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News From KC Council
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The Elgin News P.O. Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045
By: Councilman Derek Shoemake
Over the last several years, one of the biggest concerns I've heard from citizens has been growth. New subdivisions. More traffic. Crowded schools. Strain on infrastructure. Those concerns are real, and County Council has acted on them.
We recently enacted a residential building permit allocation system to slow the pace of explosive growth. We've increased minimum lot sizes, adopted impact fees, completed our Comprehensive Plan, and are rewriting our development ordinances for the first time in two decades. None of those decisions were easy, but they all shared the same goal: making sure growth happens responsibly instead of simply happening to us.
This does not mean we stop growing. It means growing the right way by creating jobs, strengthening our tax base, and investing in the infrastructure our citizens deserve.
That brings us to a proposed natural gas power plant near Bethune.
I understand why nearby residents have concerns. If a major industrial project were proposed next to my home, I'd have questions too. Those concerns deserve respect, honest answers, and thorough review. The permitting process exists for exactly that reason, and the company must satisfy extensive environmental, air quality, water, traffic, and safety requirements before anything can move forward.
After reviewing the available information, however, I believe this project represents a tremendous opportunity for Kershaw County.
The project is expected to generate approximately $900 million in economic benefit, create hundreds of temporary construction jobs, provide roughly 20 permanent, well-paying careers, and strengthen our tax base without bringing thousands of new homes or dramatically increasing demands on our schools, roads, and public services.
To me, that's exactly the kind of growth we should pursue.
For years, many of us have said we need to focus less on rooftops and more on industry. We need opportunities that diversify our economy and generate revenue to help pay for the services we all expect.
The truth is, we cannot have it both ways.
We cannot oppose most subdivisions, industrial projects, commercial investments, and utility expansions, then complain about taxes or wonder why infrastructure improvements are difficult to fund.
Likewise, we cannot insist every acre remain exactly as it is forever. Farmers have property rights too. Many families have owned their land for generations, and they have every right to decide when and if to sell it.
Every project should be judged on its own merits. Some deserve to be rejected. Others deserve to move forward. Our responsibility as elected officials is not to say "yes" to everything or "no" to everything. Our responsibility is to make thoughtful decisions that position Kershaw County for long-term success.
That's exactly what we've tried to do.
Cate Goff, Publisher (803)
The Elgin News builds community and brings people together by informing everyone about local businesses, services, schools organizations, government, activities, events and other information useful for becoming involved. It helps those who live and work in Elgin to get to know each other as people and to become friends.
The Elgin News accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or articles. Advertisements and articles are accepted with the full responsibility of the advertiser for worth and accuracy. Readers who wish to comment or have concerns regarding advertisements contained herein are urged to phone the Elgin News at (803) 513-5108. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation.
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, Publisher · Email: elginnews@gmail.com
KC Chamber Hosts Legislative Breakfast
Community members, business owners, and civic leaders gathered this morning for the Kershaw County Chamber's Legislative Breakfast, an event focused on the issues shaping the county and the surrounding region.
The program featured legislative updates from a panel of area lawmakers, including Senator Blackmon, Senator Graham, Representative Newton, Representative Mitchell, Representative Reese, and Representative Scott.
Following their remarks, the legislators fielded questions from members of the local business community, addressing topics of regional importance and their ongoing work in serving Kershaw County.
Patty Rose of the Kershaw County Current moderated the morn-
ing's discussion, guiding the conversation between attendees and elected officials.
Event organizers also credited the program's sponsors, whose support helped make the gathering possible and reflects a continued investment in advocacy, education, and connection across the local business community.
The breakfast drew a strong turnout of members, community leaders, and guests who took part in conversations about challenges and opportunities facing the region.
Organizers noted the event as part of an ongoing effort to keep local businesses informed and engaged, and expressed a commitment to continuing the dialogue in support of a stronger Kershaw County.
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Janice Atkinson of Bishopville, owner of The Little Florist, recently shared her experience as one of more than 145 volunteers chosen to decorate the White House for Christmas in December 2025. She described the opportunity as “the honor of a lifetime” and the fulfillment of a long-held dream.
One morning in August, Janice arrived at work early and, while browsing online, came across the application to become a White House holiday volunteer. At first, she dismissed it as out of reach, but the next day she decided to apply before the September deadline. She knew that if selected, she would have to pay her own expenses and spend Thanksgiving away from her family. Applicants were told they would be notified by email by 5 pm on October 13.
Janice checked her email throughout the day. When a call from Washington, D.C., appeared on her caller ID, she assumed it was spam and let it go to voicemail. A moment later, she listened to the message, checked her email, and learned she had been selected to be a part of The White House Decorators 2025. Some of the volunteers served the full week; however, others were selected to do the first half or the second half. Janice was chosen to stay the entire week.
Janice said she was eager to share the news as soon as she learned she had been selected. She texted her son, Evan, who lives in Lugoff with his wife Emily, and called her husband, Lavan, who were both very happy for her.
When I asked why she thought she had been selected, Janice said the volunteer group included people with varied backgrounds, including event decorators, interior designers, local florists like herself, and even a seamstress. Volunteers ranging from age nineteen to seventy-six were chosen from more than 15,000 applicants to help create the White House holiday display.
Janice said she was proud to represent both South Carolina and her
A Christmas Story In July Staggered Start For KCSD 4K, 5K
Four- and five-year-old kindergartners will once again begin school on a staggered start schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. Under Act 114 of 2024, Kershaw County School District is implementing an innovative approach to helping students adjust to difficult transition years with a 2026-2027 school calendar that provides a staggered start for four- and five-year-old kindergarten students.
This staggered start schedule for the first week of school will allow students to experience a smooth transition and offer staff members time to build strong relationships with students and parents in support of continued academic and social emotional growth.
These adjustments will help new students to elementary school reduce anxiety, build community, and start their formal education in Kershaw County School District in a smaller educational setting with more individualized attention. This time will allow teachers an opportunity to get to know students better and understand their personal strengths
hometown of Bishopville. With more than 20 years in the floral business, her selection reflected her dedication and skill. During the first two days, volunteers worked in a large warehouse preparing supplies and wiring ornaments. Breakfast and lunch were provided by local fastfood restaurants, and decorators were picked up from their hotel each morning at 6:30, and they returned after 4:30 in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, Janice entered the White House for the first time. Cell phones had to be left in their pocketbooks in a secure area. Janice’ team began working in the Grand Foyer with a team of seventeen that included a woman from Guam and a seamstress from Puerto Rico. Another member of the group had helped decorate The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, during past Christmas seasons. Their assignment was to decorate the twenty-eight live fir trees in the foyer and create deep burgundy velvet skirts for them.
Janice spent the morning wrapping strands of lights around each tree branch. After lunch, at about 2:15, she noticed unusual activity among Secret Service personnel nearby. Within minutes, volunteers and staff were directed to move quickly to a designated bunker near the White House laundry room. Two National Guard members were ambushed and shot two blocks away.
About an hour later, after the Secret Service gave the all-clear, Janice and the other volunteers were sent back to their hotels and told to return Friday morning at 8:00. The next day, the shock of the experience deepened when she learned that one of the victims, Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old from West Virginia, had died from her injuries.
Amid the intensity of the trip, Janice and her husband, Lavan, also marked their thirty-seventh wedding anniversary with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory on Wednesday evening. On Thanksgiving Day, with decorating paused, they slept in, explored the city and surrounding countryside, and eventually found that McDonald’s was the only place open for a meal.
Janice’s story will continue in the Christmas edition of The Elgin News. A walk through any large department store makes it clear why I chose to feature this story in our July issue: Christmas decorations, crafts, and trees are already on display, with stores promoting holiday sales five months in advance.
and needs through individual assessments, such as the state-mandated DIAL-4 and Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA).
All KCSD four- and five-year-old kindergarten students will participate in a staggered entry process for the 2026-2027 school year and will attend school using the following schedule:
July 30: Students with last names beginning with A–L attend school.
July 31: Students with last names beginning with M–Z attend school.
August 3: All 4K and 5K students attend school.
All 4K and 5K students will fully begin the school year and attend school daily on Monday, August 3.
Please note: This staggered start schedule does not apply to students in preschool special education programs at the following locations: Doby’s Mill Elementary, Jackson School, Midway Elementary, Pine Tree Hill Elementary and Wateree Elementary. These students will begin school on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
Kershaw County's youngest patriots turned out in full red, white, and blue this week for the 10th Annual Kids' 4th of July Parade, a celebration given a "sestercentennial-sized" glow up in honor of America's 250th birthday. Children from across the county decorated bicycles, scooters, and wagons for the beloved community tradition, held in partnership with Books on Broad.
Festivities began at Camden City Hall at 9:30 a.m., where the Camden Fire Department and the Hobkirk Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution handed out balloons and decorations to help spruce up the bikes and other non-motorized vehicles. A short program followed at 10:15, with the parade stepping off at 10:30 a.m. The free event welcomed the whole community, with motorized vehicles kept out for the safety of participants and children ages 10 and under escorted by an adult. The parade is sponsored by Books on Broad and the City of Camden.
A highlight of this year's program was the debut of a 250th anthem
composed by Ike Pitts, Director of Music at Grace Episcopal Church. The piece was performed by students in the Kershaw County School District's Arts Arising program, a summer offering held at the Arts Center of Kershaw County.
This year, the parade marched to Camden City Arena at 420 Broad Street for a community-wide celebration of the nation's independence on its 250th anniversary. Attendees enjoyed live Americana and bluegrass music from the BunchQuitters, along with free refreshments, family activities, and additional entertainment. The gathering brought together a range of community organizations, including the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Col. Joseph Kershaw Chapter of the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution, the Kershaw County Library, and the Camden Junior Welfare League. Parade participants were treated to free snow cones.
Photos courtesy Johnny Deal, Laurie Funderburk and Hobkirk Hill DAR.
Summer Scribes Series at KC Library
The Kershaw County Library is pleased to share its upcoming schedule for the ongoing Summer Scribes Author Series. These free, public events provide local book lovers direct opportunities to engage with an impressive roster of debut novelists and award-winning, bestselling creators through live discussions and personalized book signings.
The line-up continues on Saturday, July 18th at 5:30 PM at the Camden Branch library with debut novelist and Camden native Stuart Pennebaker. Pennebaker will discuss her highly anticipated comingof-age debut, Ghost Fish, a poignant exploration of sisterhood and healing published by Little, Brown and Company.
The following week, on Saturday, July 25th at 2:00 PM, the series moves to the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at 212 Broad Street to host USA Today bestselling author Donna Everhart. Everhart, celebrated for her raw and authentic Southern historical fiction, will dive into her latest release, Women of a Promiscuous Nature. The acclaimed novel exposes a hidden piece of twentieth-century history and has already earned spots as both an Indie Next Pick and a LibraryReads Selection.
In August, the series returns to the Camden Branch library for two final presentations. On Saturday, August 1st at 6:00 PM, award-winning author Rhonda McKnight will discuss her latest book club fic-
tion novel, Bitter and Sweet. McKnight is a prolific writer with twenty-eight novels to her credit, including winning the prestigious 2025 Christy Award for Bitter and Sweet and the 2024 Emma Award for The Thing About Home. She currently writes contemporary romance and fiction set in the South Carolina Lowcountry for a HarperCollins imprint.
Concluding the summer lineup on Monday, August 10th at the Camden Branch library, USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Friedland will lead an exclusive book talk. Attendees will get a special sneak peek into her soon-to-be-released novel, Breathing Under Water, a moving exploration of motherhood, autism, and human connection that officially hits shelves this August.
“While we always celebrate reading, this summer we wanted to go one step further and bring authors and readers together. June events brought lots of opportunities for amazing connections, and we are excited to make even more in July and August with these four wonderfully talented writers," said Amy Schofield, Library Director.
The Kershaw County Library system serves residents across Kershaw County, providing equal access to information, technology, and educational programming designed to enrich, empower, and inspire the community.
KC Master Gardners Announce Scholarships
The Kershaw County Master Gardeners Association (KCMGA) proudly announces the awarding of four $1,000 scholarships to outstanding local students pursuing higher education in agriculture-related fields.
The 2026 scholarship recipients were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated commitment to their chosen fields, and a clear vision for contributing to the future of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry.
This year’s recipients are:
• Watson Harvley, a rising sophomore at Clemson University majoring in Turfgrass Management
• Dannin Newton, a graduate of Lugoff-Elgin High School, who will attend Clemson University to study Environmental Engineering
• Hayden Stokes, also a Lugoff-Elgin graduate, who will begin studies in Agribusiness at Clemson University this fall
• Johanna Williams, a Lugoff-Elgin graduate, who plans to pursue a degree in Agribusiness at Florida A&M University
These scholarships are awarded through the Nancy and Steven Hales Agricultural Education Grants, established in recognition of their dedication and longstanding support of the KCMGA. The program is designed to assist students planning careers in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry.
Applicants for the scholarships must complete a comprehensive application process that includes submitting official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of acceptance to an accredited institution, and a personal essay outlining their passion for their field and their anticipated impact over the next five to ten years.
Funding for the scholarships is generated through the KCMGA’s Annual Plant Sale and Garden Symposium. The association, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting horticultural education, environmental stewardship, and community outreach throughout Kershaw County.
The annual deadline for scholarship applications is April 15. For additional information, please contact the Kershaw County Extension Office at 803-432-9071.
Stuart Pennebaker
Donna Everhart
Rhonda McKnight Jacqueline Friedland
Lugoff Fire-Rescue Receives $14k Grant
Duke Energy recently awarded Lugoff Fire-Rescue (LF-R) with a $14,000 grant for four Intelligent River BridgeBox sensors, which are designed to monitor area creek water levels.
The grant, submitted by Battalion Chief Chris Jones, will allow LF-R to obtain up to four Intelligent River BridgeBox sensors that will be installed in strategically located areas along the Twenty-Five Mile Creek and the Buck Creek in the Lugoff Fire District.
After recent flooding events, LF-R began to evaluate better ways to be proactive in monitoring local flooding. This research has led to the Intelligent River BridgeBox system. The Intelligent River BridgeBox system is a proven, deployable technology that mounts to existing bridges and/or poles and uses advanced, non-contact radar to continuously measure water levels with high accuracy. This device, developed by Clemson University, has a small 5” x 4” x 3” form factor that has been deployed at more than 100 sites in South Carolina in partnership with the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) and can be mounted above known flood locations.
By delivering frequent, automated water level information, the BridgeBox systems will enable LF-R to detect rapidly rising water levels and anticipate dangerous flooding, and to make faster, data-driven decisions in the field. These sensors will fill critical monitoring gaps between existing gauges, giving the LF-R and regional partners actionable intelligence to improve response times, enhance public safety, and better protect vulnerable communities
Awarded under Duke Energy’s Helping
Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program, LF-R was one of 34 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina that competitively sought after a total of $500,000 of funding this year. Grants were capped at a maximum request of $20,000.
The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is also pleased to support Lugoff Fire’s interest in securing grant funding to install four sensors, in addition to contributing funding to Clemson University to pilot the program. The Intelligent River BridgeBox system aligns with SCOR’s mission to lessen
the impact of disasters on the communities and citizens of South Carolina by enhancing the data used to understand hazard risks. The 2023 Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan (Resilience Plan) recommends multiple forms of investment in information infrastructure that will inform and improve water planning, flood forecasting, and flood frequency estimates.
“Thank you to Duke Energy for your continued support of Lugoff Fire Department in obtaining the equipment we need to serve the community” said Fire Chief Chris Spitzer.
Hope Warren (SCOR), Bryan Rabon (SCOR), Dr. Christopher Post (Clemson University), Quinetta Butterbaugh (Duke Energy), Battalion Chief Chris Jones (LF-R), Fire Chief Chris Spitzer (LF-R), Assistant Chief Will Catoe (LF-R).
KC Hosting Free Probate Process Workshop 7/17
The Kershaw County Probate Court will host a free Probate Process Workshop on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Kershaw County Government Center, located at 515 Walnut Street in Camden.
Led by Kershaw County Probate Judge Debbie Branham, the workshop is designed to help individuals who are currently probating an estate, as well as those who want to understand what to expect after the loss of a loved one. Attendees will receive an overview of the probate process, including a review of the necessary probate forms.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and pre-registration is preferred. To inquire or register, residents may call 803.425.1503 or email probatecourt@kershaw.sc.gov.
