Monday, June 29 2026

Lancaster County Council Adopts Budget, Trims Millage Increase to 1 Mill

Tom Hyslip

Lancaster County Council gave third reading approval to a $202.1 million budget for fiscal year 2027 on June 22, but only after a lengthy line-by-line review prompted council members to cut roughly $350,000 in proposed spending and scale back the planned tax increase. Council also gave third reading approval to the county’s 10-year capital improvement […]

Indian Land Man Faces 20 Years After Antisemitic Vandalism at Charlotte Jewish Center

Patrick Byrne

An Indian Land, South Carolina man faces a federal hate crime charge for allegedly defacing a Jewish community complex in Charlotte. Dalton Ray Mullis, 24, was arrested by federal authorities following a joint investigation. According to a criminal complaint filed in the Western District of North Carolina, Mullis targeted the Foundation of Shalom Park complex […]

Indian Land Woman Dies After Being Struck by Her Own Vehicle

Tom Hyslip

A 63 year old Indian Land woman died Wednesday evening after she was struck by her own vehicle in an apartment parking lot near the South Carolina and North Carolina state line, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office said. The crash happened the evening of June 10 in the parking lot of the Madison Ridge Apartments, […]

Lancaster County Council Advances Budget with Raises, Millage Increase and Detention Center Staffing

Tom Hyslip

Lancaster County Council passed second reading of its fiscal 2026-27 budget Monday night, adding a slate of new spending for employee raises, jail staffing, ambulance service and senior transportation that will be covered in part by a property tax increase of up to 1.5 mills. The amended budget cleared second reading 7-0 after roughly two […]

Indian Land Claims 10th Softball Championship in Program History

Tom Hyslip

Indian Land High School captured the 2026 Class 5A Division II state softball championship Saturday, shutting out St. James 4 to 0 in the deciding game of the best of three final series at South Florence High School in Florence. The win gave the Warriors their 10th state title and their first since 2006, ending […]

Lancaster County food inspections find a C and three B grades in May

Tom Hyslip

A Subway on Highway 9 Bypass in Lancaster dropped to a C grade in May 2026, the lowest mark issued among more than 70 food inspections across Lancaster County during the month. Three other establishments received a B before correcting the problems. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture, which oversees retail food safety in the […]

Lancaster County Council Passes $206.6M Budget on First Reading, Commits $6M for Harrisburg Road Fire Station

Tom Hyslip

Lancaster County Council met in regular session on May 26, 2026, with Chairman Brian Carnes presiding over a meeting dominated by a lengthy first-reading review of the FY2026-27 operating budget and capital improvement plan. Council recognized the Indian Land High School Palmetto Pride Club as Volunteer Group of the Year, approved a nine-item consent agenda […]

Lancaster County Council debates FY27 budget: 48.5 new positions, three millage scenarios

Tom Hyslip

Lancaster County Council held a special meeting on May 21, 2026 devoted entirely to the Administrator’s Recommended FY27 Budget, presented by Interim County Administrator Steve Willis with CFO Sabrena Harris and Budget Director Jamie Privuznak. The recommended package whittles 91 requested new positions costing $9,921,762 down to 58.5 positions at $5,594,138 (48.5 general-fund positions at […]

Lancaster County Planning Commission denies Barberville Commercial subdivision, approves 1,490-lot Catawba Ridge plat and four rezonings

Tom Hyslip

The Lancaster County Planning Commission met on May 19, 2026, with newly seated District 1 commissioner Richard Crandall bringing the body back to a full membership of seven, although Commissioner Frances Liu (District 7) was absent. In the night’s most contested decision, the Commission voted 5-1 to deny a preliminary plat for the Melanie Lane/Barberville […]

Elevating Leadership in Lancaster County School District

Tom Hyslip

2026-2027 Administrative Changes Adam Porter has been named Executive Director of Student Services.  Mr. Porter joined the Lancaster County School District in 2022. After beginning his career as a Health and Physical Education teacher, Mr. Porter worked as a Special Education Supervisor and assistant principal in New York and South Carolina.  As an Instructional Specialist […]

Local Players Earn Spots on 2026 SCBCA All-State Baseball Teams

Tom Hyslip

Several area baseball players have been recognized on the South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association’s 2026 All-State teams, with Indian Land sweeping both the 5A Division 2 Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year honors. Indian Land senior Joseph Rutledge was named the 5A Division 2 Player of the Year, while teammate Liam Roberson […]

