Letter Submissions
The Elgin News wants to hear from you
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:
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A Note From The Publisher
Since you’ve made it to page two, you’ve probably noticed e Elgin News looks a little di erent this issue. We are excited to introduce our new format, including full color on every page. ank you to our loyal readers and advertisers. We truly appreciate your continued support and could not do this without you. We hope you enjoy the new look, and don’t forget to support our advertisersthey make e Elgin News possible each issue.
News From KC Council
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:
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045
By: Chairman Ben Connell
As we begin 2026, I am filled with optimism about the future of Kershaw County and the many opportunities ahead for our residents, businesses, and communities. Over the past year, we saw tremendous cooperation among citizens, local governments, schools, and law enforcement, and those partnerships will continue to guide our progress and safety in the year to come.
One recent example of the power of community collaboration came when the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office successfully concluded a months-long investigation into the individual responsible for causing significant property damage by placing screws on the road for an extended period of time. Deputies worked consistently with community members, who provided key information, ultimately leading to an arrest and the increase of safety on our roads.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sheriff Boan, the deputies, investigators, Council Members, and residents who helped bring this troubling situation to an end. Their teamwork is a reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility, and Kershaw County remains stronger because of the vigilance of our citizens.
Next, I must congratulate the students, coaches, and parents of Leslie M. Stover Middle School for their outstanding accomplishments on the wrestling mat this season. Stover’s athletes demonstrated discipline, determination, and sportsmanship in earning another state championship title, continuing a tradition of excellence that continues to make our county proud.
These achievements are not just victories for a team; they are victories for our entire community, reflecting the dedication of athletes, coaches, educators, families, and volunteers who support youth athletics across Kershaw County. In addition, I want to congratulate the Lugoff-Elgin High School wrestling team for winning the Lower State Championship for the fourth consecutive year! The LE Demons complete for the wrestling team state championship on February 11, 2026 against Fort Mill at 7:30pm at White Knoll High School.
I am encouraged by the momentum we are seeing across multiple areas, like economic growth, infrastructure investment, public safety improvements, and continued enhancements to parks, recreation, and community spaces. We will continue working closely with municipal leaders, school districts, and state partners to ensure that growth is managed responsibly while maintaining the quality of life that makes Kershaw County such a special place to live.
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. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation.
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The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108
Cate Goff, Publisher · Email: elginnews@gmail.com
Elgin Police Department Incident Reports
Shoplifting: Reporting officer was dispatched to the location, 2507 Main Street (Circle K), within the Town limits of Elgin, in reference to shoplifting that already occurred. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with the Clerk who stated that a regular customer had taken approximately $18 worth of merchandise at approximately 0130 hours. Clerk stated that she was not sure of the name of the subject, but believed his last name to be Dixon and believed that he lived off Dixon Road. Clerk described the subject as a black male in his early 20's with shoulder length messy dreads wearing two khaki colored jackets as opposed to the one that she normally sees him in. Clerk stated that he drives a large older model dark red or maroon SUV but was unsure of the make/model or license plate number. Clerk stated that the subject had asked her to purchase him a Reese candy after asking if they carried a certain medicine and when she told him that she did not have the money to purchase him anything, she observed him in the reflection of a mirror located behind the counter making a motion that she stated looked as if he were stuff something in his jacket. Clerk stated that she believes that items that he took were Orajel mouth ointment and possible the Reeses candy bar that she was unable to purchase for him. Clerk stated that she knows for a fact that he did fail to pay for a fountain drink that he had fixed for himself during his visit inside the business, but the other items she was unsure of. At this time, Officer has not been able to review CCTV footage as the manager that has access to that software was not working during the time that Officer was on scene. Clerk did advise that Manager does work in the morning and will be able to review the CCTV footage once she gets to work. Officer advised her to have Manager get the footage together once she had the chance to review it so that Officer can come collect it to review later.
