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 unanimously approved first reading of an ordinance restricting minor access to nitrous oxide and kratom 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 measure represents the initial legislative step establishing a county ordinance to prohibit the sale, distribution, and provision of nitrous oxide and kratom products to minors within Kershaw County. The proposed ordinance establishes strict retail display and packaging labeling requirements while defining penalties and enforcement procedures for non-compliant retail establishments. Introduced following community outreach from the Alpha Center and local youth advocacy groups, the ordinance responds to rising concerns over over-the-counter gas station substances targeting young residents. Councilman Danny Catoe made the motion to approve first reading action, which was seconded by Vice Chairman Russell Brazell. Council voted unanimously 7-0 to advance the measure. The approval allowed staff and legal counsel to refine age limits and display guidelines in subsequent readings prior to final enactment.
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 unanimously approved third reading to rezone 16.68 acres on Black River Road to MRD-1 for residential use.
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 amends the official zoning map of Kershaw County to rezone a 16.68-acre parcel (TMS# 329-00-00-086) located at 1187 Black River Road in Camden from RD-1 (Rural Development District) to MRD-1 (Rural Development District). The requested rezoning enables the landowners to place an adjoining mobile or modular home on the property for family residence. The measure previously passed first reading on January 13, 2026, and second reading on January 27, 2026. At third reading, Councilman Derek Shoemake made the motion to approve, noting that no changes had been made to the request since its earlier readings, and Councilman Brant Tomlinson provided the second. Council voted unanimously 7-0 to give final approval to the rezoning. No members of the public spoke against the request during public comments or public hearings, and Chairman Ben Connell acknowledged the family attending in the audience, wishing them well as they move forward.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Public Boat Landings Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council unanimously approved updated regulations and restrictions for public boat landings to curb vandalism and loitering.
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 Kershaw County Code of Ordinances to restate and update regulations, restrictions, and penalties governing public boat landings throughout the county. The updated measures specifically target growing community concerns regarding overnight vehicle loitering, sleeping in parked cars, public intoxication, and property destruction. First reading passed on January 13, 2026, and second reading passed on January 27, 2026. Deputy Administrator Gerald Blanchard noted during previous discussions that Duke Energy partnered with county officials on drafting the text so that identical enforcement rules can protect Duke-managed landings in Kershaw County. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved for third reading approval, seconded by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. Council voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance, which leaves boat landings open 24/7 for hunters and anglers while granting law enforcement clearer authority to cite night disruptors and vandals.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake: said the ordinance clarifies rules around public boat ramps to help maintain order ▶︎» Danny Templar: noted that Duke Energy collaborated with the county and appreciated the expanded protection for local boat ramps ▶︎» Russell Brazell: stated that many boat ramps need cleanup and the ordinance will improve enforcement capabilities ▶︎
Ordinance Prohibiting Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (1st Reading):
Council unanimously approved first reading of an ordinance restricting minor access to nitrous oxide and kratom products.
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 measure represents the initial legislative step establishing a county ordinance to prohibit the sale, distribution, and provision of nitrous oxide and kratom products to minors within Kershaw County. The proposed ordinance establishes strict retail display and packaging labeling requirements while defining penalties and enforcement procedures for non-compliant retail establishments. Introduced following community outreach from the Alpha Center and local youth advocacy groups, the ordinance responds to rising concerns over over-the-counter gas station substances targeting young residents. Councilman Danny Catoe made the motion to approve first reading action, which was seconded by Vice Chairman Russell Brazell. Council voted unanimously 7-0 to advance the measure. The approval allowed staff and legal counsel to refine age limits and display guidelines in subsequent readings prior to final enactment.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Ordinance Prohibiting Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (as amended, 3rd Reading):
Council passed final reading prohibiting nitrous oxide sales under 18 and kratom sales under 21 with display rules.