Search Underway for Missing Indian Land Hunter in Lancaster County

Tom Hyslip

A 70 year old Indian Land hunter has been missing since Saturday, May 2, prompting a multi agency search across hundreds of acres of wooded terrain along the Lancaster and Kershaw county line. Charles Wayne “Charlie” McCoy was last heard from on the day he planned to go turkey hunting in the area off Mudhole […]

Lancaster County Planning Commission Denies Indian Land Mosque Permit

Tom Hyslip

The Lancaster County Planning Commission voted on Tuesday to recommend denial of a conditional use permit that would have allowed a mosque at 10935 Harrisburg Road in Indian Land, sending the matter to county council for a final decision after nearly two hours of public testimony and commissioner discussion. The application, filed under case CU […]

York, Lancaster County Distance Runners Shine at Carolina Distance Carnival

Tom Hyslip

Several runners from York and Lancaster County schools turned in strong performances last weekend at the ASICS Carolina Distance Carnival, one of the Southeast’s premier distance track meets drawing hundreds of athletes from across the region. The meet featured finals in the boys and girls 800 meters, mile, and 3200 meters, with competition so deep […]

Lancaster County Council Gives Final Approval to Haven Development, Postpones Nonprofit Grant Distribution Amid Scrutiny

Tom Hyslip

Lancaster County Council convened its regular meeting Monday, April 13, 2026. The session featured a packed agenda bookended by passionate citizen commentary on infrastructure and growth, a series of celebratory recognitions for county employees and programs, and two of the most consequential votes the council has taken this year, final approval of both the Haven […]

Champions Collide: 2026 Keep Pounding High School Classic Set for Bank of America Stadium

Tom Hyslip

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are bringing the best of Carolina prep football back to the big stage this summer, announcing the full lineup for the fourth annual Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk.The doubleheader is scheduled for Saturday, August 29 at Bank of America Stadium, featuring the Indian Land Warriors vs. the Northwestern […]

Lancaster County’s 2026 Primary Races

Tom Hyslip

Two State House seats head to a Republican primary — with Democratic challengers waiting Lancaster County’s 2026 primary season is focused and consequential. While many local offices on the ballot drew only a single candidate — leaving voters with no primary choice at all — two State House districts have generated enough Republican interest to […]

SC Constitutional Republicans to Host Lancaster County Governor’s Forum on April 10

Tom Hyslip

Five Republican candidates for governor set to face voters at Indian Land High School The South Carolina Constitutional Republicans — Lancaster County chapter will host a Lancaster County Republican Governor’s Forum on Friday, April 10, bringing together all five major candidates vying to become the state’s next governor. The event will be held at the […]

Loaded Firearm Discovered in Kindergarten Student’s Bag at Harrisburg Elementary

Patrick Byrne

Authorities are investigating a discovery at Harrisburg Elementary School after a loaded handgun and a knife were found inside a five-year-old student’s bookbag Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred during the school’s dismissal period. According to officials, a teacher assisting the kindergarten student with his belongings noticed a knife inside the bag. School administration and the […]

Building One Future Together: Lancaster Invites Public to Meet Superintendent Finalists

Tom Hyslip

LANCASTER, SC — The Lancaster County School District Board of Trustees is proud to announce the four finalists in our Superintendent Search: Dr. Tanya Campbell, Dr. Marty Conner, Dr. Rickey Edmond, and Dr. Norris Williams. On Monday, March 23, 2026, our finalists will spend the day touring the district To conclude this important visit, we […]

Indian Land Woman Identified as Victim in Fatal Rock Hill Crash; Driver Charged

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The York County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman killed in a violent multi-vehicle collision on Celanese Road last Friday afternoon. Officials confirmed Monday that Marybeth Robinson, 43, of Indian Land, died following the crash near the Interstate 77 interchange. According to the Rock Hill Police Department, the incident began when […]

Lancaster County Council Postpones Major Development Decisions: The Haven and Harris Property Rezonings Delayed for Further Review

