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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:
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
Dear Editor,
I am writing with grave concern regarding recent actions targeting SC Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). On April 3rd, we learned that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun terminating previously awarded NEH grants and is aiming to substantially reduce the agency's staff and cut its grant programs.
This attack on the NEH is deeply troubling. With an annual appropriation that amounts to a mere rounding error in the federal budget, the NEH provides vital support to cultural institutions, educational programs, and community initiatives that touch every congressional district in America—including right here in Elgin and throughout South Carolina.
These grant terminations will directly impact state humanities councils, scholarly societies, community organizations, and individual researchers who rely on this funding for essential programming and research. For our community, this means fewer educational resources, diminished cultural events, and lost opportunities for our children and citizens to engage with our shared heritage. As just one example, the Poetry Society of South Carolina (a 100-year old non-profit organization) receives grants from SC Humanities that have been canceled as of April 1, 2025.
South Carolina has benefited tremendously from NEH funding through projects that preserve our state's history, support our libraries and museums, and bring humanities programming to rural communities. The SC Humanities Council has been a lifeline for cultural institutions across our state.
I urge all readers to contact our representatives in Congress immediately to express opposition to these destructive actions. The humanities help us understand our past, make sense of our present, and envision our future. They deserve our vigorous defense.
Sincerely,
Tamara Miles, M.A., Ed.D.
Notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be conducted by the Elgin Town Council at Elgin Town Hall, located at 2469 Main Street, Elgin, South Carolina, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM for the revision of the Town of Elgin’s Zoning Ordinance.
If you have questions about the revision, please contact Elgin Town Hall at 803-438-2362.
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
Civil Disturbance / Road Rage: Reporting officer was advised by dispatch that the complainant wished to speak to an officer on the phone about having a road rage incident that started in the town documented. R/O made contact with the Complainant who stated that he had been waiting to turn onto Main Street from Pine Street when some of the vehicle that had been traveling on Main Street stopped to allow him to make his turn. Complainant stated that once he pulled out onto Main Street, an individual traveling in a large pickup truck aggressively passed on the right, on the shoulder of the road, before getting back on Main Street and speeding up suddenly. Complainant stated that he unintentionally followed the vehicle, needing to travel the same direction as it to get home, and as they kept driving it appeared that the driver of the other vehicle, a black male wearing military clothing, became more agitated. Complainant stated that once they were out of town the other driver ended up turning down Stephen Campbell, just as Complainant needed to, before the other driver stopped in the middle of the road. Complainant stated that when the driver stopped he rolled his window down and began yelling at him, threatening to "beat his a$$" over and over again. Complainant stated that he wished to have the incident documented should the driver of the other vehicle attempt to find where he lives, based off the "very distinguishable" pickup truck Complainant drives, and due to the fact that he had his daughter in the car at the time of the incident.
Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle: Reporting officer was dispatched to Food Lion, in reference to a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, Officer made
contact with the Complainant who stated that he had parked his vehicle, a Red 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 which he valued at approximately $12,000, in the last row of available parking on the Subway side of the shopping plaza. Complainant stated that he took a few things out of the inside before he locked it and left it there so that he could take his second car to his home off Buckner Road. Complainant stated that after he dropped that vehicle off and returned to the parking lot, at approximately 2239, he noticed that he vehicle was no longer where he parked it nor was it anywhere else in the parking lot. Complainant stated that in addition to the truck itself being taken, approximately $3000 worth of Milwaukee brand powered hand tools had been in the bed of the truck and were now also missing. When asked if it was possible for the vehicle to have been repossessed, Complainant stated that he did not have any payments on the truck at all as he had finished paying it off already. When Officer asked if Complainant, could he think of anyone that would wish to take his truck for any reason, he stated that he believed that his soon to be "ex-wife" (separated not divorced) was bitter about their separation roughly six months ago. Complainant also stated that a friend had made a comment to him over the phone that they had heard Wife had made comments earlier tonight that Complainant had forgotten that she had a spare key to his truck and that she was coming to get it. Officer made contact with the business and was able to review CCTV footage of the incident. CCTV showed Complainant pulling up beside his parked truck in a Black Charger at approximately 2200 hours, removing some items from the back of the truck and loading them into the Charger before he leaves the parking lot in the
