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The Elgin News
wants to hear from you 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. Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, culture, or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about • individually named commercial products or services. • Personal attacks. 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:
News From KC Council By: Chairman Ben Connell
After a busy summer, school is officially back in session and there is a lot happening in and around Kershaw County. I want to take a moment to highlight a few important topics and issues in our community. First, I want to recognize a recent visit by several staff members of our federal congressional delegation wherein they toured the Camden Copper facility. Camden Copper is the only copper foil manufacturer in North America, and with over 50 employees and 15 new jobs being created, the facility is both boosting our local economy and strengthening critical defense and electronics supply chains. The work they do is essential in our country. Many people don’t realize what is being made in Camden, and why it matters to our national security. Camden Copper is the nation’s sole remaining source of defense-grade electrodeposited copper foil, an essential material for the microelectronics industrial base used in critical defense applications, including printed circuit boards, advanced radio frequency systems, and electromagnetic interference shielding. Without this facility, the United States has no domestic source for this essential material that goes into the weapons systems and communications technology protecting our service members. The facility is now American owned and operated and the Department of Defense has taken a keen interest in the stability and success of this operation. SEE CONNELL, PAGE 8 >>
Letter to the Editor
One of the hardest things I see in my work is how many people in Kershaw County believe they simply can't afford to get sick. Every day, I meet people who have delayed seeing a doctor because they were worried about the cost. They hoped the problem would simply go away. Too often, it doesn't. The good news is that our community has organizations working together to make sure our neighbors have access to the care they need. At the Community Medical Clinic, the free clinic I have the privilege of leading, we provide medical care for the uninsured. We also help connect patients to resources, such as transportation, medication assistance, and chronic disease education that support their health long after they leave the exam room. For those with health coverage, whether through Medicaid, Medicare, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or an employer-sponsored plan, Sandhills Medical provides another affordable, accessible option through its sliding fee scale. Recently, our clinic unexpectedly lost the Lugoff satellite location we had called home for more than a decade. As CEO, my first concern was how we would continue serving the patients who depend on us. SEE LETTER, PAGE 12 >>
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Publisher (803) 513-5108
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 2
August 13, 2026
Elgin Girl Wins Crown
GAL Program Training
The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program invites community members to become volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The next FREE online training begins Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with additional trainings offered every four weeks.
The Little Miss & Teen Miss South Carolina Pageant recently celebrated their 55th pageant in Florence, South Carolina at the beautiful Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center. Contestants from across South Carolina competed for over $35,000 in scholarships, along with other prizes. The pageant also presented a check for $50,000 to Prisma Volunteer GALs are trained to advocate for Health Children’s Hospital and has raised a child’s best interests in Family Court, helpover $760,000 for PHCH since partnering ing ensure safety, stability, and permanency. with them in 2002! Dani Jennings, the five-year-old daughter Training Details: of DeAndre & Nakendra Jennings of Elgin, • Begins: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 was crowned Wee Miss South Carolina 2026 (virtual) and Overall Cutest Baby Face! Dani received • Format: Virtual with Morning and eve$3500 in winnings plus many other prizes. She ning sessions available will travel the state this year representing the • Application deadline: September 1, 2026 pageant and PHCH. The Little Miss & Teen • Requirements: Age 21+, clean backMiss South Carolina Pageant promotes comground, no prior DSS history munity service, academics, and friendships! For more information, please visit the pagFor additional information, contact Richeant website at www.littlemiss-sc.com. ard Fowler, Regional Recruiter and Trainer Photo courtesy Amanda Upton Photography. for the Guardian ad Litem Program, at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate. At left, Dani Jennings, Wee Miss SC 2026. sc.gov.
