day of the 25–26 school year, but it was also the 1,000th day of school for these kiddos
You might be wondering… how is that possible? Let’s do the math:
• 5K – 180 days
• 1st grade – 180 days
• 2nd grade – 180 days
• 3rd grade – 180 days
• 4th grade – 180 days
• 5th grade – 100 days
Add it all up, and that equals 1,000 DAYS of learning, growing, trying, failing, succeeding, and becoming who they are meant to be.
1,000 days smarter.
1,000 days braver.
1,000 days stronger.
We're so proud of how far they’ve come—and we’re not done yet!
LEHS JROTC Air Rifle Marksmanship Team
The Lugoff-Elgin High School JROTC Air Rifle Marksmanship Team qualified for the Army JROTC Service National Competition by placing 5th in the JROTC 4th Brigade Re-
This region includes South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC Army JROTC Schools. A total of 80 JROTC Teams competed in the initial round and 20 Teams qualified for the Championship in Hickory, North Carolina. Lugoff-Elgin finished second behind Walhalla High School in South Carolina Army JROTC programs. The Army JROTC Service National Competition will be held in Anniston, Alabama in February 2026.
The LEHS JROTC Team members are: Seniors Zackery Fitch (Team Captain), Danielle McCormick, Stella Stutzman, Lafoy Norris and Duane Wauters. The team Coach is Lieutenant Colonel Ray McDowell who is also the Senior Army Instructor at LEHS. The seniors have been team members together for 3-4 years, sharing a strong bond that no doubt has been an asset to their success.
Picture courtesy of Ray McDowell.
2026 Kindergarten Round-Up
The Kershaw County School District (KCSD) will open its online pre-registration process for four- and five-year-old kindergarten classes for the 2026-2027 school year on January 26. Families are able to complete the process online but can also attend in-person help sessions if needed on Thursday, February 19. The online system will be open through February 27.
This online Kindergarten Round-Up is for families of four- and five-year-olds who are new to KCSD and will be four or five by Sept. 1, 2026. Students qualify to attend 4K based on family income levels or academic needs.
Families of students who have been served in either 4K or 5K in KCSD this year do not participate in the Round-Up process. All new and returning KCSD students will complete registration this summer.
Families can access the online paperwork at www.kcsdschools.net/roundup. Families who need assistance with completing the process can attend a help session on February 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. at the school where their child is zoned. To determine a child's zoned school, visit www.kcsdschools.net/zoning.
Families will upload vehicle, financial and residence documents needed to verify residency along with a parent’s photo ID, recent utility bill, child’s birth certificate and child’s certificate of immunization. If applicable, a Medicaid card and SNAP acceptance letter can also be uploaded. Documents can be digitally scanned or photographed. Each document will need to be uploaded individually. For more information regarding 4K, contact Ginger Catoe at virginia.catoe@kcsdschools.net or (803) 432-8416 ext.1264.
For more information regarding 5K, contact Micki Dove at michelle.dove@kcsdschools.net or (803) 432-8416 ext. 1292.
Proctor Announces Bid For County Council
After careful thought, prayer, and consideration, I am honored and excited to announce that I am running for Kershaw County Council, District 4. The Republican Primary will be held on June 9, and District 4 deserves strong, conservative leadership. I am committed to being that candidate.
My life’s work has been rooted in service. I began by bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly in Lugoff, waited tables while earning my business degree from Coastal Carolina University, and later had the privilege of serving families during their most difficult moments as a Funeral Director at Powers Funeral Home.
In 2021, I opened Peaceful Paws Mortuary & Crematory here in Lugoff, continuing my commitment to serve our community as a small business owner. I look forward to extending this record of service to the Kershaw County Council.
My passion for public service began in 2005 when I attended Palmetto Boys State, where I developed a deep appreciation for county government and civic leadership. That calling led me, in October 2024, to volunteer for the Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Serving in that role—and preparing to serve as Chair in 2026—has only strengthened my desire to give back to the community I have proudly called home for 37 years.
With Councilman Jimmy Jones choosing not to seek re-election, I believe now is the right time to step forward and serve the residents of West Wateree. I am grateful for Councilman Jones’ many years of service and his dedication to our community.
