Experienced attorney and former state legislator brings deep legal expertise and a commitment to public service to the role.
The City of Camden is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Slade Funderburk as its new City Prosecutor.
“We are proud to have an accomplished professional like Laurie Funderburk assisting our police officers in court,” said Vincent Sheheen. “Her experience and dedication will strengthen our commitment to justice and public safety.”
“I am honored by this appointment and the opportunity to serve my hometown,” said Funderburk. “I look forward to working with law enforcement, City leaders, and residents to support a safe and strong community.”
In her role, Funderburk will represent the City in municipal court, working closely with law enforcement to prosecute cases and support the administration of justice.
With a lifelong connection to Camden, Funderburk brings a deep background in law and public service to her role as City Prosecutor. She served 16 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where she was a member of the Judiciary and Ethics Committees and served as Vice-Chair of the Oversight Committee.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Funderburk also served as a law clerk for the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee. Most recently, she served as State Executive Director for the South Carolina Farm Service Agency.
She has since reestablished her law firm, Funderburk Law, LLC, where her practice focuses on estate planning. Her extensive legal experience and commitment to public service position her well to support the City’s ongoing efforts to uphold public safety and accountability.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has officially ruled the cause of the fire at the Camden Condos on Mattison Street as undetermined.
The City of Camden Fire Department responded to the structure fire at approximately 9:43 a.m. The fire was contained, and crews completed salvage and overhaul operations to identify and extinguish any remaining hotspots.
All occupants of the building were safely evacuated and accounted for, and no injuries to residents or firefighters were reported. Animal Control also responded, and all pets were accounted for.
A total of eight apartment units sustained damage and/or were destroyed in the fire, displacing 13 residents, including eight adults. The remaining residents include children. Power to the affected building was shut off as a precaution, and those units are not currently habitable. The fire was contained to a single building within the complex, and no other buildings were impacted.
Assisting agencies included Camden Fire Department, Kershaw County Fire Service, Kershaw County EMS, Lugoff Fire Department, Camden Police Department, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Kershaw County Animal Control. City officials commend the swift and coordinated response of Camden Fire Department, Camden Police Department, and all assisting agencies, along with the men and women who served on scene. Their efforts ensured the safety of residents and prevented further spread of the fire
The City of Camden Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Camden Condos on Mattison Street at approximately 9:43 a.m. this morning. The fire has been contained, and crews are now conducting salvage and overhaul operations to identify and extinguish any remaining hotspots.
All occupants of the building were safely evacuated and accounted for, and no injuries to residents or firefighters have been reported. Animal Control also responded to assist, and all pets have been accounted for.
The affected building contains eight units, with approximately four units sustaining significant fire damage. The remaining units may have experienced smoke or water damage. As a precaution, power to the entire building has been shut off, and those units will not be immediately habitable. The fire was contained to a single building within the complex, and no other buildings were impacted or require evacuation.
Assisting agencies included Camden Fire Department, Kershaw County Fire Service, Kershaw County EMS, Lugoff Fire Department, Camden Police Department, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Kershaw County Animal Control.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Officials have not yet determined the origin and are awaiting further assessment. Investigators, including SLED, will be on site as part of the ongoing investigation.
Road closures remain in effect along Wilder Street and Mattison Street between Goodale Street and Lovett Street. These closures are expected to continue for at least several more hours. Water service to the immediate area was temporarily shut off during the response but is expected to be restored shortly now that the fire is contained. Emergency crews will remain on scene throughout the day.
Residents and motorists are asked to continue avoiding the area to allow emergency personnel and investigators to work safely.
City officials will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Free outdoor concerts return to Downtown Camden on select Thursdays in April and May, featuring live music, local favorites, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The beloved Blankets & Bands free concert series returns to Town Green this spring, bringing live music, community, and warm evenings to Downtown Camden. Performances will take place on Thursdays, April 9 and 23, and May 7 and 21, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an evening of live entertainment in the heart of Camden. Pack a picnic or grab takeout from one of Camden’s local restaurants and make it a night.
The series kicks off on Thursday, April 9, with the smooth sounds of The Esquires, offering a mix of timeless favorites that are sure to get the crowd grooving.
On April 23, Blankets & Bands welcomes Phil James & the Fast Lane to the stage for the first time, delivering high-energy 90s hits filled with fun and nostalgia.
Thursday, May 7 features Nigel Grant & Friends, bringing a lively mix of funk and feel-good tunes to keep the energy high.
The spring series wraps up on Thursday, May 21, with long-time local favorite Landslide, known for their signature blend of smooth classic rock.
Each concert will feature a student or young musician as the opening act, with the headlining band beginning at 6:30 p.m. Beer and wine are permitted on Town Green during concert hours. Glass containers are not allowed.
In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellations will be shared on the City’s website and official social media channels.
