Government

  • Rock Hill Raises Recreation Fees for Non-Residents After County Council Ends Equalized Funding
    ROCK HILL, S.C. — Non-residents of Rock Hill will see significant increases in fees for city-run recreational programs starting July 15, 2025, after York County Council voted to eliminate the long-standing equalized recreation funding agreement. For over 20 years, this funding arrangement allowed residents living outside the city limits to…
  • Alan Wilson Announces Run for South Carolina Governor
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson officially launched his campaign for governor, pledging a bold conservative vision focused on economic growth, individual freedom, and government reform. In a text to supporters and the media, Wilson said, “My life is shaped by service — as a soldier, prosecutor,…
  • Salaries of Local Elected Officials Vary Widely Across York and Lancaster Counties
    Elected officials across York County and neighboring Lancaster County receive a broad range of salaries, reflecting the size and scope of each jurisdiction’s responsibilities. Officials in Rock Hill and York County receive the highest compensation among local governments, while Tega Cay officials are the lowest paid in the region. City…
  • New Era of Veteran Care Dawns with Rock Hill VA Clinic Opening
    ROCK HILL, SC – A significant enhancement to veteran healthcare in York County is on the horizon as the new, state-of-the-art Rock Hill VA Clinic is set to open its doors on July 1, 2025. Located at 459 Lakeshore Parkway, this expanded 26,000+ square-foot facility promises to deliver world-class care…
  • Clover Town Council Approves FY 2025–26 Budget and Zoning Ordinance Amendments
    On June 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Clover Town Council convened at the Clover Community Center. The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirming Freedom of Information Act compliance. Key items included a public hearing on the FY 2025–2026 budget ordinance (25‑03), final approval of two ordinances (25‑02…
  • Tega Cay Council Meeting: Nighttime Golf Cart Use Approved, Community Recognitions Highlighted
    At its June 16, 2025 meeting, the Tega Cay City Council celebrated several community achievements and took key legislative actions. The Council honored the Fort Mill High School Girls Track & Field Team for winning the 5A Division II State Championship and recognized two police officers for outstanding DUI enforcement….
  • Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar Recall: What South Carolina Consumers Need to Know
     Dr. Pepper has announced a voluntary recall of over 19,000 cases of its Zero Sugar Dr. Pepper soda across three Southern states, including South Carolina. The recall stems from a critical mislabeling error: cans marked as “Zero Sugar” actually contain the full-sugar product, posing a significant health risk, particularly for…
  • Rock Hill City Council Advances Key Annexation and Zoning Changes, Approves CDBG Plan, and Recognizes Community Achievements
    The Rock Hill City Council convened on Monday, June 9, 2025, for a regular session that included recognitions, ordinance readings, and discussions on community development. The meeting began with an executive session for board appointments and attorney/client privilege discussions. The regular session featured recognitions for police cadets and an athlete,…
  • Tega Cay City Council Approves First Reading of Golf Cart Operation at Night, Adjusts Recreation Fees
    The Tega Cay City Council held a special meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Philip T. Glennon Center. The meeting included discussions and actions on wastewater treatment plant upgrades, golf cart regulations, and amendments to the Parks & Recreation fee schedule. The meeting began with a call to…
  • DPH Emphasizes Water, Swimming Safety for the Summer
    COLUMBIA, S.C. – As temperatures rise and South Carolinians spend more time enjoying private or public pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs and splashpads, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents about the importance of practicing water and swimming safety. Each year, more than 4,000 unintentional drowning…
  • York County Council Eliminates Park Entrance Fees for Residents Starting July 1
    YORK COUNTY, SC — Beginning July 1, 2025, York County residents will no longer be required to pay daily entrance fees at county-operated parks, following a decision made by York County Council as part of the approved 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. The change applies to all York County citizens and…
  • Fort Mill School District Engages Citadel EHS for Environmental Review Near Silfab Solar Facility
    FORT MILL, S.C. — The Fort Mill School District has taken formal steps to address environmental health and safety concerns tied to the proximity of the Silfab Solar manufacturing facility to Flint Hill Elementary and Middle Schools. In response to recommendations from the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU) and…
  • Lancaster County Restaurant Inspections: May 2025 Overview
