Friday, August 1 2025

Former Employee Sues Silfab, Alleges Retaliation Over Safety Violations at York County Plant

Tom Hyslip

A former employee has filed a lawsuit against solar panel manufacturer Silfab Solar, claiming he was wrongfully terminated after reporting safety violations at the company’s under-construction facility in Fort Mill. Jason Rhodes, who worked as a quality control technician, alleges he was fired in retaliation for alerting both Silfab management and the Fort Mill Fire […]

Tribute Fest Returns to Fort Mill with a Double Dose of Decades

Patrick Byrne

Tribute Fest is making its return to the Fort Mill Amphitheater at Walter Elisha Park (345 N. White Street) on Friday, August 1, 2025. This free event will be packed with iconic 80s and 90s hits, high-energy live bands, and a diverse selection of food and drinks. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 […]

Second Weekend Homicide Under Investigation in York County

Patrick Byrne

The York County Sheriff’s Office is investigating its second homicide of the weekend, following a fatal shooting at a Fort Mill motel early Sunday morning. One person died in the incident, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Motel 6, located at 3541 Foothills Way, near Carowinds Boulevard. Deputies quickly responded […]

Eight Charged in Teen Mob Attack at Fort Mill 7-Eleven

Tom Hyslip

FORT MILL, S.C. – Eight individuals, including several juveniles, are facing charges following a disturbing mob attack on a 17-year-old girl at a local gas station last month, WSOC-TV reported. The incident took place at a 7-Eleven on Doby’s Bridge Road and involved a large group of young people who surrounded and assaulted the teenager’s […]

Motorcyclist Killed in Late-Night Crash on Doby’s Bridge Road in Fort Mill

Tom Hyslip

FORT MILL — A 24-year-old man was killed late Tuesday night in a motorcycle crash on Doby’s Bridge Road, according to the Fort Mill Police Department. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. near Doby’s Bridge Presbyterian Church. Police say the operator of the motorcycle, identified as Justin Anderson, died at the scene. Fort Mill officers […]

Fort Mill Runners Conquer the “World’s Toughest Foot Race” at Badwater 135

Tom Hyslip

LONE PINE, CA — Fort Mill, South Carolina, was proudly represented at the 2025 Badwater 135 Ultramarathon by two local endurance athletes who completed the grueling 135-mile race from Death Valley to Mount Whitney—a course widely known as the most demanding footrace on the planet. Lee Whitaker, a seasoned ultrarunner and the head coach of […]

York County Zoning Appeals Board Rejects Challenge to Silfab Project Process

Tom Hyslip

The York County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-2 Thursday night to uphold planning staff’s rejection of a citizen’s request for a zoning code interpretation related to the ongoing Silfab Solar development in Fort Mill. The vote effectively ended John Lee’s attempt to question how county staff approved the project’s land use without what he […]

SCDOT to close part of Harris Street in York County for repairs

Tom Hyslip

Columbia, S.C. (July 11, 2025) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation will close part of Harris Street in Fort Mill to make road repairs beginning July 14. This work is expected to last until August. As part of this closure, a signed detour route will be put in place. A map of the closure can be […]

Free Slurpee Day Returns to 7-Eleven on July 11th

Patrick Byrne

Get ready to beat the summer heat with a sweet treat! 7-Eleven is once again celebrating its annual “Free Slurpee Day” on Friday, July 11, 2025. Customers can visit participating 7-Eleven and Speedway locations to receive a complimentary small Slurpee drink. The tradition began in 2002 to mark 7-Eleven’s birthday. The promotion typically runs from […]

FMSD Free and Reduced Price Meals

Tom Hyslip

Fort Mill School District today announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Local school officials have adopted the following household size and income criteria for determining eligibility: Household Size and Income Guidelines for Free Meals or Reduced-Price Meals […]

Florence Man Drowns at Nivens Creek on July 4th

Tom Hyslip

FORT MILL, S.C. — A tragic incident unfolded on Independence Day when a 24-year-old man from Florence drowned at Nivens Creek in Fort Mill, according to the York County Coroner’s Office. Arthur Moore III was pulled from the water Friday evening by first responders and transported to Piedmont Medical Center on Wellness Way. Despite life-saving […]

City of Rock Hill to Hold Public Hearing for Silfab Solar Wastewater Permit

Tom Hyslip

Rock Hill, South Carolina – The City of Rock Hill is set to host a public hearing on July 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, concerning a proposed industrial pretreatment wastewater permit for Silfab Solar. The hearing will take place at the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 155 Johnston Street, Rock Hill, […]

Fort Mill School Board Approves $254.5 Million Budget with 21.2 Mill Tax Increase

