Residents asked to reduce non-essential water use as prolonged dry conditions continue across the Catawba-Wateree River Basin
The City of Camden is advising residents that the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has been placed under Stage 2 drought conditions following an extended period of dry weather across the region.
The designation was issued by the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) under its Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). Stage 2 is the third of five drought stages outlined in the protocol and requires mandatory water conservation measures throughout the basin, which stretches from the mountains of North Carolina to the Wateree Dam in South Carolina.
The region is currently experiencing its ninth consecutive month of below-average rainfall, with many of the smaller streams that feed the basin and reservoirs reporting significantly reduced water levels.
As a water provider within the basin, the City of Camden is requiring customers to eliminate non-essential water use and limit discretionary uses, including lawn irrigation, to no more than twice per week during off-peak hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. In accordance with City ordinance, the goal during Stage 2 is to achieve a 5 to 10 percent reduction in overall water use.
Warnings will be issued for violations of the mandatory restrictions. Repeated violations may result in monetary penalties added to a customer’s water bill based on the severity of the violation and water usage. Continued noncompliance following a warning may also lead to disconnection of water service, with restoration conditioned upon payment of applicable fees and assurance of future compliance.
“As a member of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group, the City of Camden aims to raise awareness about increased drought conditions and help promote responsible water use during this time of extreme dry conditions throughout the entire drainage basin,” said Jack Thornsberry, Director of Utilities and Public Works for the City of Camden. “By requiring mandatory conservation efforts, we can help protect our collective water resources should drought conditions continue into the summer.”
Duke Energy, which manages lakes within the basin, has also begun implementing measures to help conserve water levels, including reducing downstream releases and limiting certain recreational flows. Lake users may also notice increased monitoring at public boating access areas, with temporary closures possible if water levels continue to decline.
The City of Camden, along with CW-DMAG partners, will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating efforts to protect the shared water supply and overall health of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
Residents with questions about water use restrictions or conservation practices may contact the City of Camden Public Works Department at 803-432-2421.
Separate Sealed Bids for construction of Stormwater Improvements, for the City of Camden will be received by Owner at 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020 until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and at said place will be publicly opened and read aloud.
The Work consists of “Stormwater Improvements” in accordance with the Bidding Documents heretofore prepared by GHD Inc., 1320 Main Street, Suite 425, Columbia, SC 29201. The project generally consists of the installation of 5 new catch basins, approximately 614 linear feet of stormwater piping, resurfacing of the intersection of Lyttleton and Laurens Streets, and other incidental items required to complete the work. 90 Calendar Days will be allowed for contractor to achieve Substantial Completion after the date established for start of construction in the Notice to Proceed, and 120 Calendar Days to achieve final completion.
Electronic copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained at the office of GHD Inc., 1320 Main Street, Suite 425, Columbia, SC 29201 for no charge by contacting Marjorie Howe via email at marjorie.howe@ghd.com. Bidder shall provide full contact information for the plan holder list including name, address, email address, telephone number and SC Contractors License number. Plan holders are required to acknowledge receipt of emailed set of bidding documents. Bidder must be on the official plan holders list, for bid to be considered.
All technical questions shall be submitted in writing via email to Kevin Krick (kevin.krick@ghd.com) and cc: marjorie.howe@ghd.com. No response will be given to questions received less than seven (7) days before the Bid opening date.
Bidders shall review and acknowledge all Addenda on the Bid Form.
Bid must be accompanied by Bid security made payable to Owner in an amount of five-percent (5%) of Bidder’s maximum Bid price and in the form of a certified check, bank money order, or a Bid Bond (on the form included in the Bidding Documents) issued by a surety meeting the requirements of the General Conditions.
If, upon acceptance of a Bid, a Bidder fails to enter into a Contract with the City of Camden, the bid security shall be forfeited to and become the property of the City of Camden.
The bid hold period is as defined in the Bid Form. The successful Bidder must furnish a 100% Performance Bond and a 100% Payment Bond with a surety company satisfactory to the City of Camden and conforming to the prerequisite requirements of the General Conditions on the forms included in the Bidding Documents. Contractor must provide fire, extended coverage, vandalism, and malicious mischief insurance equal to the actual value of the insured property during construction.
This project is being funded in whole or in part by the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA).