    Lancaster County, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 69 food establishment inspections across Lancaster County in May 2025. The inspections covered a range of routine checks, complaint investigations, and follow-up visits to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Of the 69 inspections, two establishments initially received…
  • York County 4-H Reaches 600 Members, Sets New Record
    YORK COUNTY, S.C. — York County 4-H has reached a milestone with the registration of its 600th youth member for the 2024–2025 program year, setting a new participation record for the organization. The achievement reflects the program’s steady growth and increased engagement throughout the county. Leaders credit the milestone to…
  • York County Restaurant Inspections: May 2025 Report
    The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 204 food establishment inspections across York County in May 2025. These inspections evaluated food safety practices including employee hygiene, food storage, and equipment sanitation. While most establishments received an “A” grade, six restaurants received a “B” rating due to multiple priority violations, prompting…
  • York County Council Approves FY 2026 Budget, Advances Zoning Changes and Dissolves Recreation Tax District
    At its June 2, 2025, regular meeting, the York County Council approved a wide-ranging consent agenda that included the third reading of two rezoning ordinances—one changing 1.81 acres on Mt. Gallant Road from Residential Mixed (RMX-20) to Residential Single-Family (RSF-40), and another rezoning 2.43 acres on Corporate Boulevard from Urban…
  • York County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory Achieves Accreditation.
    YORK COUNTY, S.C. — The York County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory Services Forensic Biology and DNA Testing Laboratory has successfully completed a full reassessment of its activities under the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards for testing laboratories, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in forensic science. Since the laboratory began accredited testing of…
  • SLED CHARGES FORMER HIGH SCHOOL SECURITY GUARD WITH PERJURY
    The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged McArther Wright Jr., 39, with Perjury – False Testimony Under Oath on Friday, May 30, 2025. The SLED investigation was requested by the 13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins. During a General Sessions trial in Greenville County, Wright testified that he was…
  • With Summer Approaching, DPH Offers Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of several tips to help prevent mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding areas while enjoying time outside this summer. There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes in South Carolina, but fortunately not all of them…
  • New Leadership for South Carolina National Guard as Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell Assumes Command
    WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – A new era has begun for the South Carolina Military Department as U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell officially assumed command from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty during a change of command ceremony held on May 31, 2025. The transition took place at the…
  • Gov. Henry McMaster Signs Landmark Tort Reform and Liquor Liability Bill Into Law
    COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette were joined today by members of the General Assembly and the business community for a ceremonial bill signing of H. 3430, Tort Reform and Liquor Liability. The commonsense bill enacts significant reforms to South Carolina’s joint and several liability laws,…
  • Proposed Federal Medicaid Cuts Raise Concerns for South Carolina Healthcare
    A recent vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on a sweeping reconciliation bill could significantly impact millions of Americans relying on Medicaid, including those in South Carolina. The bill proposes nearly one trillion dollars in cuts to the healthcare system, potentially leading to the loss of health coverage for…
  • South Carolina Launches Pilot Program Allowing Public Schools to Hire Non-Certified Teachers
    South Carolina has launched a five-year pilot program that allows public schools to hire non-certified teachers for up to 10% of their teaching staff. The initiative is designed to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage by bringing experienced professionals into classrooms while maintaining educational standards. Key Provisions of the Pilot…
  • Rock Hill Receives $1.2 Million Grant as Part of Statewide Infrastructure Funding
    ROCK HILL, S.C. — The City of Rock Hill has been awarded a $1,223,366 grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) as part of a statewide effort to upgrade critical infrastructure systems across the state. The funding is part of a $26 million package distributed to 27 projects…
  • York County Releases Statement Concerning Silfab Solar
    NEWS RELEASE CONCERNING SILFAB SOLAR  May 27, 2025 York County, SC: York County would like to address recent communications related to Silfab Solar’s plans in York County. Historically, the County has not commented upon matters in litigation. However, ongoing communications urging Council to issue a “cease-and-desist order” to stop the company from becoming operational have…