Driving Under The Influence, Refusal/Transport of Alcohol With a Broken Seal/Towed Vehicle: Reporting officer was sitting at the traffic light located at the intersection of Main Street and Church Street, which is within the Town limits of Elgin, waiting for the light to turn green when they observed a vehicle on the other side of Church Street sitting in the right turn lane with their blinker on approximately 50 or more feet away from the intersection. Officer crossed the intersection once the light changed green and observed the vehicle, a dark in color pickup truck, was sitting just before the entrance to the O’Reilly’s parking lot with the blinker on, not having moved since Officer had originally seen it. Officer turned around to check on the driver of the vehicle and observed the truck travel to the light once another vehicle got behind it, the truck taking a right onto Main Street. Officer
followed the truck for a short period, observing as the vehicle weaved back and forth within it’s own lane before it crossed the center double yellow line with both driver side tires on the 2600 Block of Main Street. Officer activated their blue lights and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, a dark Ram 1500 pickup truck with SC tag just outside the Town limits on Highway 1. Officer made contact with the driver, who was later identified by his SC DL as Subject. Officer informed Subject of the reason for the stop, explaining the lane deviation as well as the fact that Officer had observed him sitting in the middle of the turn lane of Church Street and asked if anything was wrong. Subject stated, with slurred speech, that “he’s good”. When Officer asked if there was any reason why he was sitting in the middle of the lane, Subject stated “no reason, I’m good.” While Officer was speaking with Subject, he asked if Officer needed his registration and Officer advised him that they did as well as his ID and proof of insurance for the vehicle. As Subject was looking for the required documents, Officer asked where he had been coming from and Subject informed Officer that he was leaving from a friends house in Elgin. After answering Officer, Subject began looking for his DL in his wallet, finding what looked like a possible out of state DL before he put that away and found his SC DL in his pocket. Officer observed that while Subject was looking for the required documents within the vehicle, he appeared to have very sluggish movements. Once the DL was located, Subject kept his DL in his hands and once again asked Officer if they needed to see his registration. At this point, Officer observed the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Subject’s breath. Officer advised that they did need the registration as well as other documents and Subject stated the registration was in the glove box. Officer told him that he was good to get it and Subject produced a small foldable envelope. While Subject was looking through the envelope, Officer asked if he had anything to drink while he was at his friends house. Subject stated that he had a “little something” while he was there. When Officer tried to get clarification on what a “little something” was, Subject stated “not like a lot, just a little something”. Through additional clarification questions, Subject admitted to having one mix drink that had one shot of liquor in it at approximately 10pm, which was 3 hours prior to the traffic stop. After this admission, Subject handed Officer his drivers license as well as an insurance card before sitting there without saying anything. Officer reminded Subject, again, that they needed the registration for the vehicle. Subject sluggishly removed it from the plastic envelope before handing it to Officer. At this time, due to the observed driving behavior, the admission to drinking, the heavily slurred speech and the odor of alcohol coming from his breath, Officer asked if Subject would be willing to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). Subject agreed and
Officer had him step to the rear of his truck to begin testing. Prior to testing, Officer confirmed with Subject that he did not have any medical conditions that would prevent him from performing SFST’s. (*Full SFST details omitted due to length*) Based on the clues that were observed during the SFST’s, Officer took Subject into custody and searched his person incident to arrest before he was placed into the rear of Officer’s patrol vehicle. Subject was read his Miranda Rights at this time and declined to speak with Officer. Per the request of the owner, Pat’s Auto Body was requested to come tow the vehicle and Officer conducted an inventory of the vehicle prior to it being towed. During the inventory, Officer located a bottle of Cuervo Tequila (40% ALC/VOL) inside the center glove box. The 375ML bottle was a bit more than half empty and did have a broken seal. Officer took possession of the bottle, pouring the remaining alcohol out on the roadside before the bottle was secured in their vehicle to be tagged into evidence once they returned to the office. Shortly after being contacted, Pat’s arrived on scene and took possession of the vehicle. Officer transported Subject to the Kershaw Country Detention Center where he was placed into the Observation Room. Officer entered the Breath Analysis room, activated the recording within the room before they began to input the required information into the DataMaster to begin the observation period. During the observation period, Officer read Subject his Advisement of Implied Consent. Once the observation period was over, Subject was given the opportunity to provide a breath sample. When Subject was required to blow into tube on the DataMaster, Officer noticed that while he appeared to be blowing into the machine, the machine was not registering the sample. Officer advised Subject that he needed to blow harder to provide a valid sample and ultimately the machine produced a result of “Incomplete”. Due to the incomplete and invalid breath sample that was provided, the test was treated as a refusal and a Notice of Suspension was filled out. Once the testing was complete, Officer booked Subject into KCDC on a hold for DUI pending a look into his criminal history. Subject’s criminal history showed no prior DUI convictions within the last 10 years and he is being charged with DUI Refusal 1st offense. Copies of the Advisement of Implied Consent, Notice of Suspension as well as both citations that Subject was issued will be dropped off to be left with his belongings for him to receive once he is released. During this incident, there was an error with Officer body worn camera and it was noticed during the time period that Officer was waiting for Pat’s Auto Body to arrive on scene. Body worn camera footage starts there, but Officer’s in car dash camera was activated from time traffic stop began until he was removed from the vehicle at KCDC.
