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Camden Police Chief Jack Rushing Graduates from South Carolina Executive Institute

Camden Police Chief Jack Rushing has graduated from the South Carolina Executive Institute, a statewide leadership development program designed to prepare senior public sector leaders to address complex challenges facing their organizations and communities. The South Carolina Executive Institute is a comprehensive seven-month leadership program hosted by the South Carolina Department of Administration. The program brings together senior leaders from across state and local government for six intensive sessions focused on leadership development, strategic problem solving, and collaboration among public service professionals throughout South Carolina. “I want to congratulate our Police Chief, Jack Rushing, on his graduation from the South Carolina Executive Institute,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt. “This program represents the very best in leadership development, and Chief Rushing’s commitment to continuing education reflects the professionalism and dedication he brings to serving our community each day. The City of Camden is proud of his accomplishment, and we are fortunate

Camden City Council approves updated golf cart regulations

Camden City Council has approved a new ordinance establishing updated regulations for golf cart operation within City limits, expanding allowable hours while reinforcing safety requirements. The ordinance aligns with recent updates to South Carolina law allowing local jurisdictions to establish additional guidelines for golf cart operation, including permitted hours, equipment, and locations. Under the new ordinance, golf carts may now be operated from daylight hours through 11:00 p.m., expanding the previously limited timeframe. This change is intended to better accommodate residents while maintaining safe operation standards on public streets. In addition to the extended hours, the ordinance requires that all golf carts operated within the City be equipped with properly functioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals to improve visibility and safety. “This ordinance is about balancing convenience with safety,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt. “We know golf carts are a popular way to get around Camden, and these updates help

Blankets & Bands Returns to Town Green for Spring Concert Series

The beloved Blankets & Bands free concert series returns to Town Green this spring, bringing live music, community, and warm evenings to Downtown Camden. Performances will take place on Thursdays, April 9 and 23, and May 7 and 21, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an evening of live entertainment in the heart of Camden. Pack a picnic or grab takeout from one of Camden’s local restaurants and make it a night. The series kicks off on Thursday, April 9, with the smooth sounds of The Esquires, offering a mix of timeless favorites that are sure to get the crowd grooving. On April 23, Blankets & Bands welcomes Phil James & the Fast Lane to the stage for the first time, delivering high-energy 90s hits filled with fun and nostalgia. Thursday, May 7 features Nigel

Kershaw County Council approves first reading of ordinances tied to growth, development

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

Russell Brazell announces run for House District 45

Russell Brazell, a Lugoff business owner and Kershaw County Council member, has announced his candidacy for South Carolina House District 45. Born and raised in the Pine Grove area of Lugoff, Brazell said his roots in the community, family business and outdoor life helped shape his values of hard work, service and faith. He attended Lugoff schools, finished at Thomas Sumter Academy and graduated from Clemson University in 2000 with a degree in forest resource management. After college, Brazell returned home to join the family business, now known as Roy’s Wood Products. Over the past 26 years, he has helped grow the company from a small shop into a business employing about 90 people, according to the announcement. Brazell and his wife, Kayci, met while attending Clemson and married in 2001. Kayci worked as a schoolteacher for more than 18 years. Together, they are raising three children: Merritt, 22; Davis,

Marc Wood announces run for Kershaw County Council District 4

Marc Wood has announced his candidacy for Kershaw County Council District 4 and will seek the Republican nomination in the June 9, 2026, primary election. Wood, a partner at Sheheen, Hancock and Godwin LLP in Camden, said he is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, thoughtful leadership and responsible growth. “As an accountant and community member, I understand the importance of strong leadership, integrity and fiscal responsibility,” Wood said in announcing his campaign. Wood said he believes he is the most experienced and qualified candidate in the race and pledged to support growth that protects the character of Kershaw County while preparing for the future. He said smart economic development and sustainable progress will be central to his campaign, with a focus on making sure growth benefits the families who live in District 4. Wood also pointed to growth management as one of the top concerns he hears from

Community Medical Clinic to expand school-based health centers after success at NCHS

At North Central High School, the school-based health center plays a vital role in supporting student health, academic success, and overall well-being by providing on-site healthcare services during the school day. When students get sick, they do not always have to leave campus, miss a full day of class or wait for a doctor’s appointment after school. Instead, students can visit the school nurse and, if enrolled in the program, be referred to the school-based health center run by the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County. There, they can be tested and receive care for common illnesses and if needed, can be tested for influenza, COVID-19, strep, and urinary infection. For parents, that can mean less missed work and one less hurdle when a child gets sick. “The Community Medical Clinic has been awesome to work with,” North Central Principal David Branham said. “They provide this access, not just for

Library event aims to help Kershaw County voters feel more confident before Election Day

Kershaw County Library is partnering with SC Votes to host a voter education program designed to help residents feel more prepared and confident before heading to the polls. The free event, “Be a Smart Voter in South Carolina,” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the Camden Library, 1304 Broad St. Organizers say it is open to the public and aimed at anyone with questions about the voting process. Amy Schofield, the library director, said the goal is to give people “clear, trusted and nonpartisan information” about how voting works in South Carolina. “The purpose of this event is to help people feel more confident about voting,” she said. “We want people to leave knowing where to vote, what to expect, how to prepare ahead of time, and where they can go for accurate information.” The program comes as many voters continue to sort through confusing and sometimes

