The headline
Kershaw County Council passed a series of ordinances aimed at regulating the sale of hemp-derived and synthetic cannabinoid products, as well as nitrous oxide, to minors. These new measures establish specific retail display, labeling, and age-restriction requirements for businesses operating within the county.
Ordinance Prohibiting Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (1st Reading):
Council passed the first reading of an ordinance restricting the sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom.
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 on the first reading initiated the legislative process to prohibit the sale, distribution, and provision of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to minors within Kershaw County. The ordinance also establishes specific retail display and labeling requirements for businesses, alongside clear enforcement protocols and potential penalties for non-compliance. This measure was prompted by concerns from the local health community regarding the ease of access to these substances in local convenience stores and gas stations. Council members voiced concerns about the lack of state or federal oversight on these products and emphasized the county's role in creating guardrails for youth safety. Following this initial approval, the measure moved forward through the legislative process, ultimately leading to the finalized, amended version approved later in the same meeting.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Rezoning 16.68 acres at 1187 Black River Road to MRD-1 (3rd Reading):
Council approved the final reading to rezone a 16.68-acre parcel to allow for a new residential home.
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 successfully completes the third and final reading to rezone a 16.68-acre parcel located at 1187 Black River Road in Camden from RD-1 (Rural Development) to MRD-1 (Rural Development). The measure, which Councilman Derek Shoemake noted had no changes since the first and second readings, facilitates the property owner's request to place a mobile or modular home on the site for residential use. The vote was unanimous among the members present, consistent with the earlier support shown during the previous stages of the legislative process. This rezoning effectively aligns the property's designation with the intended residential development of the land. Because this was the final reading, the change is now approved and will be reflected on the official Kershaw County zoning map. No members of the public offered opposition or comment during the hearings, and the move was presented as a straightforward administrative adjustment to the county code.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Public Boat Landings Ordinance (3rd Reading):
New regulations for public boat landings were passed to combat vandalism, public intoxication, and sleeping in vehicles.
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
Council gave final approval to an ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the Code of Ordinances to tighten rules and restrictions for using public boat landings across Kershaw County. The measure was introduced in response to growing reports of illicit activity at these locations, specifically including people sleeping in vehicles and incidents of public intoxication. According to Deputy Administrator Gerald Blanchard, these new rules provide law enforcement with clearer authority to enforce order and penalize bad behavior. Council members emphasized that while they want to curb illegal activities like unauthorized 'donuts' in parking lots, the landings will remain open 24/7 to ensure hunters and anglers retain access to the water. The unanimous passage of this third reading marks the conclusion of a collaborative process involving county leadership and utility partners to better protect these community assets from vandalism while keeping them accessible to the public.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Gerald Blanchard (Deputy Administrator): This will help with the concerns of sleeping in vehicles, intoxications, and more activities taking place on the property.
» Councilman Derek Shoemake: This kind of shores up some of the do's and don'ts around the boat ramp that was to kind of help keep the peace.
Ordinance Prohibiting Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (1st Reading):
Council passed the first reading of an ordinance restricting the sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom.
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 vote on the first reading initiated the legislative process to prohibit the sale, distribution, and provision of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to minors within Kershaw County. The ordinance also establishes specific retail display and labeling requirements for businesses, alongside clear enforcement protocols and potential penalties for non-compliance. This measure was prompted by concerns from the local health community regarding the ease of access to these substances in local convenience stores and gas stations. Council members voiced concerns about the lack of state or federal oversight on these products and emphasized the county's role in creating guardrails for youth safety. Following this initial approval, the measure moved forward through the legislative process, ultimately leading to the finalized, amended version approved later in the same meeting.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Ordinance Prohibiting Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (as amended, 3rd Reading):
Council passed an amended ordinance restricting the sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to minors, set at age 21.
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
Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance restricting the sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to minors, specifically setting age requirements at 18 for Nitrous Oxide and 21 for Kratom products. The measure also mandates retail display and labeling requirements for businesses that carry these products. During the final vote, Council adopted an amendment to ensure the Kratom age restriction aligns with state law at 21 years old. Council members noted the 'wild west' environment surrounding these gas-station drugs and highlighted the need to act where state and federal legislators have been slow to regulate. The enforcement will primarily fall to the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, which staff indicated could fold these compliance checks into existing tobacco and alcohol enforcement operations. The passage of this ordinance represents a significant local effort to close regulatory gaps for substances that pose severe health risks to young people.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Councilman Russell Brazell: We're not solidifying this as its legitimacy because it's living in such a gray area right now.
» Councilman Danny Catoe: It was a very educational experience when this came to light as to what our young people were subject to.
Hemp Retail Establishment Ordinance (as amended, 3rd Reading):
New zoning rules for hemp-derived products were passed, including a 2,000-foot buffer from sensitive areas.
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
Council gave final approval to an ordinance amending the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to regulate hemp-derived and synthetic cannabinoid products. The measure designates retail establishments selling these products as a conditional use, subject to strict location and operational restrictions. A significant amendment adopted during the meeting increased the required separation distance from schools, churches, and parks from 500 feet to 2,000 feet, effectively aligning it with buffers for sexually oriented businesses. Councilman Derek Shoemake and other members described the move as a necessary response to the rapid proliferation of these products in retail spaces. The ordinance is part of a broader effort by the Council to enact local control over substances they argue have bypassed standard federal safety testing. This final vote creates a robust framework for conditional use approval, intended to keep these retail outlets away from areas frequented by youth.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: I'd like to increase that 500 ft to 2,000 ft in separation from sensitive areas.
» Councilman Russell Brazell: We are leading the way and today it lies in Kershaw County as we lead the way.
Routine/Housekeeping: ▸ detailsless
Council voted 7-0 to adopt the agenda (as amended) and approved proclamations for National Black History Month and a birthday recognition for Councilman Jimmy Jones. Council also voted 6-0 to approve the January 27, 2026, meeting minutes (Councilman S. Tucker, Jr. abstained due to absence). Executive session entry/exit and meeting adjournment were approved by 6-0 votes
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Recreation Update: Rick Jay of the Recreation Advisory Commission reported that KC West, Copeland, and Boyd Young parks are at or near completion, with Woodward Park at 80-85% due to weather delays. Council discussed potential fencing and increased patrols to address recent vandalism at boat landings and parks.
- Health District Update: Chairman Derial Ogburn provided an update on the Kershaw Health Services District, highlighting the favorable progress of the indoor recreation facility design and the strength of the senior living community projects.
- Smart Growth Committee: Councilman Shoemake provided a brief update on the progress of the ad hoc Smart Growth Committee, noting their work on land development standards, permit allocation, and open space requirements.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Budget Retreat: Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Revolutionary War Center.
- Council Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2026.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.