Elgin News - 2B 2023

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

From The Mayor's Desk

By: Mayor Melissa Brazell Emmons

Note: From The Mayor’s Desk is submitted by Mayor Melissa Emmons and is not the official minutes of the Elgin Town Council.

The monthly meeting of the Elgin Town Council took place on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 6:00pm with Mayor Melissa Emmons presiding. Present were Mayor Melissa Emmons, Councilman Ed Smith, Councilman Brad Hanley, Councilwoman Dana Sloan, Town Attorney, John Wells, Chief Alan Anders, and Town Clerk, Becky Summey. The Invocation was given by Mayor Melissa Emmons and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Councilman Brad Hanley.

A motion was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan to approve the minutes from the regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, and a special business meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, with a unanimous vote from Council.

There was no one signed up to speak during Public Forum. A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Councilman Ed Smith, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley with a unanimous vote from Council.

The following New Business License Applications were approved in December 2022 and January 2023: (1) Baila Fusion Dance Fitness, (2) JL Mesa, LLC, (3) Fernandez Interpreter & Translator Solutions, LLC, (4) D. Berger Dental of Elgin, PA, (5) Senior Citizen Services by Shamrock, LLC, and (6) Sales Solutions, LLC dba HRE Construction. Please remember to support the businesses in our community and when possible, shop local.

The following Charity Permit Requests were approved in December 2022 and January 2023: (1) Grace Life Church-yard sale, (2) Girl Scouts-cookie booth at Elgin Town Hall, (3) Girl Scouts-cookie booth at Food Lion, and (4) Girl Scouts-cookie booth at Mid Carolina Credit Union. If you or your organization wishes to hold a fundraising event in the Town of Elgin, please remember to check with Elgin Town Hall about completing a Charity Permit Request Form prior to the event. There were no Complaints for December 2022 or January 2023. There was no need for a Public Hearing.

In Old Business, an update was provided regarding the new Elgin Community Center. Council was informed by Councilman Brad Hanley that a meeting had taken place with the proposed architect, Jeff Lewis, and that he was provided the following information: (1) the proposed building budget is $812,500.00 for a 2500 square foot facility, and (2) the Blaney/Elgin Museum and Historical Society had accepted the offer from the town of an allocated 250 square foot area for a display room/museum. A preliminary drawing was presented to Council by Mayor Melissa Emmons of the facility.

Also in Old Business, a recommendation for a rezoning request for 1217 Rose Street from RS-1 to GC-1 was presented to Council by John Thrash, Chair, Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission. After some discussion, a motion to approve the 1st Reading was made by Councilman Ed Smith, 2nd by Councilman Brad Hanley with a unanimous vote from Council. A public hearing/2nd Reading is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 6:00.

A motion to approve the 2nd Reading of the new Building Code Ordinance was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Ed Smith with a unanimous vote from Council.

An update regarding data available through LawTrak was requested by Councilman Brad Hanley. This software is used in our Municipal Court to track cases/fines/ etc. There was some discussion of developing an Excel Spreadsheet if we can export the weekly case docket into this format. This is something that will need to be discussed further with our Clerk of Court and Judges.

In New Business, Alan Anders, Chief, Elgin Police Department provided Council with an update regarding the recent purchase of radar equipment using a portion of the Duke Energy Grant that the town received several months back and stated that since the purchase, the equipment has paid for itself in fines involving several stops that had occurred in the past few weeks. Chief Anders also informed Council that Sgt. Michelle Sinclair has been recognized as the Officer of the Year for the department. A plaque was presented at the meeting to Sgt. Sinclair, who was joined by her husband.

MAYOR'S DESK, See Page 9 >>

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 · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com

Love Yourself By Caring For Your Heart Health

By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer

February is known for being the month of love and giving heart-shaped Valentines. It is also known as the month to put an emphasis on Heart Health Awareness. The first Friday in February is always “Wear Red Day” to promote having healthy hearts.

Do you have any health concerns you are avoiding? Most of us ignore warning signs because there is too much going on in our lives to take stock of our problems. Some of the warning signs to look for with your heart are shortness of breath, discomfort, back pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, physical inactivity, fatigue, swelling in the ankles, nausea, and indigestion. There could be other symptoms your body is trying to alert you to consider.

