News

The Town of Batesburg-Leesville has been busy this fall installing “Keep Batesburg-Leesville Clean and Proud” signs to remind visitors and residents to do their part to keep our community litter free.

As part of this year’s PalmettoPride grant, fifteen additional signs have been placed along secondary roadways throughout the community.

“This year we wanted to focus on installing signs in areas that have been problematic from a litter control standpoint,” said Ted Luckadoo, Town Manager. “We are thankful for PalmettoPride’s continued help in combating litter in our community.”

The Town has been actively working with residents and civic organizations to address this issue over the last few years. In addition to new signage, standalone recycling cans and dual trash and recycling cans have been deployed throughout our historic districts, parks, and at Town Hall. Further, groups such as the Dream Catchers, Twin City Rotary, and B-L Gym have held numerous litter pickup events to help do their part.

“Keeping our community litter free, encouraging everyone to be prideful of themselves, takes all of us. Every resident, business, and visitor,” noted Mayor Lancer Shull. “I challenge every organization and resident to adopt a section of Town and organize a monthly litter pick-up program. Lift each other up and help each other out as together we ARE making a difference.”  

Since 2015, the Town has received more than $12,000 in grants from PalmettoPride to fight litter and educate the public.

Advanced Disposal has informed town officials of a change in scheduling for recycling collection that will take effect the week of December 31^st. This change will only impact recycling customers inside town limits and only shifts the week of bi-weekly pickups.

“Advanced Disposal will continue with bi-weekly pickups, but notified us that they need to shift our pickup week,” said Ted Luckadoo, Town Manager. “From what we were provided this will help them ensure route efficiency throughout the region.”

Recycling will be picked up the week of December 24^th and then again, the week of December 31^st. Afterwards, recycling will continue bi-weekly, or every other week.

No trash or recycling pickups will occur on either Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Service will be delayed by one day.

The annual Chamber Christmas Parade and Town Tree Lighting will be Sunday, December 2nd starting at 5:30pm. More info below. 

The Town of Batesburg-Leesville is seeking input to improve biking and walking throughout our community. Thanks to a grant, the following map has been created to better understand biking and walking routes, and the challenges people face. Click the link below to share your route. Thanks for your support.  

Online Wikimap

Mayor Lancer Shull will host the first meeting of the H-Tax Advisory Panel on Wednesday, October 17th at Town Hall. More info below. 

The Batesburg-Leesville Police Department has rescheduled the Concealed Weapon Permit Class due to Hurricane Michael.

The Batesburg-Leesville Police Department has rescheduled the Concealed Weapon Permit Class in October. The classroom portion of the class has been rescheduled for on Thursday, October 25^th, 2018, beginning at 6:30 PM. The range qualification time for the class has been rescheduled to the morning of Saturday, October 27^th, at a specific time to be determined on October 25^th.

The cost of the course will be $50.00 per applicant to cover the expenses for the class. Applicants are required to register and pay all class associated fees at the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department before October 25^th, at which time the applicant will receive an application packet. Applicants should bring at least 50 rounds of ammunition and an appropriate, secure holster for their handgun of choice for this qualification. Targets, hearing protection and eye protection will be provided. The cost associated with actually applying for the Concealed Weapons Permit with SLED is a separate process. This course is designed to provide the applicant with the training and materials needed to complete the application process with SLED.

The point of contact for registration or any questions associated with this event will be Chief W. Wallace Oswald or Lieutenant David W. Bouknight, at telephone number (803) 532-4408.

On Wednesday, October 3rd from 7am-9am, officers for the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department will be hosting Coffee with a Cop at various locations throughout the community. Designed to be interactive conversations, officers will be available to answer questions, listen to concerns, and more. We hope you can join us. 

Below are important numbers to remember as Hurricane Florence approaches our area. 

For emergencies, please contact the following:

For Life-Threatening Emergencies Call 911

Power Outages and Down Lines
SCE&G – 1-888-333-4465
Mid Carolina – 1-888-813-7000 (or by text: To register, text "MCEC" to 85700. After registration, just text "OUT" to 85700 to report an outage.)