  • South Carolina Highlights Dam Safety Efforts Ahead of National Awareness Day
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — In recognition of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is urging residents to understand the function and regulation of dams, especially for those living or working near dam-created water bodies. Dams play a vital role in South…
  • VA Streamlines Private Care Referrals, Promising Faster Access for Veterans
    WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant move aimed at cutting through bureaucratic hurdles, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that veterans seeking private medical care referrals will no longer require an additional doctor’s review. This change, effective immediately, is mandated by the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans…
  • York County Sheriff’s Office Boosts Starting Pay for Non-Certified Deputies
    The York County Sheriff’s Office has announced a significant increase in the starting salary for its non-certified enforcement deputies. This move aims to attract more individuals interested in a career in law enforcement and serving the community. Non-certified deputies will now begin with a base salary of $53,578. Upon successfully…
  • SC Attorney General Joins Push for National Concealed Carry Reciprocity
    South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a coalition of state attorneys general advocating for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38). This proposed legislation aims to establish a framework for lawful concealed carry across state lines. In a letter sent…
  • Lancaster County’s J&E Homestead Among 13 South Carolina Agribusinesses Awarded State Funding
    J&E Homestead, a fiber mill and farm based in Lancaster County, has been named one of 13 recipients of funding through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE). The farm will use the awarded funds to procure new spinning equipment, significantly enhancing its ability…
  • Social Security Retirement Age Officially Increases to 67 for Those Born in 1960
     A significant shift in retirement planning has taken effect in 2025, as the full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits officially increases to 67 years old for Americans born in 1960. This marks the culmination of changes initiated by a 1983 amendment to the Social Security Act and is…
  • York County SWAT Responds After Grandmother Opens Fire on Family During Domestic Dispute
    On Monday, May 19, 2025, a tense standoff unfolded in Clover, South Carolina, when 70-year-old Cathy Carpenter allegedly opened fire on her family members, prompting a SWAT response from the York County Sheriff’s Office. The incident began around 11:30 a.m. at Carpenter’s home on Windsong Forest Road. According to authorities,…
  • DPH Highlights Work of EMS Personnel During National EMS Week
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is proud to spotlight the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) professionals during National EMS Week. Every day, EMS professionals help save lives and safeguard the health, safety and well-being of their communities. Across the state, 304 EMS agencies and more…
  • York County Council Navigates Budget Battles and Silfab Solar Controversy in Marathon Meeting
    The York County Council held a meeting on May 19, 2025, which included a workshop, a transportation meeting, and a regular council meeting. Key discussions and decisions revolved around infrastructure projects funded by “Pennies for Progress,” the county budget with significant debate on the recreation tax, and public concerns regarding…
  • President Trump Signs ‘Take It Down Act,’ Recognizes SC Rep. Brandon Guffey for Advocacy After Son’s Tragic Death
    On May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan “Take It Down Act” into law, criminalizing the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes and revenge porn. The legislation mandates that social media platforms remove flagged content within 48 hours and empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce…
  • York County Hires Fire Services Director
    YORK COUNTY, SC: York County is excited to announce the hiring of Matt Davis as Fire Services Director. Davis has served for the past 22 years as Deputy Fire Chief for New Hanover County Fire & Rescue in North Carolina. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to York…
  • SCDPS Steps Up Seat Belt Enforcement Ahead of 100 Deadly Days of Summer
    The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), along with law enforcement partners statewide are joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national seat belt enforcement mobilization by kicking off the Buckle Up, South Carolina (BUSC) campaign. From now through the end of May, the seat belt enforcement and…
  • South Carolina Enacts Hands-Free Driving Law Effective September 1
    South Carolina will implement a new hands-free driving law on September 1, 2025, prohibiting drivers from holding or using handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle. The legislation, known as the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster on May 12, 2025….
