From The Mayor's Desk
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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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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
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, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Town Hall. Present were Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwoman Dana Sloan, Councilman Paul Rizzo, Mayor Melissa Emmons, Chief Alan Anders, 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, April 1, 2025. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Councilman Paul Rizzo, 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley, with a unanimous vote from Council.
The following special presentations took place:
• Special Recognition to the winners of Stover’s Got Talent Event on March 13, 2025:
• 1st Place-Addilyn Measel, 2nd Place-Emery Greene, 3rd Place-Alora Williams-Moss
• Proclamation for Myositis Awareness Month-presented to Kershaw County resident, Chip Galloway
• Special Recognition to the Kershaw County 2025 Teacher of the Year-Randi Ray, 1st grade teacher at Blaney Elementary School
• Special Recognition to the Town of Elgin’s former Town Clerk-Becky Summey
The following individuals signed up to speak during Public Forum-Becky Robinson, Stewart Kidd, Brandy Bradley, Chet Ferguson, Theresa Brown, Bryce Estridge, Randy Smith, and John Thrash. All individuals spoke regarding a rezoning request for 1007 Emanuel Street. 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 for April 2025: Sovereign Pest Control, Eubanks Home Improvement LLC, Brotherton Electric, Crosby Roofing, Pristine Cleaners Cleaning Service LLC, HB Holdings LLC, and The Edge of Broad Street, aka Swanky Southern. There were no Charity Permit Requests for the month of April 2025. There were no official complaints submitted for April 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.
A Public Hearing was held for the Revised Zoning Ordinances. A motion to open the public hearing at 7:07 pm was made by Councilwoman Dana Sloan and 2nd by Councilman Paul Rizzo with a unanimous vote from Council. No one signed up to speak during the public hearing. A motion to close the public hearing was made at 7:07 pm by Councilman Brad Hanley and 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley.
In Old Business, Councilman Brad Hanley provided an update on the Elgin Community Center Construction Project that included the following information: waiting on the punch list reports from the civil engineers, kitchen appliances are in and being installed, AV, cameras, and alarm systems have been installed, fence to be installed around retention pond (6ft), black vinyl chain-link, and the retention pond is functioning as designed.
A motion to approve the 2nd Reading of the Revised Zoning Ordinances was made by Councilman Paul Rizzo and 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley with a unanimous vote from Council.
Mayor Melissa Emmons recommended that there be no discussion for the 2nd Reading of the Forms/Fee Schedule for the Community Center and that an additional workshop be scheduled at
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 Police Department Incident Reports
Tresspass Notice: Officer responded to 2530 Main St (IGA) in reference to a trespassing notice and threats. Upon arrival, Officer spoke with Manager on duty at the IGA. Manager stated that a white male had come into the store on 4/29/2025 and had shoplifted two sandwiches and a milk from the IGA. Manager stated that she verified the theft by watching the white male on video surveillance. Once the theft was verified, Manager went outside the store and confronted the white male and gave him the option of coming back into the store and pay for the items. The white male did come back in and pay, cursing at Manager the whole time. Manager stated that the next day, the same white male came into the store and was making veiled threats to other IGA employees, which made Manager uncomfortable and scared that the white male might do something to harm her (Manager). Manager wanted the white male trespassed. On Saturday, 5/3/2025, the white male once again came into the store and went back to the cafe area of the store and purchased a beverage. Officer arrived about the time the white male and a white female companion were walking out. Officer identified the white male as Subject. Subject stated that he knew "TJ" and that the "girl manager was full of s&^t". Subject stated that he was a preacher and was certain that [Manager] was going to go to hell for false accusations. Officer told Subject that he just was there to trespass Subject and that it was not a big deal. Subject gave Officer his SCID and Officer had him sign a trespass slip. Subject stated that he was going to come speak to "TJ" tomorrow.