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The Legendary Barbara Wilkes, Part II By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Sara Barbara Haigler Wilkes retired from North Central High School in 2002 after a career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. For over fifteen summers, she helped with volleyball camps at Camden High. “It is a relief not to set an alarm, and it’s fun to choose what you want to do,” she said. Today, Barbara stays active at Fitness Zone in Lugoff at least three days a week, participating in Silver Sneakers and taking Pilates from her daughter, Marney. Barbara fondly remembers summers in Camden during the early 1950s. Children often gathered on Laurens Street behind the library, now the Archives, where one block was closed to traffic so they could skate and play hockey on the pavement. As a schoolgirl, she walked to school with her friend Betty Ray, and on Saturdays she and her sister Lynn walked downtown. Camden had two movie theaters, (picture shows) and some Saturdays they went to both. Her favorite stars were John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Barbara lived with her grandparents in an 18-room, two-story house across from Hampton Park. Although her mother worked at the A & P, she still made time to take Barbara and her sister swimming at Saddle and Paddle Pond, Hermitage Lake, and Red Bank Pond, where they learned to swim. As a teenager, Barbara enjoyed babysitting and going to dance parties at friends’ homes, where fast dancing was popular and she was usually the first on the floor. Her favorite partner was Buddy Small, her basketball coach’s son. She and her friends also gathered at local hangouts, including the Sandwich Box on Highway 521 and a concrete-floor near the former Ford dealership in downtown Camden. The city installed a jukebox for the teens. She also enjoyed Methodist Youth Fellowship. Another favorite memory is attending Thursday evening 7pm pep rallies on the Post Office steps in downtown Camden, where fans gathered after 5 pm. Barbara competed in national basketball championships as a mother with four children with an AAU girls’ team in 1968 in Gallup, New Mexico. Barbara enrolled at University of South Carolina in 1970-71 and played for the Lady Gamecocks. In 1972 the team played for the national championship in Iowa. She also played in five national championships with the South Carolina Senior Olympic basketball teams in Orlando, Baton Rouge, Virginia Beach, North Carolina, Pittsburgh,
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and Louisville. Barbara is the proud mother of Jim, Trent, Shelli, and Marney; grandmother of ten; and great-grandmother of eight. Jim wrestled and played football at Camden, while Trent played football and baseball at North Central. She coached Shelli and Marney in sports. Shelli placed fourth nationally in cross country at thirteen and fourteen, won South Carolina titles in the two-mile and half mile, anchored the 400-yard relay, and earned a track scholarSara Barbara Haigler Wilkes ship to Clemson. Marney played volleyball and basketball, made the North-South All-Star game, and earned a basketball scholarship to Columbia College. Barbara has lived for 40 years on Timber Creek Farm, 110-acres where she raises, boards, and breeds horses. She once owned more than 45; today she has eleven. Her son Jim, a farrier who teaches horseshoeing clinics, lives nearby. Barbara also rode, jumped, and showed horses. Barbara, an active member of Lyttleton Street Methodist Church, said, “God has been good to me. I’m living on my faith.” She is thankful that her children live in Kershaw County. Her son Trent, who shares her love of horses and was once involved in rodeos, now works for the City of Camden. Her daughter Shelli enjoys taking her mother to Wednesday night gatherings at the Shrine Club with the Camden Lugoff Area Shag Society, CLASS, that has been active for almost 40 years. Marney inherited Barbara’s love of dance and, in addition to teaching classes at The Fitness Zone, works at The Dance Place. She choreographs and produces Christian plays with the company A Warrior’s Stance, AWS. Dr. Agnes Slayman, retired principal of North Central, said, “Barbara is a distinguished figure in athletics and education. She is widely respected across the county, state, and nation for her contributions to the advancement of women’s sports and for enhancing the quality of our programs. She is truly a living legend.”
August 13, 2026
August 13, 2026
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Flagship Guard Training at Doby’s Mill
A new group of student leaders is ready to serve Doby's Mill Elementary School with honor, pride, and responsibility after completing Flagship Guard training led by Lieutenant Colonel Ray McDowell, Senior Army Instructor at Lugoff-Elgin High School, and four LEHS JROTC cadets. Students from Mrs. Amanda Cook's and Mr. Taylor Novinger's fifth-grade classes recently participated in a hands-on training session that focused on the history and significance of the United States and South Carolina flags, proper flag etiquette, and the correct procedures for respectfully raising and lowering the flags each school day. The Doby's Mill Flagship Guard is a student-led program that allows
fifth-grade students to serve their school while developing important life skills. Through this responsibility, students learn the value of leadership, teamwork, accountability, and respect for our nation's symbols. Serving on the Flagship Guard teaches children that even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference and that dependability and commitment reflect honor, pride, and responsibility. Lieutenant Colonel McDowell and the LEHS JROTC cadets not only shared their knowledge and expertise but also served as outstanding role models for Doby's Mill students. Their professionalism, patience, and encouragement helps inspire the next generation of leaders while reinforcing the importance of citizenship and community service.
