The headline
Council passes new regulations to curb access to intoxicating hemp products and kratom for minors. The ordinance, approved on second reading, adds conditional use restrictions and age requirements for retailers to better protect county youth.
Prohibit Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (2nd Reading as amended):
Council voted to ban the sale of specific substances to minors, matching state age requirements.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance prohibits the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide and kratom to minors in unincorporated Kershaw County. The Council approved an amendment during the meeting to align the kratom purchase age with state law, setting it at 21 years old rather than 18. The measure establishes strict retail display and labeling requirements, mandating that such products be stored behind a service counter or in locked cases to prevent access by youth. Retailers found in violation face civil penalties and potential prosecution. This legislation is a proactive measure to curb the misuse of substances that can cause oxygen deprivation, dependence, or other severe health complications in developing youth. The measure passed as amended on second reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). The amendment aligns the ordinance with state law by setting the legal age for kratom purchase at 21
Who said what
» Danny Catoe, Councilman: It just amends this saying that we are going to go by the age restriction for kratom products that is listed as state law, which is the age of 21.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Proclamation Honoring Patty Lou Templar (Resolution):
Council honored the late mother of the County Administrator with a commemorative proclamation.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This resolution serves as a formal tribute to Patty Lou Templar, the mother of Kershaw County Administrator Danny Templar, who passed away on January 8, 2026. The proclamation highlights her life, family legacy, and dedication to her children, noting her passion for reading and animal welfare. Council members expressed deep personal sympathy for the Administrator during the meeting, reflecting on the close-knit nature of the county's leadership team. This item was placed on the agenda by the full Council to offer public condolences and support to the Templar family during their bereavement. No formal legislative action was required beyond the commemorative vote, which passed unanimously as a gesture of respect.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Presentation by the Kershaw County Sheriff's Foundation:
The Sheriff's Foundation presented an annual report and honored Chairman Ben Connell with an award.
Public safety
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
The Kershaw County Sheriff's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2011, provided an update on its mission to fund critical resources for the Sheriff's Office that fall outside of the standard county budget. Foundation chair Benji Jackson detailed how the organization supports the department through the purchase of patrol car cameras, service dogs, and protective gear for deputies. During the presentation, the foundation surprised Council Chairman Ben Connell with the 'Leonard Price Friend of Law Enforcement' award for his advocacy and support of the Sheriff's Office. The Foundation also announced they are currently raising funds to create a memorial for law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty within Kershaw County. No vote was required for the presentation itself, though Council voted to accept it.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Benji Jackson, Foundation Chair: We support the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office on their unfunded mandates or things that they need at the sheriff's department that are not funded.
» Ben Connell, Chairman: I appreciate the importance of law enforcement and the rule of law, which I believe in very heartily in our country.
Approval of January 13, 2026, Meeting Minutes:
Council formally approved the official minutes from the previous regular meeting.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This is a routine administrative item to verify the accuracy of the proceedings from the Kershaw County Council meeting held on January 13, 2026. These records include official votes, council member briefings, and discussions held during that session. By approving the minutes, the Council creates a permanent legal record of its legislative actions. The motion passed unanimously.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Rezone 16.68 Acres at 1187 Black River Road (2nd Reading):
Council approved the rezoning of a property to allow for additional double-wide manufactured homes.
DevelopmentRoads
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance changes the zoning designation of a 16.68-acre parcel at 1187 Black River Road from RD-1 (Rural Development) to MRD-1 (Rural Development). The property owner, Josiefene S. Wade, requested this change to accommodate the replacement of an existing single-wide home with a double-wide model and to permit the placement of additional double-wide units for immediate family members on the property. The Planning Commission recommended approval in December 2025, noting that the property is adjacent to existing MRD-1 districts. This move allows for higher density residential development than the previous RD-1 designation permitted. The measure passed unanimously on second reading and now moves to a final third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). The property will move from RD-1 to MRD-1 to allow for the placement of double-wide manufactured homes
Regulations for Public Boat Landings (2nd Reading):
New regulations were established to curb unauthorized activities at county-maintained boat landings.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance amends Chapter 24 of the County Code to address concerns regarding overcrowding, loitering, and public intoxication at public boat landings. The updated rules explicitly prohibit activities such as overnight camping, unauthorized commercial transactions, swimming within 200 yards of ramps, and playing loud music. The measure also sets specific parking restrictions, limiting vehicle stays to 24 hours unless the owner is actively boating or fishing. These regulations are designed to maintain the landings for their intended use as boat launching sites rather than social or recreational gathering spots. Violators face fines up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. The ordinance passed on second reading and awaits final approval at the third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). This update clarifies prohibited activities, such as camping and unauthorized commercial use, at county-maintained boat landings
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake, Councilman: This ordinance basically takes our fairly scant ordinance and cleans it up so that we can be clear about what is and isn't allowed at the boat ramp.