Charger. Only a few minutes later, at approximately 2204 hours, a silver in color Sedan pulls into the parking spot beside the parked truck and someone gets out of the car before getting into the back of the truck without any apparent force. The individual then gets in the driver seat of the truck and leaves the parking lot heading towards Main Street. Officer asked Complainant if Wife had a vehicle and if so, what kind, to which he informed Officer that she drive a early 2000's model Nissan Altima, which was consistent with the vehicle that pulled up beside the truck while it was parked. Officer asked if Complainant knew of where she might take the truck if she did have it and he stated he wasn't sure but did tell Officer that she lives on Driftwood Ave. Officer was able to pull up all vehicle registered to Wife and got two results, one of which being a 2007 Nissan Altima. Officer was able to look that vehicle up in Flock and while it hasn't hit on any camera's in town, Officer did get a photo of the vehicle that does appear to match the silver vehicle in the video including the very dark tinted windows. Officer confirmed with Complainant that he purchased the vehicle in 04/2019 which is prior to his marriage to Wife in 11/2020. Complainant stated that she never used the truck while they were still together and that she did not have any permission to have the vehicle. Complainant is the only individual that is listed on the vehicle when the registration. Officer checked Flock cameras for the tag provided for the truck around the time that it can be seen being driven out of the parking lot and received a single hit result. At 2206 hours the vehicle hits on Flock at Greenhill and Main Street heading out of the Town of Elgin.
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
For the past 25 years, minus COVID, Lugoff Elgin High School faculty/staff look forward to the fourth Thursday in April for their spring get together. Rosemary Russell, a former assistant principal and English teacher, invited the LE ladies to bring their favorite dish to a picnic at her home the week before Mother's Day 2000.
That weekend, we lost Louise Tidwell and her husband in a car accident. This tragedy reaffirmed our determination to keep our friendships together. Louise was our study hall monitor and often surprised us with a sample of her Southern cooking and baking. Louise read the newspaper cover to cover and kept us all up to date on the local news happenings.
The next March, retired school secretary Hebron Lyell hosted a soup lunch for a few of us who would plan our faculty reunion. Hebron informed us that John Cole, our guidance counselor at LE, had called her and told her it was not fair for the ladies to meet without the men on the faculty so after little discussion we added the males to our list.
Our reunions have grown from faculty members’ homes to local restaurants. Now we have found a home at Every Day Gourmet in Camden. We enjoy informal get-togethers when we bump into each other shopping, at church or community gatherings. Some of us share the same hobbies such as reading (book clubs), sewing, traveling, playing golf or pickle ball.
Now on the fourth Thursday in April we meet again. We take a group photo and have time for socializing, eating finger foods, then hold a short program.
We have the lighting of memory candles and moments to remember the ones we have lost during the year. Harriett Thomas, who is the only faculty member from 1971-72, the first year LE opened, presides over our Remembrance Service. On April 24, we will pause to reflect on the lives of
sell, and math teacher and assistant principal Allen Upchurch.
Our planning committee, Harriett Thomas, Mary Lostetter, Marcia Cashion, Theresa Muldrow, and I have met four times to organize this highlight and for most of us an important date on our calendars. We are a unique group of individuals who bonded and grew old together over 30 plus years of working at LEHS. We were blessed with the wisdom of the seasoned faculty and the excitement of the ones who came to LE as their first teaching assignment.
South Carolina Teacher of the Year 2000, math teacher Mary Lostetter said, “Our teachers are friends first. Louise Tidwell ran an excellent study hall. One person I will never forget is Willie Mickle. He was the best principal for students as well as teachers.”
Theresa Muldrow remembers being the advisor of the AIMS Club, which encouraged students to achieve in a multicultural society. “I watched each new president develop his or her leadership style as they planned the Black History Month program. Teaching students was pure joy as we had fun as they learned and enjoyed their high school experience.
Harriett Thomas recalled the many years that her dear friend and coworker Annette Wertz were assigned to direct The Prom. “Each year was unique from our times at the Russell House on the USC campus to completely redecorating the walls of the Shrine Club and Kershaw County Health Conference Center (our closest spot from LE). What an adventure when the decorations fly out of the back of your truck and inadvertently cause an accident. We were lucky because we were not charged because the other folks were speeding and following another car too close.”
