From The Mayor's Desk
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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.
Elgin Town Council Approves Narcan Kiosk, Welcomes New Police Officer
The Elgin Town Council met on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Council members Cristy Bradley, Brad Hanley, Dana Sloan, and Paul Rizzo were present, along with town officials and guests.
The meeting began with an invocation by Mayor Emmons and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Hanley. Minutes from the July 1 meeting were approved unanimously.
Narcan Kiosk Coming to Town Hall
Kevin Rhodes from the ALPHA Center presented information on Opioid Harm Reduction Stations, including Narcan vending kiosks funded through the National Opioid Settlement. After discussion, the council unanimously approved the placement of a kiosk in the Elgin Town Hall lobby.
Civics Workshops Announced
During the public forum, Sissy Griffin Belue shared details of upcoming Kershaw County civics workshops during the months of August and September, covering topics from government functions to voter registration.
Community Center Nears Completion
In old business, Councilman Hanley reported that the Elgin Community Center construction project is nearly finished, with Mimms addressing final punch-list items. Irrigation controls have been relocated to the AV room, with four operational zones.
Police Department Updates
Chief Alan Anders announced that the department has hired Officer William Bruce Beck, set to start on August 18. He also reported a new engine installed in the silver Durango and that new patrol cars will be ready in the coming weeks. Chief Anders noted there may be an opportunity to revisit the School Resource Officer grant.
Other Council Actions
• Approved the first reading of Ordinance 43 Amendment.
• Authorized Mayor Emmons to negotiate a one-year agreement with SAFEbuilt, pending council approval of the fee schedule via email.
• Appointed Jamie McEntire to the Elgin Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Welcomed three new business license applications: Mr. T’s Street Dawgz & Catering, ION Developer LLC, and Davie Construction Company.
Council Remarks
Council members expressed appreciation for local services, from EPD’s security checks to Kershaw County’s sidewalk repairs in Pine Forest Subdivision. Councilwoman Sloan recognized the importance of School Resource Officers at Blaney Elementary and Stover Middle School.
The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
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
Shoplifting: On 08/18/2025, I, LT. Delong was dispatched to Circle K in the Town Limits of Elgin in reference to a shoplifting that occurred on 08/17/2025. The complainant stated that the suspect identified as Suspect entered the store at 1250hrs. The suspect then went to the chip rack and opened a bag of Doritos ($2.72) and began eating them. The suspect then returns the Doritos to the shelf and gets a bag of Lays salt and vinegar chips ($1.81) and approaches the register and pays for the salt and vinegar chips. After paying for the salt and vinegar chips the suspect returns to the chip rack places the salt and vinegar chips back on the shelf grabs the Doritos and passes all points of sale and exits the store. The price difference of the chips is $0.91 cents. The complainant stated she would like to press charges on the suspect and have him trespassed from the property. An arrest warrant will be drafted for Shoplifting.
Civil Disturbance: The Complainant, Manager of Circle K, contacted Central Dispatch advising there was a black male urinating on the side of the building. Prior to the reporting officers arrival the Complainant advised the Suspect departed on Ross Street toward Blaney Road. She advised it was a gold colored sedan and provided South Carolina Tag number. Upon the reporting officers arrival contact was made with the Complainant in the office. She was reviewing the CCTV footage and it showed the Suspect walk into the store and never purchased anything. He then walked out and stated he had to pee. The Complainant was sitting outside and overheard his statement. She noticed he was walking away from where his vehicle parked and toward the side where the dumpster is located. She told him he could not do that and went back there anyway. CCTV footage showed him walk back and stand in between the storage building and main building with his arms down as if urinating. The Complainant advised she did go back there and observed where he did in fact urinate. The reporting officer did observe where there was a sign on the restroom door saying out of order. South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle files was checked for the license plate provided. It came back to a 2005 Pontiac Grand to the Suspect. The CCTV footage was reviewed and compared to the Suspects drivers license photo and it was clear it was one and the same. The Complainant advised she only wished for the Suspect to be trespassed if located. The reporting officer's body worn camera was activated. Shoplifting: On 08-20-2025 at approximately 1730, Officer responded to Food Lion in reference to shoplifting. Upon arrival, Officer made contact with the Manager who stated a male she knew as Subject came into the store and shoplifted several items. Katie showed me the stores security camera footage of Subject entering the store at approximately 