Trey Webb, Agent
I’m
Letter Submissions
It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate.
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:
Letters to the Editor
The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
News From KC Council
By: Councilman Derek Shoemake
Every parent I know has thought about it: what will Kershaw County look like when my children are grown? Will it be a place they leave behind, or one they’re eager to return to—maybe to raise their own families?
That question isn’t just sentimental. It’s one of the most important challenges facing us on County Council. We’re not just managing budgets and zoning maps—we’re shaping the kind of community that will either draw the next generation back or push them away.
Having recently sent my own son to college, with my daughter to follow next year, it’s something I think about often.
Smart Growth and Good Jobs
First, our young people need opportunities. For too long, Kershaw County has been a bedroom community, with too many residents commuting long distances for work. That’s why we must continue attracting industry, supporting small businesses, and encouraging entrepreneurs. If our kids can find good-paying jobs here at home, the decision to return becomes a whole lot easier.
But growth must also be smart. Explosive, unplanned development leaves us with crowded schools, traffic jams, and strained services. Our task is balance—welcoming new families and businesses while protecting what makes our county special.
Investing in Community Life
Jobs alone aren’t enough. People want to live where life is full and community is strong. That means quality schools, safe neighborhoods, good parks, and the kinds of activities that make a place feel like home.
We’ve taken steps with projects like KC West and new community facilities, but there’s more to do. When our children graduate and look around at where to plant roots, they’ll be asking: Is this a place where my family will be safe, where my kids can play ball, where neighbors still know each other’s names? We need to make sure the answer is yes.
Honoring Our Roots, Embracing the Future
What makes Kershaw County special isn’t just what’s new—it’s our history, our sense of place, and our people. We’re blessed with strong schools, proud traditions, and a spirit of service. By building on that foundation and pairing it with forward-looking investments, we can create a county that’s both familiar and full of opportunity.
The work we’re doing now—on growth, infrastructure, schools, and public safety—will shape whether our kids see Kershaw County as a place to leave behind or a place to come home to. Let’s choose wisely, so that when they are ready, the door is open and the welcome mat is out.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please text or call me at 803-427-4929, email me at derek.shoemake@kershaw.sc.gov, or follow my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/councilmanshoemake (where I also share updates on County business).
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
Elgin Police Department Incident Reports
Shoplifting, 3rd or More/Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor/No SCDL: The Complainant, employee for the the Victim (Food Lion) called Central Dispatch and advised there was an older black female currently at the incident location shoplifting. They advised she exited with a grocery cart full and then returned for more merchandise. As the reporting officer was arriving in the area they advised she was in a dark blue Dodge van or SUV. As the reporting officer was turning into the parking lot he observed a dark blue 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan a SC Tag 2 exiting onto Rose Street near Panda Garden. There was a black male driver and a black female front passenger, who appeared to panic upon seeing the reporting officer and began fumbling her seatbelt. The reporting officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle as it made a right on Main Street from Rose Street. The vehicle pulled into the parking lot of the BP and drove around the parking lot before coming to an abrupt stop near the air pump, causing the vehicle to rock. The occupants began to move around a lot and the front passenger door began to open. The reporting officer attempted to activate his body camera as he was rapid deploying, but later realize it did not activate. As Officer was approaching the vehicle Suspect 1 was found to be the front right passenger. Suspect 1 was crawling across the center console attempting to get into the front passenger seat. Suspect 1 was detained and identified by her name and birth date. She was placed in mechanical restraints that were double locked and checked for tightness. Suspect 2 was identified by his name and birth date. Both were clear NCIC, but Suspect 2 did not have a valid drivers license. Suspect 1 was clearly a juvenile and visibly nervous. The rear of the van was completely full of packs of paper towels, toilet paper and jugs of laundry detergent. Suspect 1 was mirandized and waived her rights. She stated "yea I shoplifted." When asked why she stealing she stated it was to sell the stuff to pay her rent. The Victim responded and confirmed it was the same vehicle and Suspect 1 was the same person who was at the store. She assisted the reporting officer removed all the merchandise and get an accurate count of the items. They stolen items are as follows:1- 35 pack of Food Lion water bottles,1-24 pack of cans of Sprite,1-12 pack of cans of Coca-Cola, 1-12 pack of cans of Mellow Yellow, 2- 8 packs of Gatorade (red/blue), 1- 8 pack of Body Armor drinks Strawberry Banana flavor, 1-8 pack of Body Armor drinks Orange Mango flavor, 2- 8 piece chicken meals from the deli, 15 144fl oz Gain Original laundry detergent, 6