Catch Up With LEHS Alumnus Ernie Tai
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Ella’s Boutique, located at 2195 West DeKalb St., Camden, will host a book signing with my former LE student, Ernie Tai (Class of 1983), Saturday, February 28, from 11am -1 pm.
Ernie Tai is an author and speaker on leadership, management and the sacred overlay between work and meaning. A jazz musician at heart, he collaborates creatively in ventures ranging from startups to music. He serves as president and CEO of a global manufacturing company and has experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Ernie holds a patent in microscopy and has contributed to molecular biology, stem cell tools, and diagnostics.
Retired Lugoff Elgin High School biology teacher Marcia Cashion said,” Several years ago Ernie Tai’s company LW Scientific donated top of the line microscopes and other equipment to LEHS. Those microscopes made a huge impact in offering biology students broader handson experience in the lab. Teachers were able to pair students in smaller groups to give them more exposure to discovery and identification of organisms as well as plant and animal tissue. Thanks to the generosity of Ernie and his company the students were given the tools that enable science education to move forward.”
Ernie responded, “I’m deeply grateful for the good teachers and mentors who saw things in me that I had yet to realize. They helped till the soil and plant seeds that flourished later in my life. The message I would want most from my friends and those who follow LE is to encourage the community to embrace each other, care for our neighbors, and indiscriminately show kindness. Be inspired to fan those flames wherever you go in my old hometown. It matters. It changes the world.”
Ernie hopes to be remembered for expressing love through action—a lifelong pursuit. In his first book which is a memoir, "Home for Supper," he reflects on the quiet meaning of the Eucharist through personal stories as an immigrant’s son, suggesting that home is always where
ROOFING BID REQUEST
The Town of Elgin is soliciting bids to replace the roof at Elgin Town Hall, located at 2469 Main Street, Elgin, SC.
Contractor is required to include the following items:
• Town of Elgin Business License Number
• Workers Comp Liability Coverage Policy
• South Carolina Contractor License Number
• Commercial Liability Coverage Policy
Please include in your bid if you plan to use hammers or nail guns to install the shingles.
Submit your bids by Friday, March 13, 2026, to Elgin Town Hall, PO Box 277, Elgin, South Carolina 29045, or drop them off in person. Sealed bids will be opened on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 803-438-2362.
a table is set.
He's passionate about food, cooking, and believes innovative ideas begin with a dream, conversation, white board, and good music. Grateful for lessons learned early in life—such as being kind to neighbors, choosing trust wisely, and embracing healthy competition, Ernie encourages others to build supportive and caring communities, believing simple acts of kindness can create genuine positive change.
In his second publication "Christian Impossible: The Jesus Way to Lead," Ernie says this is a cheeky book of suggestions about how Jesus might view the way we do business. It is a general assertion that we can invite divine love into our transactionally designed world. The title is intended to illustrate and resolve the tension Ernie sees in the pursuit of commercial gain while honoring our first calling to love one another.
LEMS mathematics teacher Susan Layton remarked, “I will always treasure the letter Ernie wrote to me when I received the Teacher of the Year award. As yearbook staff co-adviser, I saw Ernie’s gift in both creative writing, arts, and academics.”
Ernie additionally plans to pursue several entrepreneurial and organizational initiatives, including launching the Cornbread Sisters brand into grocery chains—a venture originally founded by entrepreneurs he previously mentored—and launching both a hydroponics company and the Docu-Buddy app. He will also concentrate on Shack-Live: The Musical. Separately, Ernie intends to continue composing and recording music as part of his personal creative endeavors. Throughout these activities, he remains committed to spending quality time with his daughters.
