Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Seven members of the Barnwell Police Department (BPD) were presented with plaques and promotions at the City of Barnwell’s April 1 council meeting.
Chief Michael Butts first recognized Robert Miller Sr. and Reginald Mixon, welcoming them both out of retirement and back to the department.
“These two gentlemen have stepped up and helped me out,” said the chief.
Mixon has accepted a chaplain position with the department. Chaplains provide emotional, moral, and spiritual support to officers and staff at police departments.
Miller served over 40 years with BPD and was asked to return as interim chief in 2023 before Chief Butts was hired. Miller will be returning to the badge as assistant chaplain.
Lieutenant Dennis Boots was recognized for five years of service to the city, and was honored with a plaque, a five-year pin, and coordinating hash marks. Lt. Boots was on duty during the council meeting, however, his wife Sheila, accepted the plaque and credentials on his behalf.
Heather Still is the department’s support specialist. She was recognized for her five years of service with a plaque.
“She is the one who keeps the department flowing, I wish I could take 10 of her,” said Chief Butts of Still.
Patrol Officer First Class (PFC) Robert McGiniss was promoted to Corporal surrounded by family. Corporal McGiniss has been with the department since October 2023.
Although on duty during the meeting, Sergeant David Greene was promoted to First Sergeant. His wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Karlee, accepted his plaque and credentials on his behalf.
PFC Molly Curley was promoted to Lance Corporal. She was supported by her wife during the council recognition. Curley was sworn into the department in October 2023.
Boards and commissions
The council also discussed changing the number of seats required on the planning commission. The commission currently calls for seven members, and city administrator Lynn McEwen suggested the council consider dropping it to five members. Five members currently serve on the commission, all of which are certified to do so.
Seats on the board of zoning appeals also came into the conversation. The board is set to have five members – all seats but one are filled. McEwen asked council members to think about who they could ask to serve.
Serving on the planning commission or the board of zoning appeals is a volunteer position. The city often has a hard time filling seats for both.
Ultimately, the council decided to wait until the special election on April 2 concluded and they could make a decision with a complete council. This special election was held to fill the vacant District 1 seat previously held by Mayor Ron Still. Ricky Dixon, the only candidate to file, won the seat.
Approvals
The council approved the first reading of an amendment to Ordinance 2024-3 to include a downtown development committee to the list of standing committees in the city. These committees are council members appointed by the mayor.
Recreation
The parks and recreation department recently welcomed a new hire to their maintenance crew, Jimmy Ray. Ray was welcomed by the council, administration, and parks and recreation director, Kevin Roberts.
“We are thrilled to have him,” said Roberts.
Roberts told the council youth basketball had a successful season with 175 kids involved. Now, the department is gearing up for baseball season with numerous repairs being made at the Lemon Park complex for opening day on April 8.
Field lights and corresponding transformers were replaced, new shrubs were installed along the Brown Street parking lot fence, and Roberts is working on price quotes for laser grading to align the field and bases. These renovations are all funded by the department’s existing budget.
The recreation department is also working with maintenance crews to replace the privacy fence at College Park and clean up the hedges.
The Splash Pad at Fuller Park opens the week of April 15. It will remain open throughout the summer months from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
Community needs assessment
Pamela McKnight, HEALing Partners Project Coordinator, presented one of their many initiatives to the council – the Community Needs Assessment.
This is a questionnaire relating to recreational and health opportunities in the county, or lack thereof. It can be found on https://myhealingpartners.org/ and filled out virtually or by pencil and submitted.
Completing the 50 questions gives HEALing Partners a systematic way to look at health-related concerns in the region and gives them ideas on how to address it.
McKnight also announced the upcoming Happy Active Play (HAP) Festival on April 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lemon Park. The festival will include field day events for all ages.