Hopefully this article will grab your attention, and you will focus on your own health and your family’s. We only have one life to live. We all know with the responsibilities we face; we need to make healthy life choices for ourselves and our family and not fall short.

My parents shared a February 21st birthday, and both developed heart problems. My father died unexpectedly at the age of 41 of a sudden heart attack. According to national statistics, 356,000 people, or one in four Americans die from an unexpected heart attack. Every 40 seconds in the US someone will have a heart attack. Most heart attacks occur in the early morning hours around 6:30 AM. At that time there is a surge in hormones throughout our bodies. With that fact in mind, I try a few minutes of stretching exercises before putting my feet on the floor.

The main cause of heart disease is high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Sometimes as doctors point out, “It is in your family’s genes! You cannot avoid the reality of your family’s medical history.”

Twenty-two years ago, my husband learned on Mother's Day weekend that

he had to face open heart surgery. His three sisters also had heart surgery after his, and both of his parents died from heart disease. When my husband faced heart surgery again this past summer, I knew what we were facing, and I knew what was ahead of us. Ironically, his first cousin Russell who had visited with Billy several times in the hospital had the same heart surgery weeks after my husband had his.

After his rehab, we met with his cardiologist from MUSC, Doctor Todd Alderson. He laid down the guidelines in no uncertain terms. “Do not eat red meat and no fried foods!”

My husband has not broken his promise to himself or Doctor Alderson this time. After his first heart issues, he still ate what he wanted to eat. Since July, I have encouraged him to follow a healthier diet plan. Also, I have had to encourage myself, and do a reality check about our daily eating habits because I have had several strokes in my life from my blood pressure becoming too high.

We now have a comprehensive health check every six months with our primary doctors for blood work and wellness. All of us need to remember that heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Over 120 million Americans today have cardiovascular heart disease.

I try to walk 30 minutes on a treadmill three times a week at The Fitness Zone. I take a full adult aspirin before bedtime, and no fast foods especially those French fries that I love so much. Doctor Kearse told me to watch my sodium intake and drink 8 glasses of water a day. I think people must have a strict mindset not to neglect their own personal health.

Having health issues with our hearts makes every day an Awareness Day. It is a struggle keeping the reality of health concerns in check and dealing with the stresses in life. I can tell when my stress level is high because I grind my teeth. That is my warning sign or trigger point that I need to take deep breaths, shrug my shoulders, and shut off news overload from the TV and our cell phones. Don’t neglect yourself! Be aware! This is when we need “our me time!”

CLC Students Partner with First Baptist of Camden To Show Some Love to Residents of The Colonial

CLC students and First Baptist Church of Camden volunteers partnered for Valentine's Day activities with the residents at The Colonial at Old Cam-

Students helped the residents make Valentine's Day cookies and cards. They also had the residents participate in Karaoke! The residents and the students loved singing the oldies!

From the Chief's Desk

In this Chief’s Desk, I want to write about how to approach and pass a traffic stop or vehicle accident where there are stopped emergency vehicles. We as first responders experience drivers constantly zooming by and not yielding to our emergency vehicles as we work accidents, help stalled vehicles or conduct traffic stops.

We ask that everyone please abide by the law (SC Code of Laws 5605-1538) that states drivers must yield the right-of-way, proceed with due caution, reduce speed, change lanes if possible and with due regard to

safety. We know that it gets frustrating when traffic backs up from unexpected incidents. But, keep in mind that there are lives at risk and it is a law, and if violated you can face a misdemeanor and up to a $500.00 fine.

Please be a little patient and pass with caution so that we cause no injuries or regret. Thank you.

