[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6310207,"mediaKeyId","2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607","parentId",2404244,"title","Council hears engineering report on Pecan Orchard flooding; staff to pursue state grant and refer to finance committee","audioSeconds",1258,"startMs",7106000,"endMs",8364000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607&start=7106&end=8364","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607/thumbnail_7106000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6310207/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Council-hears-engineering-report-on-Pecan-Orchard-flooding-staff-to-pursue-state-grant-and-refer-to-finance-committee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310207-14422416f1d3e6519960dc84c088cbe0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147728&Signature=C9G6eb6AZoNoNWCpZ5BQagcs8AZ5wjcyYvdxatggL8te2R8kyiaK2rAeoW6LgslF6IlCIbLOFpM8p6mcbfkyBfaXCieooHeYFFjtxYX2aGpEc2qE3AHSCZAbRWGRcqaaMrIW6KXi8sypQf7IA3Wpt4z2OUKKWY3d3qbRf5lyiRA51HMxZ9JaVrS9LHK1zvxSnb1Q9HKffexVuc5mOAuOp8D9EVgi0GOiugJ5m0s~vKXpaOFlYaG2h-pskRN9HL4kSxEGAa08asiG7QZWql~4lSK2VIzRmTg98542677ezg3DpOD2FxGOI5t-E0pbtcyEr-UeOgx3yOLPBIF6-A9r4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-26T21:09:14.51Z","article","Kershaw County council members and neighbors heard an engineering assessment of chronic flooding in the Pecan Orchard subdivision and directed staff to pursue a state infrastructure grant and return funding options to the finance committee.

Councilman Russell Jones introduced the item and showed photos of deep, recurring flows across driveways and yards. The county contracted Michael Baker International to study the neighborhood and propose projects. Company staff told the council they developed a package of improvements to improve conveyance to three primary outfalls and recommended construction plans; the consultant estimated a construction‑phase cost in the neighborhood of $1.2 million as a planning figure.

Consultants and county staff said the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) grant program could fund up to 75% of construction if the county files a compliant application by the program deadline (the consultant indicated a March 17 submittal and an 8–10‑week selection window). Staff emphasized an important grant rule: starting construction before award typically renders an applicant ineligible for reimbursement. County staff said they would verify whether initial design and procurement costs can be reimbursed if the grant is later awarded.

Council members discussed phasing and whether to prioritize specific ditching, road‑crowning and detention improvements; the consultant explained the neighborhood contains three separate outfalls and projects were organized by outfall to allow phasing if the council preferred. Council directed staff to refer the item to the finance committee so members could identify potential local match and recommend a funding plan; council members also asked staff to consult RIA about whether aggregated countywide stormwater proposals or discrete neighborhood applications would be preferred.

The council and staff said they would pursue the grant application and return to the finance committee and full council with a recommended funding approach and construction schedule. County staff noted that an RIA award would require the county to identify and commit local matching funds during the application process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kershaw County Live","oneSentenceSummary","An engineering study of Pecan Orchard flooding estimated about $1.2 million in construction work to reduce recurring inundation; the county will pursue a state RIA grant (75% construction) and asked the finance committee to prepare a local match plan.","taxTitle","Kershaw County, South Carolina","taxId",51040,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6310221,"Kershaw County adopts airport overlay ordinance after months of revisions and public debate",4894,1472000,6366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607&start=1472&end=6366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607/thumbnail_1472000.jpg","/articles/6310221/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Kershaw-County-adopts-airport-overlay-ordinance-after-months-of-revisions-and-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310221-6a50bdf339df6606b9a63717357816f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147728&Signature=EZ6ccQSwxNku15wq3-Q0vTlbq-C7YHS3jq8U9sMtBh97FDDBEGeu8qb5JQdaPC~VgL6Y1LGU7BY2bE0-P1J4OpzwBSMAyn431~b7cROb5ZbZ39KNI9Tgsjw87aciWMReGuhxCtGfl5Ef1sWX7SGoV4WbUr2WobRfYtJRWraC04zaZTZLim8eA9oDgcHcqPf7c5ays~~ubH7OaNqskSzLeVwFF0ok17AhwJfqSGaRt90jCkTDAIn8n2WL6Qi0GCewfsFEx45e6KL-XexUfFf7FcnP95mVzmjQwHsxfaBsk6wB2mUfHeqWisAaNB2XQuhVfxRlkZXLEAaIVLagwskzmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kershaw County Council voted 4–2 on Feb. 25 to adopt an amended Airport Overlay District (AOD) ordinance that revises zoning near Woodward Field.