Down Tree (inside town limits)
Town Hall Open – 532-4601
Town Hall Closed – 532-4408 (BLPD)

Water/Sewer Issues 
Town Hall - 532-5601 (during business hours only) 
Water Plant – 532-6410 (during business hours only)
BLPD – 532-4408 (night/weekends)

Non-Threatening Emergencies
In-town – 532-4408 (BLPD)
Lexington County – 803-785-2521
Saluda County – 864-445-2112

South Carolina’s emergency helpline is now active around the clock. Anyone with questions related to Hurricane Florence should call the Public Information Phone System at 1-866-246-0133 or visit www.scemd.org

Mayor Lancer Shull is asking all residents and businesses of Batesburg-Leesville to take immediate steps to protect life and property as Hurricane Florence approaches.

“We have been monitoring this storm for several days, and as it approaches landfall, it’s becoming increasingly clear we will be affected by this severe storm,” said Mayor Shull.

The Mayor recommends all residents and business owners to take the following actions:

• Secure all outdoor furniture, plants, trash/recycling cans, portable basketball goals, and other objects that may become projectiles in high winds.
• Bring in or secure all pets and animals.
• Stock up on essential items including food, water, medication, batteries and other supplies.
• Plan for power outages by fueling vehicles and generators, securing cash, and charging cell phones and other essential devices/equipment. Individuals who rely upon electricity for oxygen or other medical aids should plan accordingly.  
• Stay tuned to local radio, television, and responsible social media sites for the latest updates and information.
• Help a neighbor prepare for the storm.

Lastly, the Mayor asks that residents and businesses help town officials by calling Town Hall to report clogged storm drains, loose debris, and other potential hazards. “We are all in this together, so please be patient with one another and we will make it through.”

Additional resources:

• South Carolina Emergency Management Division
• South Carolina Hurricane Guide
• Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness Information
• South Carolina Sheltering Information for Disasters 
• Report a Power Outage

For more information, please contact Town Hall at (803) 532-4601.

Town officials are once again asking residents and businesses to prepare for potential devastation from severe weather. Although the final track of Hurricane Florence is unknown, there are a number of actions people can take to make sure they are ready if and when severe weather occurs. 

Before a Storm, remember these T.I.P.S: 

1. Terms. A “watch” is a notification for residents to be on alert of a potential storm, and a “warning” indicates that a hurricane is expected in your area. Review the South Carolina Hurricane Guide for more information.
2. Insurance and Important information. Review your insurance plans and have copies of important documents, such as driver’s licenses, medical information, and insurance cards.
3. Plan ahead. Create a family plan in the event that an evacuation is necessary, and keep emergency contact information handy. Don’t forget to consider your pets when planning for a possible evacuation.
4. Supplies. Plan ahead of time by creating emergency kits filled with survival necessities such as bottled water, non-perishable snacks, medication, batteries, blankets, crank radios and flashlights.

During a Storm:

1. Listen. Listen to local radio and television broadcasts for current conditions and recommended actions. You can also sign up to receive emergency alerts on your mobile device here.
2. Evacuate. When directed by local authorities, you may be required to evacuate. Know your designated evacuation route in advance.
3. Shelter. If you are unable to evacuate, seek shelter in an interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

After a Storm: 

1. Be aware of dangers. Be cautious of potential dangers, such as downed power lines, contaminated water, or possible gas leaks. 
2. Document damage. If possible, take photos of the damage on your property or residence, in addition to making written notes.
3. Seek assistance: Contact SCEMD’s Recovery Program to see what relief or recovery programs may be available for your area.
4. Be cautious of scams. Be alert to possible disaster-related scams such as fraudulent phone calls or price gouging, and report any suspected scams to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. Do not give any personal information, including credit card and bank account information, to unverified callers.

Here are additional resources that may be helpful in the event of an emergency: 

• South Carolina Emergency Management Division
• South Carolina Hurricane Guide
• Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness Information
• South Carolina Sheltering Information for Disasters 
• Report a Power Outage