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.
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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
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
From The Mayor's Desk
By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons
Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.
The regular monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council was held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. Present were Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilman Paul Rizzo, Mayor Melissa Emmons, Lt. Chris DeLong, Jamie Parker, Elgin Town Clerk, and John Wells, Town Attorney. The Invocation was given by Mayor Melissa Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Brad Hanley.
The first order of business was the approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. A motion to adopt the minutes was made by Councilman Paul Rizzo, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from Council. There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum. A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley, with a unanimous vote from Council.
The following Business Licenses were approved during the month of February 2025: 1) EZYGO Floor Care, 2) Southern National LLC, 3) Vector Security, and 4) Signs Unlimited of SC, LLC. The following Charity Permit Requests were approved for the month of February 2025: 1) Dog Wranger-02/04/25, and 2) Girl Scouts Cookie Booths-02/15, 02/22, 03/01, and 03/08/25. There were no official complaints submitted for the month of February 2025. Please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to an event taking place. Also, please remember to support the businesses in the Elgin Community and shop locally.
In Old Business, Councilman Brad Hanley provided an update on the Elgin Community Center Construction Project that included the following information: 1) Audio and Visual equipment has been installed, 2) staining will be completed soon on the inside beams, 3) landscaping has begun, 4) we are reviewing two proposals for internet service and cameras, 5) project completion is anticipated by the end of March or early April, 6) starting to plan the grand opening and working on a design for the construction plaque, and 7) we will review and finalize the fee schedule for facility rental/use at our April 1, 2025, meeting.
Also in Old Business, Lt. Chris DeLong provided Council with an update involving parking ticket violations. A motion to approve the 1st Reading of the Parking Ticket Fines Fee Schedule was made by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council.
In New Business, Lt. Chris DeLong informed Council that the Elgin Police Department was approved for a grant that was used to purchase (4) AED Units, which will allow them to have one in every patrol car and one at Elgin Town Hall. All officers have been trained and certified to use the devices.
In Council Briefing, Councilman Paul Rizzo had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley had no report. Councilwoman Cristy Bradley had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons had no report. Attorney John Wells had no report.
A motion to enter an Executive Session to discuss two contractual matters was made at 6:18 by Councilman Paul Rizzo, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous vote from Council. A motion was made to exit an Executive Session at 7:03 by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo, with a unanimous vote from Council. Mayor Melissa Emmons informed everyone that there was no need for a vote or further discussion at this time.
See MAYOR'S DESK, Page 6 >>
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 · Email: elginnews@gmail.com
Elgin PD Incident Reports
Contempt of Court: Reporting officer was approached by staff inside the location (Elgin Town Hall, specifically the courtroom) at 2469 Main Street, which is within the town limits of Elgin, that they were being requested to assist in the arrest of an individual inside. Upon entering the courtroom, Officer assisted with taking the Suspect into custody. Suspect, who was at the location to participate in court proceedings for the afternoon, continually interrupted the Judge Reuwer. These interruptions did interfere with courtroom and judicial proceedings, at which point Judge Reuwer instructed officers inside the courtroom to place Suspect under arrest. After Suspect was placed into handcuffs, Officer walked him to his vehicle where he was allowed to obtain his cellphone as well as his wallet before Officer secured the doors to the vehicle. The vehicle was left in the front parking lot of Town Hall where it can be monitored by audio and video surveillance while unoccupied and Officer did conduct checks on the vehicle throughout their shift. Suspect was charged with Contempt of Court and was transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center by SGT. Threatt.
Shoplifting: Officer responded to 2530 Main Street (Family Dollar) in the Town of Elgin in reference to a shoplifting that already occurred. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with Assistant Store Manager, who
believed she and another employee witnessed an unknown white female leave the store without paying for a finger nail file. The unknown female had shoulder length brown hair, and was wearing blue jeans and an animal print shirt that is similar to a cheetah, the female was accompanied by two unknown minors, one male and one female. The female and two kids exited the store and left the property in what appeared to be an older, green in color, Chevy Blazer. Assistant Store Manager did not know the suspects name or anything to assist with identifying the female. Assistant Store Managers stated the female comes into the store often and usually about 10 minutes before the store closes. Assistant Store Manager stated the store would like to pursue charges on the female and to place her on a notice of trespass. Officer searched in the Flock Camera system to inquire about any vehicles that matched the description of the suspect vehicle. The search was unproductive. Assistant Store Manager stated the store manager would be in on 03-07-2025, Officer will contact the store to ask the manager to make a copy of the store's security camera footage. The nail file is valued at $1.25.