Supporters at multiple public comments said the overlay will protect the county airport and its role in medical evacuations, law‑enforcement flights and economic activity. \"When a community loses an airport, it's similar to losing an interstate, an exit off of an interstate,\" Woodward Airfield advocate Scott Chambers told the council.

The ordinance will add airport land‑use zones to the county Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations and includes an amendment inserted on third reading that extends grandfathering protections for existing single‑family residences. Councilman Brent Tomlinson moved a package of three amendments, including a requirement that new submissions \"to the extent practical locate structures in the least restrictive zone and as far as possible from the airport runway surface and aircraft flight paths,\" and language saying abandonment time limits do not apply to existing bona‑fide residences that become nonconforming under the AOD.

The AOD was the product of repeated public meetings and technical review. Speakers who identified as pilots and as staff with the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission argued that compatible land‑use protections reduce safety risks and prevent future closure. \"The overlay process benefits everyone,\" David Smith, who said he serves as a project manager for the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, told the council.

Residents and members of the county's equine community urged stronger protections for existing farms and homes. Richard Osworth, a Red Fox Road resident, argued that some proposed features in the airport layout plan — notably a planned sequenced approach lighting system described in FAA documents and specific property acquisitions shown on a conditional airport layout plan — could have serious local impacts. \"The proposed amendments, if passed, will cause unnecessary hardship to the owners of existing horse farms on Red Fox Road,\" Osworth said, and he requested written assurances that identified properties would not be purchased and that the lighting scheme would be revised and resubmitted to the FAA.

Council debate centered on balancing aviation safety, the county's economic interest in keeping Woodward Field open and longtime property rights in Hunt Country. Council members who supported the ordinance emphasized that the AOD does not itself trigger eminent‑domain acquisitions and that any property purchase would require separate processes and county funding. Opponents raised constituent concerns that the overlay could, over time, lead to restrictions on use or pressure for property acquisitions.

Votes at third reading followed an amendment process. Councilman Thomason moved the three amendments; after a roll call, the Thomason amendment passed by a 4–2 vote. The full AOD, as amended, then passed third reading 4–2 (Yeas: Shoemake, Connell, Cato, Tomlinson; Nays: Bridal, Jones). The ordinance text and the supporting materials presented to the council include references to FAA guidance and to the county Unified Code; the final adopted ordinance will be codified in the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations.

The council instructed staff to publish the ordinance and to continue outreach to affected property owners. Several council members said they would continue to work with nearby residents and the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission as any FAA or airport layout updates proceed.

The ordinance will now be administered by county planning staff under the Unified Code; it includes procedures for conditional uses, required consultations with the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission for certain accessory structures, and clarified treatment of nonconforming residences.

The council's action followed a public comment period that featured pilots, aeronautics staff, horse‑industry stakeholders and multiple Red Fox Road residents who asked for written guarantees and clarity about lighting and property‑acquisition plans.

A copy of the final ordinance and the staff report will be posted to the county website and available in the planning office. Council members said they expect additional technical conversations with the airport and property owners as FAA approvals or capital improvements move forward.","Kershaw County Council voted 4–2 on Feb. 25 to adopt an amended Airport Overlay District ordinance intended to protect Woodward Field and reduce incompatible development near the runway.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6310202,"Draft comprehensive plan update remains in progress; planning commission to continue public input",191,9109000,9300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607&start=9109&end=9300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607/thumbnail_9109000.jpg","/articles/6310202/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Draft-comprehensive-plan-update-remains-in-progress-planning-commission-to-continue-public-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310202-901a1e40265d6d6e194d28a19738b8a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147728&Signature=AbrwV4vEAdkL0c~lY15fV6573STC2dNPWTOHGu2nPYIGp7i5ttie~TyrQ8g9tP9eGWT1nwfsW1DyPEjFlGj8ZbRXyqQRQ9R7Z7lQkv9eBQ4N0W1poHj3TThR5EUsxlaUMWDd6XvnWMNJN0AFpa68Y5iRAj3LwB6uNbXQeB5gQ75s6~ugVkXHjtk1kel9nJpZ30kz2BFRIHe8ZcD2ci9sTdV2AQxuQAxoInr0--iUZ0JPhl6KNCjR84rBgOlWv5z8mpkPPWq78MYdnZxvbiEJgYr5gH~TbABDy7FVQ4U56jTj~o77SMoIQx4bk5Ru6RpdpDUuHd8qCuCYOU1afrx-Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kershaw County staff updated council on the county comprehensive plan draft and the timeline for public input and next steps.