Tom Hyslip

At the regular meeting on February 23, 2026, the Lancaster County Council primarily focused on significant land-use and infrastructure concerns. Following intense public testimony regarding traffic safety and the strain on emergency services, the Council voted to postpone decisions on two major developments: the Harris Property rezoning in Indian Land and “The Haven” project. While […]

Harrisburg Global Academy Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony

Tom Hyslip

INDIAN LAND, SC – Harrisburg Global Academy (HGA) officially broke ground Wednesday afternoon on its permanent campus, marking a major milestone for the growing public charter school and the families it serves. Leadership, community members, and local supporters gathered at 1774 Harrisburg Road to celebrate the start of construction on the new three-story facility. The building will […]

Area school districts to serve more locally grown produce through new state program

Tom Hyslip

Students across several area school districts will see more locally grown foods on their plates this year thanks to a new state program called Certified SC Cafeteria. Area districts participating include Fort Mill, York, Clover, and Lancaster, which are joining schools across South Carolina in an effort to increase the amount of in-state food served […]

Indian Land Business Owner Tripp McCoy Launches Primary Challenge for S.C. House District 44

Tom Hyslip

INDIAN LAND, S.C. — Tripp McCoy, a local small business owner and Indian Land resident, officially announced today that he is running as a Republican for the South Carolina State House District 44 seat. McCoy, 27, is launching a primary bid that will challenge incumbent Republican Representative Mike Neese. Neese, currently in his second term, […]

Lancaster County Council Advances Administrator Search, Receives Clean Audit, and Explores New EMS Funding Amidst Development Concerns

Tom Hyslip

At the January 12, 2026, Lancaster County Council meeting, Council members moved forward on significant administrative and financial initiatives while hearing strong concerns from residents regarding local development and infrastructure. The Council received a clean audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, highlighting a healthy general fund balance. Additionally, Council directed staff […]

Charlotte Man Charged with Murder in Shooting Death Behind Indian Land Business

Tom Hyslip

INDIAN LAND, S.C. – Authorities have arrested a Charlotte man in connection with the shooting death of 74-year-old Gary Herendeen, whose body was discovered earlier this week behind a business in Indian Land. On Friday, January 9, 2026, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office announced that Calvin Lamarr Allen, 44, has been charged with Murder and Possession of […]

Homicide Investigation Underway in Indian Land after 74-Year-Old Found Deceased

Tom Hyslip

INDIAN LAND, S.C. – The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of a deceased male behind a business in Indian Land on Monday morning. Deputies were dispatched to 9481 Yarborough Road just before noon on Monday, January 5, 2026. Upon arrival, they located a 74-year-old male deceased near a […]

Indian Land’s Adam Hastings Named to Coaching Staff for Navy All-American Bowl

Tom Hyslip

In a prestigious nod to local high school football talent and leadership, Indian Land High School’s Adam Hastings has been selected to coach in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl. According to an announcement released by NBC Sports on Friday, Hastings will join the coaching staff for the East squad. He is one of a select […]

Lancaster County Council Appoints Willis Interim Administrator; Marstall to Assist in Transition

Tom Hyslip

LANCASTER, SC — The Lancaster County Council has turned to a familiar face to lead the county administration during an upcoming leadership transition. On Monday, Dec. 8, the council voted to appoint Steve Willis as the interim County Administrator, effective Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Willis is no stranger to the role or the responsibilities it […]

Lancaster County Council Authorizes Negotiation of New Administrator Contract, Advances Financial Transparency Initiative, and Honors Public Safety Achievements

Tom Hyslip

The Lancaster County Council meeting on November 24, 2025, was marked by significant decisions regarding county leadership and transparency. Following an executive session, the Council voted unanimously to terminate the existing contract of the County Administrator to facilitate the negotiation of a new contract. In a move toward greater open governance, the Council received a […]

Lancaster County and the City of Lancaster to host Lancaster Lights and Holiday Sights

Tom Hyslip

Lancaster County, SC – In a joint venture between Lancaster County Parks and Recreation and the City of Lancaster will be hosting Lancaster Lights and Holiday Sights. The events will be held over three weekends between November and December. The event is the first of its kind and most of it is free to the […]

Lancaster County Council Stands Firm: Nine-Month Development Moratorium Approved

Tom Hyslip

The Lancaster County Council convened on November 10, 2025, for a regular meeting at 6:00 PM. Key actions of the evening included the unanimous final approval of a nine-month moratorium on certain residential developments, the deferral of a budget amendment related to cardiac monitors, the initial approval of a lease agreement with the nonprofit Finding […]