Tom Hyslip

FORT MILL, S.C. — At a special-called meeting on June 24, 2025, the Fort Mill School Board unanimously approved a revised General Fund budget totaling $254,487,140 for the 2025–2026 school year. The updated figure reflects an increase of $1.44 million from the previously approved budget and includes a 21.2 mill property tax increase, the maximum […]

Fort Mill School Board Finalizes Contract for Incoming Superintendent Grey Young

Tom Hyslip

FORT MILL, S.C. — The Fort Mill School District has officially signed a three-year employment agreement with incoming Superintendent Grey Young, a longtime district educator and administrator who will begin his new role on July 1, 2025. The contract outlines a comprehensive compensation package that positions Young competitively among regional education leaders while emphasizing performance and […]

Baxter Collection & Recycling Center to Temporarily Close for Upgrades Starting July 14

Tom Hyslip

 The Baxter Collection and Recycling Center, located on Highway 160, will temporarily close beginning July 14 to allow for continued renovation work, including the construction of a new turn lane into the facility. The center is expected to reopen on or before September 2. The temporary closure is part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at […]

WRHI Named Finalist For State Radio Station Of The Year For 17th Time in Last 20 Years

Chris Miller

WRHI is a finalist for South Carolina Statewide Radio Station of The Year for a record extending 17th time in the last 20 years.  WRHI is pitted against WTCB out of Columbia as the two Station of the Year finalists. In addition, OTS Media Group is one of two finalists for 12 other Statewide Awards. […]

“Juneteenth: The Conversation Continues” Event to Foster Community and Understanding

Patrick Byrne

The York County community is cordially invited to a special event, “Juneteenth: The Conversation Continues,” being held on Friday, June 20th at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in York starting @ 6pm. This free event is designed to go beyond the historical celebration of Juneteenth and foster deeper community building and understanding. The […]

Fort Mill School District Engages Citadel EHS for Environmental Review Near Silfab Solar Facility

Tom Hyslip

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 growing public concern, the district […]

I-77/SC 160 Interchange Undergoes Overnight Traffic Shift for Bridge Construction

Patrick Byrne

Motorists traveling on I-77 and S.C. 160 are advised to prepare for significant overnight traffic pattern changes today, May 30th, and tomorrow, May 31st, as construction continues on the widening of the S.C. 160 bridge over I-77. From 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on both Friday, May 30th, and Saturday, May 31st, all northbound traffic […]

Fort Mill to Host “Summer Beach Bash” at Walter Elisha Park

Patrick Byrne

The Town of Fort Mill will present its “Summer Beach Bash” on Friday, June 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will take place at the Fort Mill Amphitheater in Walter Elisha Park, located at 345 N. White Street. Attendees can look forward to live music performances by “Buffett & Beyond,” offering “The […]

Anne Springs Close Greenway Invites Community to Celebrate National Trails Day

Patrick Byrne

The Anne Springs Close Greenway is set to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 7, 2025, by offering free entry to all visitors. The Greenway aims to collectively cover 2,000 miles of trails during the event, encouraging participants to hike, bike, ride horses, or paddle on Lake Haigler. Participants can contribute to the mileage […]

Fort Mill Council Approves Development Fee Updates, Pauses New Residential Rezoning, and Debates Recreation Tax Changes

Tom Hyslip

The Fort Mill Town Council meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, covered a range of topics including a fire department promotional ceremony, updates to development impact fees, acceptance of new subdivision streets, a proposed moratorium on residential development, and discussions regarding a York County recreation tax, concluding with multiple items discussed in executive session. The […]

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Returns June 1, Providing Fresh Produce Access to SC Seniors

Patrick Byrne

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS) has announced the return of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) for 2025, a USDA grant initiative designed to connect eligible seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets. The program aims to increase awareness and utilization of community markets across […]

Silt Fencing Installation Begins on Spratt Street Ahead of Water Line Project

Patrick Byrne

Fort Mill, SC – Preparatory work for a significant water line installation project in the Spratt Street area of Fort Mill is set to begin this week with the installation of silt fencing along the roadway. Contractors will be placing the fencing as they gear up for the first phase of the project. Importantly, this […]

Local Bob Jones University Students Named to Dean’s List

Tom Hyslip

GREENVILLE, SC (05/13/2025)– The following students are among approximately 660 Bob Jones University students named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students who earn a 3.00-3.74 grade point average during the semester. Aislinn Childers, a Freshman Criminal Justice major at BJU, is a resident of Rock Hill. Abigail Gillespie, […]