Assisting Other Agency: Officer was dispatched to 2458 Main Street (BP) in reference to the Complainant seeing his stolen trailer and requesting law enforcement. The reporting officer arrived to find the Complainant flagging him down. He pointed to an orange looking car hauler trailer, that was at a gas pump, hooked to
a white truck. He stated he reported the trailer stolen to Kershaw County Sheriffs Office in June of 2024. Reference Kershaw County Sheriffs Department case number 20244991. The reporting officer made contact and found the trailer was attached to a white Ford F-250 pick up truck bearing a GA Tag. The vehicle was clear NCIC. Upon approaching the vehicle Suspect 1 was revealed to be inside the gas station, Suspect 2 was the front right passenger and Suspect 3 the right rear passenger. Kershaw County Deputy R. Brown responded and located Suspect 1 in the gas station as he was familiar with him. Suspect 1 was mirandized and advised investigator M. Davidson it was his trailer, and he purchased it off of Facebook Market place. He claimed to have had the trailer for around two years. Investigator M. Davidson confirmed it was the Complainant's trailer. He advised he was taking the trailer and providing Suspect 1 with a property receipt. Captain Miller over investigations also responded and advised that Suspect 1 was already charged with the theft of the trailer, so he could not be charged again. Due to them taking the scene the reporting officer left it in their hands. Due to the all suspects' drivers licenses being suspended and no proof of insurance the vehicle was towed by Suspect 1 with Eddie Roberts Towing. Photos of the trailer were uploaded. The reporting officer's body worn camera was activated.
March And All Her Madness
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
I have the remedy for you if you have Spring Fever, especially if the longer daylight hours have left you wondering what to do with your time. The Carolina Cup weekend experience is a week away Saturday March 29. How many of our readers have made plans to attend this fashion show, social picnic, and horse race? I always enjoy seeing the pictures that are posted on Facebook from this local event that brings thousands of people to our community.
The Carolina Cup is an annual steeplechase horse race held at the Springdale racecourse and holds the national steeplechase attendance with a record of 71,000 people. The Cup raises thousands of dollars for local charities. I have many happy memories from attending this event with old friends.
The month of March brings the excitement of the trademark term "March Madness”. Do you think people are crazy or ‘mad’ for spending hours watching basketball on TV? When I think about when I first heard “ March in Madness it was in the late 60’s early 70’s when everyone in our state knew the name Coach Frank McGuire, and players who played for him such as: John Roche, Alex English, Tom Owens, Kevin Joyce, Tom Riker, to mention a few Gamecocks.
Last year, the University of Connecticut fans enjoyed seeing their men's team win the national title, while the University of South Carolinia fans can proudly say that the Gamecocks’ women's team coached by Dawn Staley, three-time national title winner (NCAA Division 1) deserved their championship. This year we have a starting player on the Lady Gamecocks from Camden named Joyce Edwards.
Playing for a national basketball championship for men began in 1939. Not until 1981-82 did we watch women’s basketball teams compete for a national title. In the mid 80’s in March the LEHS boys’ basketball coached
by Homer Carraway lost their bid for the state championship in the final seconds. It was terribly heartbreaking to see tears in the players, parents, supporters, and cheerleaders’ eyes.
March in Kershaw County is a busy month. We have already had the Irish Festival the first Saturday in March and Historic Camden celebrated with reenactors and history fans the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Camden. The Camden Coin Collectors' Coin Show will be held tomorrow March 21-22, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at Rhame City Arena. Additionally, tomorrow there will be an Indian Artifact show at the Kershaw County Recreational Department, and the last Saturday in the month brings a spring spectacular to Kershaw County with the Carolina Cup event.
Some experts say that it takes about a month to recover from losing the hour of sleep we lost Sunday March the 9th. I messed up that day by oversleeping and missing church. I really feel guilty if I miss church without a valid reason so I guess all I have is a poor excuse. I must confess Daylight Savings Time is a plus for me when we gain an extra hour of sleep in the fall. I am sleeping later in the morning now that I have retired and do not have to set an alarm. Daylight comes later for me in March. Our country has been observing Daylight Savings Time for over 116 years. The federal government started work on this project in 1908, and it was entitled “Sunshine Protection.”
President Richard Nixon signed a bill in 1974 to study Daylight Saving Time for two years. This study would keep track of positive and negative reactions of setting our clocks backwards in the fall or forward in the spring. They found that more accidents occur in the morning when there is little daylight and much darkness. In 2018, the Senate passed a resolution that since our country would have more daylight in the evening than in the morning, this would be a benefit for businesses and those who have a more active lifestyle.