Family Offenses, Nonviolent: On 5/1/2025, Complainant came to Elgin PD in reference to having issues with his Child's mother. Complaint stated he does have two children in common with Subject. Complainant stated he does have family court orders that address child drop off and communication between the two in reference to the children. Complaint stated he has had prior domestic violence cases with Subject along with one case that is pending. The pending case is when she would not leave his home after being told to leave. In this pending case Subject came into his home uninvited. Complaint stated in that case he called because he was concerned that Subject would try to antagonize him into some kind domestic violence incident. On this occasion Complainant had concerns of how much Subject is contacting him about so many things other than his children. Complainant stated Subject will want to cover lots of topics of conversation and that she will mix some talk of the kids into the discussion as a way to use the family court contact to her advantage. Complainant was advised the incident would be documented. Complainant was advised this was a family court matter that would have to be dealt with in family court.
Shoplifting: On 04-30-2025 at approximately 1750, Officer responded to Food Lion in reference to a possible larceny. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with an Employee who stated a customer informed her that they saw a black male in the store's electric wheelchairs stealing meat. Employee was in the managers office reviewing the stores security cameras when Officer was speaking to her about the incident. The male
entered the store at approximately 1740 wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans and a green hat, sits in a wheelchair and appears to look at items inside of the store. The camera shows the male going over to the meat department but due to the distance from where the meat was to the camera location, it did not show a clear image of the male taking any items. After a few minutes, the male drives the wheelchair out into the parking lot and enter the front passenger seat of a black sedan and leave the parking lot. Also due to distance between the camera and the male, Officer was not able to get a good identification on the vehicle. Officer will attach pictures of the male to the report and attempt to identify him. Employee wishes to place the unknown male on notice of trespass once identified. Officer's body worn camera was activated upon arrival. Assault Simple: On 04/28/2025, Officer was dispatched to 2455 Main St. in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a civil disturbance and a possible assault. Upon my arrival Officer met with Complainant and Subject #2. Complainant and Subject #2 stated that they met with Subject #1 at Bojangles so Complainant could pick up her children from Subject #1. When Subject #1 realized Subject #2 was in the vehicle, he refused to give the kids to Complainant and drove off. Complainant stated that this is a violation of the court ordered separation agreement (couple has been separated for 2 years 8 months) as Subject #1 is only supposed to have the kids for two hours as it was on of their birthdays. Complainant tracked her child's cell phone an was able to locate Subject #1 at Casa Maria where a confrontation took place between all three adults. Officer then made contact with Subject #1 who was sitting in his vehicle with all three children. Subject #1 stated that he left Bojangles because Complainant was violating a court order by having Subject #2 with her as the order states that there is not supposed to be any romantic partners around the children while the couple is still married. Subject #1 went on to state that when Subject #2 confronted him in the parking lot of Casa Maria, Subject #2 leaned into his car window yelling at him and touching his face with his pointer finger on his right cheek. Officer then went back and spoke to Subject #1 who stated that he did confront Subject #1 and that he was "talking crazy". Subject #2 stated that he was talking with his hands and Subject #1 grabbed his left wrist, but stated he never put his hands on Subject #1. Subject #1 advised that Complainant had a dash camera in her vehicle that was pointed directly at his vehicle and should have seen the entire thing. Officer asked Complainant about the dash camera and she stated that she was not sure how to work it and it was not connected to her phone at this time. Officer gathered statements from all three adults. Subject #2 stated as soon as he was free to do so he would leave so Subject #1 would return the kids to Complainant. Subject #1 agreed that once Subject #2 was gone he would let his wife take the children. Complainant took Subject #2 to his truck and returned, at that time she took custody of all three boys and all parties went there separate ways. The accusations of assault on both Subject #1 and Subject #2 are still under investigation as there was no injury or evidence of an assault at the time of the report.
Genova Family Karate's Battle of Columbia
Genova Family Karate welcomed 100 karate students to its annual Spring Tournament on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Competitors showcased their skills in Point Sparring, Flag Sparring, Grappling, and Forms, while over 200 spectators filled the venue with enthusiastic support. The event highlighted not only the talent and sportsmanship of the students, but also the strong community backing that makes it all possible.
Organizers expressed deep gratitude to local sponsors and supporters for helping make the tournament a success.