Marcia Cashion said, “My favorite memory from back in the day are the pep rallies on Friday. The faculty and students had tons of fun putting on skits such as the dance exhibit of the Old Gals, Homecoming Court and the raisins who danced to “Heard it through the Grapevine.” Those were days of happy bonding with administrators, faculty, and students.”
Have a beautiful Easter Sunday! Remember and reflect on all the blessings you do have in your lives and make memories with those you love.
To be continued with our reunion and upcoming celebration…
Blaney Elementary Teacher Randi Ray was named 2025 Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Teacher of the Year at a celebration tonight, while North Central High Teacher Emily Densmore was chosen as first alternate.
All 18 Kershaw County schools selected teachers of the year. Ray and Desnmore were two of five honor roll teachers selected as finalists for the district award. Other honor roll teachers are Stacy Gullard, Midway Elementary; Megan Robson, Pine Tree Hill Elementary; and Eric Jones, Woolard Technology Center.
An educator for seven years, Ray is dedicated to fostering strong, meaningful connections with students and their families to support and enhance student success. She believes that “every student can learn and grow when they know they are loved, believed in and cared for.”
Ray earned a bachelor of arts degree in early childhood education and a master of education degree in divergent learning from Columbia College, and earned her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification.
Her principal Adele Dixon says, “Randi embodies the Blaney motto of caring for others, aiming to be great and thinking positively. Preparation, data analysis and quality instruction are keys to Randi’s achievements as a teacher.”
Also honored during the evening’s celebration was Pine Tree Hill Elementary’s first grade teacher Jasmine Kirkland who was named as the district’s Outstanding First Year Teacher.
Jasmine Kirkland is the 17th KCSD educator to receive the district’s award to honor first year teachers. The judges were impressed with Ms. Kirkland’s, “clear modeling, practical application, and lively, kinesthetic group activities that maintained order while promoting fun in the classroom. Her infectious positivity about teaching was inspiring.”
Other Outstanding First Year Teacher honor roll finalists are Hanna Cargill, Doby’s Mill Elementary and Abigail Tate, Doby’s Mill Elementary.
Camden Middle Principal Casey Faulkenberry was recognized as the district’s 2025 Principal of the Year.
Above: BES first grade teacher Randi Ray was surprised with a school-wide parade after being named Kershaw County Teacher of the Year. From the Cover: (left to right) Jasmine Kirkland (Outstanding First Year Teacher), Randi Ray (2025 Teacher of the Year), Emily Densmore (2025 First Alternate Teacher of the Year), and Casey Faulkenberry (Principal of the Year).
Casey Faulkenberry was named the principal of Camden Middle School in 2022. He previously served as the district’s Director of Alternative Education for the Continuous Learning Center and Virtual Academy, as an assistant principal at Stover Middle, and as a high school teacher at Camden High School. In 2014-15, he was named as CHS Teacher of the Year and was one of five finalists that school year for the District Teacher of the Year. He was also one of four honor roll finalists for KCSD’s Outstanding First Year Teacher in 2011. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Newberry College and a master’s degree in Administration from the University of South Carolina.
All of the 2025 local school teachers of the year were honored at the celebration. They are:
• Blaney Elementary – Randi Ray
• Camden Elementary – Meagan Miles
• Camden High – Stacey McGee
• Camden Middle – Austin Spolski
• CLC – Frances Goodwin
• Doby’s Mill Elementary – Amy Way
• Jackson School – Elizabeth Davis
• Lugoff Elementary – Erin Teague
• Lugoff-Elgin High – Jessica “Jess” King
• Lugoff-Elgin Middle – Crystal Blanton
• Midway Elementary – Stacy Gullard
• North Central Elementary – April Mangum
• North Central High – Emily Densmore
• North Central Middle – Savannah Fenner
• Pine Tree Hill – Megan Robson
• Stover Middle – Levi Stoker
• Wateree Elementary – Mary Ann McPheeters
• Woolard Technology Center – Eric Jones
During the celebration, the Kershaw County Teacher Forum also awarded the $1,500 Mary Ann Blaskowitz Education Scholarship to Lugoff-Elgin High School senior Kyndall Peake. This scholarship is named for Teacher Forum Member Mary Ann Blaskowitz, who was the first Kershaw County Teacher of the Year to be named South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
a superintendent who not only leads with vision and dedication but understands the profound impact of clear, consistent, and genuine communication in fostering a thriving educational environment,” Cooper stated. “Tonight, we recognize a leader who embodies these very qualities. His nomination spoke volumes about his commitment to the students, staff, and the entire Kershaw County community.”