1720, going throughout the store, placing several items in a shopping cart, and exiting the store without paying. Subject then goes into the parking lot and places the stolen items inside of a white in color Tahoe that Subject is known to be in possession of. When we both reviewed the stores videos, Subject took a pack of hamburger meat (3lb), one pack of hamburger buns (Ballpark), a large bag of dog food (Purina Dog Chow), and a small bag of dog food (Blue Buffalo, Puppy chicken and rice recipe, 5lb) totaling to $70. Once Officer got all of the information in reference to this incident, Officer cleared the scene and began looking for the Tahoe. Officer located the white Tahoe coming from the town on Hwy 1 turning onto West Street in Kershaw County. Officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle due to it being used in a freshly committed crime. Officer made contact with the vehicle on the passenger side and made contact with Subject sitting in the front passenger seat. Officer informed Subject that he was under arrest for
shoplifting. Subject exited the vehicle and placed his hands behind his back and Officer applied handcuffs. Officer checked each cuff for proper fit and Officer double locked each cuff. While Officer was handcuffing Subject, Officer looked into the back seat of the Tahoe and seen all of the stolen items. Officer secured Subject in the front passenger seat of my patrol vehicle. Officer then recovered all of the stolen items and secured them in the back of my patrol vehicle. Officer transported Subject to Kershaw County Detention Center and issued him one uniform traffic ticket for shoplifting. Officer activated my body worn camera and in car camera during this incident.
Shoplifting: The Complainant, employee for the Victim (Food Lion) called Central Dispatch advising a person just walked out with a plate of food, but gave no further information. The reporting officer met with the Complainant in the office. She showed video footage of a white male wearing a camo hat with a grey tank top and tan shorts standing in the checkout line at register 6. He was holding a white to go food container. He then walks out leaving a drink passing all points of sale without rendering payment for the food. The reporting officer reviewed CCTV footage which revealed the Suspect entered the incident location at 1012 hours. He walked in and went to the restroom. Upon exiting the restroom he walks to the deli area where there is a hot bar. He grabs a white food container and is observed taking several scoops of food and placing them in the container. He departed toward the back of the store where he walked around to the dairy selection and selected an item from the cooler. He then walked back to the front of the store using aisle 8. Upon emerging from that aisle he now had what appeared to be a Gatorade in his hand and the food container. It is unknown if he took the dairy item or left it on a shelf. He goes to register 6 and stands in line. After a brief period he made the comment about having to go get something, which is when he departed without paying. The CCTV footage revealed he came from the side of the building near Panda Garden and returned the same. The reporting officer circulated the area, but was unable to locate the Suspect. The reporting officer took still photos from the CCTV footage. Food Lion corporate will provide the CCTV footage at a later date. The reporting officer recognized the Suspect from prior encounters and the individual has the same tear drop tattoo under his right eye. The reporting officer also located his social media account (Facebook) and it has a photo that appears to show the same tattoo that is on the Suspect's left shoulder. The photos are attached to the report. In addition the still photos were sent to KC Deputy K Alkinburgh, who also recognized it be the same person as the Reporting Officer. The reporting officer will be obtaining a warrant for Shoplifting Under $2,000 as his criminal history revealed no prior shopliftings. The Complainant advised they did wish to prosecute and for the Suspect to be trespassed when located. The reporting officer's body worn camera was activated. Vandalism of Property: The Complainant contacted Central Dispatch to report persons unknown damaged the front window and fence at the rear of the Church Street location. Upon Officer's arrival, the front right foyer window was cracked, but there did not appear to be a point of impact. The rear fence had several fence boards pulled partially loose and two were broken in half with the other parts laying on the ground. The damage was photographed and attached to the report. There were no CCTV cameras observed in the area. The Complainant wished documentation for insurance purposes. The reporting officers body camera was activated. The Complainant requested more patrols during night hours for people hanging around as they have found clothing and new trash items in the alley between the buildings in the rear.
Meet Karen Odom Truett, Author and Illustrator
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
Recently, I made a delightful new friend in Karen Odom Truett, author and illustrator of a glossy chapter book “The Adventures of Basie.” Karen, a former magazine and newspaper writer, writes about the adventures of her dog Basie, a Chihuahua-rat terrier mix. She adopted Basie from Danny and Ron- Small Animal Rescue located in Rembert.