I am a lifelong resident of Kershaw County, a Lugoff-Elgin High School graduate, a husband, a father, and a small business owner raising my family right here at home. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your concerns, and working together to strengthen our county. It would be an honor to earn your support and your vote as I seek to continue serving the people of Kershaw County as your next County Councilman for District 4.
LEHS Wrestling Team News
The Lugoff-Elgin High School varsity wrestling team continues to build on a tradition of excellence with a strong showing at the recent Military Duals in Chapin, finishing the tournament with a perfect 6–0 record. Several wrestlers delivered undefeated performances, highlighted by major career milestones, including Jakaleb Robinson-Barnes and Kendel Coker reaching 100 career wins, Gabe Rush tying the school’s all-time record with his 123rd career pin, and Logan Hinton earning his 150th career win and being named Most Outstanding Wrestler for the upper weight classes. Jakaleb Robinson and Billy Moore also went undefeated during the event. The team’s success extended beyond the tournament, as Lugoff-Elgin secured its 10th consecutive region championship by claiming the top spot in Region 5-AAAAA. At the junior varsity level, eight wrestlers qualified for the JV State Tournament: Sylas Pifer, Aaron Garcia, Nathan Anderson, Harrison Haigh, Parker Tyner, Landon Castaneda, Brody Bowen, and Jonnah Johnson.
Logan Hinton focuses ahead of competition, representing the program’s tradition of discipline, determination, and excellence on and off the mat.
Locked in and ready to compete, Kendel Coker prepares for action, showcasing the strength, skill, and commitment that define the Demons’ wrestling program.
With eyes forward and focus sharp, wrestler Jakaleb RobinsonBarnes stands ready, reflecting the hard work, resilience, and pride that drive the Demons each season.
etched his name into school history Tuesday night, becoming LE’s all-time leader in pins. Rush secured his 124th career pinfall victory during Senior Night at home against South Florence, marking a milestone moment for the program. Congratulations, Gabe!
LEHS Students Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.
Students in Ms. Middleton’s class at Lugoff-Elgin High School have been mixing culture and cuisine in a delicious way. In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the class prepared homemade peach cobbler, a nod to Dr. King’s birthplace in Georgia, famously known as the Peach State. The culinary exploration continued with Korean American Day, where students cooked and compared Korean-style beef noodles and Korean-style spicy ramen. Each cooking experience concluded with a staff taste test at LEHS, turning learning into a flavorful, community-wide
Lugoff-Elgin High School senior wrestler Gabe Rush
Left: Assistant Principal James McMillan samples a Korean-inspired noodle dish prepared by Ms. Middleton's class.
Center: LEHS Principal Corey Wright enjoys interacting with a student before sampling a dish prepared by Ms. Middleton's class.
Right: Ms. Middleton's students share their cultural culinary delights with LEHS physical education teacher Kennedy Robertson.
Elgin 'Screw Bandit' Has Been Arrested
The Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office (KCSO) is pleased to announce the arrest of Michael D. Branham (38) of Columbia in connection with multiple incidents in and around Elgin Estates involving the malicious placement of foreign objects—specifically screws and nails—on roadways.
This investigation spanned nearly three months and involved extensive surveillance, camera monitoring, and the use of advanced investigative tools and tactics. Critical progress was made following a community meeting held on January 20 at the Elgin Community Center, where residents provided key information that helped investigators consolidate and confirm existing evidence.
“We are better when we work together. This was a major case that placed significant stress on our community and our deputies. Engaging our citizens proved absolutely beneficial. This case is a perfect example of how crimes can be solved through community involvement.”
— Sheriff Lee Boan
Michael David Branham (38) of Columbia was arrested Tuesday morning (1/27/26) at his job site by KCSO with the assistance of the Richland County Sheriff ’s Department and SLED’s Fugitive Apprehension Team. He is currently charged with Stalking, Breach of Peace - High & Aggravated Nature, and Malicious Injury to Property.
We would like to thank the Elgin Community, Town of Elgin, Elgin Mayor Melissa
was recently awarded a Conservation Education Mini-Grant from the Kershaw Soil and Water Conservation District (KSWCD). This grant will support the expansion of an outdoor classroom space at Stover Middle which will provide students with hands-on conservation education.
Micheal David Branham, AKA 'The Screw Bandit'
Stover Middle School's Art Teacher Cassandra Mickle