Author and retired athletic director Scott Jones spent some time with Ernie sharing notes about the writers’ world. Jones said, “After meeting Ernie, I know that this community is so proud of a man who has never forgotten his roots and dedicated his life to giving back to others. Ernie is the type of person that offers the perfect example of how a person should strive to live their life. His legacy of service to others is honorable and quite the example.”
Make plans to come meet one of my most memorable and accomplished students at Ella’s Boutique Sat. Feb. 28 from 11 to 1 or attend the morning worship service the next day at Lugoff First Baptist 10:30 am to hear Ernie speak.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
In the coming months, Kershaw County residents can expect a continued focus on transportation improvements, community facility upgrades, improvements to the zoning code, and initiatives that support both small businesses and major employers. Our goal is simple: build a county that provides opportunity for families, strong support for first responders and educators, and a welcoming environment for business investment.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2026, I encourage every resident to stay engaged, attend community meetings, support local schools and athletic programs, and continue the spirit of cooperation that defines our county. Together, we can ensure that the coming year is one of progress, pride, and shared success for all who call Kershaw County home.
Serving Kershaw County since 1989
CONNELL,
Stover Middle Brings Home Wrestling State Title
Stover Middle School wrestling turned an early-season cancellation into motivation, opening the year with a series of convincing dual wins that quickly built confidence and momentum. The team faced its first major test at the Leopard Duals, where illness forced lineup changes and early forfeits. Despite the setback, Stover battled through the tournament to earn a third-place finish, setting the tone for a resilient second half of the season.
That determination carried into the Nation Ford Duals, where Stover went undefeated against tough competition to claim the tournament title. Strong performances in area and sectional qualifiers followed, sending multiple wrestlers to the state stage with high expectations and positioning the team for a championship run.
At the state championships, Stover delivered standout performances that secured the boys middle school team state title. Madelyn Ross, an eighth grader at 115 pounds, finished 20–5 to become a two-time girls middle school state champion, Stover Middle's first female state cham-
Algebra Fun At LEHS
Mrs. Samantha Thomas-Greene’s Algebra 2 students at Lugoff-Elgin High School are putting math into motion by connecting classroom learning to everyday life. In a recent lesson on quadratic functions (graphs that form a U-shaped curve) students explored how these curves appear in real-world situations.
To make the concept easier to understand, Mrs. Thomas-Greene asked a football player in her class to consider the arc of a kicked field goal. Another student who is a basketball player was asked to think about the path of a ball being shot toward the hoop. These familiar examples helped other students see how quadratic curves naturally occur in motion.
Once the idea clicked, students were able to imagine their own creative examples. From rocket ships and pickleball shots to dragons, knights, and even Mario Kart, the class demonstrated that math truly is everywhere...sometimes in the most unexpected places!
pion and earned Most Outstanding Wrestler honors. Seventh grader Gavin Rush captured the boys 102-pound title with a perfect 34–0 record and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler, while eighth grader Dalton Hinson matched that undefeated mark at 145 pounds to win his championship. At 135 pounds, eighth grader Matthew Moore capped a 29–1 season with a hard-fought runner-up finish.
Stover closed the year 16–1 in dual meets and as state champions, with coaches praising the team’s growth, belief, and toughness throughout a season defined by perseverance, unity, and championship effort.
Wrestlers: Matthew Moore, Dalton Hinson, Melissa Paloblanco, Madelyn Ross, Chance Lowe, Conner Moore, Ben Mcardle, Matthew Garcia, Hunter Griggs, Emery Greene, Gavin Rush, Brayden Beshores, Carter Perot, Wyatt Perry, Austin Graham, Cierra Blackmon, Shawn Dilker, Jaylah Gonzales, Michael Rogers and Jayden Pena.
Coaches: Head Coach Lorenzo McGee and Assistant Coach Eli
Sophomore Katie
brought math and pop culture together by modeling the trajectory of
using a quadratic function. Projects like this helped students visualize how motion in video games, sports, and everyday life naturally follows mathematical patterns. Right: A fantasy-inspired quadratic functions project by sophomore Cynthia Cason shows a dragon and knight connected by a curve, illustrating motion and symmetry in a creative real-world scenario.