Prohibit Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (2nd Reading as amended):
Council voted to ban the sale of specific substances to minors, matching state age requirements.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance prohibits the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide and kratom to minors in unincorporated Kershaw County. The Council approved an amendment during the meeting to align the kratom purchase age with state law, setting it at 21 years old rather than 18. The measure establishes strict retail display and labeling requirements, mandating that such products be stored behind a service counter or in locked cases to prevent access by youth. Retailers found in violation face civil penalties and potential prosecution. This legislation is a proactive measure to curb the misuse of substances that can cause oxygen deprivation, dependence, or other severe health complications in developing youth. The measure passed as amended on second reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). The amendment aligns the ordinance with state law by setting the legal age for kratom purchase at 21
Who said what
» Danny Catoe, Councilman: It just amends this saying that we are going to go by the age restriction for kratom products that is listed as state law, which is the age of 21.
Retail Restrictions on Hemp-Derived and Synthetic Cannabinoids (2nd Reading as amended):
Council approved conditional zoning restrictions on retailers selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance amends the zoning code to classify retailers of hemp-derived or synthetic cannabinoids as a 'conditional use,' restricted to General Development (GD) districts. The measure mandates a 500-foot separation distance from sensitive sites like schools, parks, and churches. Retailers must secure products in locked storage, limit hours of operation, and verify that customers are over 21. Council members amended the draft to exclude 'General Business' (B-2) districts from eligibility, narrowing the available locations to further limit accessibility. This ordinance is intended to fill a regulatory gap caused by the lack of state oversight regarding synthetic cannabinoids, which can produce intoxicating effects similar to marijuana. The measure passed on second reading and will be finalized at the third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). This adds conditional use status for these retailers in GD and B-2 districts and requires secure storage and clear signage
Who said what
» John DuBose, Staff Attorney: There is a provision in the last government funding bill that addressed these types of hemp products; unless modified by the feds, these products will be effectively outlawed come this summer anyway.
Rezone 4.18 Acres at 209 Boulware Road (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the rezoning of a property in Lugoff from GD to B-2.
DevelopmentRoads
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance completes the rezoning process for a 4.18-acre parcel located at 209 Boulware Road in Lugoff. The property owner requested to change the designation from General Development (GD) to General Business (B-2). Council members characterized this as a 'down-zoning' measure because the new classification places more specific restrictions on the land usage compared to the former district. The project has been reviewed over several months, with the property owner attending multiple readings to ensure compliance with planning requirements. With this final vote, the zoning change is now officially adopted.
PASSED (Unanimous). This rezoning changes the parcel from GD to B-2
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake, Councilman: This is basically a down-zoning and they're just zoning a piece of multiple parcels so that it's not sort of patchwork but it's actually a down-zoning.
Regulations for Golf Cart Operation (3rd Reading):
Council finalized regulations allowing nighttime golf cart use under specific conditions.
DevelopmentRoadsParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance codifies rules for operating golf carts on public roads within Kershaw County, bringing local policy into alignment with recent state law changes. The ordinance allows for the use of golf carts during nighttime hours, provided they are equipped with functional lights and operated on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Drivers must remain within a four-mile radius of their registered address and adhere to all safety requirements, such as requiring children under 12 to wear seat belts. The passage of this third reading officially sets these standards for the county, providing clarity for residents who utilize golf carts for local transportation.
PASSED (Unanimous). This ordinance permits the operation of golf carts during nighttime hours if equipped with proper lighting, provided they remain on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson, Councilman: All this does is just change the state law that was passed last year to allow golf cart operations after dark in Kershaw County as long as it abides by the state law.
Reappointment of Shannon West to Kershaw Health District (Seat #9):
Council reappointed Shannon West to the Kershaw Health District board.
Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This vote confirms the reappointment of Shannon West to Seat #9 of the Kershaw Health District board. Council members cited West's significant background and experience in healthcare as critical assets for the board's ongoing initiatives, particularly regarding the expansion of care offerings for the aging population in Kershaw County. The reappointment was approved unanimously to ensure continuity in the leadership of the health district as it moves forward with its strategic development plans.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council held an executive session for a legal briefing regarding a matter subject to attorney-client privilege. There was no public action taken following the session.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
There were no public comments during the meeting.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The next Kershaw County Council meeting is scheduled for February 2026.
- Planning Commission appointments for District 5 are expected to be on the February agenda.
- Further discussion on increasing the separation distance requirement (currently 500 feet) for hemp retailers is expected at the third reading of the hemp ordinance.
independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.