Lancaster County voters reject 1% transportation sales tax for second straight year

Tom Hyslip

Lancaster County voters decisively rejected a proposed 1% transportation sales tax on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, leaving the future of key road projects including the long-debated widening of Highway 521, uncertain. With all precincts reporting, unofficial results from the South Carolina Election Commission show roughly two-thirds of voters opposed the measure, a similar margin to the 2024 […]

Lancaster County Schools Superintendent Resigns, Will Leave Post at End of 2025

Tom Hyslip

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. – Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, superintendent of Lancaster County School District, has announced his resignation, effective December 31, 2025. The announcement came during a special board meeting on Wednesday morning. Fitzpatrick, who began his role in January 2024, has accepted a new position with Cherokee County Schools. The decision, he said, was driven […]

Costco to officially open new Indian Land warehouse October 31

Tom Hyslip

The much?anticipated Costco in Indian Land, South Carolina, is scheduled to officially open its doors on October 31, 2025, according to the company’s warehouse listings. The new Costco will be located along Highway 521, just south of Possum Hollow Road, at 8800 Charlotte Highway, Indian Land, SC 29707, placing it in close proximity to the […]

York, Lancaster standouts picked for Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas

Tom Hyslip

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Rosters for the annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas were released Sunday afternoon, and five seniors from York and Lancaster counties were selected to represent South Carolina. The all-star game, matching top seniors from South Carolina and North Carolina, is set for 1 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Spartanburg High School. Local selections (York […]

King of Fire Pizza to Open New Location in Indian Land

Patrick Byrne

Charlotte-based pizza brand King of Fire is expanding its footprint with a new brick-and-mortar location planned for Indian Land. The new restaurant will occupy a 3,484-square-foot space at the CrossRidge Center and is expected to open in summer 2026. This will be the second permanent location for the company, which started as a food truck. […]

UPDATE: Man Fatally Shot at Indian Land Apartment Complex Identified

Tom Hyslip

INDIAN LAND, SC – The Lancaster County Coroner has identified the victim found shot to death Thursday morning at the Parkstone at Indian Land apartments as 26-year-old Justin Pullom. He was discovered in the parking lot with a gunshot wound.

Shooting Death Under Investigation at Indian Land Apartment Complex

Tom Hyslip

Indian Land, S.C. — The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Lancaster County Multijurisdictional Violent Crime Task Force are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Thursday morning at the Parkstone at Indian Land apartment complex. At approximately 3:30 a.m. on June 12, 2025, Lancaster County Public Safety Communications received multiple reports of gunfire in […]

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. […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

MUSC Receives Approval to Build New Hospital in Indian Land

Tom Hyslip

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 construction of another facility in […]

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 […]

Lancaster County Council Launches FY2026 Budget Talks with Focus on Growth, Staffing Needs, and Strategic Fund Use

Tom Hyslip

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, with special focus on staffing […]

York County Committee Approves Park Tax Increase Amid Youth Sports Equity Concerns

Patrick Byrne

In a contentious 2-1 vote on March 27, the York County Health & Environmental Protection (HEP) Committee recommended a significant shift in how parks and recreation are funded across the county. The committee endorsed Option #4—a proposal to eliminate the long-standing 1.5 mill recreation tax on unincorporated residents and replace it with a new countywide […]

Savoring Authentic Mexican Ice Cream in York and Lancaster Counties

Patrick Byrne

Mexican ice cream, known for its rich flavors and artisanal craftsmanship, has found a welcoming home in both York and Lancaster county. Local establishments are bringing the authentic taste of traditional Mexican paletas and ice cream to the community. Are you curious? We’ve provided 3 places where you can try it for yourself: Bajo Cero […]

Local Stars from South Carolina and North Carolina Chase Super Bowl Dreams in Conference Championship Games

Tom Hyslip

This weekend’s NFL Conference Championship games feature a wealth of talent from South Carolina and North Carolina as players aim for a spot in the Super Bowl. Highlighting the matchups are Dorian Williams, a linebacker from Indian Land, SC, and Tyler Bass, a kicker from Irmo, SC, representing the Buffalo Bills, and a strong contingent […]