Remarks from Dr. Goodwin’s Executive Director of Communications Becky Bean, read by Cooper, emphasized Dr. Goodwin’s prioritization of open and effective communication as a cornerstone of the district's success. Cooper further noted Dr. Goodwin’s visible presence at school events, his genuine connection with students and families, and his proactive partnerships within the community.
“Your commitment to accessibility, demonstrated by school visits and regular engagement with teachers, students, parents, and the School Board, truly stood out,” Cooper said. He also acknowledged Dr. Goodwin’s understanding of the crucial link between communication and the district's strategic goals, particularly during the recent Cognia reaccredi-
“Dr. Goodwin, your commitment to fostering open communication, providing the necessary resources, and embracing innovative approaches has clearly made a significant and positive impact on the lives of countless individuals in Kershaw County,” Cooper concluded before presenting the award.
The SC/NSPRA Administrator of the Year Award recognizes the exemplary leadership of one of South Carolina’s public school administrators who demonstrates commitment to the enhancement of communication and relationships between public schools and the students, families and communities they serve.
About SC/NSPRA: SC/NSPRA's primary goal is to improve academic achievement by supporting our teachers, school leaders, district leaders, parents, students, and community through well-planned involvement, communications, and public relations activities.
Students in Jocelyn Krest’s theatre class at Lugoff-Elgin High School recently got a hands-on lesson in lighting design and color theory. As part of their exploration of stagecraft, students examined how colored lighting affects the way we perceive color on stage. The class activity involved sorting M&Ms by color under different lighting conditions, revealing just how dramatically light can alter what we see. The exercise provided an engaging and interactive way to understand a key element of theatrical production.
The Lemons are coming! It’s the triumphant return of the 24 Hours of Lemons Downtown Block Party, Friday April 25th from 6 to 9 pm on Broad Street in Downtown Camden. See the 24 Hours of Lemons contenders before they make their way onto the track at Carolina Motorsports Park Saturday and Sunday. Meet the teams, see the wacky costumes and car designs, enjoy live music and food and drink specials from downtown businesses, and witness all the antics that make this Downtown Block Party one of Camden’s craziest events of the year. Camden Police Department will close Broad Street between DeKalb and York Streets at approximately 5 pm. No parking on Broad Street after 3 pm please. Free public parking at lots on Rutledge Street, Market Street and Lyttleton Street. Join in the fun during the 24 Hours of Lemons Downtown Block Party from 6 to 9 pm on Friday, April 25th. Learn more at experiencecamdensc.com.
Calling all Midland Mothers and families to celebrate and honor the mothers and other maternal figures of our communities on Saturday, May 3rd during the “Hats Off to Mothers” Festival on Town Green in Downtown Camden. Wear a hat in the Hat Parade departing from Camden City Hall at 9:45 am to the Town Green. Compete in the Hat Contest for Best Church Hat, Most Original Hat, and Best in Show Hat. Enjoy the on-stage program’s engaging mix of live entertainment from 10 am to 12 noon, including student participation, invited speakers, and main speaker, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Kathleen Parker, known for her wit and insight. Crowd pleasers include door prizes, mini performances by the Catawba Drummer Circle Group & Camden High School Jazz Band, appealing craft and vendor offerings, and engaging Kids Corner. Attendees visiting Camden’s fine shops and eateries after the event will receive a discount or “perk” from participating Camden merchants and restaurants if they show their event programs. This family-fun, community event is co-hosted by the Palmetto State Mothers, a local nonprofit, and the City of Camden. Bring your own lawn chairs. Service pets only. For information, please contact experiencecamdensc.com.
