The headline
Emergency services and rural response times. The primary focus of the meeting was an urgent discussion regarding emergency response times in rural Kershaw County, specifically the Liberty Hill area. Residents provided harrowing personal accounts of 40 to 45 minute waits for medical services, leading Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell to propose a strategic collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina and regional health partners to explore establishing rural EMS stations and response teams.
Bethune Recycle Center Building Bid:
Council awarded a $91,594.80 construction contract to Michael Jordan Construction for a new building.
Environment
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ R. BrazellWhat this was about
Council approved the award of a construction bid to Michael Jordan Construction to build a 12.5 by 20-foot office and bathroom facility at the Bethune Recycle Center. The project, budgeted at $91,594.80, was selected from four competitive bids as the most responsive and responsible option. The facility serves as an essential upgrade for county employees, providing a necessary restroom, office workspace, and a storm shelter for staff working in the rural area. Although Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell initially moved to defer the project to reallocate funds toward emergency services, the majority of the Council voted to proceed, noting that the project had already been included in the 2025-2026 capital budget to improve working conditions for county personnel.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (R. Brazell voted NO on a motion to defer; the main motion to award the contract to Michael Jordan Construction for $91,594.80 passed unanimously)
Who said what
» Danny Templar, County Administrator: If I could just give them some semblance of a decent place to huddle during a storm, I am passionate about that.
» Russell Brazell, Vice-Chairman: I would like to defer this until we can find better solutions for emergency response times.
» Sammie Tucker, Jr., Councilman: I cannot support holding up funds on things that we have already voted on and said we were going to do.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of the Agenda:
Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda as presented with no amendments requested.
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 adoption of the agenda is a standard procedural step required to begin the formal business of the County Council meeting. By passing this motion, the Council confirms the list of topics and items, such as proclamations, public presentations, and business matters, that will be addressed during the session. This specific agenda included items such as honoring the Stover Wrestling team, a presentation on forest fire prevention, and a vote on a construction bid for the Bethune Recycle Center. As a routine housekeeping measure, it ensures that all members are in agreement on the structure of the meeting before proceeding to public comments and deliberations. The vote was unanimous, signaling no immediate controversy regarding the items slated for discussion or action throughout the evening.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Proclamation Honoring Betsy Gentry Greenway:
Council honored Betsy Gentry Greenway for her 47-year career in local newspaper advertising.
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 Council formally recognized Betsy Gentry Greenway for her nearly five decades of service with the Chronicle Independent newspaper. The proclamation highlights her role as a pillar of the Camden and Kershaw County communities, noting her commitment to ethical advertising standards and her dedication to building relationships with local businesses and residents. Greenway, who recently retired, expressed her gratitude and emphasized the importance of supporting community journalism. The recognition served as a way for Council members to express appreciation for her long-standing professional contribution and to celebrate her career in a field that historically provided the primary communication link for the county.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Russell Brazell, Vice-Chairman: She has exemplified exceptional services for 47 years with the Chronicle Independent.
» Betsy Gentry Greenway: I never ever got up in the morning and said I hated to go to work; it was always a pleasure.
» Jimmy Jones, Councilman: You've been a pillar of this community and I am very proud to be a part of this.
Proclamation Honoring Stover Wrestling Team:
Council recognized the Stover Middle School wrestling team for their state championship victory.
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 proclamation honors the Stover Middle School wrestling team for achieving the title of State Champions during the 2025 season. The team maintained an impressive 16-1 dual record, and the Council highlighted the hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship of the student-athletes and their coaching staff. Specific individual accomplishments, such as state championships won by Madelyn Ross, Gavin Rush, and Dalton Hinson, were noted as examples of the team's excellence. Council members emphasized that these achievements serve as an inspiration for youth across Kershaw County, reflecting the values of perseverance and dedication. The recognition officially designated the meeting date as Stover Wrestling Team Day.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Ben Connell, Chairman: It is extremely difficult to excel in wrestling, and it lets younger kids know that they can achieve great things.
» Sammie Tucker, Jr., Councilman: It takes talent, strength, commitment, and determination to fight your way back and win your match.
Public Presentation on Forest Fires (Will Glover):
Emergency Services Director Will Glover presented on fire prevention and recent local fire responses.
