Near drowning averted at Kendall Lake

One day before an Elgin homeowner found 15-year-old Daven Williams dead in their swimming pool, a Camden man was transported -- alive -- to the hospital after nearly drowning in Kendall Lake. Camden Police Department (CPD) Chief Joe Floyd said the 35-year-old man had to be taken to the hospital after he tried to rescue his fiancé's flotation device.

Elgin man receives Silver Star after 46 years

One December morning in 1967 during the Vietnam war, an armored personnel carrier with three American soldiers was attacked with rocket propelled grenades. A then 19-year-old Joseph Tate, who was serving as a medic in the infantry unit, pulled the men out. He didn't think twice about it.

Ariail for June 19, 2013

Holliday football, L-E hoop camp on tap

Here are the sports camps on tap in Kershaw County for the week of June 24.

A lifetime of Mother’s Days

On Mother's Day, May 12, 2013, hospice delivered a potted flower to Luvenia Sowell. It was left on her porch, for no one was home. The family had gone to church, including Mrs. Sowell, who spent this day as she had every other Sunday -- with the Lord.

Annual fireworks display

The Lake Wateree Association (LWA) and the Wateree Homeowners Association Fairfield County (WHOA) will sponosr their annual Fourth of July fireworks display on July 4 around 9:15 p.m. LWA officials said the best place to view is from Clearwater Cove Marina. LWA has a long tradition of organizing the fireworks show for the comunity. Donations from the public are encouraged and can be sent to LWA, P.O. Box 2132, Camden, SC 29020. Contributions can also ...

Googling ourselves to death

WASHINGTON -- At a party a few years ago, a young reporter bounded over to my cluster of social nodders and, with the breathlessness of a born tweeter, chirped: "What's the new hot thing?!"

New swimming facilities needed

I am concerned about the future of the recreation facilities in Kershaw County. Much has been said and many things have been proposed. The county and the city must work together for a better Kershaw County.

Statehouse ethics: just tell the truth

When I was a young boy growing up and my mother confronted me with something that I knew I had done wrong, I often stammered around, making excuses and trying to avoid fessing up. My mom's response was always the same: "Let's begin by just telling the truth."

What creature do you wish was real?

Lugoff Native named to UWG “30 Under 30” list

The University of West Georgia Alumni Association has announced the first top 30 Under 30 list for 2013. The nomination process for the 2013 list was completed on March 15.

Find Waldo!

Where's Waldo? In Camden, South Carolina, of course. The famous children's book character in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 25 different local businesses throughout the community this July.

Kershaw County Library to host musician Elska to celebrate summer reading

As part of its summer reading celebration, the Kershaw County Library will present children's musical performer Elska at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Camden Branch.

Pine Grove Residential student found dead in swimming pool

A 15-year-old teen with a developmental disorder was found dead on Friday after he walked away from the school he attended in Elgin for the second time, according to authorities.

Noted and passed

** A new Gallup poll indicates that Americans rank the performance of Congress at the lowest level since polling on the subject began. Only 10 percent of citizens say they have confidence in Congress, with no discernible difference among those who call themselves Democrats and those who say they're Republicans. Congress rates last on a list of 16 institutions, with the American military ranking first. The Gallup organization has been asking opinions of Congress ...

Jr. 17ers fall, 2-1; Seniors rained out

Wade Burr was the tough-luck losing pitcher as the Kershaw County Post 17 Junior American Legion baseball team dropped a 2-1 decision against South Florence last Friday night in a game played at American Legion Park in Camden.

Registration takes place for sports camps

Here are the sports camps on tap in Kershaw County for the week of June 17. Camden Volleyball Camp: Open to beginners through intermediate players. Beginners will focus on skill development and work toward game play. Intermediate players will refine their skills and work on more advanced team concepts. Players will be grouped by skill level. Instructing the camp will be Camden High varsity head coach Paige Wilson along with her coaching staff and high ...

Delta Sigma Theta sorority introduces seven to society

Camden's local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. hosted its Fourth Annual Debutante Cotillion, Radiant Rubies: Refined and Ready to Conquer the World, on Saturday, May 18, at the Shrine Club in Camden.

Addressing the marriage question

I think it's safe to say that I've definitely reached the age where people often feel the need to ask the "marriage question." And by that, I mean frequent inquiries about to whom and when I'm getting married, why I'm not attached at the moment, etc., etc., etc. Which is fine. I don't mind answering that I'm not seeing anyone serious at the moment or that I'm not ready ...

Ariail for June 12, 2013

Maxway building

Camden City Council was scheduled yesterday to take second reading on a proposal to purchase the former Maxway building in the downtown business district, with plans to raze the decaying structure and build a small park. The building, located at the corner of Broad and Rutledge Street, has stood unoccupied for years and has become an eyesore. It's presently owned by Redwood Homes LLC, which has agreed to sell ...

Sidewalk Survey: Where you you go?

If money were no object, where on Earth would you like to visit?

Crime Report - June 12, 2013

The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) arrested a 43-year-old Camden man June 3 after he attempted to break into a car wash on Jefferson Davis Hwy. in east Camden.

Ideas always welcome here

For the past couple of years, Kimbrell's has been considering closing its Camden furniture store due to the declining downtown foot traffic. Recently, the CEO of Kimbrell's met with Camden officials and, upon hearing of our plans to revitalize Camden, committed to renovate the interior and exterior of their store at the corner of Broad and Rutledge. For those who want to see the eventual results of the ongoing renovation, check out Kimbrell's in ...

Blaney Elementary champions

Economic development office updates Committee of 100

What's happening on the county's economic development front was the focus of a presentation by County Economic Development Director Peggy McLean at the Kershaw County Committee of 100's annual meeting May 31. More than 60 committee members attended the event at the historic Robert Mills Courthouse.

KCSD celebrates adult ed graduates during ceremony

More than 70 adult students received their GEDs or high school diplomas from the Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Adult Education program this year.

Camden attorney combines environmental passion with adventure

Brick walls are there for a reason. Not to keep us out but to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. In this instance, the brick wall was in the form of a physical challenge. For Tom Mullikin, being born with what were then described as bone abnormalities in both feet would prove to be a source of strength and perseverance in both his life and career. At first, doctors ...

KCSO to host S.T.A.R.S. summer camps for youth

For the third year in a row, the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office will host three summer camps designed for young people who will be in the fifth through eighth grades. The S.T.A.R.S camps, which stands for Self discipline, Teamwork, Attitude, Respect and Selfless Service will give participants a positive, meaningful week of exposure to: crime scene investigations, police K9 demonstrations, fire safety, basic first aid by EMS personnel, Internet safety, anti-bullying, goal setting, team ...

William Burnett Collins

William Burnett Collins, 74, of Lugoff, died Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Plans are incomplete and will be announced by Kornegay Funeral Home, Lugoff, Elgin, Chapel.