  • New Law Regulates Kratom Sales in South Carolina
    South Carolina has enacted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, introducing new regulations on the sale and distribution of kratom products within the state. What Is Kratom? Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves of the kratom tree contain…
  • Lancaster Man Arrested on Meth Trafficking and Multiple Drug Charges
    LANCASTER, S.C. — A Lancaster man was arrested Monday, May 12, on multiple drug and traffic charges following an investigation and traffic stop by the Lancaster County Multijurisdictional Narcotics Task Force. John Wylie Gay, Jr., 36, was taken into custody after investigators stopped his vehicle near the intersection of 10th…
  • May Social Security Payments Delayed Due to Calendar
    Social Security recipients may notice a slight delay in their payments this month due to a quirk in the May calendar. Typically, Social Security payments are issued on Wednesdays. However, because May 1st fell on a Thursday this year, the usual schedule is shifted. Individuals whose birth date falls between…
  • South Carolina Legislature Approves Nighttime Golf Cart Use on Local Roads
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — On May 8, 2025, the South Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 3292, authorizing municipalities and counties to permit golf cart operation at night on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. The bill now awaits Governor Henry McMaster’s signature to become law….
  • Lancaster County Administrator Presents FY26 Budget at Special Meeting
    The Lancaster County Council held a special meeting on May 7, 2025, primarily to receive the County Administrator’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The proposed budget totals $159.7 million across all county funds, including $102.4 million for the General Fund. It maintains a no-increase operating millage while funding 28…
  • Final defendant sentenced in DMV area dogfighting ring
    A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to two years and three months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring. According to court documents, from at least March 2015 through December 2022, Charles Reginald McDougald, aka “Luke” and “Bottom Boy,” 55, and other conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C.,…
  • Surprise Checks on the Way: South Carolina Treasurer Launches $600K ‘Palmetto Payback’ Program
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis has announced the launch of the “Palmetto Payback” initiative, aiming to return over $600,000 in unclaimed funds to residents across the state. The program identifies unclaimed property and automatically issues checks to rightful owners without requiring them to file claims. The…
  • Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in York, SC, Public Health Officials Issue Warning
    YORK, S.C. — A raccoon in the York County area has tested positive for rabies, prompting a public health advisory from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The animal was located near Edgefield and Strawberry Patch roads in York, according to a notice issued on May 7, 2025. Terri…
  • 12-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Arson in Lancaster Walmart Fire
    LANCASTER, S.C. — A 12-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to second-degree arson after setting a fire inside the Walmart on the Highway 9 Bypass in Lancaster on Sunday, May 4. The fire began around 4:30 p.m. in the store’s crafts and sewing section, prompting an immediate evacuation. Firefighters arrived within…
  • SC House Approves Bill Aiming for Eventual Elimination of Income Tax
    A bill with the long-term goal of eliminating income taxes in South Carolina received significant approval in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The passed legislation proposes an initial restructuring of income tax rates that would result in lower costs for many taxpayers, although approximately one in four filers would…
  • York County Council Advances FY 2026 Budget With Countywide 1.5 Mil Tax Increase for Parks and Recreation
    At its May 5 meeting, York County Council approved the first reading of the FY 2026 budget, which includes a 1.5 mil tax increase on all county residents to support parks and recreation funding. Simultaneously, Council took first reading to abolish the existing 1.5 mil tax that had applied only…
  • SCDSS Recognizes Foster Care Awareness Month
    May 6, 2025 –The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) recognizes May as Foster Care Awareness Month to highlight the important role that foster parents, kinship caregivers, child placing agencies, and supporting non-profits play in working together with families to achieve reunification for children and youth in foster care….