Schedule Johnny Deal for your family or event photos, and check out his site to access community event photos! 803.427.0883 | jdeal151@yahoo.com
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August 13, 2026
Elgin Police Department Incident Reports
Domestic Disturbance: On 07-26-2026 at approximately 1400, Officer responded to 2469 Main Street (Elgin Town Hall) in the Town of Elgin within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C., in reference to a disturbance. Officer made contact with Subject standing outside of a vehicle that was being occupied by Complainant in the front passenger seat and Complainant’s Friend in the driver seat. Subject was holding his cellphone up to the front passenger window and appeared to be angry. Subject stated he arrived back home from a trip to Rhode Island and discovered his wife, Complainant, with Friend and that she had moved her and their child out of Subject's house. Subject explained to me that he wanted to know where his son was and that was why he was angry. Officer spoke with Complainant who stated she had been previously abused by Subject and she was ending their relationship due to his abuse, anger issues, and drinking problem. Complainant moved herself and their son in with Friend and did not wish to disclose to Subject where Friend’s residence was due to safety concerns. Complainant assured me that the child was fine. Due to the altercation being verbal only, Officer will not be pursuing criminal charges and referred Complainant to seek a protection order and discuss the matter further with an attorney. Petit Larceny: On 08-08-2026 at approximately 1235, Officer responded to 1232-D Rose Street (Dirty Laundry Coin Laundromat) in the Town of Elgin within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C., in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival, I made contact with the Victim who stated someone stole his wallet that was sitting on a table in the Laundromat while he walked away from the table to the coin machine. The business security cameras did capture a video of an elderly black female that was standing near the table take the wallet and place it into a white trash bag that she was putting her clothes inside of. The female walked out of the laundromat and left the property in a white SUV per the victim statements. The property owner sent me a video of the incident and I will attempt to attach it along with still pictures. Victim described his wallet as being a black leather with “FW” imprinted on it, with $180 cash, his SC ID, and a bank card that was also black in color and belongs to One Pay bank. Victim stated in one section of his wallet was one $100 bill and in a different section was 4 $20 bills. I activated my body worn camera during this call for service. Shoplifting: On 08-08-2026 at approximately 1630, Officer responded to 2465 Main Street (Food Lion) in the Town of Elgin within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C., in reference to a shoplifting. Upon arrival, I made contact with a Manager, also the Complainant. Manager stated she witnessed two females enter the store and one of the females appeared to take a bottle of medication and exit the building without paying. Manager also stated when the females exited the store, one female took two water jugs (empty) that were located outside of the business on the sidewalk. Manager followed the females and they got into a white in color van in the Parking lot of San Jose’s (1310 White Pond Road). I was able to locate and make contact with the white van. The van was occupied by the two females. I identified both females as Subject 2 and Subject 1 from previous calls for service. I informed them as to why I was making contact. Subject 1 admitted to taking two water jugs without paying for them. I contacted Manager by calling her on the August 13, 2026
phone and she confirmed she saw Subject 1 take the jug and that the medicine bottle was in her hand when she walked out but did not know where she put it once she was out of the store. Due to Subject 1 admitting to stealing the water jugs and a witness seeing her take an item out of the business, I searched the vehicle where I located the two jugs but did not locate the item Manager was describing. I issued Subject one uniform traffic ticket for shoplifting, took the two jugs, and cleared from 1310 White Pond Road. I went back to Food Lion to return the jugs. Once I was back at Food Lion, Manager reviewed the security camera footage and also saw Subject 2 take two jugs. Manager sent me a copy of the video and Subject 2 did take two jugs a few seconds prior to Subject 1 taking the jugs. I will be issuing Subject 2 a ticket for shoplifting once she is located. Manager stated she did not want to place the two females on a notice of trespass. Assisting Other Agency: On 07/30/2026, Kershaw County Dispatch advised County units of a stabbing at Greenhill Rd. just outside of the Town Limits. Due to the closest unit being in Lugoff, Elgin Police Department offered to assist. Elgin PD Officers responded to the incident location. Upon arrival Officers located the victim sitting in a chair smoking a cigarette and bleeding from the left side of his abdomen. Two Officers secured the area while the Third Officer began rendering medical assistance. Once EMS arrived on scene patient care was transferred with the assistance of Officers then located the crime scene, taped off the area, and began looking for evidence related to the crime to mark when County units arrived. Once County units arrived there were briefed on a suspect name and description, along with a possible direction of travel. The victim was transported to Richland