President Trump said that he has been surveying the country, and Daylight Savings Time still appears to be a 50/50 issue. He has asked his advisers to continue following this issue. What do you think about this question to turn back time or push it forward?
Heritage Tea Winners
Family, friends and the community at large are invited to visit the African American Cultural Center of Camden, located at 517 York Street, as it hosts the winning student projects from the annual Heritage Tea program.
Each year, since 1987, the Arts Center of Kershaw County and its Multicultural Committee partner with the Kershaw County School District to encourage students in grades 3 through 8 to explore the history of prominent AfricanAmerican figures. And student submissions are hosted at the Arts Center of Kershaw County while the Multicutural Committee holds a blind judging of the submitted works. Without
knowing students’ names or school, only grade, the Committee selects a first, second, and third place from each grade.
This year, the African American Cultural Center is excited and proud to host the winning projects, for family and friends of the students and members of the community to enjoy, through May 17, 2025. After which, projects will be returned to the students.
The African American Cultural Center is open Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 517 York Street. For more information, contact kspadacenta@ camdensc.org or call 803-432-2421 x1153.
Heritage Tea Winners are on display at the African American Cultural Center located at 517 York Street in Camden. Winning displays will be available for viewing through May 17th.
Doby's Mill Hosts STEAM Night
Doby's Mill Elementary School recently held a fun-filled event focused on the night sky and outer space. Members of Midlands Astronomy Club brought high-powered telescopes to observe stars and planets. The Kershaw County Bookmobile offered space-themed books and activities. The cafe was filled with science, math, and art stations. Finally, families could play
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilman Brad Hanley at 7:03 pm, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous
Our next regular meeting scheduled is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 6:00 pm. I invite everyone to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved. If you are unable to attend in person,
we now livestream our meetings on the “Town of Elgin” Facebook Page. 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. Just remember that when you are informed, you are empowered. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803309-1385 or email at memmons@townofelginsc.com.
'Plant A Flower' Day at DME
On National Plant a Flower Day, a small group of second and third-graders learned about planting flower bulbs to beautify their campus. Reading Interventionist April Dixon and Librarian Betsy Long teamed up to let the students get their hands in the dirt. They read poems about flowers and studied the proper way to plant daffodils and tulips. We can't wait to see their hidden treasures make their spring appearance year after year!
LEHS Art Students Excel At Art Show
Lugoff-Elgin High School art teachers Ms. Jess & Ms. Quam had over 30 students participate in Kershaw County’s “Celebrating Visual Arts” Show, held March 11-13 at the Camden City Arena. Featuring a stunning display of paintings, sculptures, and digital art, the event highlighted Youth Art Month and showed the creativity of students across the district. LEHS artists took home multiple top awards, including Best of Show in Painting!
• Best of Show – Painting: Ethan Pogue (12th Grade, Art 3, Ms. Jess)
• 1st Place – Drawing: Dyonah Doherty (10th Grade, Art 2, Ms. Quam)
• 2nd Place – Painting: Johnathon Davis (11th Grade, Art 2, Ms. Quam)
• 3rd Place – Pottery: Elijah Livingston (11th Grade, Ceramics 2, Ms. Jess)
LEHS Student artwork, clockwise from top
by
ATTORNEYS:
left: drawing
Dyonah Doherty, pottery by Elijah Livingston, painting by Ethan Pogue and painting by Johnathon Davis.
From Camp to Community Leader Easter Egg Hunt
For Avery Grace Arthur, a high school student with autism, stepping out of her comfort zone led to an unforgettable experience and a journey of self-growth. Last summer, Avery was one of only seven young women selected nationwide to participate in a specialized leadership camp through the Disability Empowher Network.
Nominated by Able SC, Avery applied and was accepted into the program, which involved a week-long outdoor adventure in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. With support from her parents, she faced her first-ever flight to Albany, NY, before embarking on the wilderness camp with her mentors and fellow mentees, whom she had previously only met over Zoom.
"Avery Grace had never stayed overnight anywhere besides with family," said her mother, Suzanne Brownfield. "We didn’t even get to speak with her until Wednesday. It was a big step for her independence."
Since returning home, Avery Grace has continued to make an impact. She has been paired with mentor Sophie Poost and has taken on a community service project focusing on fire safety for individuals with disabilities. Her initiative has led her to interview City of Camden Fire Chief Gardner and seek donations to assemble fire preparedness kits. Thanks to the support of Blanketing Families, she has already secured 10 blankets and 10 hand sanitizers for the kits, which will also include informational guides and resources to help those with disabilities prepare for emergencies.