Elgin Police Department Incident Reports

Breach of Trust: On February 16, 2023, Complainant, the owner of It's a Deal Antiques and Collectibles located at 1103 Church Street in the Town of Elgin, came to the EPD to file a police report. Complainant told me he allowed Subject to borrow a WWII Japanese bayonet from the store to show his father. Subject told Complainant he would return the bayonet to the store in approximately 30 minutes. This incident occurred on November 27, 2022 and the bayonet has yet to be returned. Complainant completed a written statement regarding the Breach of Trust bayonet and provided the dates and contact he had with Subject. I contacted Subject at 1445 hours and advised him of the Breach of Trust report filed by Complainant. Subject told me Complainant knew he had been previously hospitalized for a month and had been planning on returning the bayonet. I advised Subject to immediately return the bayonet to Complainant and he said he could be in Elgin by 1800 hours. I further advised Subject to keep the EPD number in his phone as I would speak to Complainant after the return to confirm if he did or did not wish to pursue charges and he said he would. I called Complainant and advised him of Subject returning the bayonet today. I further advised him to allow him to return the property and to avoid having a heated discussion upon it's return and he agreed. This case remains open and active.

Domestic Violence Second: I was dispatched to a call about an argument between a husband and wife on Jeffers Circle in the Town Limits of Elgin. I arrived on scene and noticed Complainant attempting to leave, backing out of the driveway. Once he saw me, he exited his vehicle to speak with me. Right away I noticed Complainant had some cuts on his lip. When I asked him what happened he stated his wife, Subject, hit him in the mouth. I could also tell that Complainant was grossly intoxicated and I asked him to give me his keys to his vehicle and he did. I then went inside the residence and spoke with Subject. The first thing I noticed is that Subject's nose was bleeding. I asked her what happened and she stated they were arguing and

went back inside and spoke with Subject and her juvenile son "MS" who is seventeen. I asked "MS" what happened and he stated he did not see any physical altercation, that he just heard his mom and stepdad fighting. I again tried to ask Subject what happened and she then stated that she didn't know. She further stated she went to sleep and woke up and the police were at her house. I attempted to speak with Complainant once again and what he was saying made no sense. I then advised him he was under arrest. I walked back into the house to speak with Subject once again to see if she would tell me what happened. Subject also did not make any sense and I placed her under arrest. Lt. McCaskill then transported her to KCDC for me. I contacted Sgt. Sinclair about the juvenile and she responded to the address. I called DSS and did an over the phone intake of "MS." Once Sgt. Sinclair arrived on scene I transported Complainant to KCDC.

Possible Stalking: On above date and time, Elgin Police Officers were dispatched to meet with Complainant at Elgin Town Hall concerning her being "followed". Lt Hines and Constable Miller were passing by and took the call. Complainant was identified by her driver's license and related the following: Tonight, at about 1830 hours, she was in Food Lion and observed a white male who appeared to be following her around the store and did not appear to be looking for any products. She described him as a white male, with long, greasy dark hair (past the shoulders), with a bald spot on top and wearing a dark trench coat. She was concerned about it and then realized that he was the same person who she had seen walking back and forth in front of the TMobile store in Camden while she was getting her telephone fixed about two months ago. She was also "99.9% certain" that this was the same individual with whom she had worked at the Camden Walmart about ten years ago. At that time, he would wait outside the lady's room when she was inside and would be "hanging around" her car when she got off work. She could not recall his name, but related that he had been warned by management to stop his actions. No police reports were made of prior incidents. Officer Bass checked the interior of the store but was unable to locate anyone similar in description (note, over an hour had passed between the incident and the reporting of it). Complainant was advised to (1) keep good notes of future encounters and (2) to contact the police for a report if she saw him again in

Night To Shine Returns to Kershaw County

The 4th annual Night To Shine event, a complimentary event for people with special needs over the age of 14, returned to Kershaw County on February 10th. This year's event was the largest yet, with 116 honored guests, 223 volunteers and 232 family members!!!

Organizer Kate Stines along with her church, New Life Christian Outreach, is the driving force behind the Kershaw County event.

"It was a night of God's love, dancing and enjoying being celebrated perfectly in God's eyes," says Stines.

Guests enjoyed Mickey's Memorable Moment, a shopping experience allowing guests to select Night to Shine items to take home. Guests also enjoyed Storybook Flowers, where they could make their own flower arrangement. Always a favorite, the Main Street Salon returned, where guests enjoyed hair and makeup plus shoe shinning. A 360 Photo Booth was on the dance floor, and it was well-utilized by guests, family members and volunteers to create a quick video for lasting memories.

Over 60 local businesses and families donated to us to make this night one not many will ever forget.

Stines is so grateful for this annual event that brings our community together.