hospital by EMS. Once KCSO was secure with the scene all EPD units cleared and returned to Town. Tresspass of Real Property: On 08-06-2026 at approximately 0750, Officer responded to Kelly Street in the Town of Elgin within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C. in reference to a trespassing call for service. Upon arrival, I made contact with Complainant who stated her neighbor parked a boat on her property and she wanted to place him on a notice of trespass. Officer went to the property referenced and spoke with Subject who stated he knew the boat was not on his property and the person who parked it did not know the property lines. Subject and Complainant have had disputes over property lines and trespassing in the past and this is why she wanted him on notice. Officer completed the notice of trespass form and got Subject and Complainant to sign the form. I provided Subject with a copy of the form and instructed Complainant to pick up her copy from Elgin Town Hall when she returned back from work due to her leaving while Officer was on scene. The original copy will be placed into records. Officer’s body worn camera was activated while on scene. Drug Paraphernalia: On 08-05-2026 at approximately 1450, Officer responded to 2534 Main Street in the Town of Elgin within the boundaries of Kershaw County S.C. in reference to a found needle. Upon arrival, I made contact with Complainant who stated she was cleaning the ground near the ice machine on this property and found a needle. The needle was found under the wood flooring in front of the ice machine. The needle appeared to be unused and had both end caps still attached. Officer collected the needle and will be placing it in a sharps container. Officer body worn camera was activated. 7
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August 13, 2026
WWELA Teacher Awarded Classroom Grant
Mrs. Stephanie Jones, a 4K teacher at West Wateree Early Learning Academy, was surprised on August 11th by Craig King from the Palmetto State Teachers Association with a $300 classroom grant to purchase math manipulatives for her students! Thank you to Palmetto State Teachers Association for investing in our teachers and students— and congratulations, Mrs. Jones!
CONNELL, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 On another important topic, we are in the process of conducting a special election primary to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently and unexpectedly passed away. The republican special primary election will be held on August 11, 2026 and the general election for that federal senate seat will be held on November 3, 2026. Also, I want to remind residents that the school board election and filing process has been underway. Our school board elections will be held on November 3, 2026, along with all the other regularly scheduled elections on the ballot. Our school board members play an enormous role in shaping the education, values, and futures of thousands of students across the county and we appreciate their service.
Last, I would be remiss if I did not address something that has weighed heavily on the hearts of several local families and friends in and around Kershaw County, the tragic and repeated loss of life in our local waters. Sadly, at least 13 individuals have lost their lives in the last 5 years in or around the water in Kershaw County. As several first responders have noted, changing water levels, strong currents, slippery rocks, lack of boater safety, and use of intoxicating substances, can all create hazardous conditions for anyone near these waters. Please, as you enjoy beautiful Lake Wateree, the Wateree River, and fishing or recreation near the Wateree Dam, wear your life jacket, try not to swim alone, practice safe boating, avoid intoxication near the water, and treat
HOMECARE
these waters with the respect and caution they demand. No fishing rod, no afternoon swim, no amount of recreation or thrill is worth a life. As always, your County Council is working hard on your behalf. We continue to move forward with executing on our annual budget, evaluating the updated land development ordinances, and implementing our long-term economic development strategy. The goal is the same it has always been, a County that grows wisely, preserves opportunity and freedom for its residents, and remains a place we are proud to call home. Please feel free to reach out to your county council members with any ideas or questions you may have as we look forward to a successful 2026. ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
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August 13, 2026
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August Events at KC Public Library
Weekly Events Weekly on Wednesdays 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM in Camden Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2. Weekly on Wednesdays 11:30 AM – 12 PM in Camden Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5. Weekly on Thursdays 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM in Elgin Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for the very young. For ages 0-2. Weekly on Thursdays 11:30 AM – 12 PM in Elgin Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5. Weekly on Thursdays 1 PM – 3 PM in Elgin In Stitches: Bring your latest craft project (knit, crochet, quilting, etc.) and join the crafting circle at the Elgin library to share tips, tricks, or just enjoy conversation together. (Formerly known as Crafty Crafters). Weekly on Fridays 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM in Elgin Homeschool Chess: Join other kids and parents for chess at the Elgin branch! Ages 6-17.
