Archive

Columbia potter visits Lugoff-Elgin ceramics students for artist talk

Professional potter Deborah Life of Columbia recently visited Lugoff-Elgin High School’s Independent Ceramics 2 students for a meet-and-greet tea and discussion about her work as a professional artist. Life first connected with the school’s ceramics program in December at the Richland County Public Library’s Holiday Market, where Ceramics 1 students from Lugoff-Elgin set up a booth and sold their pottery. After purchasing a piece titled “Hairs” by LEHS senior Bailey Settles, Life began talking with the students and teacher, and the group learned she is an active professional potter. The conversation led to an invitation for Life to visit the school as a guest artist for the upper-level ceramics class. During the student-led tea, Life shared details about her background, how she found her path in pottery, the professional groups and activities she participates in, and business insights from her experience as a working artist. Students also shared their own

Miss South Carolina Jr. High School America visits Pine Tree Hill for Read Across America Week

Pine Tree Hill Elementary welcomed Charlie Davis, Miss South Carolina Jr. High School America 2026, to its 4K classroom this week as part of Read Across America Week activities. Davis read a story to the students and shared a message about the importance of choosing words carefully. Through a book and a related activity about a “wrinkled heart,” students learned how words can cause harm and how kindness can help repair the impact of hurtful language. School staff said the visit highlighted both the importance of reading and the value of speaking with kindness.

Camden City Council Recognizes Sergeant Grant Furry, Proclaims Women’s History Month, and Discusses Community Initiatives

During its March meeting, Camden City Council recognized a Camden police sergeant for his service to the community, proclaimed March as Women’s History Month, discussed efforts to strengthen code enforcement, and advanced updates to the City’s golf cart ordinance. Council began the meeting by approving minutes from its previous meeting and adopting the agenda without changes. One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Camden Police Department Sergeant Grant Furry as the City’s March Employee of the Month. City Manager Matt DeWitt noted that the City’s employee recognition program is made possible through Mayor Vincent Sheheen’s decision to donate his mayoral salary back to the City to support the initiative, and this program would not be possible without his generous support. Furry was nominated by Captain Justin Dill, who praised his leadership and dedication to serving Camden residents. According to the nomination, Furry has repeatedly gone above and

City of Camden Announces Accommodations Tax Grant Opportunities for FY 2026–27

The City of Camden Accommodations Tax Grant Committee is now accepting applications for fiscal year 2026–27. Accommodations Tax grants are available to nonprofit organizations in and around Camden to support the advertising and promotion of events, attractions, and tourism-related initiatives that bring visitors to the community. The goal of the program is to strengthen Camden’s tourism economy by supporting marketing efforts that attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius. Eligible projects may include festivals, cultural events, sporting events, or other activities designed to draw regional, state, or national audiences to Camden. Accommodations Tax funding operates as a reimbursement-based program. Eligible events, projects, and activities must take place between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Formal applications must be submitted and approved before funding requests will be considered. The Accommodations Tax Grant Application and Grant Handbook are available for download on the City of Camden’s website at:https://experiencecamdensc.com/government/administration-finance/grants-funding/ Completed applications must

City of Camden Hosts Record-Breaking Community Tree Planting Day

The City of Camden welcomed a record number of volunteers on Monday for its Community Tree Planting Day, with residents of all ages gathering at Scott Park in the morning and City Arena Park in the afternoon to help expand the City’s urban tree canopy. A total of forty-four trees were planted, with two additional trees scheduled to be planted once ground conditions allow. The new additions include Black Gum, Holly, Nuttall Oak, and Dawn Redwood — species selected for their long-term environmental and aesthetic benefits. The event brought together families, students, civic organizations, and community partners in a shared effort to strengthen Camden’s urban forest. “We were overwhelmed and excited at the enthusiasm we saw in our volunteers who helped at Scott Park in the morning and City Arena Park in the afternoon,” said Kat Spadacenta, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Camden. “I can’t thank enough the