Any prospective bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation of this contract may protest to Engineer (or) Owner in accordance with Section 11-35-4210 of the SC Code of Laws, within 15 days of the date of issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award.
No bid will be considered unless the bidder is legally qualified under the provisions of the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Law (South Carolina Code of Laws as amended on April 1, 1999, Chapter 11, Sections 40-11-10 through 40-11-428).
Contractors shall have a classification of GD.
The City of Camden reserves the right to waive any informalities at its sole discretion or to reject any or all Bids to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Bidders are required to certify, under penalty of perjury, that Bids have been prepared without collusion with other Bidders, subcontractors, suppliers, etc. This certification is included with the Bid Form and each Bidder must sign in the space provided.
Jack Thornsberry Director of Utilities & Public Works City of Camden
Photo Caption: Pictured left to right are Fire Chief Eddie Gardner, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tidwell, City Manager Matt DeWitt, Council Member William Wilkes, Senator Allen Blackmon, Mayor Vincent Sheheen, Council Member Delia Davis, Senator Jeffrey Graham, Council Member Phil Elliott, Director of Planning and Development Shawn Putnam, and Director of Utilities and Public Works Jack Thornsberry during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new playground equipment at Boykin Park in Camden.
New playground creates expanded recreation opportunities for Camden children and families
The City of Camden officially cut the ribbon on upgraded playground equipment at Boykin Park, marking a significant investment in community recreation and quality of life for children and families.
The project was made possible through funding secured from the South Carolina Parks and Recreation Development Program, commonly known as PARD, with strong support from the Kershaw County Legislative Delegation. The new playground provides modern, safe and engaging equipment designed to serve children and families for years to come.
“This project represents our continued commitment to improving quality of life across our communities,” said Senator Jeffrey Graham. “Investments like this ensure that our children have safe, accessible places to play and that our neighborhoods remain strong and vibrant.”
“Investments like this make a real difference because they provide safe recreational areas,” said Representative Robert Reese. “This playground is about equity, opportunity and making sure every child in Camden has a place to play.”
Mayor Vincent Sheheen emphasized the City’s vision for continued improvement.
“Boykin Park is an important part of our community, and this new playground reflects our ongoing efforts to invest in Camden’s future,” Sheheen said. “We are grateful for the support that made this project possible.”
The City of Camden remains committed to enhancing public spaces and recreational opportunities, ensuring residents and visitors alike can enjoy safe, welcoming environments throughout the community.
An iconic artwork depicting the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill will return to public display in Camden as part of a special ceremony and battlefield interpretation site dedication.
The City of Camden, in partnership with the South Carolina American Revolution Trust, will formally receive a significant piece of Revolutionary War artwork during a ceremony on May 18 at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center.
The event will mark the official loan of Pamela Patrick White’s 2008 painting depicting the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill, which will be displayed at the Visitor Center for public viewing. The artwork illustrates Continental infantry providing cover for a cannon crew as they withdraw from the battle, capturing a pivotal moment in the second Battle of Camden on April 25, 1781.
Although British forces claimed victory at Hobkirk’s Hill, their evacuation of Camden on May 9, 1781, and retreat to Charleston marked a significant turning point in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.
The program begins at 12:30 p.m., with a light reception following the ceremony. After an invocation by Rev. Dr. Paul A. Wood, Jr., Major General Julian Burns (Retired) will speak on the history of the painting and formally transfer the loan to Mayor Vincent Sheheen.
“We are very excited about this addition to the Revolutionary War Visitor Center’s exhibit,” said Rickie Good, Director of the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. “The display of The Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill and the new interpretation site for the battlefield will allow visitors to better understand the significance of the second Battle of Camden to the Southern Campaign. It is a painting that truly captures the desperate efforts by the Continentals on that April day. The efforts of SCART to return this painting, which was on display in Camden from 2008 until just a few years ago, back home to Camden were extraordinary, and we are thrilled that the Visitor Center will have it on display for the next several years.”
Prior to the ceremony at the Visitor Center, guests are invited to attend a ribbon cutting at 11:00 a.m. at the newly developed Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill interpretation site. Transportation will be provided via bus from the Visitor Center at 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Due to limited parking at the site, attendees are strongly encouraged to utilize the provided transportation.
