First-place student projects and a powerful new exhibit invite the community to explore local history and legacy
Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to visit the African American Cultural Center of Camden, located at 517 York Street, as it proudly hosts the first-place winning student projects from this year’s Kershaw County School District Heritage Tea program.
Since 1987, the Arts Center of Kershaw County, through its Multicultural Committee, has partnered with the Kershaw County School District to engage students in grades 3 through 8 in exploring the history and contributions of prominent African American figures. Through research and creative presentation, students gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who have helped shape our nation and community.
Student projects were first displayed at the Arts Center, where the Multicultural Committee conducted a blind judging process. The first-place winners, recognized for their outstanding work, will now be on display at the African American Cultural Center through May 15.
Visitors are also encouraged to experience the Center’s newest exhibit, “A Walk Through History: Milestones in Economics & Education — 1867–1927.” The exhibit offers an immersive look at six decades of resilience and progress in the post-emancipation South, featuring rare photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays that honor the lives and legacies that helped build the Camden community.
The community is also invited to participate in a special Scan Day on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents can bring family and historic photographs to be digitally scanned and preserved as part of the Camden Archives & Museum, helping protect and share local history for generations to come.
The African American Cultural Center is open to the public on Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The City of Camden is advising residents that the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has been placed in Stage 1 drought conditions following an extended period of dry weather across the region. The region is currently experiencing its eighth consecutive month of below-average rainfall, and water levels in many of the smaller streams that feed the basin are lower than normal.
The designation was issued by the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) under its Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). Stage 1 is the second of five drought stages outlined in the protocol and requests voluntary water conservation across the basin, which stretches from the North Carolina mountains to the Wateree Dam.
As a water provider within the basin, the City of Camden is asking customers to voluntarily eliminate non-essential water use and limit discretionary uses such as lawn irrigation to no more than twice per week during off-peak hours (10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.). In accordance with City ordinance, the goal during Stage 1 is to achieve a 3–5 percent reduction in overall water use.
“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 in the entire drainage basin,” said Jack Thornsberry, Director of Utilities and Public Works for the City of Camden.“ By starting volunteer conservation efforts early, we can help protect our collective water resources should the drought conditions continue into the summer.”
Duke Energy, which manages the lakes in the basin, has begun making adjustments to help conserve water levels, including releasing less water downstream and limiting certain recreational flows, while 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 the health of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
Residents with questions about water use or conservation practices may contact the City of Camden Public Works Department at 803-432-2421.
Improved rating expected to lower borrowing costs and maximize taxpayer dollars
The City of Camden has received a credit rating upgrade from Moody’s Ratings, reflecting the City’s continued financial strength, disciplined management, and steady economic growth.
In practical terms, the upgrade means Camden is now viewed as a lower-risk borrower. As a result, the City is positioned to secure lower interest rates when financing capital projects, reducing long-term costs and delivering significant savings for taxpayers.
Moody’s upgraded the City’s issuer and combined utility revenue bond ratings from A1 to Aa3. The agency also assigned an initial A1 rating to the City’s Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds associated with City Hall and public safety projects. This Aa3 rating places Camden in the upper tier of municipal credit ratings and reflects the City’s strong financial position and stability.
The improved rating may also reduce or eliminate the need for bond insurance, lowering transaction and issuance costs. It can also strengthen investor confidence, increasing demand for Camden’s bonds, helping the City achieve more favorable financing terms.
“This upgrade is a direct reflection of the discipline and long-term planning our team has put in place,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt. “It allows us to stretch every dollar further, delivering the projects our residents need at a lower overall cost while continuing to provide the infrastructure and services they expect.”
The Camden City Council continues to invest in critical infrastructure, public safety, and long-term community needs while maintaining sound financial practices that support sustainable growth.
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.