The Carolina Cup: A Southern Rite of Spring

There are some traditions that simply belong to a place. In Camden, the Carolina Cup Steeplechase is one of them. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, thousands of spectators will gather once again at the historic Springdale Racecourse for the 91st running of the Carolina Cup presented by MUSC Health — a day filled with horse racing, tailgating, fashion, and community tradition. According to Toby Edwards, Executive Director of the Carolina Cup Racing Association, the event is woven deeply into the fabric of Camden life. “Ninety-one years speaks for itself, doesn’t it?” Edwards said. “We’ve missed only a couple of years during World War II and the COVID year. Families have been coming for generations.” A Reunion of Spring and Community For many, the Carolina Cup is more than just a horse race. It’s a homecoming. Edwards describes it as a “southern rite of spring,” the day when people finally shake

CUP FEST Brings Mother’s Finest to Downtown Camden March 27th

Camden’s biggest weekend of the year is about to get even bigger. For the first time, downtown Camden will host CUP FEST , a lively street festival on Friday, March 27, kicking off a full weekend of celebration leading into the 91st running of the Carolina Cup Steeplechase races on Saturday, March 28 at Springdale Racecourse. Organized by the City of Camden, CUP FEST is designed to turn the Carolina Cup weekend into a multi-day experience for both locals and visitors. According to Kat Spadacenta, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Camden, the goal is simple: give people a reason to come downtown early and enjoy everything the historic district has to offer. “We’re launching the first ever CUP FEST,” Spadacenta said. “It’s a downtown street festival that will stretch along Broad Street between Highway 1 and York Street the day before the Cup. We want people coming into

Fire With Purpose: Controlled Burn Clears Way for Historic Restoration

Smoke rose over the Camden Battlefield last week — not from battle, but from a carefully planned prescribed burn. The South Carolina Forestry Commission conducted the operation as part of a long-term effort to restore the landscape to its 1780 appearance, when open longleaf pine savannas defined the terrain. The burn also improves wildlife habitat and reduces wildfire risk. The South Carolina Forestry Commission conducted a prescribed burn at the Camden Battlefield as part of a long-term effort by the Historic Camden Foundation, the American Battlefield Trust and Liberty Trail partners to gradually restore the landscape to what historians believe it looked like in 1780. The foundation now preserves roughly 800 acres — a dramatic expansion from just six acres in 1942 — and leaders say the goal is to convert much of that land from dense secondary growth into open pine savanna consistent with the Revolutionary War-era battlefield. Forestry

Run With Heart: 19th Annual Clinic Classic Powers Up for Kershaw County

Get ready to hit the pavement with purpose! The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County is proud to present the 19th Annual Clinic Classic Walk/Run – where every stride supports healthcare access for our neighbors who need it most. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, 2026, as we transform Historic Camden into a celebration of community, wellness, and compassion. Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church (1206 Lyttleton Street) serves as race headquarters, with runners and walkers launching into the scenic streets of our historic district at 8 a.m. sharp. Rain or shine, we’re running! “Nineteen years strong and we’re just getting started,” said Clinic Classic Coordinator Lynn Matthews. “This isn’t just a race—it’s our community saying ‘we’ve got each other’s backs.’ Whether you’re chasing a PR or strolling with your kids, you’re making healthcare possible for families right here in Kershaw County.” Pick Your Path: Cross the finish line to

Laurie’s “Current” Valentine’s Watch List

By Laurie Parks Romantic Comedies – they have been around as long as movies themselves. I don’t want to go that far back, but I still love “The Philadelphia Story” from 1940 with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. It’s an oldie but goody, but it really didn’t age well. The same could be said for 1990’s “Pretty Woman”; it’s a classic but dated. So many of the movies that we either grew up with or enjoyed as adults would never be made today. Every generation has their go-to rom coms. I’m thinking of “Sixteen Candles” and “Pretty In Pink”; they were never MY rom coms. I have tried my best to compile a list that appeals to just about everyone, and hopefully a couple that that you haven’t seen yet! So here’s my list of MY top 10 Valentines movies (in chronological order, not preference):

“Gas station drugs” in plain sight: ALPHA Center raises awareness about fast-changing products