Blankets & Bands is a partnership between the Downtown Camden Cultural District and the Arts Center of Kershaw County, offering free, live music to the community each spring and fall.
Camden City Council Member William Wilkes has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority, placing Camden in a key leadership role in advancing regional transportation and connectivity.
Wilkes, who was elected to Camden City Council in November 2024, is the first Chairman of the Board from Kershaw County since the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority was established in 1978. He will lead the regional authority in its efforts to enhance transportation services, improve accessibility, and strengthen connections between communities across the Santee Wateree region.
The Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority coordinates public transportation resources and works to expand mobility options for residents, supporting workforce access, healthcare connectivity, and regional economic development.
“I’m grateful for the confidence of my colleagues and look forward to working together,” Wilkes said. “Transportation is one of the clearest ways we expand opportunity. It connects people to jobs, healthcare, and the services they rely on every day. We are focused on making this organization stronger, more reliable, and better equipped to serve our communities across the region.”
As Chairman, Wilkes will work with regional partners, local governments, and stakeholders to guide strategic planning efforts and strengthen transportation infrastructure and services.
The SWRTA Board of Directors consists of members appointed by participating counties, municipalities, and other authorized appointing entities.
This milestone reflects the City of Camden’s continued commitment to regional partnerships that enhance quality of life for residents both locally and across the broader region.
For more information about the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority, including services, routes, and meeting details, visit www.swrta.com.
Council honors Johnny Deal for 15 years of service, advances infrastructure projects, updates golf cart regulations, and prepares for upcoming community events.
More than 15 years of service and thousands of hours supporting responsible growth in Camden led to special recognition for Johnny Deal, whose longstanding role on the City’s Planning Commission has helped shape Camden’s development.
Often described as both an ambassador and advocate for Camden, Deal was honored by City Council for his dedication, leadership, and consistent commitment to a role that rarely seeks the spotlight but plays a critical part in guiding the City’s future. His service, which began in 2011, was recognized with a certificate of appreciation acknowledging his lasting impact on the community.
William Browning shared plans for the Horse & Hound Expo, which draws thousands of visitors, is returning to Camden September 25–26, featuring dock diving dogs, spaniel demonstrations, canine agility, gun dog showcases, and equestrian events including hunter jumpers, polo, and dressage.
With continued support from hospitality and accommodations tax funding, organizers are expanding marketing efforts to attract more visitors, while reducing ticket prices to $10 for adults and offering free admission for young children.
Proceeds from the event support the Camden Hunt Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving more than 1,500 acres of historic hunt country and natural habitat just outside the City.
Modernizing how residents interact with utility services continues to be a major focus for the City, as Director of Utilities and Public Works Jack Thornsberry provided an update on the ongoing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. Nearly 4,000 of the City’s 7,411 water meters have been installed, keeping the project on track for completion by late May. Installation of more than 12,000 electric meters is expected to begin in late April or early May, with full implementation anticipated by early fall.
Once complete, the system will provide real-time data, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. City Manager Matt DeWitt noted the project will significantly transform how residents interact with the City’s electric utility system. Mayor Vincent Sheheen also emphasized that the City has not raised electricity rates this year. Thornsberry also shared that utility providers are expected to begin removing outdated power poles later this year following completion of ongoing fiber and service transfers, with a required waiting period before removal can begin.
Considerable progress is also being made on multiple infrastructure projects funded through the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program, representing a total investment of approximately $11.8 million. Work includes water main replacements across several key corridors, construction of a new 500,000-gallon elevated water tank, and development of a booster pump station, with approximately $5.8 million in work already completed.
These improvements address aging infrastructure while also preparing the City for future growth. The new water tank, located near the Kershaw County School District office, will help maintain consistent system pressure and support long-term development, while the booster pump station will improve water quality and reliability in areas that have experienced increased growth in recent years.
Council approved several items as part of the consent agenda, including temporary alcohol permits for upcoming downtown events such as CUP FEST and the 24 Hours of Lemons Downtown Block Party, along with a resolution directing the Planning Commission to conduct a required study related to potential impact fees.
Expanded access and increased safety measures are part of updated regulations for golf cart operation within City limits, which received final approval. Golf carts may now operate from daylight hours through 11:00 p.m., extending the previous timeframe to better accommodate residents. The ordinance also requires all golf carts to be equipped with properly functioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals, and increases fines for certain violations to $250 to reinforce safe operation.
Council also approved first reading of an ordinance, amending provisions related to the Historic Landmarks Commission, establishing staggered terms and aligning the commission’s structure with other City boards and commissions.
The meeting concluded with a moment of reflection as Council recognized the passing of Ms. Betty Nelson Stewart, a dedicated community leader and longtime United Way supporter. Council members shared her lasting impact and the countless lives she touched through her service to the Camden community. The meeting was adjourned in her honor.
More information about the City of Camden is available at www.experiencecamdensc.com.