"I am moved to tears more and more each year watching a community come together in truly the most special way...to unite hundreds...showing that truly where there's love and kindness, lives are changed," says Stines.

Photos courtesy Julie Jackson Prickett.

2023 Special Guests: John's Crazy Socks

John and Mark X. Cronin are the fatherson team that created John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness. They bootstrapped their business into the world’s largest sock store earning them recognition as EY’s Entrepreneurs of

John is not only an entrepreneur, but he has also Down syndrome. Every day, John and Mark show what people with differing abilities can do – more than half their colleagues have a differing ability. They are fierce advocates for the rights of people with differing abilities having testified twice before the U.S. Congress, spoken at the United Nations and recorded two TEDx talks. They are members of the CEO Commission on Disability Employment. Their work has been featured on national broadcasts by CBS, ABC, CNBC, PBS, the BBC and Fox News.

They have built a business based on creating customer experiences and spreading happiness. John’s Crazy Socks has 240,000 Facebook followers and over 30,000 five-star reviews. John and Mark show their gratitude through their Giving Back program that has raised over $550,000 for their charity partners. Most of all, they are spreading happiness one pair of socks at a time.

KCL Hosting 'Human Library' Notice of Public Hearing Citizen Participation Plan

Communities anticipating participation in the State of South Carolina’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Economic Development Program, and the Federal HUD HOME Program must provide for participation of their citizens in the planning and implementation of CDBG, Economic Development, and HUD HOME-funded projects, in accordance with Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended through 1987. Therefore, a Citizens Participation Plan has been developed for Kershaw County for the purpose of providing the citizens of this locality with a written, detailed plan for their participation in the planning and implementation of community and economic development projects which may involve CDBG and HOME funds.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments, on behalf of Kershaw County, will hold a Public Hearing at the Kershaw County Government Building, Room 207, 515 Walnut Street Camden, SC. 29020.

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to review and solicit public comment on the afore-mentioned Citizens Participation Plan, and to solicit public input on community needs and priorities for housing, public facilities, economic development, water/sewer facilities, public safety components and job creation with a Needs Assessment Survey.

The Citizen Participation Plan is available for review at the Kershaw County Administrative Offices, Camden, SC, and the Santee-Lynches RCOG office, 2525 Corporate Way, Suite 200, Sumter, SC between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Persons with questions or comments concerning the Public Hearing or the Citizen Participation Plan may contact Tammy Smith, Grants Coordinator, Government Services, Santee-Lynches RCOG, (803) 774-1377.

Kershaw County Library invites all members of the community to come and experience The Human Library® on Sunday, February 26 from 1 PM to 5 PM and Monday, February 27 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Camden branch. This is a free, interactive event and reservations are not required.

The Human Library® at Kershaw County Library contains a variety of books: people who have volunteered to be “checked out” for 20 minutes each. Each book will share their story in a one-onone conversation with their readers and encourage the readers to ask questions. Books will also present questions to readers to discuss their similarities and differences.

The goal of the Human Library® is for members of the community to learn more about each other, to explore and move beyond stereotypes, and to develop a greater understanding of each person’s unique story. The Human Library® was conceived in 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Human Library® at Kershaw County Library was organized by varying staff members and local community and business leaders. Lifelong Kershaw County resident, David Partin, who is on the KCL Human Library committee, says “We hope that by hosting the Human Library here in Kershaw County, it will provide a unique opportunity for our community members to learn about each other, directly from each other.” You can meet David and the rest of the KCL committee at the event.

On Saturday, February 18, the SC Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) awarded Kim Stokes, CLC Special Projects Coordinator, the SC VFW Teacher of the Year at an awards banquet. Stokes was also presented a $1,000 check.

Stokes was awarded Elgin VFW Post 11079 Teacher of the Year, and advanced to Regionals, where she was named District 2 VFW Teacher of the Year. Stokes was then named the SC Teacher of Year, and now advances to Nationals, where she will compete against other states.

For more information on the Human Library® project worldwide, visit www.humanlibrary.org. For more information on the Kershaw County Library Human Library®, visit www.kershawcountylibrary.org/humanlibrary or call the Camden branch at 803-425-1508.