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
Director of Emergency Services Will Glover briefed the Council on the growing threat of forest fires in Kershaw County, specifically detailing the response to a 55-acre wildfire on Valentine's Day. The presentation included an analysis of the logistical efforts required to coordinate multiple agencies, including mutual aid from neighboring counties, to protect 14 occupied homes while seven abandoned structures were lost. Glover utilized drone imagery and maps to illustrate how weather conditions, such as low humidity and high winds, contributed to the rapid spread of fires. He concluded with a vital educational component on fire prevention, including the mandatory notification process for outdoor burning and safety tips like keeping water sources nearby. Council members used the presentation to discuss volunteer recruitment needs and the importance of public awareness regarding fire safety.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Will Glover, Emergency Services Director: We dumped a large amount of resources on this fire from Kershaw County Fire Service.
» Russell Brazell, Vice-Chairman: The working relationship that we have with so many agencies now is second to none.
» Danny Catoe, Councilman: I would ask anybody interested in volunteering to reach out to Will and his staff.
Approval of Minutes (Regular Meeting, Feb 10):
Council approved the minutes from the regular meeting held on February 10, 2026.
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 accuracy of the record for the regular meeting conducted on February 10, 2026. The minutes document the official proceedings of the Council, including the approval of proclamations and various administrative items discussed during that session. Council members reviewed the transcript and notes to ensure that the legislative actions and public presentations were captured correctly before entering them into the permanent county record.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of Minutes (Budget Retreat, Feb 13):
Council approved the minutes from the budget retreat held on February 13, 2026.
Taxes & budget
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 accuracy of the record for the FY26-27 Budget Retreat held at the Revolutionary War Visitor’s Center. The minutes summarize the strategic goal-setting session, where Council members established priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, including recreation improvements, stormwater management, and infrastructure needs for the Detention Center. Approving these minutes officially logs the Council’s consensus on their strategic priorities for the planning phase of the next budget cycle.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Bethune Recycle Center Building Bid:
Council awarded a $91,594.80 construction contract to Michael Jordan Construction for a new building.
Environment
Yes 6 · No 1
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ R. BrazellWhat this was about
Council approved the award of a construction bid to Michael Jordan Construction to build a 12.5 by 20-foot office and bathroom facility at the Bethune Recycle Center. The project, budgeted at $91,594.80, was selected from four competitive bids as the most responsive and responsible option. The facility serves as an essential upgrade for county employees, providing a necessary restroom, office workspace, and a storm shelter for staff working in the rural area. Although Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell initially moved to defer the project to reallocate funds toward emergency services, the majority of the Council voted to proceed, noting that the project had already been included in the 2025-2026 capital budget to improve working conditions for county personnel.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (R. Brazell voted NO on a motion to defer; the main motion to award the contract to Michael Jordan Construction for $91,594.80 passed unanimously)
Who said what
» Danny Templar, County Administrator: If I could just give them some semblance of a decent place to huddle during a storm, I am passionate about that.
» Russell Brazell, Vice-Chairman: I would like to defer this until we can find better solutions for emergency response times.
» Sammie Tucker, Jr., Councilman: I cannot support holding up funds on things that we have already voted on and said we were going to do.
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Emergency Services Strategy: Council held a lengthy discussion on potential short-term and long-term solutions for rural EMS access, including the potential deployment of quick response vehicles (QRVs) and future station upgrades.
- Pecan Orchard Stormwater Issues: Residents requested updates on drainage solutions, and Council confirmed that the Finance Committee is currently reviewing survey data and cost estimates for the next phase.
- Battle of Rugeley’s Mill Painting: Vice-Chairman Brazell proposed a community-funded initiative to commission a $9,800 original painting of the historical battle for display in the government center.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Five speakers addressed the Council regarding emergency medical services in the Liberty Hill and Lake Wateree areas, citing concerns over long response times and a perceived lack of emergency infrastructure. A sixth speaker requested that Council prioritize stormwater drainage improvements and road maintenance in the Pecan Orchard neighborhood.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Smart Growth Committee Meetings: February 26 and March 26.
- Finance Committee Budget Workshops: Continuing through March 19.
- Next Council Meeting: March 10, 2026.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.