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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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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:
Letters to the Editor
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
News From KC Council
By: Councilman Derek Shoemake
It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the Elgin and Lugoff communities on Kershaw County Council. My family has called this area home for six generations, and every day I’m reminded just how fortunate I am to live among such hardworking, thoughtful, and civicminded neighbors.
As we move into budget season, I want to do something a little different with this column. I want to ask some questions—real questions— that I struggle with, and that I suspect many of you do, too. These aren’t talking points or poll-tested slogans. These are the hard choices that come with governing responsibly in a changing world.
One of the biggest challenges before us is what to do with the millage rate, which is how we set local property tax levels. We hear a lot about inflation—at the grocery store, at the gas pump, in conversations with friends and family. But what’s sometimes harder to see is how inflation affects county governments. The vehicles we buy for our deputies, fireman, and public works cost more. Asphalt for our roads costs more. The energy to run our buildings and the insurance for our employees? All more expensive. And yet, when we don’t adjust millage at least slightly to account for that inflation, our revenue remains flat while our costs keep rising.
Let me be clear: no one wants to raise taxes. I certainly don’t. I believe deeply in the values of limited government, personal responsibility, and letting families keep more of what they earn. But I also believe in being honest about the numbers and the consequences of inaction.
If we never adjust the millage rate—not even to keep up with inflation—what we’re really doing is quietly shrinking the resources our County has to serve you. That may sound good to some folks, until you realize that it also means fewer sheriff's deputies, slower EMS response times, longer waits for building permits, and fewer programs at our libraries and recreation centers. It means the people who keep our County running—public works crews, 911 dispatchers, emergency responders—end up making less in real dollars every year, even as their responsibilities increase.
So here’s the question I’ve been asking myself: what does it truly mean to be a conservative?
Does it mean saying “no” to any millage adjustment, no matter the circumstances? Or does it mean being willing to make targeted, responsible decisions that keep Kershaw County one of the lowest-taxed counties in South Carolina—even as we keep Government the same relative size and maintain the quality of life and essential services our residents expect?
I tend to think it’s the latter. To me, being a conservative doesn’t mean starving government of the ability to function. It means making sure every dollar is spent wisely, that growth is managed responsibly, and that our government remains lean, focused, and responsive to the people it serves. It means saying “yes” to smart investments and “no” to waste.
If we can make small, inflation-conscious adjustments that do not grow government but simply allow us to maintain or improve our current services, I believe that’s consistent with conservative principles. It’s also consistent with being a good steward of this County—not just for today, but for future generations.
These are not easy questions, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I believe we must ask them. We must engage in honest dialogue, not just with each other on Council, but with you—the citizens who ultimately make this community what it is.
As we move deeper into budget season, I pray that my fellow Councilmembers and I will have the wisdom to do right by this County. And I hope you will continue to let us know what you think, what you need, and what kind of community you want to live in.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from six generations in this place, it’s that Kershaw
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
Kershaw County Special Olympics
Athletes from across Kershaw County came together for a day filled with courage, laughter, and unforgettable moments. The Special Olympics celebrated not just competition, but community—where every high five, finish line, and cheer from the crowd told a story of strength and spirit. From the opening ceremony to the final event, the day was a powerful reminder that ability is not measured in speed or skill—but in heart.
Miss Stover 2025
Spirit, Ayrastnn Patten- Miss 7th Grade, Samera Daniels- Miss Photogenic and Miss Stover, Tiffany Laney- Miss 8th Grade, Miss Fan Favorite, and Miss Entrepreneur.
Photo courtesy Johnny Deal.
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Elgin Pharmacy Launches Homecare Pharmacy Services
A longtime Elgin staple is expanding its reach to bring healthcare home. Elgin Pharmacy, owned by Traisha and Dustin Campfield, recently launched Homecare Pharmacy Services, a new initiative aimed at helping patients manage their medications safely and conveniently from the comfort of home.
Well-known to Elgin residents for their friendly, reliable service, the Campfields have served the community through Elgin Pharmacy for several years. With this new service, they’re building on that legacy by offering a solution for those who may struggle with multiple prescriptions, mobility challenges, or the need for more personalized medication management.
A key feature of their new home pharmacy services is PakMyMeds, a system that sorts medications by date and time into easy-to-tear pouches, reducing confusion and the risk of missed doses. Patients also receive support from a dedicated health coach who works with their doctors and caregivers to make sure medications are accurate, timely, and safely administered.
Homecare Pharmacy Services goes beyond traditional prescriptions, offering in-home vaccinations and medication delivery. Covered by insurance for qualifying patients, the service is designed to ease the burden on families while improving health outcomes—right from their own homes. The program currently serves the Elgin area and surrounding commu-
ications safely and conveniently from the comfort of home.
nities, including Camden, Blythewood, Forest Acres, and Columbia. For more information or to enroll, visit homecarepharmacyservices. com.
Artist In Residence At Stover
an arts company rooted in the rich history, culture, and traditions of Africa and the African diaspora. This program, funded by the Distinguished Arts Program grant, has immersed our students in powerful folktales, legends, myths, drumming, dance, and song.
Above: Dustin and Traisha Campfield, owners of Elgin Pharmacy, are excited to launch Homecare Pharmacy Services which will help patients manage their med-