  • SOUTH CAROLINA’S TOP DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS PAID $10.6 MILLION IN 2024
    ​Delinquent taxpayers whose debts were listed on the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s Top Delinquent Taxpayers lists paid the state more than $10.6 million in 2024. Since the SCDOR launched the Top Delinquent Taxpayers lists in 2020, delinquent taxpayers whose debts were published on the lists have paid more than…
  • DPH Recognizes South Carolina’s Nurses During National Nurses Week
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — National Nurses Week is celebrated annually May 6-12, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is using this observance to applaud the 96,260 licensed nurses across the state, including the hundreds who work tirelessly at DPH, and encourages South Carolinians to thank the nurses in their…
  • DPH Recognizes South Carolina’s Nurses During National Nurses Week
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — National Nurses Week is celebrated annually May 6-12, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is using this observance to applaud the 96,260 licensed nurses across the state, including the hundreds who work tirelessly at DPH, and encourages South Carolinians to thank the nurses in their…
  • Rock Hill City Council Advances Rezoning, Approves Senior Housing Incentives at April 28 Meeting
    The Rock Hill City Council met on April 28, 2025, to address a range of legislative, zoning, and development matters. Key decisions included the approval of property conveyances and zoning changes, recertification of the Bleachery Site for redevelopment incentives, and multiple Planning Commission recommendations related to rezoning and annexations. The…
  • Man Sentenced to 444 Months for Firing on Law Enforcement
    A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced yesterday in Greensboro to a total of 37 years in prison after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, assault on a federal officer by use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, and discharging a firearm during and in relation…
  • DPH Observes National Hurricane Preparedness Week
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — In advance of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining partners in observing National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 4-10) and South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month. “South Carolina is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and their…
  • April Restaurant Inspections in Lancaster County: One Restaurant Rated ‘C’, All Others Now in Compliance
    The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 58 food establishment inspections in Lancaster County in April 2025. Most restaurants received an “A” rating, indicating compliance with state food safety regulations. However, three restaurants initially received a “B” rating and one received a “C” rating. All three “B” rated establishments have…
  • April Health Inspections in York County: Majority Earn ‘A’, Six Restaurants Correct Issues
    The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 207 restaurant inspections across York County in April 2025. Most establishments received an “A” rating, indicating full compliance with food safety standards. Six restaurants received a “B” rating following their initial inspections, reflecting the need for corrective action on multiple non-compliant items. These…
  • Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Searching for Woman Involved in Taco Bell Disturbance
    INDIAN LAND, S.C. – The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a woman who caused a disturbance at the Taco Bell located at 9915 Charlotte Highway in Indian Land on Sunday night, April 27. Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 9:31 p.m. after employees…
  • SC House Passes Bill to Double Paid Parental Leave for Teachers, State Employees
    The South Carolina House of Representatives has passed a bill that could significantly increase the amount of paid parental leave for teachers and state employees. If ratified, H. 3490 would provide parents who give birth with up to 12 weeks of paid leave, a substantial increase from the current six-week…
  • SC Senate Considers Hands-Free Driving and Increased Penalties for Evading Law Enforcement
    The South Carolina Senate is nearing final votes on two separate pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing road safety in the state. Both bills, having previously passed the House, could soon reach the Governor’s desk. One bill under consideration would establish a statewide hands-free driving law, aligning South Carolina with…
  • Lancaster County Council Advances Road Funding, Backs Major Industrial Projects in April 28 Meeting
    The Lancaster County Council held its regular meeting on April 28, 2025, in the County Administration Building. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including youth engagement initiatives, volunteer recognitions, updates on major infrastructure projects, economic development incentives, and long-term planning matters. Council members heard from residents on road…
  • South Carolina Merges Three Health Agencies into New Department
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster has signed legislation consolidating three state agencies into a single entity, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. This move merges the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services….