Products marketed as “mood,” “focus” or “energy” boosters — capable of producing intoxicating and addictive effects — are being sold in gas stations and retail stores across Kershaw County, ALPHA Behavioral Health Center staff told county leaders in January, prompting council discussion about regulation, public safety and youth exposure. Kershaw County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 to adopt an ordinance regulating the sale of so-called “gas station drugs,” including nitrous oxide and kratom. The measure restricts purchases to those 21 and older and requires retailers to keep the products behind counters or in locked areas, with violations carrying fines of up to $500, 30 days in jail or both. Councilman Russell Brazell said the action adds needed “guardrails” to protect youth, while prevention specialists warned the substances carry addiction and overdose risks, especially when mixed with opioids. The ordinance took effect immediately. Previous Discussion: January County Council

Kershaw County’s Eve Carlin announces bid for S.C. House District 70

Eve Carlin, a resident of Kershaw County, has announced she is running for the South Carolina House of Representatives, House District 70. The constituency for SC House District 70 takes in parts of Kershaw County (Camden and Lugoff) and parts of Lower Richland County (part of Hopkins, all of Gadsden and Eastover.) Eve Carlin is a community advocate in Kershaw County. She is a active member of the Kershaw County Democratic Party, the Kershaw County Democratic Women, the Camden Junior Welfare League, the Kershaw County NAACP and other organizations. Last year she was recognized as one of three outstanding women community service leaders for Kershaw County! Eve’s platform issues include the following: Eve will be running in a Democratic primary for this seat. The primary election is Tuesday, June 9th with early voting beginning on May 26th. Eves website for her campaign is http://www.evecarlinschouse.com. Her email address is evelyncarlin@yahoo.com and her cell is

Jonathan Proctor Announces Run For County Council

After careful thought, prayer, and consideration, I am honored and excited to announce that I am running for Kershaw County Council, District 4. The Republican Primary will be held on June 9, and District 4 deserves strong, conservative leadership. I am committed to being that candidate. My life’s work has been rooted in service. I began by bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly in Lugoff, waited tables while earning my business degree from Coastal Carolina University, and later had the privilege of serving families during their most difficult moments as a Funeral Director at Powers Funeral Home. In 2021, I opened Peaceful Paws Mortuary & Crematory here in Lugoff, continuing my commitment to serve our community as a small business owner. I look forward to extending this record of service to the Kershaw County Council. My passion for public service began in 2005 when I attended Palmetto Boys State, where I developed

Come cook with Melissa

Brought to you by Every Day Gourmet, Camden’s local lunch spot since 1985. Mexican Street Corn Hi! My name is Melissa Saavedra and I love everything there is about food! Join me as I share some of my favorite recipes. Let’s talk about corn, specifically about street corn! If you haven’t tried street corn, you are missing out. This salad is perfect as a side dish or as an add-on to tacos. In fact, I’ll be making it at The Every Day Gourmet’s BBQ night on February 19 from 5:30 to 8pm. Come see us for pulled pork, smoked chicken and of course, tasty side dishes like my Mexican street corn! Enjoy! Mexican Street Corn INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS Grab a frying pan preferably a 10-12 in one and melt the butter on medium high heat. Once the butter is sizzling add the corn and spread out evenly in the pan. Stir occasionally and cook the

Camden Mayor Vincent Sheheen authors book explaining how South Carolina government really works

Camden Mayor Vincent Sheheen says most South Carolinians can name the president and argue about Washington, but few can explain how the government in Columbia actually works, even though state decisions shape daily life far more directly. That gap is what pushed Sheheen, a former state senator and state representative, to write The Concise Guide to South Carolina State Government, a new reference-style book published by the University of South Carolina Press. Sheheen discussed the book Tuesday, Jan. 27, during a public talk and Q&A hosted by Books on Broad at the Sheheen Colonial Artisan Center at Historic Camden. “I taught a class on South Carolina government and politics and there was no book,” Sheheen told the audience, recalling his years teaching in the University of South Carolina Honors College. The only text available, he said, dated to the early 1990s and required extensive workarounds because so much of state