Fort Mill to Host Memorial Day Ceremony at Unity Cemetery

Patrick Byrne

Fort Mill, SC – The Town of Fort Mill invites the community to join in honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The event will take place on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Unity Cemetery, located at […]

Traffic Changes on I-77 and S.C. 160 Scheduled for May 9–20 Due to Bridge Construction

Tom Hyslip

Motorists traveling through the area of Interstate 77 and its interchange with S.C. 160 should prepare for temporary traffic pattern changes and potential delays over the next two weeks as construction continues on a bridge widening project. The contractor, United Blythe Joint Venture (UBJV), will implement several overnight detours and lane closures to support the […]

Fort Mill Bank Teller Targeted by Disguised Thief: Repeat Offender Sentenced to Twelve Years

Tom Hyslip

Anthony Drayton, 38, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, will spend the next twelve years behind bars after a York County jury found him guilty yesterday of entering a bank with the intent to steal. The sentence, handed down by Judge Bill McKinnon, includes ineligibility for parole. The incident occurred on September 29, 2023, at a First […]

Local Students named to the Spring 2025 President’s List at Spartanburg Methodist College

Tom Hyslip

SPARTANBURG, SC (05/02/2025)– Dr. Curt Laird, SMC Provost and Executive Vice President, is pleased to announce the students included on the President’s List for grades earned during the spring 2025 academic semester. President’s List students have achieved a grade point average of 3.8 or higher. Michael Decuir of Clover, SC Azaria Elam of Chester, SC […]

Fort Mill Girls Soar, Catawba Ridge Boys Excel at Region 3-AAAAA Track & Field Meet

Tom Hyslip

CLOVER, SC – May 1, 2025 – The track at Clover High School was alive with the energy of competition yesterday as seven area high schools battled for top honors at the Region 3-AAAAA Track and Field Championships. Under sunny skies, athletes from Fort Mill, Clover, Nation Ford, Rock Hill, Northwestern, Catawba Ridge, and Indian […]

Fort Mill DECA Students Shine on the International Stage

Patrick Byrne

Fort Mill, SC – The Fort Mill High School DECA team has concluded an outstanding year, culminating in a strong showing at the recent International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held in Orlando, FL. Ten exceptional students from Fort Mill earned the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event, which was the largest international DECA conference […]

Harris Teeter Breaks Ground on Catawba Ridge Market, Signaling New Retail Growth for Fort Mill

Tom Hyslip

The buzz around Fort Mill’s retail scene just got louder as shovels hit the dirt Tuesday for the long-awaited Catawba Ridge Market, a 45-acre development set to transform the corner of Fort Mill Parkway and South Dobys Bridge Road. Anchored by a brand-new, 61,000-square-foot Harris Teeter, the project promises to bring a significant boost in […]

Local Students Named to USCB Chancellor’s List

Tom Hyslip

Several students from York and Lancaster counties have been recognized for academic excellence by the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). The university recently announced its Winter 2024 Chancellor’s List, honoring undergraduate students who achieved a high standard of academic performance. To be named to the Chancellor’s List, students must be degree-seeking undergraduates and maintain […]

Fort Mill Girls Advance to State Title Game with 18-8 Win Over T.L. Hanna in Upper State Championship

Tom Hyslip

The Fort Mill High School girls lacrosse team is headed to the state championship after defeating T.L. Hanna 18-8 in the South Carolina Class 5A Division 2 Upper State final on Monday evening. Fort Mill opened strong, with #20 Molly Bennett scoring the first goal at the 4:40 mark, followed by #23 Cece Shia adding […]

Sweet Success at the South Carolina Strawberry Sprint & Stroll 5K

Tom Hyslip

The air was filled with the sweet scent of spring and the buzz of excitement on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, as runners and walkers gathered in Fort Mill’s historic downtown for the annual South Carolina Strawberry Sprint & Stroll 5K. The event, a highlight of the South Carolina Strawberry Festival, brought together 876 participants of […]

Local Soccer Standouts Selected for Clash of the Carolinas All-Star Match

Tom Hyslip

Several local soccer players have been selected to represent South Carolina in the 2024 Clash of the Carolinas, the nation’s only interstate high school soccer all-star event. The match is scheduled for June 21 at the OrthoCarolina Sportsplex in Pineville, N.C. The Clash of the Carolinas, which features top graduated seniors from South Carolina and […]

Local Standouts Selected for 2025 North-South Soccer Classic

Tom Hyslip

Several area soccer players have been chosen to represent the North team in the 2025 North-South Soccer Classic, set for June 14 at T.L. Hanna High School’s Fraser Field in Anderson. The North-South Soccer Classic, established in 1989, is one of South Carolina’s top high school sports events, featuring 72 of the best graduated seniors […]