reusable Food Lion grocery bags, 3 16oz Snapple drinks that were cold to touch, 1 3.75oz bottle of popcorn oil, 1 5oz spray bottle of popcorn butter, 1 30 oz Orville Redenbocker jar of popcorn, 2 packs of Sunkist grape water flavor packets, 1 pack of Sunkist orange water flavor packets, 142 count variety pack of Frito Lay chips, 2- 10 packs of Bounty paper towels, 1 16 pack Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper, 1- 16 pack Charmin Ultra Strong toilet paper, 1- 24 pack of Charmin Ultra Strong toilet paper, 1- 6 pack mega rolls Bounty paper towels, 10- 117oz Tide laundry detergents, 7- 132oz Tide laundry detergents, and last 2- 151oz Tide laundry detergents. The total value of all merchandise was $1,132.21. The Complainant advised they wished to prosecute and that she was also the Suspect in several other cases. They also wished for her to be trespassed. Suspect 2 was cited for No South Carolina drivers license and release to his mother, as he was a juvenile. Suspect 1 was placed under arrest and charged with Shoplifting under $2,000 3rd or more and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child. Suspect 1's criminal history revealed multiple prior shoplifting offense with the three most recent convictions being 10/14/2016, 2/26/2019, and 1/7/2020. Suspect 2 advised Suspect 1 was his grandmother, who asked him to come help her lift some items. However, when she came out to the van she told him to get in the drivers seat and drive, making him an accessory to the crime and knew he had no drivers license. Suspect 1 was transported to Kershaw County Detention Center to await bond by Officer Pressley. Suspect 1 admitted to having just smoked crack 30 minutes prior to the incident. Officer body worn camera was activated. The vehicle was searched incident to arrest and due to the stolen merchandise being in plain view, but revealed no other contraband other than the merchandise. The vehicle since it was used in the commission of a crime was towed by Eddie Roberts Towing. The vehicle belonged to a family member and had valid insurance. Suspect 1 issued a trespass notice and entered into the LawTrak Trespass Log. After the fact, when the reporting officer responded back to the incident location to obtain the total value amount, it was revealed the Witness spoke to Suspect 1 face-to-face, and recognized her from other incidents as well. CCTV footage will be available from Corporate at a later time.
Civil Disturbance: The Complainant, Manager of the incident location (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 observed 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. On 08-16-2025 at approximately 2207, I (Officer Marcus Pressley) responded to Jeffers Circle in reference to a house being shot. Upon arrival, I made contact with the Complainant who explained that she was laying in bed when she heard several gunshots that were hitting her house. Complainant did not know who shot at the residence but knew it came from the roadway. Complainant did not see anyone fleeing the area on foot or in a vehicle. The house did have a ring doorbell camera but it did not record the incident. During the incident, Complainant's children were present,.one was laying on the couch in the living room area, and the other was in his bedroom. Complainant's husband was not present during this incident. While on scene, I found 4 holes on the front side of the residence that was consistent with holes from the bullets. The far right hole was in a window shutter and proceeded through a bedroom wall across the room and into a closet where it stopped inside of a wall. Complainant was laying in her bed in this room. The next hole I found was in the soffit/fascia area of the home. The next was above the middle window where the living room area of the house was. The bullet traveled through the house and stuck in the drywall on the back wall of the home. The next hole was under the ring door bell camera and did not penetrate through the interior wall. No occupants were injured. Lt. DeLong and Inv. Threatt responded to help process the scene.
Library Cards: A Passport To The World
By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
September is Library Card Sign up Month. Do you visit your local library and have a library card? Since I was a young reader, I have always enjoyed going to the library to check out books. I try to limit my selections to five books per visit. While I prefer fiction for pleasure reading, I do try to read at least one nonfiction (usually a biography or autobiography).
According to research the average number of books a patron usually brings home to read is 5 to 7. The most popular genres are romance, mystery, thriller, science fiction, and fantasy.
At our local Elgin Branch, approximately 80 to 100 people use the facility each day. I am a member of their Fourth Monday Book Club at 5, and there is always a reader coming through the door. Sometimes I do visit our local bookstore, Books on Broad, to buy a current bestseller.
The Elgin Library Branch located at 2652 Main Street was opened to the community and dedicated June 6, 1999. Charlotte Theresa lived in Germany where she met and married American soldier Anthony Snyder during World War II. After the war, they moved to Elgin to a 3, 600 square-foot brick home. Charlotte enjoyed reading, and when she died in 1993, she donated her home, her books, and her three-acre site to the Town of Elgin to be used for a library. What a wonderful legacy Mrs. Snyder donated to Elgin.