Kershaw County promotes Zack Hoover to planning and zoning director

Kershaw County has promoted Zack Hoover to director of the Kershaw County Planning and Zoning Department, according to an announcement released March 31. Hoover was selected for the leadership role after working his way up through the department, beginning as a permit technician and later serving as senior planner and planning and development manager. County officials said Hoover brings a strong understanding of Kershaw County’s land-use policies, development trends and strategic growth goals, experience they say will help support both short-range and long-range planning priorities. In his previous positions, Hoover oversaw planning, zoning, land development and other regulatory responsibilities. He also provided guidance to county staff, developers and residents navigating planning and zoning matters. According to the press release announcement, Hoover’s background includes service in the Air Force, experience it described as helping prepare him with the leadership and operational perspective needed for the director’s role. As director, Hoover will

Rotary wild game dinner raises more than $90,000 for scholarships, local initiatives

The 13th annual Rotary Wild Game Dinner and Auction raised more than $90,000 to support local scholarships and Rotary service initiatives in Kershaw County, according to organizers. The fundraiser was held March 14 at the Camden City Arena and was organized by the West Wateree-Lugoff and Camden Rotary clubs. Organizers said the annual event continues to provide scholarships for Kershaw County high school seniors pursuing higher education. With this year’s proceeds, the event has now generated more than $525,000 over 13 years, benefiting more than 285 local students, according to information provided by organizers. About 20 additional students are expected to benefit this year, though the scholarship application process is still underway. Organizers said each new scholarship is valued at $4,000. More than 400 people attended this year’s dinner and auction. Lugoff Automotive Group returned as the event’s Supreme Sponsor. Elite sponsors included the Health Services District of Kershaw County,

Lugoff-Elgin Demonettes earn excellent rating at state assessment

The Lugoff-Elgin High School Demonettes recently earned an Excellent rating at the inaugural Dance Performance Assessment hosted by the South Carolina Dance Association. The event took place at Coker University in Hartsville. Dancers were evaluated on their ability to learn choreography during an Afro Fusion masterclass as well as their performance execution of a team piece titled Coast to Coast. Demonettes Coach Gracie Buring praised the team’s effort, saying, “These students have worked tremendously hard this season and today that paid off.”

Lugoff-Elgin bands earn top marks at state assessment

The Lugoff-Elgin Concert & Symphonic Bands recently performed at the South Carolina Band Directors Association Concert Performance Assessment at Fort Mill High School. Both groups did an outstanding job and represented the school and band program well. The Concert Band earned a Superior Rating and the Symphonic Band earned a rating of Superior with Distinction, meaning they received a superior from every judge! Band Director Travis Kelly said, “I’m so unbelievably proud of our bands and their performances! They represented our program so well, not only in the way that they played, but also in the way that they carried themselves throughout the whole process.”

Pine Tree Hill first graders show off handmade pinch pots and succulents

First graders from Pine Tree Hill have been hard at work in the art room, crafting their very own ceramic pinch pots from start to finish. Using their hands to carefully shape the clay, students explored the art of pottery before adding vibrant glazes to make each piece unique. To bring their creations to life, they planted succulents inside—combining creativity with a touch of nature. This hands-on project not only showcased their artistic talents but also gave students a sense of pride in their work. A big thank you to our fantastic art teacher, Kara Laster, for inspiring creativity and helping our young artists grow—just like their plants! Beautiful pinch pots created by Pine Tree Hill first graders Image 771 – Students Liam Potter, Zaniya Williams, Kayden Bowers and Parker Truesdale show off their pinch pots

Lugoff Fire-Rescue to hold free Community Lifesaver Training

Training provided on topics of bleeding control, CPR, LifeVac and Narcan Lugoff Fire-Rescue (LF-R) is excited to announce an opportunity for our community to get free training in the following topics: LF-R will hold three sessions throughout 2026 at the Lugoff Fire Department Headquarters located at 892 Highway 1 South, Lugoff, SC 29078. Training Sessions: Space is limited so please signup using the Google form at the following link (https://bit.ly/lfdcpr). Once a session reaches the maximum enrollment, the form will be updated to only display dates with available slots. This training is made possible by the support of the Health Foundation of Kershaw County and the staff of LF-R. For more details, contact Captain Christi Catoe 803-438-2553.

Six months in, Stokes building connections, growth at Kershaw County Chamber

After 18 years with the Chamber, Executive Director Loree Stokes reflects on her first months in leadership and what’s ahead for Kershaw County’s business community. Six months into her role as executive director of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, Loree Stokes says the position has offered something she didn’t fully expect: a new perspective on an organization she has helped shape for nearly two decades. Stokes, who joined the Chamber in March 2008 and stepped into the director role in October 2025, said the transition has deepened her understanding of the Chamber’s reach and its role in the community. “I’ve always known we do important work, but being in this position has allowed me to see the full scope of how we can support local businesses and strengthen the community,” she said. That perspective, she said, is rooted in relationships built over time — and reinforced by the support