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 enacts strict county restrictions prohibiting the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide to minors under age 18 and kratom products (including 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH) to individuals under 21 years old across unincorporated Kershaw County. Retailers must secure these products behind counters or within restricted access areas, ensuring clear age-verification labeling. Following first reading on January 13, 2026, Councilman Danny Catoe amended second reading on January 27, 2026, raising the kratom age limit to 21 to align with South Carolina state standards. At third reading, Vice Chairman Russell Brazell offered an amendment clarifying display language between the 18 and 21 age thresholds, which passed 7-0. Council then unanimously approved the overall ordinance 7-0 as amended. County Administrator Danny Templar explained that the Sheriff's Office can enforce these rules by incorporating store checks into existing grant-funded undercover tobacco compliance operations.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Russell Brazell: moved to amend the display rules to explicitly differentiate age limits between nitrous oxide and kratom ▶︎» John DuBose: confirmed the local regulations cover key products while accommodating state and federal legal preemption ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson: asked whether the county has legal authority to mandate specific product labeling in unincorporated areas ▶︎» Danny Templar: suggested integrating store compliance checks into existing sheriff's office tobacco enforcement operations ▶︎» Jimmy Jones: commended Russell Brazell and Danny Catoe for their extensive work on the minor access restrictions ▶︎» Danny Catoe: thanked Russell Brazell, the Alpha Center, and community coalitions for guiding the ordinance effort ▶︎
Hemp Retail Establishment Ordinance (as amended, 3rd Reading):
Council passed third reading regulating retail sales of hemp-derived and synthetic cannabinoids with a 2,000-foot buffer.
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 Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations by adding Section 3:3.29 and updating Table 3-3, designating retail stores selling hemp-derived or synthetic cannabinoids as conditional uses. The regulations cover products containing Delta-8, Delta-9, THCA, and other THC isomers. First reading passed December 9, 2025; second reading and public hearing occurred January 27, 2026, incorporating Planning Commission recommendations to prohibit hemp retailers in General Business (B-2) districts. At third reading, Council approved a technical amendment adding missing Table 3-3 language and passed a motion by Councilman Brant Tomlinson increasing required separation buffers from churches, schools, and parks from 500 feet to 2,000 feet. A separate motion by Vice Chairman Russell Brazell to shorten the nonconforming loss-of-status window from 90 days to 30 days failed on a 3-4 vote. Council then voted 7-0 to adopt third reading as amended.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson: moved to expand the required separation buffer for hemp retailers from 500 feet to 2,000 feet ▶︎» Russell Brazell: proposed reducing the dormancy window for nonconforming hemp shops from 90 days to 30 days ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr.: expressed concern that a 30-day shutdown window could unfairly penalize businesses recovering from disasters ▶︎» Ben Connell: questioned whether a 30-day nonconforming expiration period existed anywhere else in county code ▶︎» John DuBose: noted he was unaware of any other county zoning conditional use with a 30-day termination timeline ▶︎» Derek Shoemake: explained how the ad hoc Smart Growth Committee coordinates policy recommendations with Council and Planning Commission ▶︎Routine/Housekeeping: Council approved routine items including the meeting agenda, proclamations, meeting minutes, executive session, and adjournment. ▸ detailsless
What this was about
Kershaw County Council handled several routine administrative matters during the meeting. Council voted 7-0 to adopt the agenda as amended to add a recognition proclamation. Council passed a proclamation sponsored by Sammie Tucker Jr. recognizing February 2026 as National Black History Month, as well as a proclamation presented by Vice Chairman Russell Brazell honoring Councilman Jimmy Jones on his 75th birthday. Council voted 6-0 to approve the January 27, 2026 meeting minutes, with Sammie Tucker Jr. abstaining due to his absence at that meeting. Finally, Council voted 6-0 to enter and exit executive session to discuss contractual and legal matters, and voted 6-0 to adjourn the meeting.
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
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr.: read the Black History Month proclamation encouraging citizens to participate in local educational and cultural events ▶︎» Russell Brazell: read a proclamation designating February 10, 2026, as Jimmy Jones Day in honor of his 75th birthday ▶︎» Jimmy Jones: expressed gratitude to Council for the surprise 75th birthday proclamation ▶︎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.