  • Need to Fly Soon? Options While You Wait for Your REAL ID
    The deadline for REAL ID enforcement has arrived – May 7, 2025. This means to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities, you now need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of federal identification. But what if you haven’t gotten your REAL ID yet and have…
  • Latest Winthrop Poll Reveals Divided Opinions in South Carolina
    The latest Winthrop Poll has revealed a stark division in public opinion among South Carolinians on a range of political figures and issues. The survey data indicates a near split in feelings toward the current President, with 44% expressing positive sentiments and 43% holding negative views. The poll also gauged…
  • DPH Recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is raising awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to honor survivors, amplify prevention efforts and work toward a safer South…
  • Lancaster Man Arrested in Connection with Armed Robbery at Jones Crossroads Grocery
    LANCASTER, S.C. — A Lancaster man has been arrested and charged in connection with an armed robbery earlier this month at a local grocery store. According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Alexis Rodriguez, 40, of Lancaster, has been charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission…
  • Editorial: Grassroots Prevail, York County GOP Holds the Line Against Establishment Takeover
    By Scott Anderson, YCGOP Chairman Despite well-funded opposition from the state Republican Party establishment, We the People in York County stood our ground – and won! At the recent YCGOP County Convention, local leadership defended the party from outside efforts to gain control and return to politics as usual. The outcome was…
  • York County Council Presents FY26 Budget and Parks Investment at April 21st Meeting
    At its April 21 meeting, the York County Council approved a series of consent agenda items and heard the FY26 recommended budget presentation, which emphasized major investments in infrastructure and the expansion of county departments—particularly Parks and Utilities. The $173.4 million general fund proposal aligns closely with the county’s strategic…
  • Senator Michael Johnson Files Bill to Strengthen Zoning Appeals Rulings in Wake of Silfab Dispute
    South Carolina State Senator Michael Johnson has filed legislation aimed at reinforcing the authority of local zoning boards following ongoing controversy surrounding the Silfab Solar facility located in Fort Mill, York County. Approximately two weeks ago, Johnson introduced Senate Bill 530 (S.530). The bill would mandate “THAT IF CERTAIN COUNTY…
  • SC Senate Votes to Remove Treasurer Curtis Loftis Over $1.8 Billion Accounting Error
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Monday, April 21, 2025, the South Carolina Senate voted 33–8 to remove State Treasurer Curtis Loftis from office, citing a $1.8 billion accounting error that remained unreported for years. If successful, this would be the first time in South Carolina’s 235-year history that a statewide elected…
  • DPH Asks Residents to Safely Dispose of Unused Prescription Medicines During ‘Drug Take Back Day’ Events
      COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to drop off unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs during the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 2,157…
  • MUSC Receives Approval to Build New Hospital in Indian Land
    INDIAN LAND, S.C. — The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has received approval to move forward with construction of a new hospital in Indian Land, marking a significant expansion of healthcare services in Lancaster County. The  hospital is part of a broader $860 million plan that also includes the…
  • Clover Town Council Confronts Recreation Strain, Zoning Updates, and Funding Gaps Amid Rapid Growth at April 14, 2025 Meeting
    The Clover Town Council meeting focused on multiple key issues, including staff recognition in the police department, passionate public advocacy for expanded recreation facilities, zoning ordinance amendments, and the town’s financial health. Public concerns about safety, overcrowded recreation fields, and funding inequities were brought to light. The council also approved…
  • Joint Meeting of Lancaster County Council and Lancaster City Council – April 15, 2025
    Lancaster County Council and Lancaster City Council convened for a joint meeting to discuss a range of critical issues tied to growth, infrastructure, intergovernmental collaboration, and shared services. The discussion emphasized the importance of coordination as both jurisdictions experience rapid population expansion and increasing demands on resources. Executive Summary Key…
  • York and Lancaster County Fire Departments Earn 2024 Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation
    YORK & LANCASTER COUNTIES — Several fire departments in York and Lancaster counties have earned the prestigious 2024 Fire Safe South Carolina (FSSC) Community Designation, recognizing their commitment to public safety and fire prevention education. The honored departments include: Bethel Fire Department Flint Hill Fire Rescue Fort Mill Fire Department…
  • York County Planning Commission Reviews Major Rezoning and Development Requests at April Meeting