Basie is a “talking” dog with a strong Southern accent and no concept of time. In this book, you will meet Basie's best friend Leba and other friends. You will also meet his nemesis, the self-declared diva, Miss Kitty.
Karen has a book signing/ reading at the Kershaw County Children's Library in Camden Friday, Sept. 5 at 10 am. She also will do a reading/ signing at the Elgin Branch Sat. Sept. 13 at 11am. Everyone is invited to attend and bring the children and grands and be introduced to the adventures of Basie who is nine.
According to Karen, “It's super-duper for dog lovers. It's a keepsake book that you can give to a friend. Nobody told me that in my 70’s that I'd write, illustrate, and publish a children's book about my own little mischievous dog’s actual antics.”
Karen believes that she inherited her love of art from her maternal grandfather, as through his side of the family came six artists. Karen loves to draw. Birds and flowers are her passion. Karen added, “I’ve named all my paintings. Also, I've painted and printed my own Christmas cards.”
When Karen was a student, she had many favorite books. She enjoyed reading almost as much as she enjoyed drawing. At school she had a pack of crayons in her hand all the time drawing pictures.
Someone told Karen’s parents that everyone in class enjoyed the pictures she drew for them. Karen’s daddy was a little more than upset and started monitoring her notebook paper usage. Karen said, “I didn't stop drawing, but I started charging the kids 5 to 6 sheets of notebook paper
for everyone that I drew a picture for.”
Karen met her husband Marion (Peanut) at church, and they have been married for 55 years. They have one son Lee, his wife Caron and grandchildren Mary Savanna, Braxton, Lily, and Kendall. The grandchildren are proud of their Grandma Kaye’s book and that they are featured in “Chapter 8 - What are grandkids?”
Karen continued, “My life changed forever April 2016 when my doctor gave me the devastating news that I had cancer. I didn't have time to digest this when I learned I had a different kind of cancer in each breast. I knew my faith would help me through no matter what the result was to be. Each cancer had to be treated with a different chemotherapy. When I finished with one infusion of chemo, they followed up with a second round for the other cancer. I had double radical mastectomies. I developed sepsis and was hospitalized. Later I had surgery due to complications from the initial surgeries. I weathered the chemo’s better than the radiation, and for those wondering chemo fog and PTSD syndrome are both very real. My journey was not easy. I have had complications and limitations. I'm still on a cancer inhibitor, but I made it, and others will too. One in eight women will get breast cancer. I just happened to be onein-eight twice at the very same time, and one with two different kinds of breast cancer. Extremely rare.”
Karen will host a breast cancer awareness presentation along with a brunch from 11to 1 at New Life Christian Outreach in Lugoff. This will be a free event. Register early online after Sept.1 at the church’s web site nicochurch.org and bring a friend.
To order The Adventures of Basie, send checks for $24.95 to Karen Truett delivered locally at no charge. Add $5 per book for shipping or mailing. If you order directly through Karen, you will receive a Basie color sheet, Basie's own business card and a Basie bookmark. Also, it may be ordered through Amazon.
Contact Karen at PO Box 273, Lugoff SC 29078 e-mail basiekayt@ yahoo.com
Purchase for your child or grandchild but remember adults will love “The Adventures of Basie “too. I plan to buy several books as Christmas presents for dog lovers in my life.
Volunteers Needed to Help Local Abused and Neglected Children
The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy is offering FREE ONLINE TRAINING to those interested in becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Kershaw County. Volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in Family Court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services (DSS).
The next free virtual training opportunity of 2025 begins on September 30, 2025.
Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month of your time for a child.
Currently the Kershaw GAL Program is serving 132 children, but there are only 10 volunteer GALs to assist. While GAL staff
fill in the gaps, the need for more volunteers is urgent. “Our volunteers serve as strong advocates, upholding children's best interests and prioritizing their well-being. With every child served needing a voice, the call to action grows for dedicated volunteers to step forward.” says Jennifer Burch, Director of the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program.
Visit gal.sc.gov for more information and to download an application. Follow @Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program on Facebook or contact communications@childadvocate. sc.gov to be added to the newsletter for updates and local events in your area.
Contact Richard Fowler, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the GAL program, at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov for more information.