This year marks a special milestone for Genova Family Karate—its 50th anniversary. The community is invited to join the celebration on May 31 at GFK from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of festivities honoring five decades of martial arts excellence.
Class Dismissed: McManus Bids Farewell To LEHS
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
June 30th, Terri Dorton McManus, my former student and then coworker, will turn in her keys to the school building that has been her home for 35 years. Terri and her classmates were special. All the teachers agreed that there was amazing talent in this Class of 1982. There was a camaraderie between the students and their teachers.
Terri opened the door to the old high school with her many sets of keys and gave me a quick tour of the school and asked me if I remembered how we lined up the seniors for graduation outside the gym. We walked to her office, and she showed me the wall where the teachers’ brown wooden mailbox slots were still in their familiar place.
Terri said now the school day begins at 7:30 and ends at 3:30. Lunch and breakfast are free for all students. School work is done on school issued computers now. No paper, no pencils, no pens and no books. I asked Terri how the policy of no cell phones worked. She told me to look at my phone and see if I could get a signal to make a call or text or try the internet. All signals were blocked. Students have adapted well to the state's no-cell-phone policy in schools.
Terri smiled as she said at the beginning of our conversation, “I have always loved being in school. It is my life. I was taught by so many teachers who later became my friends and mentors. When I joined the faculty at LEHS in 1990, I had a four-month-old baby girl at home. Principal Willie Mickle called and told me he had a job waiting for me. I will be forever grateful to him for offering me a position teaching. It’s so different now with all the many students. Back then we had around 800 students and faculty. Today the hallways are packed with over 1900.
“Nothing,” she advised, “can prepare you for your own classroom. Don't
MAYOR'S DESK, continued from Page 2
a later date to review information.
In New Business, Chief Anders informed Council that the Grant for the SROs is still being reviewed. He also stated that the SROs are doing a good job at the schools and have filed an estimated 50 incident reports since August 2025. Investigator Aaron Threatt is their supervisor.
A motion to approve the 1st Reading of the Town of Elgin Election Ordinance for the upcoming November 2025 elections was made by Councilman Brad Hanley and 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan with a unanimous vote from the Council. This election will be for two Council Seats.
A motion was made to appoint Becky Robinson to the Elgin Zoning Board of Appeals by Councilwoman Dana Sloan and 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley with a unanimous vote from the Council. 1st Reading-Rezoning Request for 1007 Emanuel Street (from OC to GC-1)-Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman, Chip Napper, provided the recommendation from the commission to deny the request, with a vote of 4-1. A motion was made to approve the 1st Reading of the rezoning request by Councilman Paul Rizzo and 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley. In Favor 3: Councilman Paul Rizzo, Mayor Melissa Emmons, and Councilwoman Cristy Bradley. Opposed 2: Councilwoman Dana Sloan and Councilman Brad Hanley. The motion carried, and a public hearing and 2nd Reading will be scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Garbage Collection Service Bids Process-bids will be accepted until Friday, June 6, 2025. A Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00 pm to open the bids.
A motion to approve the 1st reading of the 2025-2026 Town of Elgin Budget was made by Councilman Brad Handley and 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley with a unanimous vote from the Council. A bud-
be afraid to ask other teachers for advice. The district office has mentors now for first year teachers. A young teacher may make mistakes, but when you do, you will learn from them. Involve yourself in your work and in school activities.”
Terri's favorite teaching memory came outside the classroom when the baseball team was practicing for the state championship in 2010. The boys on the team except for two shaved their hair off their heads to show unity. Terri joked with them and said, “Aw, it's just hair! It will grow back.”
One of the players said,” OK, I will shave my hair if you let us shave yours if we win the state!”
Memorial Day Monday at the school pep rally to honor the team someone brought clippers, and all the players took turns shaving Mrs. McManus’s hair. “My husband Wayne told me all along to go for it. I spent the rest of the summer and school year wearing a baseball cap.”