Pictured above, from left: Madelyn Ross finished the season 20-5 to become a two-time girls middle school champion, claim the Most Outstanding Wrestler honor and became Stover’s first female state champion. Gavin Rush captured the state title with a perfect 34-0 record and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler for boys. Eighth grader Dalton Hinson also finished the season undefeated to win his championship. Matthew Moore completed an amazing season with a hard-fought runner-up finish.
Left:
Lemmon
a Mario Kart jump
AL Post 195, VFW Post 11079 Aid Storm Operations
Over 350 personnel from the South Carolina Military Department were activated during the last week of January to support Winter Storm Gianna operations. This included 21 personnel at Camden's Company C, 151st Expeditionary Signal Battalion on Ehrenclou Drive.
The unit's partnership with a local grocery store was interrupted when the store closed early due to the unusual snow storm. A call went out from Company C to Elgin's Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert R. Larson Auxilary Unit 11079. The VFW contacted Lugoff 's Larry Jeffers American Legion Post 195. Post 195 and it's auxiliary Unit 195 allocated $600, and Unit 11079's auxiliary chipped in $100. Post 195 members and the soldiers arrived at the Lugoff Food Lion where the troops picked up the food to augment their MRE (Meal, Ready to Eat) combat rations.
The husband-wife team of Post 195 Chief Charity Officer Cliff
Turner and Unit 195 chaplain Dana Turner met Company C's Sgt. James Tavelle, a guardsman from Monck's Corner, and Pfc. Brandon Elkins, from Columbia. The food was packed into a US Army High Mobility Multipurpose Vehicle (HMMWV/“Humvee”) and transported to their armory.
“The American Legion exists to support the community, veterans, and our troops. This is another effort to continue that mission,” said Post 195 commander Ruppert Baird. “We hope that the troops and all our neighbors made it through safely.” Company C's Ssgt. Joshua Griffith confirmed the groceries were well received by the soldiers.
The South Carolina Military Department consists of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guards, State Guard, and State Operations. State Operations includes the state's Emergency Management Division and other entities.
Miss Gold and Black, Jr. Miss Gold
Black 2026
Another Miss Gold & Black Pageant is in the books and here are the winners. From left: Hailey Scott, Miss Junior and Best Interview; Jena Stanton, Miss Senior; Riley Grace Burch, 2026 Miss Gold & Black and Classy Camden Service Award; Whitleigh Langston, Jr. Miss Gold & Black; Charlotte Beckham, Miss Sophomore; and Kamrynn Clea, Miss Freshman, Classy Camden Service Award and Best Interview.
Photos courtesy Johnny Deal, BowTie Photography.
Shoreline Stabilization Workshop
Saturday, March 7th | 10 am - 12 pm | Veterans Park,
Join Kershaw County and Clemson Extension at the Wateree River Veterans Park to plant native species along the shoreline. Join us if you:
• have a stream on your property that has eroding stream banks.
• love native plants or want to know more about them.
• want to protect water quality.
Bring boots, clothes that can get dirty and a friend!
Space is limited, so register at https://tinyurl.com/watereeworkshop
Questions? Email Karen Jackson at karen.e.jackson@wsp.com
Community Tree Planting Day
The City of Camden invites residents to roll up their sleeves and take part in a Community Tree-Planting Day on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Scott Park. Volunteer planting sessions will be held from 9:00–11:00 a.m. and again from 1:00–3:00 p.m., providing multiple opportunities for community participation.
Volunteers will meet at Scott Park, 222 Battleship Road, before planting native trees at both Scott Park and City Arena Park. All planting locations will be prepared in advance, with tree holes pre-dug to allow volunteers of various ages and abilities to participate safely and comfortably. Light refreshments will be available.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. Gloves are recommended but not required, and those who have their own shovels are encouraged to bring them.
Tree planting is a practical investment in Camden’s future. Native trees help improve air quality, provide shade, support local wildlife, and enhance the long-term health of public spaces. Events like this also offer residents an opportunity to work side by side, strengthening connections while caring for shared community spaces.
As a thank-you for participating, each volunteer or family will receive a certificate redeemable for a free tree at the City’s Tree Give-Away Event on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Volunteers are asked to register in advance to assist with event planning. Registration is available by scanning the provided QR code or by contacting Community Tree Advocate Liz Gilland at treelady2010@gmail.com.