The Friends of the Kershaw County Library meet monthly, and their brochure advertises that they are passionate about the library and help with funding the two branches and its activities. Members commit time to sorting books and working at the annual book sale.
The officers are President -Bob Giangiorgi; Secretary-Chris Christle; Treasurer -Laurie Kornegay; Membership Coordinator- Sarah Oliver. Other members are Trudy Collins, Dennis Collins, Kay Carlton, Susan Leonard, Allison Coliskey, and Library Director Amy Schofield.
President Bob Giangiorgi said, “Friends of the Library receive first access to book sales. When you support the Friends, you are helping to fund improvements at your local libraries. The Friends of the Library is a 501-c3 organization, and membership contributions are tax deductible.
Money from the Friends of the Library book sale and friends’ memberships are used primarily for library projects such as facility improvements, programs, and event promotions. Secondly, total revenue also covers annual expenses, book sales, sorting, boxing of books, membership, printing, etc. This group funds approximately $20,000 in projects annually across three library locations: Camden, Elgin, and Bethune.”
The Friends of the Library organization is open to anyone who wants to join, and a patron may join at the door during their annual book sale or the library. Most members are Kershaw County residents, but they do have out of county and out of state members. Membership details are on the library's website. The levels are for $25 family friend, good friend $50, supportive friend $100, and best friend $500.
Bob continued, “The annual Friends’ book sale is an exciting event for book lovers and community residents in general. It is a wonderful opportunity to acquire fiction, nonfiction, and children's books. It is all there: fiction, history, cooking, gardening, religion, science fiction, classics, biographies, and many more categories. The new vintage and collectible room is already very popular.”
The Friends of the Library will hold a Book sale at the Old Armory 1034 West DeKalb Street in Camden, Friday September 12th noon8pm. Saturday, September 13th 10 am - 5pm. Sunday, September 14 noon- 5pm. The next weekend the book sale hours: Friday, Sept. 19 noon8:00 pm Saturday, September 20 10am to 5pm. Sunday September 21st is half price day noon- 5pm. On that day hardbacks will be a dollar and paperbacks fifty cents.
There will be food trucks outside the Old Armory from 4:30-7:00 pm on Thursday evening and during the sale on Friday. Ashley’s from Old McCaskill’s Farm will be parked outside, and Friday Jen’s Lumpia kitchen and Purposefully Made Sweets will be there.
I have been to several sales in past years that Friends of the Library have sponsored. I thought the books for sale were organized, and the workers were helpful. I found some excellent buys for my home library.
Hope to see you there!
NOTE: In my last article, I mentioned that New Life Christian Outreach Hwy. 601 is sponsoring a Free breast cancer awareness presentation and brunch September 20th from 11 to 1. Gift bags and Door prizes. The link was incorrect, and here is the correct link: nlcochurch.org
College Colors Day at Stover Middle
Stover's AVID classes hosted College Colors Day on Friday August 29th. During the week, each homeroom made a banner representing a college/university and students tried to win prizes with trivia questions during the morn-
ing announcements. AVID students pre-sold lunches for students to enjoy during the tailgate party on Friday.
Friday the homerooms presented their banners during a parade through the halls while the cheerleaders led them on. The band contributed to the parade with the playing of several fight songs. The parade of banners led the entire school to the loop to enjoy games and the tailgate food--hot dogs and nachos.
Doby's Mill Elementary Summer Readers
Students at Doby's Mill Elementary School who participated in the District and Public Li
CMS Students Learn About Community Helpers
LEHS Hall of Fame
By: Editor Cate Lynch Goff
Lugoff-Elgin High School celebrated three outstanding individuals during its Hall of Fame induction ceremony held Thursday, September 4th. This year’s honorees — Tressa Dixon, Monte Lee, and Liz Simon — were recognized for their lasting contributions to the community and for the positive ways they continue to reflect the values of Lugoff-Elgin High School.
The Hall of Fame program was created to honor alumni, staff, and community members who have made a significant impact through leadership, service, or achievement. Each inductee embodies the spirit of excellence that the school seeks to instill in its students.
I had the honor of attending the induction ceremony, and it was inspiring to hear the many ways these individuals have impacted our community. However, I must take a moment to highlight Hall of Famer (and Elgin News Feature Writer) Liz Simon for the influence she has made on me personally and professionally. My love of journalism, photography, writing and graphic design started back in Room 410 with Mrs. Simon back in 10th grade. I thought I was learning how to write a news story, how to crop a photo, and how to layout a yearbook page, what I really learned was much more valuable.