Terri and Wayne have a daughter Cati and a son Joshua, grandchildren Charly, Rhys, and Holt. Terri has taught world geography, U.S. history, world history, psychology, sociology, government and economics. Terri's work has not only been in the classroom; she has excelled in extracurricular activities as adviser for the student council for 15 years, director of the Miss LE pageant and Mr. LE contest, sponsor for the Junior Class ring ceremony, and the Senior Awards Night. May 23 will make the 20th graduation ceremony she has planned.
Mary Lostetter, who was the South Carolina Teacher of the year in 2000 said, “I asked Terri to join me at the banquet for the state teacher of the year as my special guest. We had wonderful times sharing our teaching experiences. Terri, it's been a moment in my geometry class you spent, a moment as a coworker at LEHS, you spent a moment as my friend. Terri, as you become a retiree, take these memories and store them in a safe place. I love you, and I look forward to sitting on your porch and sharing strawberry cobbler and iced tea. In the words of Doctor Seuss, ‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.’ ” Congratulations, Terri!
get workshop has been scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6:00 pm.
A motion to renew the Blanketing Families Lease Agreement for an additional 3 years was made by Councilwoman Dana Sloan and 2nd by Councilwoman Cristy Bradley with a unanimous vote from the Council. This is for the parcel where the community garden is located on Sessions Road in Elgin.
In Council Briefing, Councilman Paul Rizzo encouraged people to get out and vote in our upcoming election in November. He stated that there are roughly 1200 registered voters in the town, and an estimated 200-300 generally vote. Councilwoman Cristy Bradley had no report. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons informed the community of the upcoming bridge repairs for the bridge that crosses the CSX Railroad is scheduled for the week of June 2, 2025, through June 6, 2025. Traffic will be detoured due to the bridge being closed during this time. She also reminded everyone that the relaunch of the new Town of Elgin Website is scheduled to take place possibly by the end of this week. Attorney John Wells informed Council that with the findings presented tonight by the Planning and Zoning Commission, to comply with the 30-day window, Council must hold a meeting no later than June 5, 2025, to call for a vote on the 2nd Reading. An ad must be published no later than May 19, 2025, to advertise the public hearing that is now scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Hanley at 7:55 pm, 2nd by Councilwoman Sloan, with a unanimous vote from Council. Our next regular meeting is Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:00 pm. We 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. Contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at memmons@townofelginsc.com.
LES Readers Celebrate With The Fireflies
Over 150 students from Lugoff Elementary recently celebrated meeting their reading challenges in February and March by participating in a field trip to a Columbia Fireflies baseball game. The students (plus staff and parents!) re ally enjoyed the game, food, and all the fun the park had to offer!
DME Students Mind Their Manners
These students recently enjoyed an off campus field trip, where they had a family-style, sit-down meal together. The students enjoyed this project and will continue to build upon what they learned next year, as the club
Post 195 Supports KC Sheriff 's Foundation
Larry Jeffers American Legion Post 195 presents the Kershaw County Sheriff's Foundation with a check as a sponsor of the foundation's annual golf tournament fundraiser. The presentation was made at the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, May 14. From left-to-right are Post 195 Adjutant Ella Calvert, Auxiliary president Glenda Baxley. commander Ruppert Baird, foundation treasurer Lee Parker and secretary Donna Matthews, and Post 195 First Vice Commander Kate Brock.
St. John's UMC Hosts Drop In Celebrating New Playground
St. John’s Methodist's new playground is now open! Families gathered for a special popsicle drop-in on Friday, May 2, 2025, to celebrate the vibrant, age-appropriate space designed especially for toddler and nursery friends. Guests were impressed by the bright colors and thoughtful play features throughout the area.
and will be recognized at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN next October.
SC agricultural education serves more than 12,000 students across the state. Students receive instruction in one of five different pathways within the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster. The South Carolina FFA Association is comprised of over 7,000 members across the state. The mission of the SC FFA Association is to develop premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Pictured above, FFA chapter officers left to right- Claire Peters, Kelsley Harrleson, Kearson Hinson, Brady Darmer, Kylie Tucker, and Jalynn Golson.