    The York County Planning Commission convened on April 14, 2025, to deliberate on several significant development proposals and zoning changes.  The six items on the agenda were approved. 🛣️ Sutton Road Waiver Request – Fort Mill Applicant: Nate Negrin, Sutton Road, LLC Proposal: Request to waive paving requirements for gravel…
  • Fort Mill Police Department Moves Headquarters to New Town Hall
    Fort Mill, SC – The Fort Mill Police Department is set to relocate its headquarters to a newly renovated office space within the Town of Fort Mill’s new Town Hall, marking a significant step in enhancing departmental services and modernizing its facilities. The new police headquarters will be located at…
  • Lancaster County Council Launches FY2026 Budget Talks with Focus on Growth, Staffing Needs, and Strategic Fund Use
    The Lancaster County Council held a budget workshop on April 9, 2025, to begin formal discussions on the FY2026 budget. The meeting featured detailed departmental presentations, strategic planning discussions, and early deliberations on funding priorities. The county administrator and CFO emphasized improved transparency, compliance, and operational efficiency in budget planning,…
  • Chester County Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Meth
    Alexander Wright, 33, of Chester, has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Chester County Sheriff’s Department began investigating Wright after complaints from his neighbors. The neighbors reported several cars coming to…
  • Four South Carolina Defendants Sentenced for Civil Rights Crimes Targeting Hispanics
    Three South Carolina men and one woman have been sentenced for violent crimes targeting Hispanics in Columbia, South Carolina. Charles Antonio Clippard, 27, was sentenced to 420 months in prison; Michael Joseph Knox, 29, was sentenced to 303 months in prison; Gabriel Brunson, 21, was sentenced to 100 months in…
  • Armed Individual Arrested After Entering Fort Mill Publix
    FORT MILL, S.C. — An armed individual was taken into custody by York County Sheriff’s deputies on Thursday, April 10, 2025, after entering the Publix Super Market at 928 Gold Hill Road and briefly locking himself in a staff office. Additional information released by the York County Sheriff’s Office provides…
  • Dark Web Fentanyl Distributor Sentenced To More Than 15 Years In Federal Prison
     U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced James Bookman (30, Largo) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Bookman pleaded guilty on October 2, 2024. According to court documents and statements presented at the sentencing hearing, Bookman, from the…
  • South Carolina House Advances Hands-Free Cell Phone Driving Legislation
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina House of Representatives has approved a bill requiring drivers to use hands-free devices when operating a vehicle, moving the state closer to joining the majority of the nation in prohibiting handheld cellphone use while driving. The bill, known as the “South Carolina Hands-Free and…
  • YORK COUNTY JUMP-STARTS ‘PENNIES 5’ PROJECTS
    YORK COUNTY, SC: On Monday night York County Council approved funding to begin design work on eight Pennies For Progress road projects that voters approved in November. On January 21st Council voted to “fast-track” some Pennies Five projects by approving a loan of $20 million from the County’s general fund…
  • York County Council Approves Record Fort Mill School Impact Fees, Advances Infrastructure Projects and EMS Transition at April 7 Meeting
    At the April 7, 2025, York County Council meeting, Council approved several major agenda items, with significant attention devoted to the adoption of new public education impact fees for the Fort Mill School District. The ordinance passed its third and final reading, establishing an impact fee of $29,640 for single-family…
  • Lancaster County man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material charges
    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Thomas James Adams, 26, of Heath Springs, S.C., on five charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators…
  • Tick-Tock Goes the Clock: One Month Until Real ID is Required for Takeoff
    With the May 7 federal deadline just one month away, South Carolina residents who plan to fly domestically or visit military bases and federal buildings are being urged to secure their Real ID now to avoid travel disruptions. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 to enhance national…
  • South Carolina Nears End of Digital Divide
    COLUMBIA, SC — The South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) is pleased to announce that broadband deployment is continuing at a rapid pace and, while construction is still underway statewide, only 28,724 Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) remain unserved or underserved and lack an investment commitment. Of the remaining BSLs, 21,466 are…
  • Town of Fort Mill Hires Dr. Gordon Burnette III as Assistant Town Manager
    FORT MILL, S.C. — The Town of Fort Mill has hired Dr. Gordon Burnette III as its new Assistant Town Manager, with his first day in the role beginning April 4, 2025. Dr. Burnette brings a background in public administration, communications, and education, having most recently served as Chief Communications…
  • SC bill would legalize gambling on horse races. Don’t bet on it.