LEHS Swim Team Tryouts
The Lugoff Elgin High School Demons will hold swim team tryouts the week of August 3 through 7, with sessions running Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Tryouts are open to rising 7th through 12th grade students and will take place at the Kershaw County Aquatic Center, located at 196 Battleship Road in Camden. All participants must have a completed physical on file before trying out.
Students interested in joining the team are encouraged to sign up through the SportsYou app using code LKWR.QGV3. For more information, contact Daniel Boyce at daniel.boyce@kcsdschools.net or follow the team on Instagram at @ledemonswimming.
Rallying around the motto "One Team. One Standard. Leave a Legacy," the Demon swim program invites new and returning athletes to take part in the upcoming season.
Arts Center of KC Announces 26|27 Season
The Arts Center of Kershaw County has unveiled its 26|27 season, inviting the community to "Step Into The Glow" with a full year of theatre, dance, and music in downtown Camden.
The lineup spans everything from Broadway favorites to holiday traditions and live concerts. All Access highlights include Cola Rep Dance Co., Dear Evan Hansen, The Rocky Horror Show, the SC Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Beetlejuice Jr., and The Color Purple, The Musical. Music offerings feature the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble's Swingin' Holidays, the chamber music series Apéritifs with Andy Armstrong, The Pitchforks of Duke University, and Gospel Fest.
Season subscriptions are available now, with three pass options to fit different interests and budgets. The All Access Pass with preferred seating (499 dollars) covers the full slate of performances, while the Theatre Pass with preferred seating (195 dollars) focuses on the season's stage productions. For added flexibility, the Theatre Flex Pass (119 dollars) offers five general admission tickets that can be used across all five theatre productions or shared among friends. Each subscription includes savings over single-ticket prices, along with season-long booking and other subscriber benefits.
Subscribers can also enjoy evenings that begin with a stroll through the galleries before the show. To subscribe or learn more, residents can visit artscenterkc.org or call 803-425-7676.
Find Waldo Local Returns To Camden
Where’s Waldo? In Camden, SC, of course! Celebrating its fourteenth anniversary in July 2026, Find Waldo Local has become a beloved summertime event in communities nationwide. This year, Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association are again teaming up with 325 independent bookstores nationwide, including Books on Broad and Coffee, for some hide-and-seek fun designed to encourage residents to patronize their local businesses. There is no charge to participate, and the hunt lasts for the entire month of July.
Families love joining the scavenger hunt to find the iconic children’s book character, with his red-and-white-striped shirt and black glasses, hidden in twenty-five local businesses, including Brother & Sissy, The Boot Dawg, and Palmetto Stitches and Quilts. Find Waldo Local is a wonderful way to support the Shop Local movement by increasing foot traffic to a variety of stores. “Find Waldo Local is one of our favorite events of the year because it brings families, friends, and neighbors into businesses they may not have visited before,” said Laurie Funderburk, co-owner of Books on Broad and Coffee. “It turns exploring downtown Camden into an adventure while encouraging people to discover and support the locally owned shops that help make our community unique.
To join in the fun, people can simply pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Camden, SC!” stamp card at any of the participating stores. With each miniature Waldo they spot, searchers get their card stamped or signed by the participating shop. Eagle-eyed hunters can also look for Wizard Whitebeard hidden in Books on Broad and Coffee! Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a prize drawing for Waldo books and prizes from participating businesses. First Palmetto Bank is sponsoring this year’s grand-prize of a $100 pre-paid credit card. All participants are welcome to attend the celebration party at Books on Broad and Coffee on Saturday, August 1 at 12 Noon.
Martin Handford’s collections of crowd scenes took the world by storm in the late 1980s, and since then the books have held a cherished place on bookstore shelves, in family libraries, and in classrooms around the world.
More than 80 million Waldo books have been sold worldwide, and they’ve been translated into over thirty languages.
For more information about hunting for Waldo in Camden, SC, call Kim McCathern, Books on Broad Store Manager, at 803-713-7323.
KC Library Nature Events + Wild Animals
Kershaw County Library is sending off its summer reading season with two massive, family-friendly nature experiences in July. Families can look forward to an interactive outdoor festival and live animal encounters designed to connect children with South Carolina's diverse ecosystems.
