I want to commend some folks for going ABOVE & BEYOND last week in Chapin. On Wednesday morning, I noticed that several bags of trash had been dumped on Chapin Road from Amicks Ferry Road up to past the Rite Aid and asked staff to get that picked up to avoid any traffic issues. As some of our Chapin police officers arrived on the scene to begin the clean-up process, Mark McKinney went to his business, Pleasurecraft Marine Engines in Prosperity, and got some of his employees to assist with the trash pick-up. Within a matter of minutes the illegally dumped trash was picked up, and roads were clear for morning commuters. I appreciate Mark’s initiative to take pride in our community and its appearance. He could have easily passed the mess, proceeded on to work and let others handle it. But he went ABOVE & BEYOND and for that we are grateful!
The Chapin Police Department recently installed Internet Safety Zone signs at Town Hall. These parking spots are monitored by video surveillance cameras and provide a safe place for people who purchase things online to meet and complete their transactions. A number of municipalities have incorporated these, and such a place could have been a deterrent to a recent scam that took place in Lexington County when a person got robbed when making a Craigslist purchase. We encourage you to use these spots, which are located on the right side of the building in front of the police department and to always be mindful of your surroundings in parking lots. Keep your cars locked and don’t leave valuables in plain view to prevent potential criminal activity.
Chief Ziegler reported in our staff meeting on Friday that the number of traffic accidents have increased in recent weeks, especially along Chapin Road and Columbia Avenue. Contributing factors included congestion, driving too fast for conditions, inattention to cars in front of them and the bright morning sun. I would remind you that speed limits within town are 35 miles per hour along these two main thoroughfares. Please make every effort to be alert while driving and help us prevent traffic collisions by slowing down and paying closer attention to your surroundings and other motorists.
On Saturday, I was pleased to attend the ground breaking ceremony for another new Chapin business – Palmetto Bone and Joint. These orthopedic physicians are investing more than $11 million in an office building for their regular practice, but also a state-of-the-art surgery center. Palmetto Bone and Joint is a community-driven medical practice and really excited about being an integral part of the greater Chapin community. At this time, the expected building completion date is sometime around November/December 2017.
The Chapin High football team sure had a great run this season, and while Friday’s loss was disappointing, we are all proud of the great season the team had. I want to congratulate Coach Jentry, Dr. Ross, all the players, parents, cheerleaders and marching band members for all their accomplishments this fall, which won’t be forgotten by our town.
I also want to extend congratulations to CHS teacher Jessica Alderman and the Justin Pepper Foundation, both of which were honored last Friday night at the Keep the Midlands annual awards banquet. Mrs. Alderman, an AP Environmental Science and Biology teacher, was named Educator of the Year for her efforts to encourage her students to be good stewards of our planet. In addition she oversees the school’s recycling club. The Justin Pepper Foundation was honored as the Community Group of the Year. The foundation has routinely cleaned up islands along Lake Murray for a number of years, and this year they adopted Spence Island and have volunteer crews that go out and recover trash and debris left on the island and waterway by boaters and campers.
We want to wish a speedy recovery to our Utilities Director Andy Metts. He is recovering from a heart attack on December 4. We are grateful for his medical team and know he and his family would appreciate your prayers as he recuperates at home the next few weeks.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