Lugoff Elementary 'House Sorting' 2025
Lugoff Elementary recently held their 2025 House Sorting ceremony and celebration. Kindergartners and new students were sorted randomly into a House. This RCA (Ron Clark Academy) House System creates community among our students while encouraging student leadership and motivation to succeed in school. Students will work to earn points by showing good character, academic excellence and effort, and school spirit. Each Friday, the House with the most points for the week will be celebrated at a Tally Rally!
LEHS Teacher Cadets
Mrs. Wendy Mullis’s Teacher Cadet class at Lugoff-Elgin High School recently took a creative deep dive into picture books with the help of school librarian Anne Lemieux. Lemieux guided students through the key elements of the format and read aloud We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio. Afterward, the future educators completed a short writing activity describing how their classmates are “wonders” and reviewed other picture books. The session served as preparation for an upcoming project in which Teacher Cadets will write and illustrate their own picture books centered on selfesteem. Once completed, students will bring their stories to life by reading them aloud in nearby
Three CHS Students Selected for SC's Special Olympics Team
Kershaw County School District is thrilled to announce that three students from Camden High School have been selected to represent Team South Carolina at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The games will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from June 20-26, 2026.
The athletes from Camden High School are Desiree Garrett, Savion Penny, and Daniella Ramos. They are among 123 athletes, Unified partners, and coaches from across the state chosen for this prestigious opportunity. All three will compete in the track and field competitions.
Special Education Teacher and Special Olympics Coach Arisleida DeGuzman was also selected to serve as an assistant coach. All coaches were selected through an application and interview process.
“We are incredibly proud of Desiree, Savion, and Daniella for their hard work and dedication,” said Coach Arisleida DeGuzman. “This is a tremendous opportunity for them to showcase their talents on a national stage. We look forward to the entire Kershaw community rallying behind these amazing athletes as they prepare for the games next summer.”
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together thousands of athletes from all 50 states for a week of competition and celebration. Special Olympics South Carolina is sending one of the largest delegations to the games, where athletes will compete in 13 different sports.
The Kershaw County School District and Camden High School invite the community to follow Team South Carolina’s journey and cheer on these CHS Bulldogs.
More information on the delegation and the games can be found at www.so-sc.org.
Pictured above, left to right: Daniella Ramos, Savion Penny, Desiree Garrett, and Special Education Teacher and Coach Arisleida DeGuzman.
KC Democratic Party Salutes U.S Constitution
Come one, come all! To a free U.S. "Constitution Day" event on Saturday, September 13th from 10:00 am to 12 noon at the Town Green in Camden.
There will be speakers, proclamations, music, food and drink, community information tables and voter registration forms. Community members will read their poems on the U.S. Constitution and Democracy. Fun!
Wear your red, white and blue!
Let's honor our U.S. Constitution and Democracy. Actual U.S. Constitution Day is Wednesday, September 17th and National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, September 16th. Let's celebrate them both on Saturday, September 13th at the Town Green. See you then!
'Man Church' 2025 Event
Pine Grove Baptist Church in Lugoff will host Man Church 2025: “But For Mercy” on Saturday, September 13 at 836 Pine Grove Road. Youth games begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by a meal at 6:00 p.m. featuring pork BBQ, chicken bog, catfish stew, and wild game samples. The event will include contests, rewards, and gift drawings, with music by the New River Bluegrass Band. Worship will be led by Dennis Ray, and the keynote speaker will be Howard Isom. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to pre-register at PGBCSC.com.
El Bethel Faith Fall Bazaar
El Bethel Faith Community Church's annual Fall Bazaar, sponsored by the Ladies MInistry, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13th, from 8am until 2 pm, at El Bethel Faith Community Church, 905 Longtown Rd., Lugoff, SC.
The bazaar will once again host an "indoor yard sale" section, which includes many gently used items for the home, as well as new fishing gear for the outdoors. In addition, vendors will be selling wonderful gifts such as wreaths, arts
and crafts, Christmas items and much more. Delicious homemade baked goods will also be sold. And for lunch we'll have fresh cooked and seasoned pulled pork BBQ plates for lunch to be purchased. All proceeds from this event will be used for needs within the church family and our community. For additional information, or if you would like to be a vendor at the "BEST BAZAAR in TOWN", please call Julie at 803427-7187.
KCSD Retirees, Citizens +65 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: 803-425-8930; Lugoff-Elgin High: 803-438-3481 and North Central High: 803-4329858).