As if that weren’t enough, Avery Grace is balancing this initiative with schoolwork at North Central High School while raising $600 for a
summer trip to Washington, D.C. There, she will reunite with her camp peers and mentors, present her fire safety project, and meet with members of Congress to advocate for legislative support for individuals with disabilities.
"This program has transformed her," Suzanne shared. "She’s become more confident, independent, and has learned vital skills like interviewing, emailing, and self-advocacy. We are beyond proud of her growth."
Avery Grace’s journey is a testament to the power of inclusion, mentorship, and perseverance. As she continues to break barriers, her story serves as an inspiration for young people with disabilities striving to make a difference.
The Camden Junior Welfare League has awarded four Youth Enrichment Grants for the Spring 2025 season to the following local non-profit organizations serving the youth of Kershaw County! Congratulations to:
• Arts Center of Kershaw County: Arts Arising Summer
• United For Baby: Empowering Her: The Love Period Supply Program
• Let's Make It A Conversation: Make It A Conversation and Grindout Sports and Education
• ACT UP (Applied Community Theatre Uniting People): Social Justice Youth Leadership Academy
Avery Grace Arthur
Stover Named 'School To Watch'
Stover Middle School was recognized at the SC Association for Middle Level Education Conference for being redesignated as a School to Watch.
Stover 7th Grader's Art Honored
Clinic Classic Set for April 26
The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County is thrilled to announce the 18th Annual Clinic Classic Walk/Run, a community-driven event dedicated to raising funds for our mission of providing essential healthcare services and connecting resources to the underserved community in Kershaw County.
This year's Clinic Classic will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church (1206 Lyttleton Street in Camden), where the race will start and end. Runners and walkers will wind their way through beautiful Historic Camden, beginning with the sound of the starter's gun at 8 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.
"The Clinic Classic is a beloved community tradition that brings people together year after year," said Clinic Classic committee member Lynn Matthews. "We've worked hard to make this year’s run/walk extra special—an opportunity for families to enjoy time together and stay active. But more than that, every registration helps provide medical care for those in our community who need it most. We can't wait to see everyone come out and support a healthier Kershaw County!"
The Clinic Classic has something to offer every family member. You choose your distance:
• $25 Camden Family Care 1 Mile Run/Walk
• $35 McDonald’s 5K Run/Walk with timing chip
• Add $5 for late registration (After March 27th)
*Fees include event entry plus a t-shirt. The shirt is NOT guaranteed for registration after March 27th.
The post-race portion of the event will include free refreshments to participants and an awards ceremony.
We'll also feature the Clinic Classic Challenge! Kershaw County School District Elementary Schools and Middle Schools can each compete for a $500 grand prize through the return of the "Clinic Classic Challenge."
The school with the largest percentage of participation based on student enrollment will be awarded the prize funding, which can be used at the discretion of the school's principal. We invite everyone to participate: all students, parents, friends, guardians, grandparents, siblings, teachers, administrators, and support staff ! Online registration only.
Clinic Classic Challenge School list:
• 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
To learn more about the 2025 Clinic Classic Run/Walk and register online at www.cmcofkc.org/clinicclassic. For those wishing to sign up the day of the event, late registration will be held at LSUMC beginning at 7 a.m.
About CMC: Established in 1998, CMC is a community leader in providing healthcare resources and preventative care to the uninsured and underserved in Kershaw County. They provide primary care to patients at no cost while leading a collaborative effort to empower individuals to take charge of their own health and well-being. Learn more at http://www. cmcofkc.org.
Jalayah Simon- 7th grade received Second Place Middle school level2025 Celebrating the Arts which was held at the Camden City Arena March 11-13.
We're Ready For The 2025 Carolina Cup ... Are You?
As the pollen starts and Easter comes near... It is that time of year for the Carolina Cup. We are not expecting any major changes this year. Our hope is that the weather will be fine and everyone can come out and have a great time.
We also hope everyone will come out with a safety mindset. We want you to enjoy your day AND still be alive the day after. Please make sure you have sober designated drivers lined up before the day of the Cup. Several officers will be inside and on the roadways around the event. Our goal is not to see how many arrests we can make; our goal is how many lives we can save. Have fun, but be responsible. We want to see all of you at future Carolina Cups.
This year's Carolina Cup will be held on March 29th. We look forward to seeing you there.
Rotary's Annual Wild Game Dinner
Over 500 people gathered at the City Arena on March 15 to enjoy delicious food, live music, door prizes, a silent auction and more for a good cause - local scholarships! Photos courtesy Johnny Deal.
Attorney Dennis N. Cannon, Jr.
Attorney Arien Cannon