Step Back in Time: Tour Col. Elliott White Springs’ Historic Office at Fort Mill Town Hall

Patrick Byrne

Fort Mill, SC – The Town of Fort Mill is offering a unique opportunity to delve into the town’s rich history by opening the preserved office of Col. Elliott White Springs for public tours. This special event will serve as an exciting kickoff to the 2025 South Carolina Strawberry Festival. Springs Industries and the Springs […]

York County Lacrosse Teams Eye Championship Runs as SCHSL Playoffs Begin

Tom Hyslip

With the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) lacrosse playoffs set to begin this week, York County is once again a major player in both the boys’ and girls’ brackets. Local teams from Clover, Fort Mill, Nation Ford, and Catawba Ridge are not just participating—they’re poised to make deep postseason runs. In boys’ Division 1, […]

Future of Silfab Solar Plant in Fort Mill Uncertain as Zoning Bills Advance

Patrick Byrne

Fort Mill, SC — The future of Silfab Solar’s planned manufacturing facility in Fort Mill has come under scrutiny as two proposed bills advancing through the South Carolina legislature could empower local officials to halt construction on zoning grounds—even after work has already begun. House Bill 4293 and Senate Bill 530 would grant cities and […]

Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and Clover Recognized Among South Carolina’s Safest Cities in 2025

Tom Hyslip

In its annual “Safest Cities in South Carolina” report, SafeWise has named Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and Clover among the top 10 safest cities in the state for 2025. The rankings are based on FBI crime data, examining both violent and property crime rates per 1,000 residents. York County communities continue to perform strongly in […]

Julia Guzman of York, SC and Isabella Marz of Fort Mill, SC Inducted Into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Tom Hyslip

SPARTANBURG, SC (04/16/2025)– Spartanburg Methodist College recently inducted 35 students into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Students receiving this honor achieved an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher with a minimum of 16 academic hours. Inductees must also be of good character and possess recognized good qualities of citizenship. Julia Guzman of York,SC Isabella […]

York and Lancaster County Fire Departments Earn 2024 Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation

Tom Hyslip

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 Riverview Volunteer Fire Department Rock […]

Fort Mill Ranks as 7th Fastest-Growing Suburb in America

Tom Hyslip

Fort Mill, South Carolina, has been named the 7th fastest-growing suburb in the United States, according to a recent study by GOBankingRates. The town experienced a remarkable 77.6% population increase between 2018 and 2023, highlighting its rapid development and appeal to new residents. The study also notes that the median household income in Fort Mill […]

Fort Mill School Board Discusses 2025-26 Budget and Potential 21.2 Mill Tax Increase at April 15th Meeting

Tom Hyslip

FORT MILL, S.C. — At its regular meeting on April 15, the Fort Mill School District Board reviewed a proposed 2025–2026 General Fund Budget that includes a significant local tax increase to support operational needs. The plan recommends a 21.2 mill increase in the local property tax rate — on top of a previous tax […]

Three Cheers for Safety: Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and Clover Shine as Among the Safest for Senior Living in South Carolina

Tom Hyslip

For seniors seeking a peaceful and secure environment to enjoy their golden years, South Carolina offers a wealth of appealing options. Now, a recent ranking by World Atlas has highlighted three local communities, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and Clover, as being among the “12 Safest Towns In South Carolina For Senior Living.” This prestigious recognition […]

Fort Mill Police Department Moves Headquarters to New Town Hall

Patrick Byrne

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 205 North White Street, inside […]

Tega Cay Elementary Named 2025 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School

Tom Hyslip

Tega Cay Elementary School has been honored with a prestigious national recognition, earning the title of a 2025 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School by the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence organization. The designation follows a rigorous evaluation process that included stakeholder surveys and a comprehensive two-day site visit. During the visit, classroom instruction was observed […]

170 Women Gather for Regional Conference in Fort Mill, Uplifting Community and Strengthening Faith

Patrick Byrne

This past weekend, 170 women from 10 congregations of the Fort Mill Region of The Church Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints united for a two- day women’s conference themed “He Lives: Bringing the Savior into Our Hearts & Homes.” The event focused on service, spiritual growth and community connection. Friday evening was dedicated to giving […]

Fort Mill Police Launch New Bicycle Unit for Enhanced Community Engagement

Patrick Byrne

Fort Mill, SC – The Fort Mill Police Department has announced the formation of its new Bicycle Unit, a move designed to improve patrol efficiency and strengthen community relations. The department is enthusiastic about the unit’s potential to provide a more approachable and engaging presence within the town. Officers assigned to the Bicycle Unit will […]