Your New Ride Around Town: King Haigler Express is Here!
Free bus service now connecting Camden’s key destinations! Camden residents, get ready for a new way to get around town! As of Monday, August 4th, the King Haigler Express is rolling through our community, offering free weekday bus service that connects you to the places you need to go most.
What You Need to Know The King Haigler Express runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., following a continuous loop route with convenient stops throughout Camden. The service is completely free during this pilot program, and the buses are fully accessible for all riders.
Where Can You Go? The route covers practically everything you need for daily life.
Shopping & Errands: Food Lion, Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, CVS, Walgreens at DeKalb, Belk at Springdale Plaza, and Ollie’s at Camden Square
Healthcare: MUSC Health at Haile St., MUSC Women’s Health at DeKalb St., Community Medical Clinic, Fresenius Dialysis, and Kershaw County Mental Health at Liberty Hill Rd.
Government & Community Services: City Hall, Kershaw County Government Center, United Way, Camden Post Office, Camden Library
Recreation: Boykin Park and Monument Square
Try It Out – It’s Free! Since this is a pilot program, your feedback matters. The City of Camden and the Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority want to hear from you about how this service works for your needs.
“This pilot program reflects our commitment to providing practical solutions that support Camden’s future, improve quality of life, and ensure everyone has access to the places that matter most,” said Councilman William Wilkes. Whether you need to pick up groceries, visit the doctor, handle business at City Hall, or just explore downtown, the King Haigler Express offers a reliable, safe way to get there without needing a car.
The City of Camden is currently under a residential development moratorium that will expire on September 30, 2025.
The ordinance regarding the moratorium, which was approved by City Council states in Section 1: “The City Council has determined to consider certain amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Code regarding the approval of new major subdivisions and multi-family developments within the City. The City Council has determined that amendments may be necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare of the City and its citizens due to (i) the possible environmental impact of these types of development, particularly the protection of wetlands, forests, wildlife and aquatic life, and the retention of open space; (ii) the increased demand that developments of these types place on existing City road and utility infrastructure and the increased cost to improve, extend, or increase the capacity of such infrastructure to support such development; and (iii) the need to ensure that provisions of the Land Use Code regarding development of these types are aligned with the goals, objectives and strategies of the Comprehensive Plan regarding historic and cultural qualities of the City and its community.”
It further directed staff and the Planning Commission as follows: “During the pendency of the moratoriums enacted hereby, City staff and the Planning Commission shall proceed expeditiously to study, prepare, and make recommendations concerning amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code consistent with the findings in Section 1 of this Ordinance.”
Based on direction from City Council, staff and planning consultants determined that revisions were warranted to the housing and land use elements of the comprehensive plan. Drafts of these two elements are completed and scheduled to be reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 26 at 6:15 PM. City Council will hold a public hearing on the draft elements at their meeting on September 2, 2025 at 5: 30 PM. Copies of the draft elements may be accessed with the links below.
CAMDEN, SC – The City of Camden is pleased to announce the hiring of Jenny Waller Parrish as the city’s first Director of Tourism, a newly created position designed to enhance Camden’s growing tourism industry and promote the city’s rich historical heritage.
Parrish brings over a decade of tourism experience to Camden, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Olde English District Tourism Commission since 2020. In that role, she created and executed comprehensive tourism promotion and integrated marketing plans, managed cooperative marketing projects with partner organizations, and worked to formulate sustainable visitor economy strategies. Her extensive background includes serving as Industry Relations Manager for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, where she managed the annual SC Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel, and as VP of Destination Services for Visit York County.
Parrish holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management from Clemson University with a Travel + Tourism concentration. She is a certified Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP) and is currently completing her Certified Destination Management Expert (CDME) certification through Destination’s International, expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.
The creation of this position reflects Camden’s commitment to developing and expanding its tourism sector, which plays a vital role in the local economy. The Director of Tourism will be responsible for developing comprehensive marketing strategies, coordinating with local businesses and attractions, and creating initiatives to attract visitors to Camden’s historic downtown, Revolutionary War sites, and equestrian events.
“I’m thrilled to bring my tourism education and experience to the City of Camden and help spotlight all that makes it special. There’s so much potential here, and I’m eager to help share Camden’s story with visitors near and far, said Parrish when asked her thoughts on accepting her new position.
“Camden has so much character and charm, and I’m excited to be part of the effort to elevate it as a travel destination. I’m passionate about showcasing special places, and I can’t wait to show the world what Camden has to offer.”