Go Wild Messtival: The Ultimate Outdoor Sensory Experience
On July 18th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the library and Nature as Teacher will host the "Go Wild Messtival" at Nature as Teacher Preserve, located at 247 Chestnut Ferry Road in Camden. This drop-in, hands-on nature event is designed for children ages 0–12 and their families. The festival features messy, sensory-rich trail stations like a mud kitchen, nature print-making, a bug exploration station, a scavenger hunt, colorful trail soakers, and salt dough animal tracks. Attendees are highly encouraged to dress for a mess.
South Carolina Aquarium: From the Mountains to the Sea
On July 23rd, the library will host the South Carolina Aquarium for two exclusive, live-animal showings. Attendees will explore the state's natural habitats from the upstate to the coast, meeting native organisms like turtles, snakes, sea stars, and crabs while learning how they share our world.
The free educational program will take place at two separate locations:
Elgin: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Elgin Community Center (2427 Main St, Elgin, SC).
Camden: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Camden Library (1304 Broad St, Camden, SC).
Both events are free and open to the public. For more details, visit the Kershaw County Library website or follow the library on social media.
KC Pirates Win Championship
Congratulations to the 2026 KCPRD Pirates on being named the Columbia Swim League East Mid Division Champions for the second year in a row! The Pirates were also awarded the League Sportsmanship Award!
KCSD Registration Now Open
Families of returning Kershaw County School District students—including families who completed their pre-kindergarten or kindergarten students’ initial enrollment this spring—will receive an email with their students’ registration codes and instructions to complete the online registration process on Monday, July 6.
New KCSD students should contact their zoned school to begin the registration process. Schools will have special registration help days on July 15 and July 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. for families who do not have internet access or who need assistance with registration.
This year all new students, students with a new address, and students going into grades 6 and 9 will be required to upload three documents for proof of residency. Examples of these documents include a photo I.D., a recent tax document for vehicles or primary residence, recent payroll check, bank document, mortgage, real estate purchase contract, rental/ lease agreement or power or water bill.
We ask families to please complete this online registration as soon as possible as we will use the information provided to develop student schedules and determine teacher assignments that will be sent to families electronically before the first day of school on Thursday, July 30. As a reminder, four- and five-year-old kindergartners will begin school on a staggered start schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.
As a reminder, all students in Kershaw County School District will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-2027 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. Parents do not need to complete a Free and Reduced Meal Application.
We are excited to announce that we are partnering with the Community Medical Clinic to offer a School-Based Health Center on each high school campus this school year, allowing students to be seen by a medical provider during the school day for common illnesses such as flu, strep throat, and other minor ill-
nesses. The School-Based Health Center will be available to all high school students at no cost to families, regardless of insurance status. The goal is to help students receive timely care, reduce missed classroom time, and support the overall health and wellness of our school community. During registration high school parents will be able to complete the enrollment process so that high school students can take advantage of this valuable new resource.
In keeping with KCSD School Board policy, all students will pay a $10 technology fee. This and other fees can be paid online starting Monday, July 6. To get started, KCSD families can go to www.myschoolbucks.com and create an account or log in to an existing one. Payments can be made by visiting the "School Store." Myschoolbucks.com charges a processing fee for online payments.
All elementary and middle school school supply lists can be found online at www.kcsdschools.net/supplies.
To view all approved KCSD calendars, visit www.kcsdschools.net/calendar.
Back To School Event At Potter Park July 25
A group of local organizations will host a back-to-school event July 25 at Potter Park in Elgin, aimed at helping area students start the school year ready to learn.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon and will offer school supplies, resources and other support for families. Organizers are calling the effort "Stronger Together. Brighter Futures."
The gathering is the result of a collaboration among more than a dozen community partners and sponsors, including Blanketing Fam-
ilies Inc., United for Baby, Father's House Ministries International, Radiate Church, International Praise, St. John's United Methodist Church, Hope for Life Pregnancy Center, Lead Church Ministry of Misfits, Overcomers in Christ, the Juneteenth Freedom Fest and She Did That.
Families across the area are invited to attend. Organizers describe the goal of the morning simply: "One community. One goal. Every student."