Palmetto Citizens' Teacher of the Game Returns
Palmetto Citizens Teacher of the Game contest is back! For each USC home game, one winner will receive recognition during the game, 4 tickets, and $1,000!
Teachers will nominate themselves by completing a quick entry form and one teacher will be selected for each game.
• $1,000 from Palmetto Citizens
• 4 tickets to that week's USC game
• Recognition on the scoreboard and loudspeaker during the game
To apply, you must be a current, full-time educator in South Carolina, teaching in grades K-12, and scan the QR to complete the form by October 1st.
Junior Leadership Kicks Off 2025 Year
Junior Leadership Kershaw County students recently completed the Ropes Course at Camp Canaan in Rock Hill. This two-day outdoor program challenges participants through personal development and teambuilding activities and serves as the kickoff to this year’s Junior Leadership sessions.
Junior Leadership Kershaw County is a student leadership development program sponsored by the Kershaw County School District, Camden Military Academy, and the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce. The program’s mission is to promote leadership skills and foster a strong spirit of community involvement. Photos by BowTie Photography.
Dementia Care Specialist At KC Library
The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) is expanding its Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) program to its 10 regions of the state, following funding approval by the state legislature. This expansion addresses the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) across South Carolina.
Cherniece Kelley, a Bishopville native and graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Public Health, began on July 17, 2025, as the DCS for the Santee-Lynches region. This includes Lee, Kershaw, Clarendon, and Sumter counties. Her office is located at the Kershaw County Library, 1304 Broad St., Camden.
“The purpose of a Dementia Care Specialist is to educate and be a support to the public on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and connect them to services in their region and across the state,” Kelley said. “We also support organizations working to assist those affected, ensuring more resources are available locally.”
Statewide, 125,538 South Carolinians were diagnosed with ADRD in 2022, according to the SC Alzheimer’s Disease Registry, maintained by the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health. The registry is recognized as the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation. The need for such services is urgent.
In Kershaw County, 1,535 residents were living with ADRD in 2022—
a 281% increase since 2000. Among those, 7.2% were under age 65, and African Americans were 26% more likely to be affected than non-Hispanic whites.
The economic burden is also considerable. According to Genworth Financial, in 2023 the average cost of a private nursing home room in South Carolina was $112,420 annually, with home health aide services averaging $73,216.
In 2020, Medicaid spent $652 million on ADRD care in the state, projected to rise to $818 million by 2025. Family caregivers also provided an estimated 361 million hours of unpaid care in 2023, valued at $5.5 billion.
This DCS program aligns with the 2023–2028 South Carolina Statewide Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, which outlines a five-year strategy to support families impacted by dementia. The plan is now mandated to be updated every five years under SB0569, signed into law in May 2024 by Governor Henry McMaster.
To learn more or request a presentation, residents can contact Cherniece Kelley at 803-949-1238 or ckelley@aging.sc.gov. For more information about dementia and resources in our state, check out the South Carolina Dementia Toolkit.
For additional services, visit www.getcaresc.com or call 1-800-8689095.
law enforcement agency in South Carolina to receive the Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) designation, recognizing its exceptional care for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
This voluntary designation reflects the agency’s commitment to minimizing trauma and improving response through specialized training. Your KCSO was presented this award during Tuesday night’s Kershaw County Council meeting.
“Victims of sexual assault deserve the best law enforcement response we can provide. We want to do everything we can to minimize the trauma they experience from this horrific event,” said Sheriff Lee Boan. “This training better prepares our deputies to give victims the best help possible. I am proud to say the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office is only the fourth law enforcement agency in South Carolina to receive this designation.”
Launched on April 1, 2022, the SAFE Designation System is a collaborative initiative by the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), South Carolina Attorney General's Office, SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the SC Hospital Association. It sets a statewide standard of care for sexual assault victims, encouraging hospitals and agencies like EMS, law enforcement, and advocacy centers to pursue SAFE recognition.
To earn the designation, agencies must ensure 75% of field personnel complete a training focused on trauma-informed care, evidence preservation, and coordination with SAFE-designated partners. Hospitals must also appoint a coordinator to manage the sexual assault kit tracking system. Your KCSO achieved training for nearly 90% of all certified deputies. SCVAN supports participants with free Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) trainings and continuing education credits.
