News

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

Due to the resignation of Linda DeLoach and Jim Mitchell from Council District  1 and 6 respectively, a Special Election will be held on Tuesday, November 27th to fill the remainder of their terms. 

Citizens desiring to be a candidate for either Council District may file at the Lexington County Voter Registration and elections Office 605 West Main st, suite C, Lexington. Filing is open 12:00 noon, September 14, 2018 , and remain open during regular business hours and close 12:00 noon, September 24, 2018. In order to qualify as a candidate for office and have his or her name placed on the ballot, one must be a resident of the Town of Batesburg-Leesville, must live in District 6, be a qualified elector, and have a minimum of 5% qualified signatures on their petition of voters in each district.

There is no filing fee; blank petition forms may be obtained from on-line at www.scvotes.org or from the Batesburg-Leesville Town Hall. Completed petitions must be filed with the Lexington County Voter Registration and Elections, 605 West Main st, suite C, Lexington by the filing close time.
The Statement of Economic Interest and the Campaign Disclosure Forms must be completed on-line with the Ethics commission at http://ethics.sc.gov, according to the Ethics required filing time line.

This is a nonpartisan election and no party affiliations shall be placed on the ballot.

For residents registered in the Batesburg precinct, voting will be at the Batesburg-Leesville Leisure Center (227 Highland Avenue). Residents registered in the Mims precinct, voting will be at the Batesburg-Leesville Leisure Center, (227 Highland Ave). For residents registered in the Leesville precinct voting will be at the Old Leesville Elementary School (423 College St).

To register or to update voter registration for Lexington County residents, please contact the Lexington County Voter Registration office at 803-785-8361. To obtain information on absentee ballots, please contact the Lexington County Elections Office at 803-785-8361.

The polls will be opened November 27, 2018 at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 7:00 p.m. without intermission or adjournment, and the poll Managers shall require that each person desiring to vote in this election be qualified to vote in this Council District.

The Town will host its annual National Night Out on Wednesday, August 8th from 6pm-7:30pm along W. Railroad Ave. in Historic Batesburg Business District. More info to come. 

ADVISORY: Tomorrow evening from 6pm to 8pm, Town Public Works personnel will be spraying for mosquitoes. Spraying should last no longer than 2 hours.

Batesburg-Leesville Town Council voted unanimously during their regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Monday, May 14th to enter into a contract with CBD Inc. for up to $42,000 in sidewalk repairs.  Staff solicited bids through a Request for Proposal process and received two bids. Of the sidewalks slated for repairs, CBD Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder at $91,202.22, whereas Advantage Outdoor Services, LLC's bid was higher at $150,340.00. Bidders were also asked to price each section in addition to providing a total cost. Upon reviewing the cost per section, CBD Inc. was selected as the lowest responsible bidder. Staff then paired down the total project to align the scope of work with the funding available ($42,000). The final list of sidewalks to be repaired this funding cycle is below.  

Funding for this project is provided by Lexington County Transportation Committee and Town savings.

The projected is slated to begin in June and complete by August. 

Future repairs as funding permits. 

Each year during the Poultry Festival rumors start about possible violence during the festival. This year is no different, there have been rumors about violence/gang retaliation at the Poultry Festival. 

The Batesburg-Leesville Police Department is aware of these rumors and is taking them very seriously. We are fully investigating and doing everything possible to ensure that everyone has a great time and are safe. We will have uniformed officers from three departments patrolling the festival as well as undercover officers. This is a family community event and we are very serious about everyone’s security.  

Chief Oswald requests that anyone having any information in reference to these rumors, please call the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department at 803-532-4408.