Special Events Saturday, August 15 10 AM – 2 PM in Elgin Game Day: Stop in anytime during branch hours to play with our selection of board games. Feel free to bring your own! It’s fun for all ages. Tuesday, August 18 9 AM – 11 AM in Elgin SC Works: If you’re looking to reenter the workforce or need help with your career planning, drop by and see how SC Works can help. Get assistance with job applications, building your resume, and more! Wednesday, August 19 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in Camden End of Summer Craft Night: Susan Leonard will instruct the class in making a lovely door/wall hanging to welcome guests. For ages 18 and older. Register to attend via our website: https://kershawcountylibrary.libcal.com/event/17220071 Thursday, August 20 4 PM – 5 PM in Camden Lego Club: Come build a world of imagination at your library at Lego Club! For kids of all ages. Thursday, August 20 4 PM – 6 PM in Elgin #hangout: Teens ages 12-17 can join other teens at the library for
fun, games, conversation or crafts. Saturday, August 22 12 PM – 2 PM in Elgin Adult D&D: Ages 18+ can join others for Dungeons & Dragons at the Elgin library! No matter your experience, join us for an adventure! RSVP is required as seats are limited! Register to attend via our website: https://kershawcountylibrary.libcal.com/event/17258997 Monday, August 24 5 PM – 6 PM in Elgin Elgin Book Club: Join KCL Elgin for great books and engaging discussion. Pick up your copy of the monthly book at the front desk and we'll see you every fourth Monday at 5 PM! This month’s read is Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Tuesday, August 25 9 AM – 11 AM in Camden SC Works: If you’re looking to reenter the work force or need help with your career planning, drop by and see how SC Works can help. Get assistance with job applications, building your resume, and more! Tuesday, August 25 10 AM – 1 PM in Elgin Community Health Worker Open Hours: Meet with Kristie Norwood, Community Health Worker at Kershaw County Library, for free guidance connecting to local resources for healthcare, food, housing, transportation, utilities, insurance, Medicaid, prescription assistance, and other basic needs. Kristie can help Kershaw County residents understand available programs, determine eligibility, and complete applications. All assistance is free and open to Kershaw County residents. Please note: The Library does not provide direct financial support or housing but can help connect you with organizations and programs that may be able to assist. Tuesday, August 25 6 PM – 7 PM in Camden Camden Book Club: This month, our club is reading Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart. Request a copy at the Camden front desk. New members welcome! Thursday, August 27 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM in Elgin Dementia Information Table: Join Cherniece Kelley, Dementia Care Specialist, for an information table to learn about dementia and how to help care for someone with dementia. Thursday, August 27 4 PM – 5:30 PM in Camden KCL Chess Club: Drop in for a chess club for all ages and skill levels! If you don’t know how to play, we offer free lessons for ages 8 to adult. In each session, we’ll also discuss tactics for your chess game. Friday, August 28 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM in Camden Family Tabletop Gaming Night: Bring the family and enjoy games like Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, Warhammer, indie board games, and more. This event is for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
803.513.5108 • ELGIN ELGINNEWS@GMAIL.COM NEWS@GMAIL.COM 10
August 13, 2026
August 13, 2026
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KCSD State Assessment Scores Released
On Monday, August 10, the South Carolina Department of Education released the 20252026 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science South Carolina College and Career Ready Assessments (SC READY) data for students in grades 3-8, and the 20252026 results for the End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) and SC WIN Career Readiness Assessments. This year’s Kershaw County School District assessment scores show steady growth and continued momentum toward district-wide academic goals. "Our district’s latest assessment data indicates that our focus on clear and consistent core instruction is working. While there is still work to be done, we are confident that we are moving in the right direction as we continue to work together to ensure every KCSD student reaches their full potential," says KCSD Superintendent Harrison Goodwin. KCSD highlights for 2025-2026 SC READY, EOCEP, and SC Career Readiness Assessments: Of 14 SCREADY categories (Grades 3-8 ELA, Grades 3-8 Math, Grades 4 and 6 Science), KCSD made gains over 2024-2025 re-
sults in 9 of the 14 tested grade levels and subjects for students scoring Meets or Exceeds. All of our high schools exceeded the state average on the WIN Career Readiness Assessment in every area including Math, Data Analysis and Reading. WIN is administered to 11th-grade students, who earn a nationally recognized Work Ready Credential that verifies their job preparedness to employers in silver, gold and platinum certifications. Lugoff Elementary, Pine Tree Hill Elementary and Lugoff-Elgin Middle exceeded the state average in every SCREADY tested grade level and subject. Camden High School showed growth in all EOC assessment categories including English II, Algebra I, US History and Biology I. Two elementary schools (Blaney Elementary and North Central Elementary) exceeded the state average in SCREADY in six out of seven tested grade levels and subjects. Wateree Elementary exceeded the state average in five out of seven tested grade levels and subjects. 31 KCSD students earned maximum scores on the SC READY assessment in English Language Arts, Mathematics, or Science last spring in grades 3–8, with two students mak-
ing a maximum score on two tests. Overall, the district exceeded the state average in SCREADY middle school Science, with three out of four middle schools exceeding the state average. KCSD showed growth over 2024-2025 SCREADY English Language Arts results in 2025-2026 for students scoring Met or Exemplary in four out of seven tested grade levels. While we can’t directly compare this year’s math scores to past years because of SCDE standards and assessments changes, we can compare our growth to the rest of the state. KCSD met or exceeded state growth in four out of the seven tested grade levels on the math SC READY and EOC assessments. “These results are a testament to the dedication of our teachers and administrators, the hard work of our students, and the strong partnership of our parents. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a community, and we remain committed to the work ahead as we continue to build on this success,” says Goodwin. View statewide assessment data on the SCDE website here: https://ed.sc.gov/data/ test-scores/state-assessments/.