Jackson Leadership Academy’s Groom & Grind
The Jackson Leadership Academy will host the return of its “Groom & Grind” Back to School Event starting at 11 am on Monday July 27, at the Academy at 1000 York Street in Camden. Free and open to the public, the community celebration is designed to ease the back-toschool transition for youth and families across Kershaw County.
Now a beloved annual tradition, the event offers a full day of free services and activities, including haircuts, hair services such as washes, blow dries, and twist-outs, nail services, back-to-school supplies, food, games, live music, and giveaways throughout the day. All services are designed to provide a positive, welcoming experience with the focus on community celebration.
The event is sponsored by Gregory “GG” Jackson II, a Camden native and product of the Jackson Leadership Academy who now plays
SHOEMAKE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
We've taken significant steps to slow residential growth so our infrastructure can catch up. Now we have an opportunity to strengthen our economic foundation with an investment that expands our tax base and supports South Carolina's growing energy needs through a modern natural gas facility using current technology and extensive regulatory oversight.
Good government requires balance.
If we say no to every opportunity because change is uncomfortable, eventually we'll find ourselves with fewer jobs, fewer resources, and fewer options for the next generation.
I want Kershaw County to remain a place where families want to live.
Vicki’s Attic Returns
The Community is invited to visit Vicki’s Attic for a Clothing Giveaway at Blaney Baptist Church - 1400 Blaney Road in Elgin. See us for Back-2-School clothing needs. Saturday, July 18 from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. Contact the church office with questions: 803.438.3161
professional basketball for the Memphis Grizzlies. Jackson’s continued investment in his hometown reflects what is possible when local talent gives back to the place they came from.
“We believe in creating a space where teens feel at home,” said Brian Mayes, Director of the Jackson Leadership Academy. “Going back to school can be a struggle both mentally and financially for students, and our goal is to help ease some of that stress, not only for the kids, but the parents also.”
The Jackson Leadership Academy is dedicated to empowering young people by fostering self-confidence, belonging, and opportunity through community programming, mentorship, and events like the annual Groom & Grind celebration.
Contact the Jackson Leadership Academy for full event details.
But I also want it to be a place where our children and grandchildren can find good jobs, where our tax base continues to grow, and where we have the resources to build the roads, schools, and public safety services that a growing county requires.
Managing growth doesn't mean stopping progress. It means choosing the right kind of progress. I believe this project is one of those opportunities.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please call or text me at 803-427-4929, email me at derek.shoemake@kershaw.sc.gov, or follow my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/councilmanshoemake for updates on County business.
National Night Out Aug. 4 @ 6 PM
NNO Moves to Woolard Technology Center in Camden for 2026 Event
You are invited to this year's National Night Out. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 4th at 6pm. The event will start with a parade of multiple first responder vehicles around the Woolard Technology Center parking lot located at 70 Innovation Way in Camden. We will then park and transition to a touch-atruck event featuring bounce houses, K9 displays, fire trucks, ambulances, law enforcement vehicles, a Life Net helicopter, and much more. This is a free event. Food vendors will be present if you wish to purchase dinner.
National Night Out culminates annually on the first Tuesday in August. It enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. You can read more about this national event at this link: https://natw.org/
Master Gardner Training Class
Gardening enthusiasts and aspiring plant experts will soon have a chance to grow their skills through the Clemson Extension Master Gardener Program, with a new training class scheduled this fall at the Kershaw County Extension Office.
The 2026 Master Gardener Training Course will be held on Tuesdays from September 8 through November 17, running from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the local Extension office.
Organizers are encouraging interested residents to sign up now to receive notification when official registration opens. The cost of the program is $300.
The Clemson Extension Master Gardener (CEMG) Program offers participants in-depth horticultural training combined with opportunities to serve their communities through educational outreach.
The course includes at least 40 hours of intensive instruction covering soils, plant nutrition, entomology, plant diseases, vegetable gardening, fruit and tree culture, lawn management, ornamental plants, and problem-solving techniques.
Participants must also complete a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to earn the title of Clemson Extension Master Gardener.
Residents interested in joining the program are encouraged to sign up online (https://www.clemson.edu/extension/mg/ ) to be notified when registration opens.
For more information, contact Gila Holland at the Kershaw County Extension Office at 803-432-9071, ext. 0.