Mrs. Simon is one of those rare teachers who knew when to guide and when to step back. She gave me and so many other LEHS students the freedom to build and run our own little empire through the Journalism Department. She taught us the value of a network, and many of my fellow journalism students are still advantageous members of my own network. She taught us that "where there's a will, there's a way" - and led by example by showing us that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough. She encouraged us to think outside the box, and taught us to turn problems into opportunities. Hundreds of LEHS journalism alumni took these lessons and applied them to their own lives and careers, and each of us who had the chance to spend a bit of time in Room 410 is better for it.
Congrats to the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on this well-deserved honor.
Blaney Elementary Celebrates New Playground
• Amputations
• Neurological conditions
Above: BES kindergarten student Brixton McDaniel explores one of the new playground "tubes."
Left: Jasmine Miller makes music on a piece of
sensory equipment.
American Legion Meeting Date FireFest Returns To Camden
Post 195 invites all active duty, Guard, reservists, honorably discharged veterans and retirees to their next meeting at 6:30pm, Thursday, October 23rd at the post's meeting hall at 534 Wildwood Lane in Lugoff.
The 29th Annual Fire Fest returns to Camden City Arena on Saturday September 27th, beginning with a parade downtown of current and antique fire trucks at 9 am, leading to activities and demonstrations at the City Arena, 420 Broad Street.
Each year, this family-friendly event allows residents and visitors to learn about fire prevention and safety through engaging demonstrations and activities. Attendees can watch live firefighting demonstrations and competitions, witness a live burn that showcases the difference between residential and non-residential sprinklers, and observe grain-bin rescue demonstrations.
The event also features a Cruise In co-sponsored by River Rat Classics, where visitors can get up close with antique fire trucks and other vehicles, including two 1968 Mustang Fastbacks that recently appeared in Eddie Murphy's new movie "The Pickup." Additional attractions include vendor booths, food trucks, live entertainment, and games for all ages. Admission is free.
Fire Fest is also the exciting kick off for the national annual Fire Prevention Week™. This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ campaign is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.™” and strives to educate everyone about how to buy, charge, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely.
Camden Fire Chief Eddie Gardner shared his thoughts on why they continue to sponsor this event each year, "Fire Fest represents far more than just a community event—it's our chance to welcome everyone into the firefighting family. When we see kids' faces light up as they climb into a fire truck or watch families learning life-saving safety tips together, we know we're making a real difference."
Fire Fest begins at 9 am on Saturday, September 27th, with a parade of new and antique fire trucks and other emergency vehicles starting at Camden City Hall. The parade continues down Rutledge and Broad Streets, ending at the City Arena for opening ceremonies at 9:30 am. The event is always held the last Saturday of September to kick off National Fire Safety Month in October and National Fire Prevention Week, which begins Sunday, October 5th this year.
Fire Fest is still accepting vendors and sponsors. For more information, visit the Camden Fire Department's Facebook page.
Free KCSD Sports Passes for Seniors
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).
Library Leaders at Doby's Mill
Congratulations to our 2025 Homecoming Court! From left: Shani Haltiwanger 1st Runner Up, Star Roberson 2025 Queen, Emaree Ray 2024 Outgoing Queen, Faith Tredway 2nd Runner Up! Michela Scott, Honecoming Spirit Princess, Johanna Williams, Spirit Queen!
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Our community is stronger when we care for one another. Suicide can touch anyone—friends, neighbors, coworkers, family. But together, we can bring hope and healing. Here’s how you can help in our community:
1) Check in on someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
2) Listen without judgment—sometimes being present is the greatest gift.
3) Share resources—remind others that help is always available.
4) If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Office of Mental Health Mobile Crisis clinicians provide 24/7/365 day community-based crisis response anywhere in South Carolina. They can be reached at (833) 364-2274.
If you need additional support and resources, Law Enforcement Embedded Mental Health Clinician, Christina Miller, can be reached at (803) 876-9254.
The Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office is here to remind you: you are never alone. Our community stands with you.
Renaissance Masterpieces at LEHS
After studying topics such as guilds, cathedrals, and new techniques in perspective, as well as the cultural shifts of the Renaissance and the works of artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, Mrs. Fetzer’s Honors Modern World History classes at Lugoff-Elgin High School applied their knowledge in a creative way. Students examined the lasting influ-
ence of the Renaissance on modern urban sketching and loose watercolor, highlighting the value of studying art and history together. Inspired by urban sketching artist Ian Fennelly’s distinctive style, students then created their own unique “masterpieces,” much like the celebrated artists of the Renaissance.
Pictured top, left to right: Deputy Cornell Hobbs, Deputy Tyler Faulkenberry, Deputy Cayla Wannamaker
Pictured bottom, left to right: Tina Gardner, Sonya Shepard, Bev Crane