Trey Webb, Agent

I’m your one-stop shop for the service you deserve at a price you want. Call me for surprisingly great rates and Good Neighbor service right in your neighborhood.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Community Medical Clinic To Host 16th Annual Clinic Classic in April

The Community Medical Clinic's (CMC) flagship event, the Clinic Classic, will return this spring with a new location and race route.

The 16th Annual Clinic Classic run/walk will be held Saturday, April 29 at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church (1206 Lyttleton St, Camden, SC 29020), where the race will start and end. The race will begin at 8 am.

At the event, every member of the family can participate in their chosen distance (1-mile or USATF 5K), with winners in various age categories.

New this year, mascots from Kershaw County schools have been invited to greet and take photos with families at the race.

Return of the Clinic Classic Challenge

This year, Kershaw County elementary schools can compete for a $1,000 grand prize through the return of the “Clinic Classic Challenge.”

The school with the largest percentage of participation based on student enrollment will be awarded the prize funding, which can be used at the discretion of the school’s principal.

All elementary students along with their parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings, teachers, administrators, and support staff are invited to join in the 5K (3.1 miles) or the 1-mile run/walk.

“We’ve been working hard to plan an extra special run/walk that will be fun for the whole family,” said Clinic Classic committee member, Lynn Matthews. “We can’t wait to bring the whole community together in April to support our mission to provide medical care and connect resources to achieve a healthier Kershaw County.”

Sponsors Welcome

The event is currently open to sponsors, offering organizations the chance to show their support of healthcare equity while engaging directly with members of the Kershaw County community. In addition to Lyttleton Street UMC, the event's lead sponsors include McDonald's and Camden Family Care.

According to CMC’s development director Susan Didato, Clinic Classic sponsors play a key role in supporting the clinic’s work to deliver life-changing healthcare to CMC patients annually.

“For decades, CMC has saved lives in our community by reducing health disparities and maximizing population health,” she said. “Our goal is to heal whole lives and our whole community by offering under- and uninsured families access to the high quality care and support resources they need to thrive.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring the 2023 Clinic Classic can request sponsorship information by contacting Susan Didato at 803-669-5174 or sdidato@cmcofkc.org.

“We are so appreciative of all our participants, our sponsors, and our community for helping us advance health equity in Kershaw County,” Didato said.

Learn more about the 2023 Clinic Classic run/walk and register online at cmcofkc.org/clinicclassic Racers interested in entering their elementary school in the Clinic Classic Challenge should be sure to select the check box while registering for their school to be counted.

About CMC

Established in 1998, CMC is a community leader in providing healthcare resources and preventative care in Kershaw County. They provide primary care to patients at no cost while leading a collaborative effort to empower individuals to take charge of their own health and well-being. Learn more at http:// www.cmcofkc.org.

Also in New Business, a motion to approve the 1st Reading of a Budget Amendment to move $25,181.20 from g/l account #7380-Contingency to g/l account #7130-Town Salaries was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilwoman Dana Sloan with a unanimous vote from Council.

In Council Briefing, Councilman Ed Smith had no report. Councilwoman Dana Sloan had no report. Councilman Brad Hanley had no report. Mayor Melissa Emmons mentioned to Council that there needs to be future discussions regarding some type of food truck regulations. There have been several challenges recently and there needs to be some clarification for Article 6 Section 6.6 per the request of Steve Huntley, Zoning Administrator and Chief Anders. Mayor Emmons also reminded Council to complete their annual State of Economic Interests that is required by the South Carolina Ethics Commission. Town Attorney John Wells had no report.

A motion to adjourn at 6:54 was made by Councilman Brad Hanley, 2nd by Councilman Ed Smith with a unanimous vote from Council. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm. I encourage everyone to try to attend our monthly meetings so you can stay informed and find ways to get involved. And if you miss a meeting, check out our website at www.townofelginsc.com, where we list agendas, minutes from meetings and the calendar of events. Also, we now broadcast our monthly council meetings live on the “Town of Elgin” Facebook Page. Just remember that when you are informed, you are empowered.

If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by phone at 803-309-1385 or email at Melissa.emmons@townofelginsc.com.