    The memory of video poker still lingers, 25 years after the “crack cocaine of gambling” was defeated in court COLUMBIA — Members of the state’s struggling equestrian community say legislation allowing South Carolinians to bet on horse racing through an app on their phone could revive a once-thriving industry. Discussion…
  • Nationwide Recall for Chocolate Bars Over Stone Risk
    Chocolate lovers, take note: Tony’s Chocolonely has issued a voluntary recall for select Dark Almond Sea Salt and Everything Bars sold in the U.S. and Canada, after reports of small stones found within the treats. Known for their ethical and high-quality chocolate, Tony’s Chocolonely is taking this precautionary step to ensure…
  • Two Arrested After Shooting Inside Lancaster Walmart; Investigation Ongoing
    LANCASTER, S.C. — April 2, 2025 — Two men have been arrested and multiple others are being sought following a shooting inside the Walmart at 805 Highway 9 Bypass West in Lancaster on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Lancaster Police Department, 18-year-old Lareakus Antonio Cunningham Jr. and 19-year-old Na’Rickio Laquan…
  • My Teenage Daughter Was DOGE’d — We Had No Idea Until the VA Said She Was Dead
    On an ordinary day in March, I opened a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs and felt my stomach drop. It stated that my 14-year-old daughter had been reported deceased by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The date of death? March 16. Just two weeks earlier. Except—she’s very much…
  • Health Inspections: Six Lancaster County Restaurants Receive B Ratings, Two Downgraded to C in March
    LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — In March 2025, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture completed 83 food safety inspections across Lancaster County. While most establishments received “A” grades, six restaurants were cited for violations that resulted in a “B” rating, and two of those were ultimately downgraded to a “C” after…
  • Health Inspections: Four York County Restaurants Receive B Ratings; One Downgraded to C in March
    YORK COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 173 food safety inspections in York County during March 2025. Of those, four establishments received a “B” rating, and one — Towne Tavern in Rock Hill — was downgraded to a “C” following a failed follow-up inspection. The vast…
  • Rock Hill Teacher and Coach Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
    Rock Hill, S.C. — A teacher at Castle Heights Middle School and head track coach at Rock Hill High School has been arrested on multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office. Doug MacAlpine, 37, was taken into custody Monday afternoon…
  • Rabid Skunk Confirmed in York County; One Pet Exposed
    COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Gateview Court and Lamp Post Lane in Rock Hill, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be…
  • York County Sheriff’s Office Honors Excellence at 2025 Awards Banquet
    YORK COUNTY, SC – In a celebration of courage, commitment, and public service, the York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) recognized its top personnel at the 5th annual YCSO Awards Banquet, hosted by the Sheriff’s Foundation of York County. The event took place on March 27, 2025, at Southern Charm Events…
  • Fort Mill Town Council Considers Cultural District Designation, Approves Budget Amendments and Committee Appointments
    March 24, 2025 – Fort Mill, S.C. — The Town of Fort Mill Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 24, with a full agenda that included a presentation on designating downtown Fort Mill as a South Carolina Cultural District, budget amendments, and updates to procurement policies. Downtown…