Keeping ‘the dream’ alive

People packed into Camden's Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Monday evening for the community's annual remembrance of the life and legacy of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The NAACP's Camden-Kershaw County branch sponsored the event, presided over by 1st Vice President Rev. Kenneth Carter.

Camden man recalls hearing King’s speeches

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. powerfully and famously used his words to break down racial barriers. Today, Americans across the country are remembering King's words and celebrating the life of a man who played perhaps the most prominent role in the civil rights movement. King drew thousands of people -- most famously through marches -- from different racial and religious backgrounds together to peacefully protest inequality.

Pat Watts, long-time FAC, DAR supporter passes

A long-time supporter of both the Fine Arts Center (FAC) of Kershaw County and the Hobkirk Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is being mourned today. Patricia "Pat" Plyler Watts died Tuesday at the age of 79.

CFD honors firefighters of the year at council meeting

The Camden Fire Department (CFD) recognized two of its top firefighters during Tuesday nights' Camden City Council meeting. CFD Chief John Bowers announced Lt. Chris Tidwell as the CFD's 2014 Career Firefighter of the Year and retired Capt. Gene Parnell as its Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

S.C. Equine Park receives $250,000 grant for arena

Its steel girders dwarf the neighboring and, to this date, the only covered show ring at the South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP) in Camden.

City council to hear Equine Foundation presentation

Representatives from the S.C. Equine Promotion Foundation (SCEPF) will speak before Camden City Council during its meeting Tuesday night. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.; there will be no afternoon work session. SCEPF officials are expected to update council on a $250,000 grant application to the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott visits Jackson Teen Center

United States Sen. Tim Scott paid a special visit to the Jackson Teen Center (JTC) in Camden on Dec. 30, to see firsthand the difference the facility is making for the youth of the community. Operated in conjunction with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, JTC offers after-school activity and tutoring programs for youths who might otherwise be out on their own and more prone to mischief and trouble.

Council approves four more Leaders Legacy Benches

Camden City Council voted unanimously Dec. 9 to approve four more Leaders Legacy recognition benches. The benches will honor a late dentist and three former city councilmen. Councilman Jeffrey Graham is acting as the city sponsor for the four benches.

KC Diamonds take it all in ‘Battle of the Border’

Smiley, Quiet Storm, Showtyme, Precyse, Tailor Made, Terminator, Lieutenant, Havoc, Live Wire, Dimplez, Eyes and Eclipse. If they sound like female gang names, you'd be right and wrong. They're the "better gang," the Kershaw County Diamonds and they are step dancing champions.

Plans for Rhame shift entrance to east side of arena

Plans for Rhame Arena's renovation are firming up, and will include a shift of the main entrance from the north side to the east side of the more than 50-year-old building. Camden Economic Development Director Wade Luther presented the changes to Camden City Council during a lengthy work session Tuesday afternoon.

Former Hazelwood Cleaners building on work session agenda

529 East DeKalb St. has stood vacant for many years, since Hazelwood Cleaners moved out approximately a decade ago. Four years ago, the city of Camden's building official and fire inspector determined the structure -- which was also once Camden's first movie theater -- "an immediate hazard" due to the then-potential collapse of its 35-foot-plus walls because of a failing roof.

Classically Christmas

Davis, Graham sworn-in at Camden City Hall

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Manager Deborah Davis and former Camden Mayor Jeffrey Graham took their oaths of office as members of Camden City Council during a brief ceremony at Camden City Hall on Monday evening. Current Mayor Tony Scully delivered the oath of office to Davis, while Municipal Judge Rick Todd administered the oath to Graham.

Kendall Park closed as city upgrades walking trail

A well-used Camden city park walking trail will soon have a new look and feel.

Camden could become part of new neighborhood initiative program

The city of Camden could become part of a new program to fund the removal and redevelopment of blighted residential properties. Kyle Kelly, director of economic and community sustainability for the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments (COG), spoke to Camden City Council about the Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) during its Nov. 25 meeting.

City council to recognize Miss Camden, Miss Camden Teen

Camden City Council will recognize the new Miss Camden and Miss Camden Teen winners for 2015 during its meeting Tuesday evening. Council will honor 2015 Miss Camden Abigail Zvejnieks and 2015 Miss Camden Teen Olivia Loynes, as well as their platforms.

Broad Street railroad crossing closing for repairs Monday

CSX Railroad will close the Broad Street railroad crossing in Dusty Bend for two weeks starting Monday in order to conduct repairs.