WORKSHOP Register by March 31. To register, contact Karen Jackson 803.216.5745 | karen.e.jackson@wsp.com

Lugoff-Elgin Wrestling Finishes Season

Head Coach Ted Monroe is proud of his Demons.

“We started the year battling injury, and that plagued us throughout the season. Despite that, we had some solid tournaments; were always in the mix,” says Monroe.

Monroe attributes the success of the program this year to a dedicated as-

sistant coaching staff, and a good mixture of experience with seven seniors, and youthful energy from the seven underclassmen on this season’s starting line-up.

“I’ve got a very deep staff – most of the assistant coaches have been with me since I took over Varsity eight years ago,” says Monroe. “These guys are well-respected by our wrestlers, and they bring a lot of energy into the room.”

Assistant Coaches for the Demons include Joe Carron, Eric Cooper, Matt Medelssohn, Jay Murray and Brice Carron.

For Senior Roan Ferris, who wrestles in the 152 lb class, the team is like a band of brothers.

“We all got along very well and when we wrestled, we put everything on the line for each other,” says Ferris. “We had each other’s backs no matter what.”

Senior Ethan Korn agrees.

“Our team was not a team at the beginning,” says Korn. "The team and the coaches challenged each other to be better people, wrestlers, teammates, and leaders. Ever since then, our team has never been more successful on the mat because we made ourselves better for each other.”

Senior Cameron Reddick will also cherish the times spent with teammates and remembers the challenges that brought them together.

“The biggest challenge for me this season would have to be getting in to wrestling shape after coming from football season,” says Reddick. “As a wrestling team, we struggled to put a line-up together with the challenges of injuries and sickness.”

Things for the Demons began coming together in late January as the regional tournament approached.

“Everyone was healthy at the same time, the kids were hungry, and they wanted it,” says Monroe. “When the region tourney came around, we got our lineup straightened out and we won our 7th consecutive region championship. That win set us up well for the playoffs, and we had a dominant run in the Lower State playoffs.

Though they ultimately lost the State Finals to Eastside, Coach Monroe is excited for the future.

“On the surface, there are going to be doubts because we’re losing a lot of quality seniors in the 152 weight class and up, but we’ve got some very talented kids coming from the middle school and I know our underclassmen are going to step up,” says Monroe.

Monroe expects a championship level team next year.

“We feel like we’re going to be back in the mix again next year, and I’m excited about the challenge to get it done again with a younger group,” says Monroe.

The LEHS Demons finished the season with a 43-9 record. This weekend, eight Demon Wrestlers will be fighting for an individual State Champion title. Good luck to Titan Magee, Quentin Benjamin, Rylan Griggs, Roan Ferris, Cameron Reddick, Carson Miles, Ethan Korn, and Jonathan Sirard.

Photo courtesy Kamille Charles

Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office

30 Years of Service With No Regrets

This week marked 30 years of law enforcement service for me. I have absolutely no regrets and look forward to several more years. Despite what some critics may say, Law Enforcement remains one of the most noble professions in the world.

I’m very fortunate to have served in several uniforms over my career. My service in law enforcement includes the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Camden Police Department, the SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and of course the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.

I also wore law enforcement uniforms during my military time as Military

Police in the Army and Security Forces in the Air Force. I have learned a lot from my experiences with all agencies.

I’m not sure where my career may take me next, but I feel very blessed with where it has taken me so far.

I thank God, my family (blood & blue), and my community for all the support I‘ve received during this journey. Thank you!

Kershaw County Library March Event Schedule

Weekly Events

Weekly on Wednesdays

10:30 AM – 11 AM in Camden

Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5.

Weekly on Wednesdays

11:15 AM – 12 PM in Camden

Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for ages 0-2.

Weekly on Thursdays

10:30 AM – 11 AM in Elgin

Get Set to Read Storytime: Join us for stories, songs and fun. For ages 3-5.

Weekly on Thursdays

11:15 AM – 12 PM in Elgin

Baby Storytime: A fun time of stories, songs and movement for ages 0-2.

Events

Thursday, March 2 | 4 PM – 5:30 PM | Camden

Chess Club: Come on in for a chess club for all! Teaching of beginners and play for all levels will be available. Ages 7 to adult.