Planning staff said the draft plan is available for review but remains a working document. Staff noted typographical corrections and several areas where added clarity would help (for example, stormwater language and references to county economic assets). Planning Commission chair Ned Towel and staff advised additional public outreach and two more months of commission review before transmitting a recommended final plan to council. The commission chair told council that volunteer commissioners will continue to deliberate and that additional public meetings will be scheduled.

Council members discussed sequencing the comprehensive plan adoption and a subsequent rewrite of the zoning and land‑development regulations (ZLDR). Staff and the planning commission said a clear, adopted comprehensive plan helps inform the ZLDR rewrite, and council members signaled they expected an extended ZLDR process to follow the plan (participants mentioned an extended timeline for the ZLDR rewrite).

No vote was required; staff will continue to schedule public meetings, receive public comments and refine the draft. Council members asked staff to accommodate additional commission and public meetings and to aim for clarity on the plan's recommendations before initiating the zoning rewrite.","County staff reported the comprehensive plan draft is available but still a work in progress; planning commission members and staff said more public meetings and edits are expected and advised allowing time before moving to zoning code rewrite work that depends on the plan.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6310212,"Central Carolina Technical College outlines expansion plans and Kershaw student numbers",994,3766000,4760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607&start=3766&end=4760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607/thumbnail_3766000.jpg","/articles/6310212/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Central-Carolina-Technical-College-outlines-expansion-plans-and-Kershaw-student-numbers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310212-44dbbac5004822444668dab36d76e269/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147728&Signature=OaaMCv-hfLEZbAhs9sgqs8fo0sze8Vy2Y9Fr1xz2SfwY7v7f~9H9Y5mJAaQe3ZAr~MSSEhIlw53EBw4zyRpAtYUskkTjjifJMVilVjSrNXbgB2tFpgEUcNolw71Qo0g4aGrzHYOFiBA29KZjuJx911fHADIvBH6HiGARyFTP8HBx9E0o9yzCKBO8P8pBqUBZRaViPRjczDN~ZrbJ-rcy6fqD6bEjLXMIq6~PW9-1WrntY61gkXVYI7rVSwwoY43xrkaxiTO1gwf-7iTD6JOyevWkpVaSMKeYBc5Ap~HGBH9OtB8YlNsFuXrjgwgwO71dPYxf6iOKzaiAl07nhef23g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Central Carolina Technical College representatives updated Kershaw County Council on enrollment, scholarships and campus expansion plans during a Feb. 25 presentation.

Dr. Kevin Pollock (board chair) and Paul Napper (foundation and board representatives) reported that 944 students from Kershaw County were enrolled in the 2023–24 academic year; the five‑year average is about 684 students, the college said. The council also heard that local scholarship funding — a $25,000 county appropriation — produced $87,245 in scholar awards to students in 2023–24. The college said it wants to negotiate a five‑year renewal of that scholars program.

College leaders described available capital funding: they said the college has received and currently holds $10 million appropriations in each of the past two years (a total of $20 million) for campus projects and owns 22 acres adjacent to the current campus suitable for expansion. The college said it is in confidential negotiations with potential industry training partners and is considering either a single large building or several smaller training facilities; the speakers said the college expects to have firm plans within about six months.

Council members praised the college's dual‑enrollment and workforce training work and asked administrators to continue the existing local millage and $25,000 scholar appropriation. The council unanimously voted to accept the presentation and to continue the partnership dialogue.

College staff provided program and outcome details: they reported that about 35% of Kershaw students were taking courses online, roughly 75% of students were part‑time, and roughly 93–94% of graduates moved into employment. Fields cited included welding, mechatronics, nursing and transfer degrees. The college said it has proposed several campus‑oriented projects including signage and support for the Colonial Arts Center and estimated $22.5 million in total campus investment when current appropriations and planned projects are combined.

Council members asked for continued information about student outcomes and thanked the college and foundation members for ongoing partnership efforts.","College leaders presented enrollment and funding updates to the council: 944 Kershaw students in 2023–24, average five‑year enrollment about 684, $25,000 yearly local scholars allocation returned to students ($87,245 distributed in 2023–24), and potential capital projects using $20 million appropriated over two years.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6310217,"Council approves Creede Solar FELO; company and neighbors pledge pollinator plans",3423,3572000,6995000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607&start=3572&end=6995","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2404244-b564864be4c35fa5cbd72cf3f9601607/thumbnail_3572000.jpg","/articles/6310217/Kershaw-County/South-Carolina/Council-approves-Creede-Solar-FELO-company-and-neighbors-pledge-pollinator-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310217-1f39071a9b09d1f587ef2485c47a756a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147729&Signature=Nr9b5QMhiAPtuoNb8lWgj48doPUWIBBXdTBy0Ts-JJe9a7TeE1hUFYcuX6w5GyZ7~1v7d02yQH7qALhdcppNfAiQ4Tdv995GCEWq3qE~t~KtwhLcjhaLIOv7mawH-Z8tES4RHnKuPm~mRY3NbWUrTnYv55gFqmct6fe2C2Y8E9zC34g0FYPObLI5pkakjgvf2haCeYzvMIeUtNPaAfh1uelAqGMVPiVs2EPh9ljbEHGz1Ere3gOIa04pukgNfmcrqhSyl5tAwAc~wHHt5USyB6Q55sx-ewRzdO7QCCVhIwfA-f1g5DNXwCUK81-angdaMABl52vjBYBG8oc6oJRoQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kershaw County Council approved on third reading a fee‑in‑lieu (FELO) ordinance and accompanying agreement for the Creede solar project, including final project sponsor identification and property descriptions.

Two neighbors and small‑business owners spoke during the project's public hearing. Craig Bell, a beekeeper from Rembert, said he plans to place hives at the array and expects higher honey production and pollination benefits for surrounding farms. \"We'll keep the honeybees near the solar array,\" Bell told the council. Sandra Dollar, who said she is a nearby resident, praised the project as \"quiet\" and \"clean\" and urged the county to approve additional solar projects.

At the dais, council members confirmed the financial terms and contract details in a staff‑prepared final exhibit. County staff summarized the fiscal estimate used in presentations: the standard calculation presented to council was $3,800 per megawatt; the project sponsor and staff identified the project as a 48‑megawatt facility, equating to about $182,400 a year in FELO revenue for the county. County staff said distributions to local taxing entities can vary by how the property is reported to the Department of Revenue; typical distributions run roughly 40–60% to the school district depending on reporting and calculation method.

Representatives for the company — including attorney Dane Riddle — told the council the negotiated term in the draft documents is a 40‑year exemption period; the county record shows the company asked to retain that 40‑year term and council declined to shorten it during the meeting.

Councilman Shewmake moved an amendment to populate the final FELO exhibit with Creede Solar LLC as project sponsor and the final parcel descriptions; that amendment passed. The FELO ordinance then passed on third reading with a roll‑call vote: Shoemake (yes), Bridal (yes), Connell (yes), Tomlinson (yes); Cato (no), Jones (no).

County staff said the county will finalize the FELO agreement and publish the executed ordinance and agreement once the sponsor completes ministerial closing steps. Staff also noted the project includes a pollinator/beekeeping plan with a local beekeeper under contract, which proponents said may produce additional ecological benefits.

The county will receive the FELO payments annually as described in the ordinance and remit funds according to local distribution rules. The agreement includes standard provisions about project specifications, the exemption period and property descriptions; the executed FELO agreement will be filed in county records.","Kershaw County adopted a fee‑in‑lieu (FELO) agreement for the Creede (Creed/Creede) solar project on third reading after council inserted final sponsor and property descriptions; county staff said the project will generate roughly $182,400 a year for the county based on 48 megawatts at $3,800 per megawatt and a 40‑year exemption period.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears engineering report on Pecan Orchard flooding; staff to pursue state grant and refer to finance committee

Kershaw County adopts airport overlay ordinance after months of revisions and public debate

Draft comprehensive plan update remains in progress; planning commission to continue public input

Central Carolina Technical College outlines expansion plans and Kershaw student numbers

Council approves Creede Solar FELO; company and neighbors pledge pollinator plans