Founded in 2023, the South Carolina American Revolution Trust, headquartered at the Historic Robert Mills Courthouse, works collaboratively with partners across the state to preserve, protect, promote, and perpetuate the stories, artifacts, and history of South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. The organization plans to continue lending significant treasures to public institutions throughout the state.
The Revolutionary War Visitor Center, located at 212 Broad Street, is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The painting will be displayed in the Public House. Whether planning a day trip or a longer stay, visitors are encouraged to make the Visitor
Center their first stop to explore the many historical and recreational experiences available throughout Camden and Kershaw County.
For more information on the Revolutionary War Visitor Center and how to view The Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill painting, visit Simply Revolutionary. For more information on visiting the City of Camden, please visit www.experiencecamdensc.com.
Pictured left to right in photo are Kirsten Bowers and Eilee Clapp, both eighth grade students at Camden Middle School
The Kershaw County 250 Art Poster Contest brought together talented middle school students from across the community to showcase their artistic interpretations of “Kershaw County’s Role in the American Revolution.”
Open to all sixth through eighth grade students in public, private, parochial, and homeschool settings, the contest invited young artists to explore local history through original, hand-created works. The result was a powerful collection of pieces reflecting the stories, sacrifices, and significance of the Revolutionary War in Kershaw County.
The contest was made possible through a collaborative effort among the Kershaw County 250 Committee, Hobkirk Hill Chapter NSDAR, Revolutionary War Visitors Center, the City of Camden, and community partners committed to preserving and celebrating the area’s Revolutionary War heritage.
Top honors were awarded to two outstanding students from Camden Middle School:
• 1st Place: “Ghost Town” (Evacuation Day/Burning of Camden, May 10, 1781) by Eilee Clapp, 8th Grade — $200 prize • 2nd Place: “The Swamp Fox” (Gen. Francis Marion) by Kirsten Bowers, 8th Grade — $100 prize
Both students will be recognized at the Hobkirk Hill Chapter DAR Awards Ceremony on May 12 at 3:30 p.m. at the Revolutionary War Visitors Center. Families, teachers, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate their achievements.
Eilee Clapp’s first-place artwork will be displayed at the Revolutionary War Visitors Center Museum as part of Camden’s America 250 Celebration through July 4, 2026, offering visitors an opportunity to experience local history through the lens of student creativity.
“A heartfelt thank you to all participating students, teachers, and our panel of judges for making this contest such a success. Your creativity helps bring history to life,” said Project Organizer Kathryn Watkins.
The Revolutionary War Visitors Center, located at 212 Broad Street in Camden, is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The winning artwork will be displayed in the Public House. For more information about Kershaw County 250 programs and events, contact Rickie Good at 803-272-0076.
Enhancements will improve energy efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and bring new flexibility for events and seasonal displays downtown
The City of Camden will begin a strategic upgrade to its downtown rooftop lighting system on Monday, May 4, replacing existing bulbs with a modern, energy-efficient LED lighting system designed to enhance the look and experience of downtown after dark while reducing long-term operational costs.
Work will begin on the evening of Monday, May 4, with crews operating overnight starting at 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, to minimize disruption to businesses, residents, and visitors. Care will be taken to ensure downtown remains accessible and welcoming throughout the installation.
The new system significantly improves energy efficiency and durability compared to the existing lighting, reducing both power usage and ongoing maintenance needs. In addition to these long-term savings, the upgraded lighting offers expanded capabilities, including more than 16 million color options, programmable scheduling, motion effects, and music synchronization. The lights will be permanently installed along rooflines using a durable compound designed for a clean, streamlined appearance.
“This investment reflects the City’s commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming downtown experience,” said Matt DeWitt, City Manager. “By upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting with enhanced color capabilities, we are not only reducing operational costs, but also giving ourselves the ability to celebrate holidays, recognize community events and bring new energy to our streetscape. Our role is to help set the stage for success, supporting our local businesses by making downtown a more dynamic, attractive place where residents and visitors want to spend time, gather and engage.”
The new lighting system will also provide greater flexibility for seasonal displays, allowing the City to bring new energy downtown in meaningful ways. City staff will work alongside the installation team throughout the project to ensure a smooth process and address any needs that may arise.
This upgrade supports the City’s broader focus on maintaining infrastructure responsibly while continuing to invest in the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown Camden.
