Bamberg County Council and SC Attorney General Alan Wilson User in Newly Elected Members

Posted by 01/08/2025 Categories: Bamberg County Airport Bamberg County Emergency Services bamberg south carolina city of bamberg south carolina community community service government local government Public Works sheriff department South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To: News Media

From: Bamberg County Administration

Date: January 7, 2025

Re: Bamberg County Council and SC Attorney General Alan Wilson Usher in Newly Elected Members

Bamberg, South Carolina (January 2025) – During an eventful January 6 County Council meeting, newly elected members Kenneth Ahlin (District 1) and Michelle Martin (District 7) were officially sworn in by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Additionally, per County Council ordinance rules, outgoing Chairman Evert Comer, Jr. passed the gavel to District 2 Councilwoman Sharon Hammond. Newly appointed Vice Chairman Larry Haynes will serve alongside Chairwoman Hammond. All incumbent council members were sworn in by Judge Craig Threatt.

Special guest, SC Attorney General Alan Wilson, said he was “honored to swear in the two newest council members and to serve the citizens of Bamberg County.”

After receiving the Chairperson’s gavel, on behalf of the entire County Council and Administration, incoming Chairwoman Hammond presented outgoing Chairman Comer with a plaque of appreciation for his distinguished service as the 2024 Chairman. During Comer’s tenure, Bamberg County enjoyed several victories, including securing USDA heavy equipment, CPR equipment, and body camera/armor grants. The Bamberg County Council and administration also held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Holman Bridge Fire Substation and improvements to Salty Road and Lazy Lane. The much-awaited airport water tower groundbreaking ceremony was another Bamberg County 2024 highlight. These victories were achieved despite the challenge of cleaning and rebuilding efforts resulting from three unprecedented natural disasters: the January 9 tornado, Hurricane Debby, and Hurricane Helene.

Mr. Comer stated he is “encouraged by the resilient nature of Bamberg County and its citizens. We may get knocked down, but we will always get back up stronger than ever. It was my honor to serve as Council Chairman during this tumultuous year, and I look forward to continuing my service in District 6. I am sure Chairwoman Hammond will do a fine job.”

Newly appointed Chairwoman Sharon Hammond said she looks forward to serving in this new capacity and to “witnessing Bamberg County flourish in 2025.”

“While Bamberg County faced a lot of adversity in 2024, we begin 2025 with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. I’m excited to work with new councilmembers Martin and Ahlin and our new Chair Hammond and Vice Chair Haynes to continue improving the lives of our citizens.”

*The roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Bamberg County Council rotate annually among the seven Councilmembers.

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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov