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 approved awarding a $91,594.80 construction contract to Michael Jordan Construction for the Bethune Recycle Center 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✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
County Council considered a contract award for constructing a new 12.5-foot by 20-foot office building equipped with a restroom at the Bethune Recycle Center. Staff evaluated four competitive bids ranging from $91,594.80 to $142,841.00 and recommended awarding the contract to the lowest bidder, Michael Jordan Construction of Jefferson, South Carolina, for $91,594.80. During discussion, Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell moved to defer the purchase to redirect focus toward rural emergency medical services, arguing that urgent lifesaving needs should take priority over facility upgrades. However, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and County Administrator Danny Templar emphasized that the funds were already budgeted in the fiscal year capital plan to provide basic shelter, storm protection, and sanitary working conditions for site staff. Brazell's motion to defer failed on a 2-5 vote, with Brazell and Jimmy Jones voting to defer. Council then voted unanimously on the main motion to award the contract to Michael Jordan Construction. The approval allows the county to proceed with constructing the facility for Bethune waste site workers and visiting residents.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: summarized the bid details, noting four submissions ranging from $91,000 to $142,000 and staff's recommendation for the lowest bidder ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: moved to defer the building purchase until Council addresses urgent emergency response needs in rural areas ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: opposed delaying the project, stating the funds were already committed in the approved capital budget ▶︎» Danny Templar Presenter: stressed that the facility provides necessary shelter, office space, and restrooms for employees working at the recycling site ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed support for looking at the broader picture while acknowledging the finance chairman's points regarding budgeted funds ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of the Agenda:
County Council voted unanimously to adopt the meeting agenda as submitted.
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
Kershaw County Council voted unanimously to adopt the formal agenda for the February 24, 2026 regular meeting as presented. Councilman Danny Catoe made the motion to adopt the agenda, which was seconded by Councilman Catoe. The procedural vote allowed Council to move forward with scheduled proclamations, presentations, and discussions.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Proclamation Honoring Betsy Gentry Greenway:
Council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring Betsy Gentry Greenway for her 47 years of newspaper service.
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
County Council unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing Betsy Gentry Greenway for her 47 years of service to the Chronicle Independent newspaper. Greenway served as an advertising representative, mentor, and pillar of the local media community across Camden and Kershaw County. Council members expressed gratitude for her professional dedication and ethical standards as she enters retirement.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: praised Betsy Gentry Greenway for her decades of dedicated advertising work and community service ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed pride in Greenway's long career and called her a true pillar of the community ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: thanked Greenway for her hard work and acknowledged the strong support of her family over the years ▶︎
Proclamation Honoring Stover Wrestling Team:
Council unanimously recognized the Stover Middle School wrestling team for winning the state championship.
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
County Council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring the Stover Middle School wrestling team for their state championship season and 16-1 dual record. Individual accolades highlighted include middle school state champions Madelyn Ross, Gavin Rush, and Dalton Hinson, along with state finalist Matthew Moore. Council officially declared February 24, 2026, as Stover Wrestling Team Day to celebrate the student-athletes, coaches, and parents.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: praised the team for achieving a multi-time state championship and setting a positive example for local youth ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: commended the wrestlers for their dedication, hard work, and resilience on the mat ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: congratulated the student-athletes and noted that competitive sports teach lessons that prove invaluable in adult life ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: commended the wrestlers for learning mental toughness and valuable life lessons through the sport ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed pride in the team's accomplishments and emphasized that wrestling builds lifelong character ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: congratulated the wrestlers and joked about his own brief, tough experience with wrestling practice ▶︎
Public Presentation on Forest Fires (Will Glover):
Council unanimously approved receiving a presentation on forest fire prevention and recent firefighting efforts.
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 voted unanimously to receive an emergency services presentation from Director Will Glover regarding wildland fire prevention and recent emergency operations. Glover reviewed the multi-agency response to the 55-acre Ivy Bush wildfire on Valentine's Day, which threatened 14 occupied homes and required support from state forestry crews and surrounding counties. The presentation highlighted outdoor burning laws, weather monitoring, and safety precautions to reduce escaped debris fires.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Will Glover Public comment: urged residents to follow burning precautions, notify the Forestry Commission, and never leave fires unattended ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: thanked surrounding emergency agencies for responding to local fires and asked to post burn safety information online ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: commended Emergency Services Director Will Glover and the firefighters for their effective leadership and dedicated service ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: inquired about local burning ordinances in neighboring counties and how Kershaw County could better handle enforcement ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: encouraged community members to consider volunteering with local fire departments to support rural emergency response ▶︎
Approval of Minutes (Regular Meeting, Feb 10):
Council unanimously approved the official minutes from its 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
County Council unanimously approved the official minutes from the regular meeting conducted on February 10, 2026. The approval formally adopts the permanent public record of council proceedings, public comments, and ordinance votes taken during that session. Formal approval of meeting minutes fulfills standard county governance requirements.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of Minutes (Budget Retreat, Feb 13):
County Council unanimously approved the official minutes from its February 13 budget retreat.
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
Kershaw County Council unanimously approved the official minutes from its fiscal year 2026-2027 budget retreat held on Friday, February 13, 2026. The strategic planning session took place at the Revolutionary War Visitor's Center in Camden, bringing together council members and key administrative staff to outline primary funding targets for the upcoming fiscal year. During the retreat, council members identified top policy priorities, including completing ongoing countywide recreation projects, finalizing the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations, addressing long-term stormwater infrastructure, and upgrading emergency medical service stations in Baron, DeKalb, and Westville. Administrator Danny Templar and Finance Committee Chairman Sammie Tucker Jr. reviewed major FY26 milestones, such as staff pay increases, full-time grant writing personnel, and park renovations at Veterans Park, KC West, and Copeland Park. During discussion prior to the vote, Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell noted that the items listed in the retreat minutes reflected general council objectives rather than a strict numerical ranking. The motion to approve the retreat records passed without opposition, establishing the official public record as Council prepares for upcoming Finance Committee budget workshops.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Bethune Recycle Center Building Bid:
Council approved awarding a $91,594.80 construction contract to Michael Jordan Construction for the Bethune Recycle Center 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✗ Russell BrazellWhat this was about
County Council considered a contract award for constructing a new 12.5-foot by 20-foot office building equipped with a restroom at the Bethune Recycle Center. Staff evaluated four competitive bids ranging from $91,594.80 to $142,841.00 and recommended awarding the contract to the lowest bidder, Michael Jordan Construction of Jefferson, South Carolina, for $91,594.80. During discussion, Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell moved to defer the purchase to redirect focus toward rural emergency medical services, arguing that urgent lifesaving needs should take priority over facility upgrades. However, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and County Administrator Danny Templar emphasized that the funds were already budgeted in the fiscal year capital plan to provide basic shelter, storm protection, and sanitary working conditions for site staff. Brazell's motion to defer failed on a 2-5 vote, with Brazell and Jimmy Jones voting to defer. Council then voted unanimously on the main motion to award the contract to Michael Jordan Construction. The approval allows the county to proceed with constructing the facility for Bethune waste site workers and visiting residents.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: summarized the bid details, noting four submissions ranging from $91,000 to $142,000 and staff's recommendation for the lowest bidder ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: moved to defer the building purchase until Council addresses urgent emergency response needs in rural areas ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: opposed delaying the project, stating the funds were already committed in the approved capital budget ▶︎» Danny Templar Presenter: stressed that the facility provides necessary shelter, office space, and restrooms for employees working at the recycling site ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed support for looking at the broader picture while acknowledging the finance chairman's points regarding budgeted funds ▶︎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.