ilege of working alongside Sandhills Medical, whose generosity and commitment to our community extend well beyond the patients they serve. They understand that when we work together to care for our neighbors, our entire community benefits. Healthcare should never be about competition. It should be about collaboration. It should be about ensuring people receive the care they need, regardless of where it is provided. I am deeply grateful to the entire Sandhills Medical team for their kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the people of
Kershaw County. Their support ensured that our patients continued receiving care without interruption during a difficult transition. Healthcare is ultimately about helping people. I am thankful that our community is home to organizations willing to work together to make that happen every day. Kershaw County is healthier and stronger because of partnerships like this.
LETTER, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Before we had time to worry, Sandhills Medical stepped forward. They offered us space at Sandhills Medical's Lugoff location and told us not to worry about rent, opening their doors so we could continue caring for our patients. They shared their space, equipment, supplies, and whatever else we needed. They weren't concerned about what they would receive in return. Their focus was on making sure our patients experienced as little disruption as possible. That is what community partnership looks like. For more than a decade, I have had the priv-
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Sincerely, Charlotte Rankin Chief Executive Officer Community Medical Clinic
August 13, 2026
Senior Citizens Eligible for Golden Circle Pass
Kershaw County citizens age 65 years or older and Kershaw County School District retirees can receive lifetime Golden Circle passes that allow them to attend school-sponsored activities or athletic events free of charge. The passes are good from year to year. Admission to athletic playoffs is not included. Golden Circle passes are available at all three high schools — Camden High, Lugoff-Elgin High and North Central High. Contact the main office at each school for more information. (Camden High: 803-4258930; Lugoff-Elgin High: 803-438-3481 and North Central High: 803-432-9858).
Back To School at Blaney
CHURCH & COMMUNITY NEWS LISTED FOR FREE ON THIS PAGE! 803.513.5108 | ELGINNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Clockwise from top left: Colton Adams exits his school bus after arriving at BES. BES first graders in Ms. Adrianna Butterline’s class, Legend Guzman (left) and Kayleigh Hahn (right) enjoy their first school lunch of the new year. Kershaw County School District Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin chats with students in Randi Ray's first grade class.
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KCSO Hosts Successful National Night Out
Kershaw County residents and local first responders gathered on Tuesday evening for the annual National Night Out, filling the grounds of the Woolard Technical Center (WTC) with community spirit, flashing lights, and a festive parade. Coordinated by Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office (KCSO) Sgt. Misty Burroughs, this year's event brought together multiple emergency services and law enforcement agencies under positive circumstances to strengthen ties between local officers and the neighbors they serve. A Parade of First Responders The centerpiece of the evening was the annual National Night Out parade, showcasing a massive turnout from area agencies, including: Law Enforcement & State Agencies: Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office, Camden Police Department, Elgin Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Fire & Emergency Services: Kershaw County Fire Services, Lugoff Fire Department, Camden Fire Department, and the Kershaw County Coroner’s Office. National Night Out is held nationwide on the first Tuesday of Au-
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gust with the intent of boosting community partnership, enhancing neighbor-to-neighbor relationships, and fostering a safer, more unified community. New Venue, Same Summer Heat This year featured a location change for the event. Kershaw County School District granted permission for organizers to utilize the Woolard Technical Center in Camden, moving the venue from its previous home at Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. Organizers noted that WTC offered a superior layout for the growing event. However, the change in venue did not offer relief from the sweltering August heat—a challenge organizers are working to fix for next year. While the national standard sets the event for early August, the organization allows for an alternate official date in October. Seeing many hot, southern neighbors make the shift to combat high summer temperatures, Kershaw County officials are already laying the groundwork to move next year's celebration to October for a cooler, more comfortable turnout. We are very thankful for all the support we get from our Kershaw County citizens. Photos courtesy Johnny Deal, BowTie Photography.
August 13, 2026
August 13, 2026
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