NOTICE: Public Hearing, Town of Elgin Budget
Pursuant to Section 6-1-80 of the S.C. Code of Laws, public notice is hereby given that Elgin Town Council will hold a public hearing on the municipal budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year: June 3, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. | Elgin Community Center, 2427 Main Street
(Estimated Millage Equals $0 per $1000 of Assessed Property Value)
Free Performance
Chaos To Redemption
Marney L Wooldridge, A Warrior's Stance Ministry, and several local pastors and community members invite you to Chaos To Redemption, a musical story written and produced by Wooldridge. Admission is free, and performances will be held Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7th at the Jubilee Theatre at 411 Highway 601 in Lugoff.
Ft. Clark Baptist Seeks Lead Musician
Fort Clark Baptist Church is searching for a Lead Musician. This person must be proficient at organ/piano and all genres of gospel music. If you or someone you know are interested, scan the QR code for a job description. Please email resumes to ftclarkmedia@gmail.com
Blaney Baptist Welcomes New Pastor
Pastor Cody Whittaker brings with him more than 15 years of ministry experience, including over five years as a lead pastor. He has served in a variety of ministry roles, both locally and on the international mission field, with a heart for expository preaching, missions, and intentional discipleship. Cody’s passion is to help the church know Christ deeply, love Him more fully, and reach others both near and far with the saving message of the Gospel.
Cody was saved at the age of 19, and ever since, his life has been marked by a pursuit of Philippians 3:10: "That I may know Him.” His conviction is that the more we know God, the more we love Him and live our lives for Him. This conviction fuels his ministry. Whether behind the pulpit or in one-on-one conversations, Cody’s heart is to shepherd people well and lead them into a deeper walk with Christ.
Cody and his wife Maria have been married for over 22 years and are partners in life and ministry. Maria serves as a Digital Marketing Specialist for Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina and is a devoted homeschool mom who enjoys teaching the Bible and encouraging women to grow in their relationship with Christ. Together, they have five children—two adults, two at home (Jake, 13, and Gaby, 11), and one in Heaven.
In his downtime, Cody enjoys spending time with his family as well as fly fishing and mountain biking.
He is excited for the opportunity to shepherd the Blaney church family, do life together, and make the name of Jesus known.
KCSO Honors National Police Week
National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Listed below are the nine law enforcement officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty in Kershaw County. This week is dedicated to remembering their ultimate sacrifices.
Camden Police Officer Robert Latta
End of Watch: January 24, 1919
Patrolman Latta was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance in which a husband was attempting to kill his wife. Patrolman Latta was shot by the man when he arrived at the scene. The suspect was then shot and wounded by several citizens and taken into custody. The suspect died in jail from his wounds days later.
Patrolman Latta had been in law enforcement for 30 years and was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and sister.
SC State Constable Jesse Fletcher Bateman
End of Watch: July 17, 1919
Constable Bateman succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day when he and the chief of the Camden Police Department were ambushed while raiding a still in the Beaver Dam section of Kershaw County about seven miles east of Camden.
The two officers were approaching the still and were walking across a fallen tree, in order to cross a stream. As they approached the opposite side of the stream, they were ambushed by two moonshiners.
Constable Bateman was struck once in the chest. Although mortally
NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING
ELGIN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
A Public Hearing has been scheduled at the request of the Elgin Town Council for a Rezoning Request for 1007 Emanuel Street, Elgin, South Carolina 29045 from Office Commercial (OC) to General Commercial (GC1).
The Public Hearing will take place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Elgin Community Center, located at 2427 Main Street. Please contact Elgin Town Hall at 803-438-2362 if you have any questions.
wounded, he was able to return fire along with the police chief and mortally wounded his killer. The other suspect escaped but was captured a short time later along with the killer's 17-year-old son. Both were charged with murder. Constable Bateman was taken to a local hospital and then transported by train to a hospital in Columbia, where he died during surgery the following day.
Constable Bateman had served as a state constable for many years and had previously served as a deputy sheriff.
KCSO Deputy Theodore “Ted” Turner
End of Watch: April 29, 1971
Deputy Theodore Turner was shot and killed while he and another deputy served commitment papers on a mental subject. The man was given permission from the two deputies to obtain some personal items before being removed from the home.
