Council advances annexation ordinance, celebrates local programs and events, and hears resident utility concerns.
Camden City Council officially recognized May 2026 as National Historic Preservation Month during its latest meeting, highlighting the importance of preservation efforts in protecting community character, supporting revitalization, and celebrating Camden’s historic heritage. The proclamation, which was presented to John Boykin, Vice Chair of the Historic Landmarks Commission, recognizes the contributions of preservation advocates working to safeguard historic resources for future generations.
Public comment included remarks from Camden resident Theandra Walker, who spoke during the meeting about utility costs and the impact higher monthly bills are having on some residents, particularly retirees, like herself living on fixed incomes. Walker encouraged City leaders to continue looking at ways to address affordability concerns raised by residents.
Council also discussed a traffic-related item involving Polo Lane during the consent agenda portion of the meeting. No additional action was taken at this time.
Council also approved first reading of an annexation ordinance under the 100 percent annexation method. During discussion, Councilmembers expressed continued support for annexation while emphasizing the importance of strong communication and outreach with property owners affected by annexation agreements, including older agreements signed years earlier.
Upcoming community projects and public events were also highlighted by City Manager Matt DeWitt, including a joint ribbon cutting celebration for new playground improvements beginning at 10 a.m. May 11 at Boykin Park, followed immediately by a second ribbon cutting at Hampton Park. DeWitt also encouraged residents to attend the May 18 ribbon cutting and unveiling of the newly developed Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill interpretation site at 11 a.m.
Councilmembers additionally recognized Arts Arising, the long-running summer arts immersion program for artistically gifted and talented students in Kershaw County held at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, along with the Hickory Top Polo Classic, the success of the recent 24 Hours of Lemons event downtown, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) wreath-laying ceremony at the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill site, which was described as well attended. Council also applauded the local NAACP for hosting a successful 40th Freedom Fund celebration.
Following regular business, Council entered executive session to discuss contractual matters.
Jenn Scuteri of the City of Camden has been awarded the 2026 HEY Award, or Hospitality Employee of the Year Award, by the Olde English District Tourism Commission for her exceptional work with visitors to Camden.
Scuteri was recognized for her dedication to hospitality, her commitment to welcoming visitors, and the positive impression she makes on guests exploring Camden and the Olde English District. Her work reflects the important role that front-line tourism professionals play in representing their communities and strengthening South Carolina’s visitor economy.
“It has been a pleasure working with Jenn to make visitors to Camden feel welcomed and at home,” said Kat Spadacenta, Camden’s Community Development Coordinator. “Whether it is a curated welcome packet, a warm email to visitors, or a friendly face at community events, Jenn brings a warm and professional presence that has helped Camden earn a reputation for true Southern hospitality.”
Rickie Good, Director of the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, also praised Scuteri’s service to visitors. “Jenn does a fantastic job working with guests and providing individualized recommendations for their trips,” Good said. “She is unfailingly welcoming and helpful to everyone who walks into the Visitor Center.”
“Jenn never shies away from a request for assistance – from visitors or colleagues – and she consistently goes above and beyond in fulfilling her role in serving those visiting Camden,” said Jenny Parrish, Director of Tourism for the City of Camden and Kershaw County. “Camden and the Olde English District are lucky to have a hospitality representative of Jenn’s caliber on our team, and we’re delighted she’s been recognized with this prestigious honor.”
The Olde English District Tourism Commission promotes tourism across Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union, and York counties. Through the HEY Awards, the commission joins tourism partners across the state in recognizing the people who make South Carolina a welcoming destination.
About the HEY Awards The Hospitality Employee of the Year Awards honor front-line staff in South Carolina’s tourism industry who demonstrate exceptional customer service and hospitality. The program is coordinated and co-sponsored by the South Carolina Area Tourism Regions and the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
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.
Council highlights local advocacy, community partnerships, public safety updates, and considers future housing opportunities
Camden City Council opened Tuesday night’s meeting by recognizing May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month, honoring local advocate Chip Galloway for his efforts to raise awareness of the rare autoimmune disease. Galloway, who was diagnosed in 2020, shared his personal journey and ongoing work to bring visibility to myositis, encouraging continued education and support for those affected. Mayor Sheheen and Council Members praised his resilience and commitment, noting the importance of community awareness in advancing research and care.
During public comment, William Browning shared updates on equestrian events that took place in April, including the 116th Camden Horse Show and the Boykin Spring Fling, both of which drew participants from across the region. He also noted that he will be applying for the City’s A-Tax grant for the upcoming Horse and Hound event and provided metrics from last year’s campaign showing strong regional exposure through digital, broadcast, and on-site engagement, reinforcing Camden’s reputation as an equestrian destination.
Molly Kornegay, Chief Operating Officer for United Way, presented a request to increase City funding to support housing and food assistance programs, including the New Day on Mill transitional shelter program and the mobile nutrition center.
Council also received a presentation from developer Sarah K. Niemann with Niemann Consulting regarding a proposed workforce housing development near Chestnut Ferry Road, including a request to annex the parcels into the City and designate them as Commercial Mixed Use (CMU).
Camden Police Department Chief Jack Rushing provided a quarterly update, highlighting a safe and successful Carolina Cup event with minimal issues despite the size of the crowd, along with $63,000 in grant funding for new body-worn cameras. He also shared that the department has applied for a School Resource Officer (SRO) grant to continue funding the current SRO at Kershaw County School District’s Continuous Learning Center and add a position at the Montessori School at its request. Rushing noted a decrease in criminal investigations and ongoing recruitment challenges, with the department currently three officers short of full staffing, while recognizing the dedication of current officers and staff.
He also shared the addition of a full-time, Spanish-speaking victim advocate who is cross-trained to assist with NCIC criminal history checks. Rushing highlighted the department’s five-year plan of action (2023–2028), noting strong community support, low crime rates, and ongoing investments in training, equipment, and technology.
Council approved the consent agenda, which included the appointment of Rachel Thomas to the Parks and Trees Commission, with a term expiring May 31, 2029, and acceptance of quarterly departmental reports.
A public hearing was opened and closed to receive public comment on the second amendment to the City’s Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget, which includes proposed funding related to the acquisition, construction, and improvement of City Hall facilities and public safety facilities; no public comments were received. Following the hearing, Council unanimously approved the ordinance on second reading.
Council also considered the proposed annexation and zoning designation request related to the workforce housing development; the ordinance failed on first reading.
The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss contractual matters related to City administration.