Camden City Manager Matt DeWitt expressed enthusiasm about the new hire and the position’s potential impact on the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Parrish as the new Tourism Director for the City of Camden. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience from her years leading the Olde English District, where she consistently demonstrated her passion for heritage tourism and regional collaboration. Her deep familiarity with Camden’s unique history, charm, and visitor experience makes her an ideal fit to take our tourism efforts to the next level. With Jennifer at the helm, we look forward to elevating Camden’s profile as a premier destination in South Carolina and beyond.”
The Director of Tourism position was established as part of Camden’s strategic plan to capitalize on its unique historical significance, including its role in the Revolutionary War and its designation as a key stop along South Carolina’s Historic Trail. The city is home to numerous attractions including the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden, the National Steeplechase Museum, and hosts the annual Carolina Cup steeplechase race.
For more information about Camden’s tourism initiatives, contact Jenny Parrish at 803-432-2421 or visit www.experiencecamdensc.com.
Dawn-Marie Johnson Named Public Information Officer for the City of Camden Camden, SC — July 1, 2025 — The City of Camden is excited to announce Dawn-Marie Johnson as its new Public Information Officer (PIO). A passionate storyteller and community connector, Johnson brings extensive experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement to her new role, where she will help shape how Camden shares its unique story with residents, businesses, and visitors.
As PIO, Johnson will lead the city’s strategic communication initiatives, manage media relations, coordinate public event information, and oversee crisis communications. Her mission is to ensure Camden’s citizens stay connected and informed through authentic, transparent, and timely information.
“Camden is rich with history and vibrant stories waiting to be told. This role, which I am so honored to step into, represents leadership through service — bridging the space between institutions and people by being a trusted voice, a calming presence, and a guide through change or challenges. My goal is simple: Inform. Impact. Inspire. — always with authenticity and transparency,” said Johnson.
Johnson brings extensive experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement, most recently having held positions at the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County and The Post and Courier (Columbia and Myrtle Beach). Her communications foundation is strengthened by extensive media and public relations experience in television journalism, including positions at WRDW-TV (CBS) in Augusta, Georgia, and WSOC-TV (ABC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. She also served as Public Relations Director for GM Productions, managing high-profile promotional campaigns for major events.
In announcing the appointment, City Manager Matt DeWitt stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Dawn-Marie Johnson to the City’s team as the new Public Information Officer. She is a local resident and has built many invaluable connections throughout Camden over the years, so she understands many of the issues this community is facing as she enters this new position. Dawn-Marie also brings with her a wealth of communication expertise, and a passion for connecting with OUR community. Her skills will be vital as we work to enhance transparency, share important information effectively, and strengthen engagement with our residents.”
With her guiding philosophy of Inspire. Inform. Impact. Johnson looks forward to collaborating with residents, businesses, and city leaders to share Camden’s stories — rooted in history and those being written today — and deepen the connections that make the community thrive.
For media inquiries, please contact: Dawn-Marie Johnson 803-432-2421, ext. 1107 Djohnson@camdensc.org
Camden Council enhances employee recognition program, reviews hunt club mural proposal, moves closer to art policy, and introduces new PIO
By Dawn-Marie Johnson CAMDEN, S.C. — The city of Camden has expanded its employee recognition program to better honor workers who reach service milestones. Previously, employees had to choose between a service pin or a small monetary award when celebrating five-, 10-, 15- and 20-year anniversaries. Officials announced they will now provide both forms of recognition to recipients. “We value our employees here very much,” said Camden City Manager Matt DeWitt during Tuesday night’s meeting. “Our employees are far more valuable than making them choose between a pin and a monetary award. Giving them both really is the least we can do.” The enhanced program recognizes employees at five-year intervals with both a commemorative pin and financial recognition. Nine employees were recognized by the city for reaching service milestones. Those honored at the meeting included: • Fire Lt. Billy Haynes, five years • Sanitation Department collector Leslie Bracey, 10 years • City Clerk/Permit Technician Brenda Davis, 15 years • Water and Sewer Department Supervisor Charlie Robinson, 20 years • Fire Chief Eddie Gardner, 35 years Employees not in attendance but also recognized were Shannon Roach, Finance Department, five years; Bryan McLeod, Water Plant, 15 years; Duane Dykes, Utilities Department, 25 years; and Lee Rose, Water and Sewer Department, 25 years.