As the two deputies spoke on the front porch the suspect returned to the door and fired a shot from a 410 gauge shotgun, striking Deputy Turner in the back of the head.
The 51-year-old suspect was arrested following a massive manhunt and committed. In January of 1982 hospital officials deemed him competent to stand trial and returned him to Kershaw County. On August 19, 1982, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the murder. He was released but he voluntarily recommitted himself back into the mental hospital for continued treatment.
Deputy Turner was survived by his wife and four children.
KCSO Captain James Eugene “Pat” Orr
End of Watch: July 2, 1973
Captain James Orr was shot and killed by a 22-year-old Massachusetts man wanted for armed robbery. A sequence of events started when a lone gunman entered the office of a mobile home dealership north of Camden; tied up the manager; and robbed him of $190 in cash. The manager worked himself free seconds after the suspect fled and called the sheriff 's department. Captain Orr was patrolling in Lugoff when he spotted a car matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle given by the manager.
Captain Orr pulled the car over and was shot several times by the suspect as he got out of his patrol car.
Later in the day the suspect abducted at gunpoint a mother and her four daughters from their home several miles away. He forced the mother with her four children to drive him in her car south toward Georgia. He released his hostages, unharmed, just outside of Savannah.
A few days later in Florida, a St. Augustine Police Officer received an anonymous phone call telling him where the suspect could be located. He went to a local residence and took the suspect into custody without incident.
The suspect was convicted of Captain Orr's murder, armed robbery, and five counts of kidnapping on October 24, 1973. He was sentenced to six life terms plus 26 years in prison. On April 17, 1976, he escaped from the South Carolina Penitentiary. He was captured in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on June 17, 1977, by FBI agents and U.S. marshals. Captain Orr was to retire the following January. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
KCSO Deputy Ernest Christian “Chris” Potter, III
End of Watch: February 21, 1974
Deputy Sheriff Ernest Potter was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to investigate two men who were hitchhiking on I-20. As the deputies stepped out of their patrol car, a third suspect surprised them from behind a guardrail and held them at gunpoint.
The three suspects walked the two deputies down an embankment, where they opened fire on both deputies. Deputy Potter was struck in the head several times and killed. The other deputy was shot in the head and seriously wounded.
The three suspects had murdered Patrolman Richey Finch of the Forest Acres Police Department when Patrolman Finch stopped their vehicle several hours earlier. The shooter was sentenced to life plus 99 years. As of 2020, he was still in prison.
Deputy Potter had served with the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department for four months. He was survived by his expectant wife and son. In 1997, his son became a Richland County Deputy.
SC State Trooper Hardy Merl Godbold
End of Watch: February 29, 1992
Trooper Merle Godbold was killed when his marked Ford Mustang patrol car was pushed into a bunch of trees by a drunk driver on U.S. Highway 1 in Kershaw County.
Trooper Godbold was en route to a trooper's call for assistance and had his lights and sirens activated. The driver left the scene but was apprehended an hour later. He pleaded guilty to felony drunk driving and was sentenced to 12 years.
Trooper Godbold had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for almost five years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, brother, and sister.
On September 19th, 2009, Lance Corporal Jonathan Nash was killed in a motorcycle crash on the same highway while escorting a memorial charity ride in memory of Trooper Godbold.
Ferris Edward “Eddie” Catoe, III
End of Watch: July 10, 2000
Corporal Ferris Catoe was killed after being involved in an automobile accident.
His patrol car, a 1994 Ford Taurus, broadsided a truck which had entered an intersection after running a stop sign. He was transported to a local hospital where he died approximately 30 minutes later. Corporal Catoe's canine was also injured in the accident.
Corporal Catoe had served with the Camden Police Department for one year and had served in law enforcement for eight years. He is survived by his son, wife, stepson, parents, and brother.
SC State Trooper Jonathan Shea Nash
End of Watch: September 19, 2009
Corporal Jonathan Nash was killed in a motorcycle crash while escorting a memorial charity ride in memory of Trooper Hardy Godbold.
