The City of Camden is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Slade Funderburk as its new City Prosecutor. “We are proud to have an accomplished professional like Laurie Funderburk assisting our police officers in court,” said Vincent Sheheen. “Her experience and dedication will strengthen our commitment to justice and public safety.” “I am honored by this appointment and the opportunity to serve my hometown,” said Funderburk. “I look forward to working with law enforcement, City leaders, and residents to support a safe and strong community.” In her role, Funderburk will represent the City in municipal court, working closely with law enforcement to prosecute cases and support the administration of justice. With a lifelong connection to Camden, Funderburk brings a deep background in law and public service to her role as City Prosecutor. She served 16 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where she was a member of

Camden City Councilman William Wilkes has been elected Chairman of the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors, positioning Kershaw County at the forefront of regional transportation and mobility efforts. According to SWRTA officials, Wilkes becomes the first chairman from Kershaw County since the authority was established in 1978. Wilkes, who was elected to Camden City Council in November 2024, said his priorities as chairman include expanding access, improving the customer experience, and ensuring the organization’s long-term financial stability. “Transportation is one of the clearest ways we expand opportunity,” Wilkes said. “It connects people to jobs, healthcare, and the services they rely on every day. I’m fortunate to have great colleagues on Camden City Council who allow me to go to Sumter each month and advocate for our residents. That same commitment now extends to every community served by SWRTA.” His election comes as Camden continues its partnership with

Imagine downtown Camden on a warm evening. Families stroll down Broad Street after dinner. Children laugh at community events their parents once attended. Traditions are passed down. Memories are made. And the next generation chooses to call Camden home. That kind of community takes intention. The City of Camden will receive a rebate through its participation in the nonprofit CarolinaBUY, a cooperative purchasing program that allows public agencies to save time and money while remaining compliant with state purchasing requirements. City Manager Matt DeWitt enrolled Camden in the program to strengthen operational efficiency while creating opportunities for reinvestment. As the City advances necessary infrastructure projects, including the AMI initiative, participation in CarolinaBUY allows a portion of those expenses to return to the community. The City will direct these funds into local events and shared experiences that build civic pride and strengthen community culture. “Our participation in the CarolinaBUY program allows

Kershaw County Council unanimously voted on first-reading approval during a special meeting to nine ordinances aimed at slowing residential growth and tightening development standards on March 31.  The package, developed by the county’s Smart Growth Committee and presented by Councilman Derek Shoemake, is not final. Kershaw County ordinances must pass three readings before they can be adopted and the measures are still expected to face additional review, including Planning Commission input and public comment, before council takes final action. Shoemake, who chairs the Smart Growth Committee, told council the ordinances are meant to bridge the gap between the moratorium and a broader rewrite of the county’s zoning and land development rules. “The goal, our goal short term was quite succinctly to fill the gap from when the moratorium expires until we get a full ZLDR rewrite,” Shoemake said. The county’s temporary moratorium, adopted in July 2025, paused new residential subdivision