Friday, March 3 | 10 AM – 11:30 AM | Camden

Homeschoolers’ Club: Join us for special guest Leoncia Cruz from Nature as Teacher and “Rocky Rock Rock!” Bring a rock of your own, any size. All ages 5-12 meet together this month; no registration required.

Tuesday, March 7 | 10 AM – 11:30 AM | Camden

Small Business Association: Michael Corp will be here to talk about Small Business Association (SBA) resources for business start-up, SBA lending programs, contracting programs, and disaster programs.

Tuesday, March 7 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Elgin

Duplo Fun Time - Elgin! Little hands can make big fun with our larger Duplo Legos. Let their imaginations loose! For ages 18 mos. – 5 years.

Wednesday, March 8 | 4 PM to 5 PM | Elgin

Elgin Legomania: Come show us how creative you can be with Legos! For kids of all ages.

Thursday, March 9 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden

Lego Club: Let’s have fun with Legos! All ages welcome for free play.

Friday, March 10 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Camden

Little Explorers’ Club: Seeing Shadows: Join us for shadow play, both inside and outside (if weather permits). No registration required.

Tuesday, March 14 | 2 PM – 3 PM | Camden

Master Gardener: Propagation: Jackie Jordan, Master Gardener Coordinator for Fairfield, Kershaw and Richland Cooperative Extension Offices, will be here to talk about plant propagation by leaf cuttings. Come grow with us!

Tuesday, March 14 | 4:30 PM – 5 PM | Camden

Quiet Reading: Join us in a comfortable, quiet space to read for 15 minutes. You can read anything you’d like! This time is available for those who signed up for the Fireflies Reading Program in particular, but anyone is wel-

come to come into the Camden meeting room to read. This is purely quiet individual reading time!

Thursday, March 16 | 4 PM – 5:30 PM | Camden

Chess Club: Come on in for a chess club for all! Teaching of beginners and play for all levels will be available. Ages 7 to adult.

Tuesday, March 20 | 5 PM – 6 PM | Elgin

Law Talk: Family Law: Join the Elgin branch and SC Bar Public Services for a legal clinic on family law. The Law Talk will consist of a 30–40-minute lecture presentation, followed by an open question and answer session. Registration required. Contact the Elgin branch at 803-438-7881 to sign up. Law talks are designed to provide general legal information, not to provide guidance on your specific situation. The free clinics are sponsored by the South Carolina Bar Public Services Division.

Tuesday, March 21 | 4:30 PM – 5 PM | Camden

Quiet Reading: Join us in a comfortable, quiet space to read for 15 minutes. You can read anything you’d like! This time is available for those who signed up for the Fireflies Reading Program in particular, but anyone is welcome to come into the Camden meeting room to read. This is purely quiet individual reading time!

Wednesday, March 22 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Camden

Law Talk: Special Education: Join attorney Tierney Goodwyn for a legal clinic on special education. The Law Talk will consist of a 30–40-minute lecture presentation, followed by an open question and answer session. Registration required. Contact the Camden branch at 803-425-1508 to sign up. Law talks are designed to provide general legal information, not to provide guidance on your specific situation. The free clinics are sponsored by the South Carolina Bar Public Services Division.

Thursday, March 23 | 4 PM – 5 PM | Camden Lego Club: Let’s have fun with Legos! All ages are welcome for free play inside.

Thursday, March 23 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Camden

Camden Book Club: We will be discussing The Library Book by Susan Orlean. New members are always welcome. You can pick up a copy of the book at the Camden branch.

Monday, March 27 | 5 PM – 6 PM | Elgin

Elgin Book Club *new*: Join us in Elgin for our new book club! We’ll be reading TBA. Pick up your copy at the Elgin front desk!

Tuesday, March 28 | 4:30 PM – 5 PM | Camden

Quiet Reading: Join us in a comfortable, quiet space to read for 15 minutes. You can read anything you’d like! This time is available for those who signed up for the Fireflies Reading Program in particular, but anyone is welcome to come into the Camden meeting room to read. This is purely quiet individual reading time!

Thursday, March 30 | 4 PM – 5:30 PM | Camden

Chess Club: Come on in for a chess club for all! Teaching of beginners and play for all levels will be available. Ages 7 to adult.

Sheriff Lee Boan