The ride was traveling on Route 1 at 10 am when a driver turned out of the parking lot, failing to yield to Corporal Nash's motorcycle, causing a collision.
Trooper Godbold was also killed on the same roadway during a vehicle pursuit on February 28, 1992.
Corporal Nash was a United States Marine Corps Desert Storm veteran and served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for 15 years. He is survived by his daughter, parents, brother, and sister.
KCSO School Resource Officer Rob Evans
End of Watch: November 27, 2013
On November 26, 2013, Deputy Evans was directing traffic at the Wateree Elementary School when he collapsed in the roadway from a heart attack. Two nurses were in line to pick up their children and saw Deputy Evans fall to the ground. They immediately went to his aid and began administering CPR to him. Lugoff Fire Department responded and assisted.
Rob was then transported to Kershaw Health, and later Providence Hospital. He passed away at 5:30am the next morning. Deputy Evans served KCSO for 14 years and is survived by a wife and two children.
Ag + Art Tour Returns To Kershaw County
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour returns to Kershaw County for one day only, Saturday, May 31st from 9 am to 4 pm. Join in this free, selfguided tour of farms and markets, and art spaces.
Experience farm living at Granny Creek Homestead, immerse yourself in art, see antique tractors and so much more at the Arts Center of Kershaw County and Camden Art Shoppes, and fill your belly and basket with farm fresh, locally produced items at Gorget Distilling Company and the Kershaw County Farmers Market.
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is now in its fourteenth (14th) year, and has 22 counties participating in 2025. This annual agritourism attraction is a great way to educate people about where their food and fiber come from and introduce them to local artisans.
“We are proud of the commitment of our farms, artisans, and county teams. Because of that, we can sustain continued growth,” says Will Culler, Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent, and Tour Director. “One of our goals has been to give people a better knowledge of what is produced in their backyard and help them to support local businesses while making healthier food choices. This event does that by putting food and product with a face.”
Kershaw County sites:
Granny Creek Homestead, 257 Payne Pond Road, Westville – Have you ever wanted to know how to start a small homestead or see where the goat milk soaps come from? Tour this 10-acre homestead and visit with the chickens. Or pet, feed and milk the Nigerian Dwarf goats and see demos from the farmers on site. Artisans will be on site as well.
Arts Center of Kershaw County, 810 Lyttleton Street, Camden - The artistic hub of Kershaw County, the Arts Center’s 3 acre campus is in the
heart of Camden. See live demos including chair caning, fabric ice dying, basket weaving, and more! Other activities include tortoise and hare races, hosted by Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Rescue, all natural henna tattoos, and an antique tractor petting zoo. Food and beverages will be sold on site, including the award-winning Camden Jaycees BBQ.
Kershaw County Farmers Market, 906 Broad Street, Camden – 9 am-12 pm only – Voted #1 Farmers Market in South Carolina in 2023, this is a family-friendly (pets included) place to enjoy the very best of South Carolina-grown and made products. Locally-grown produce, meat and dairy products, fresh baked goods and desserts, artisan crafts, food trucks, and more.
Gorget Distillery, 1974-A Whiting Way, Lugoff - Open 9 am - 4 pm - Kershaw County's only distillery and a member of the Certified SC Grown program, customers are able to tour the distillery, view the spirit making process and understand how it all starts, in the field, to end in the glass. Learn from the owners how their partnerships with local farms makes the whole process sustainable. Visit artisans and food trucks on site. Distillery Tours given every 30 minutes beginning at 10:00am.
Camden Art Shoppes, 1011 Broad Street, Camden, Open 9 am – 4 pm – This local artist cooperative gallery and retail space consists of 80 artists, some of whom produce art related to agriculture and farming. Here you will see demonstrations throughout the day, including Bob Ross style plein air in the morning, mosaics and felting inside the shops, beekeepers and antique tractors outside, and art of healing instructions using medicinal herbs and teas.
For more information, visit @agandartkershaw on Facebook or www. agandarttour.com/kershaw.