Camden Hunt Seeks Mural to Mark Centennial The Camden City Council on Monday heard appeals for a mural commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Camden Hunt and a mural proposed at 537 Gallery while also taking steps toward adopting a public art policy to guide future projects across the city. Salley McInerney, a resident and representative of the Camden Hunt, addressed the council with a history of the organization, which was founded in 1926 by equestrian enthusiasts. The hunt, she said, is more than a sporting tradition, serving as a steward of thousands of acres of preserved land, rare Carolina Bays and local wildlife. “In a time when kids are glued to their phones, we teach young riders about land, horses, hounds and history,” McInerney said. “And now, as we approach our centennial, we hope to commemorate this legacy with a mural on the east wall of the Little Theater.” McInerney said the building owners, James and Rhea Scott, support the mural, as does the neighboring Presbyterian Church. She asked the council to approve the project, noting that renderings and mockups have already been shared with city staff. Also speaking in favor of the mural was Olivia Frazier, a junior member of the Camden Hunt. Frazier, who lives across from the proposed mural site, described the hunt as much more than a sport. “The Camden Hunt is more than just a tradition — it’s a way to honor the land and the animals and the people who came before us,” Frazier said. “We don’t chase foxes; we celebrate the beauty of our country, the wetlands, pine forests, that bring brightness to our community. We’re asking for support for a mural that will tell the story of the past century and inspire future generations like us who care deeply for this place.” Council members praised the mural’s design and message but raised concerns about the size and placement of such artwork in Camden’s historic downtown. Several said a coordinated art strategy is needed to avoid visual clutter and maintain consistency.
Public Art Policy Discussion The council also heard from Harvee L. White, public art coordinator for the South Carolina Arts Commission, who presented the proposed Camden Public Art Policy. White said the policy would establish broad guidelines for public art, followed by a more detailed plan outlining specific projects, preferred locations and community engagement strategies. “This is the kind of groundwork we encourage all cultural districts to put in place,” White said. “Public art should not only beautify spaces but reflect the community’s identity and values.” White noted that Camden’s designation as a South Carolina cultural district makes it eligible for additional state support, provided local policies and plans align with that status. Council members expressed interest in reviewing similar policies adopted in other cities and stressed that Camden’s plan should tie into its existing strategic and comprehensive plans. While support for the Camden Hunt mural was strong, council members clarified that procedural requirements, including a public hearing, would delay a final vote until August. Residents and stakeholders were encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
New Public Information Officer Introduced City Manager Matt DeWitt introduced Dawn-Marie Johnson as Camden’s new Public Information Officer. “Dawn-Marie has been challenged with the job of getting the word out about all the good things happening here in Camden,” DeWitt said. “Often, people aren’t aware of the great work we’re doing because we haven’t communicated it well. Dawn-Marie is here to help us be more transparent and better connected with our community.” DeWitt encouraged residents and media to reach out to Johnson with questions or for information. Those wishing to contact the Public Information Office can email her at djohnson@camdensc.com or call 803-432-2421, ext 1107.
Other Council Business In other business, the council gave first reading to Ordinance 2025-20, which involves the potential acquisition and redevelopment of the midtown property. The ordinance passed first reading with minimal discussion, with more details expected at future meetings. The council also postponed a vote on a resolution to transfer ownership of subdivision streets and stormwater infrastructure in the Bellehaven neighborhood to the city. City Manager Matt DeWitt said that, ‘while the city has the capacity to maintain the infrastructure, more documentation is needed to confirm that proper inspections and compaction testing were conducted during construction.” Mayor Vincent Sheheen and several council members agreed to defer the item to a future meeting.
Looking Ahead A public hearing on the proposed Camden Hunt mural and the broader public art policy is expected at the council’s August meeting. If adopted, the policy would provide a framework for future public art projects while preserving the city’s historic character.
The City of Camden is selling property it has deemed as surplus. There are eleven properties for sale. Ten of these properties are in the city limits, and one is outside the city limits. Offers will be accepted until July 25, 2025. The following properties are for sale:
• 718 York Street • 807 Church Street • 810 Campbell Street • 1095 Old River Road • 1095A Old River Road • 1099 Old River Road • 1101 Old River Road • 1115 Old River Road • 1210 Gordon Street • 1319 Lakeshore Drive • 2129 Fishing Lane