The Camden Junior Welfare League is excited to announce their High School Senior College Scholarship. If you're planning a career where you can truly make a difference—think nursing, education, social work, healthcare, ministry, etc. then we've got an exciting opportunity for you.
Eligibility Requirements:
• You must be a graduating senior from Kershaw County.
• Planning to enter college for the first time.
• You must be under 20 years old as of May 1st.
These scholarships are for those who aim to live out our motto: "My part is to improve the present moment." Your application should include an essay that reflects this commitment. Deadline to apply is: May 1st, 2025. Scan below to apply:
In celebration of National Library Week, the Functional Support class had a blast at the School Library! Thank you to Dr. Durant and Mrs. Smith for an amazing session filled with Yoga, story time, and hands-on learning about borrowing and returning books. The kids had a wonderful time making library visits part of their recreation skills!
The students in Ms. De La Cruz’s class enjoyed a combination of story time and yoga during their visit to the library. Kathleen DuRant, the librarian, is a yoga teacher and Ms. De La Cruz is an avid yoga student who practices yoga with her class every day. The daily yoga practice helps her students learn to calm themselves when they are in stressful situations. This is an important life skill they will be able to take with them after school.
Dr. DuRant read the book Yoga Frog by Nora Carpenter and the students all practiced the poses together. The students also enjoyed the classic Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and a lesson in book care. The students checked out books and read them in the library before returning to class.
With Spring up on us, flowers are beginning to bloom, and bugs are making their first appearances. Homeowners are working in their garden beds while simultaneously battling the incoming waves of dreadful mosquitoes and stubborn weeds. Most homeowners will agree that the easiest way to keep your yard free of pests and unwanted weeds is to use some type of pesticide and/or herbicide. This can produce positive results for your lawn, but can be harmful for the local ecosystem and our water supply if directions for product application are not carefully followed. The use of these products should be taken seriously to avoid unwanted impacts to waterways and local wildlife, including our precious pollinators!
Using Chemicals Properly
There are a few things to consider when choosing a chemical that will combat yard pests.
• Which of the available pesticides will control the target pest?
The first step to identify the appropriate pesticide or herbicide is to make sure you have correctly identified the pest correctly. Make use of your local Clemson Extension office when it comes to identifying bugs, weeds, or any other species of concern in your yard.
Try to avoid selecting a product that affects a broad range of weeds or insects. You do not want a chemical that will affect anything other than the pest you want to control. The broader a chemical is in its target species, the more likely it is that you will affect a non-target species, like our pollinators!
• How is it applied?
If the product is to be applied by spraying, you will want to make sure you work on a calm day with little wind. Application during windy conditions will cause to chemical to drift and potentially affect an area that you did not intend to control!
If you are applying a granular product you will want to ensure that you are only applying it in the specific areas you want to control. Also, remember that storm drains lead to waterways, so applying a product near a drain may impact waterways if rain is in the forecast.
• How much product is required for the job?
You never want to use too much of anything. This is especially true when it comes to pesticides and herbicides. It’s important to remember that the label is the law, and all instructions should be followed.
• Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is an approach that uses a range of biological, cultural and chemical tactics to control unwanted species rather than relying on one method alone. Cultural practices may include proper watering, fertilizing, or mulching plants. Another example is the use of insecticidal soaps, which target insects with soft bodies like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Learn more about IPM strategies at Clemson Extensions Integrated Pest Management website: https://www. clemson.edu/extension/ipm/index.html.
• What should I wear when applying the product?
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, should always be taken seriously! Equipment such as gloves, close-toed shoes, masks, and eye wear are key components to protect yourself.
Why is this important?
Incorrect application of pesticide and herbicide can not only have undesired results for your lawn, it can also impact surrounding areas, including waterways and the organisms depending on clean water. It’s important to remember that the label is the law, and all instructions should be followed!
Your KCSO hosted a lunch meeting with the Concerned Clergy of Kershaw County this past Tuesday at your KCSO. These meetings give us the opportunity to network with our faith based community leaders. This was not our first meeting and will not be our last. We treasure our relationships with community leaders and