This event is made possible through a partnership between the City of Camden, the Green Infrastructure Center, and the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Roberts Honored by KC Legislative Delegation
Sheila Roberts, longtime accounting and human resources manager for the South Carolina Legislative Services Agency, has been honored following her retirement after nearly thirty years of dedicated public service.
Roberts began her accounting career in 1992 while attending York Technical College and later joined BlueCross BlueShield, where she quickly advanced to a leadership role. In 1997, she started her career with legislative services, where she became known for her professionalism, reliability, and commitment to excellence.
Promoted to accounting system administrator in 2005, Roberts played a key role in upgrading agency systems and served as a liaison to the House and Senate. Her work on the South Carolina Enterprise Information System earned her the LSA Super Star Award in 2013.
Supported by her husband, Randy, and their family, Roberts now looks forward to retirement filled with travel, church involvement, and time with loved ones.
19th Annual Clinic Classic Set for April
Get ready to hit the pavement with purpose! The Community Med ical Clinic of Kershaw County is proud to present the 19th Annual Clinic Classic Walk/Run – where every stride supports healthcare ac cess for our neighbors who need it most.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, 2026, as we transform Historic Camden into a celebration of community, wellness, and com passion. Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church (1206 Lyttleton Street) serves as race headquarters, with runners and walkers launching into the scenic streets of our historic district at 8 a.m. sharp. Rain or shine, we're running!
"Nineteen years strong and we're just getting started," said Clinic Classic Coordinator Lynn Matthews. "This isn't just a race—it's our community saying 'we've got each other's backs.' Whether you're chas ing a PR or strolling with your kids, you're making healthcare possible for families right here in Kershaw County."
Pick Your Path:
• Camden Family Care 1 Mile Run/Walk – $30
• McDonald's 5K Run/Walk (with timing chip) – $35
• Late registration (after March 26th) adds $5
Entry includes your race bib AND an event t-shirt (while supplies last for registrations after March 27th)
Cross the finish line to free refreshments, an energizing awards ceremony, and the satisfaction of knowing you just changed lives.
Schools, Let's Make Some Noise!
The Clinic Classic Challenge is BACK, and the competition is heating up! Elementary and middle schools across Kershaw County School District are racing for a $500 grand prize. The winning formula? The school with the highest participation percentage takes home the cash for their principal to invest however they see fit.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment—students, parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, staff, neighbors, friends—everyone counts! Online registration only.
Competing schools: Blaney Elementary • Camden Elementary • Camden Middle School • Doby's Mill Elementary • Jackson School Elementary • Leslie M. Stover Middle School • Lugoff Elementary • Lugoff-Elgin Middle School • Midway Elementary • North Central Elementary • North Central Middle School • Pine Tree Hill Elementary • Wateree Elementary
Ready to Register?
Jump online at www.cmcofkc.org/clinicclassic to secure your spot. Race-day warriors can register starting at 7 a.m. at LSUMC.
Above, walkers enjoy the 2025 Clinic Classic.
Above, Sheila Roberts (center) is recognized at the State House by the Kershaw County legislative delegation in honor of her nearly three decades of service to the South Carolina Legislative Services Agency and her recent retirement.
Meet Your Newest KCSO K-9, Jake
Tay Moore. Together, they will enhance KCSO’s ability to protect and
serve our community.
KCSO would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to Gary Patterson and State Farm for their continued support of law enforcement and commitment to public safety in Kershaw County.
Pictured above left, Gary Patterson and his team at State Farm in Lugoff presented a donation to the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Foundation which fully funded the purchase of K-9 Jake. Above right, Jake and his handler Master Deputy Tay Moore are ready to get started protecting our community.
Blaney Students Selected for Honors Choir
Blaney Elementary School fifth graders Sadie Smith (left) and Nina Storemski (right) were selected to participate in the South Carolina Elementary Honors Choir, which performed on Saturday, February 7, at 3:30 p.m. in Columbia.
The students were chosen through a rigorous audition process evaluated by music educators outside of Kershaw County and are the only two students from the county selected for this honor. They performed with more than 230 students from across the state after intensive rehearsals with a guest conductor, singing complex choral selections, including music in German.
Blaney Students Sadie Smith (left) and Nina Storemski (right) participated in a performance with the SC Elementary Honors Choir. Pictured along with Sadie and Nina is BES music teacher Mrs. Janet Wilhite (center).
