Public hearing on unified zoning code Tuesday

Kershaw County Council will hold a public hearing on an amendment of the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations with regards to family exemptions at Tuesday's meeting.

Bullying top concern for safety commission

After analyzing a variety of student survey responses related to community safety, the Kershaw County Safe Communities Commission concluded Thursday that bullying will be one of the group's first areas of concentration. Commission Chairman Kevin Rhodes indicated the group's efforts are moving in a positive direction after reviewing student feedback generated from the county's Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) grant. "This is exactly what ...

KCC looks to clarify gun discharge laws

Kershaw County Council explored the possibility of implementing a gun discharge ordinance Tuesday after hearing complaints from local residents and law enforcement officials. But before council even began discussing the possible change, Councilman Stephen Smoak asked county staff why the item was actually placed on Tuesday's agenda. Councilman Jimmy Jones interjected with his own explanation as County Attorney Ken DuBose began to ...

County seeking new assessor after Roberts’ exit

KCC to discuss tourism committee appointments

Kershaw County Council will consider making appointments Tuesday to the county's tourism committee, a group tasked with advising council and Kershaw County Tourism Director Darron Kirkley with matters pertaining to local tourism efforts.

Historic Camden presses for larger tourism role

Representatives from Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park are seeking feedback from Kershaw County and city of Camden officials in pursuit of a plan to have greater involvement in local tourism. As part of its push, Historic Camden has proposed transitioning towards more of an official tourism role by having a hand in the operation of the county's visitor center.

Jones targets KershawHealth at Tuesday KCC meeting

A proposal to purchase two ambulances for KershawHealth escalated into a strong rebuke of the healthcare organization by Kershaw County Councilman Jimmy Jones during a council meeting Tuesday despite joining a unanimous vote to approve the measure.

KCC to discuss ambulance bids for KershawHealth

Kershaw County Council will consider the awarding of bids for two KershawHealth ambulances during Tuesday's meeting. Kershaw County Administrator Vic Carpenter said the costs of the ambulances were already incorporated in the county's 2012-2013 fiscal year budget. "KershawHealth had requested that the county provide some ambulances and council approved them when we had our budget discussions. The budget that was ...

County searching for new planning/zoning head

Kershaw County Administrator Vic Carpenter is currently looking for someone new to lead the county's Planning and Zoning Department. Former director John Newman left the position in December after serving since June 2006. Carpenter didn't clarify the cause of Newman's exit, simply categorizing it as a "personnel matter." Assistant County Planner Carolyn Hammond will head the department on an interim basis. No time frame ...

Tourism director projects increased rural support

Kershaw County Tourism Director Darron Kirkley anticipates a greater push to attract tourists to more rural parts of the state after hearing tourism trend updates during last week's Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism.

Safety commission seeks answers after meeting

What triggers someone to bully, steal, use drugs or even commit such a violent act as a mass shooting?

Horton named to county economic development board

Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Liz Horton will be adding a new element to her role in the business community after being appointed Tuesday to the Kershaw County Economic Advisory Council.

Jobless rate edges up in county, state

Although remaining slightly below the state's average, Kershaw County's unemployment rate ticked upward at the end of 2012, reaching 8.1 percent in December compared with 7.9 percent the previous month.

KCC set to name Horton to economic growth group

Kershaw County Council will consider appointing Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Liz Horton to the Kershaw County Economic Advisory Council as a replacement for outgoing member Karen Eckford during Tuesday's meeting.

Commission to use SS/HS grant as guide

As plans develop with the Safe Communities Commission (SCC) recently created by Kershaw County Council, a federal grant focusing on safety in schools will serve as a template according to local officials.

Magistrate swearing in

Kershaw County community members celebrated as former Kershaw County Recreation Center Director James E. Davis Jr. was sworn in as a county magistrate judge on Thursday afternoon. Kershaw County Councilman Jimmy Jones, Fifth Circuit Assistant Solicitor Brett Perry and Rep. Laurie S. Funderburk spoke at the short ceremony at the Kershaw County Court House. Judge Roderick M. Todd Jr. called the ceremony to order; Clerk of Court Joyce McDonald administered the oath; Rev. Constance ...

LFD gives KCC good news

Lugoff Fire Department (LFD) Chief Dennis Ray had some good news for Kershaw County Council Tuesday: there would be no tax increase of the Lugoff Fire District. Ray said that after completing its Fiscal Year 2014 budget, a tax increase was not necessary.