Lancaster County

At its regular meeting on Tuesday evening, the Lancaster City Council approved the next steps for implementing an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system aimed at improving water billing accuracy, leak detection, and system efficiency. The meeting also included discussion of sidewalk maintenance issues, approval of previous minutes, appointment of a new employee grievance committee member, […]

The Lancaster County Council tackled a full agenda at its August 25 meeting, approving new funding for libraries, directing millions toward local road improvements, and voting on changes to development and community boards that will affect residents across the county. Council recognized Deputy Coroner John Collins for receiving a statewide professional award, approved amendments to […]

Dear Editor, I appreciate the opportunity to address the public regarding recent discussions and reporting surrounding the Lancaster County School District’s restructured organizational chart in the 2024-2025 school year. As Superintendent, transparency and fiscal responsibility remain foundational to our commitment to the families, educators, and taxpayers of Lancaster County. Misinformation has been circulating in the […]

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of a Lancaster man on multiple charges connected to the sexual exploitation and abuse of a minor. William Frank Abbott, Jr., 32, was taken into custody on August 5, 2025, by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Lancaster County […]

The city of Lancaster, South Carolina, has agreed to pay a $120,000 settlement to a woman who filed a lawsuit alleging racial profiling and wrongful arrest. The plaintiff, Anaysheon Coffey, claimed she was harassed and arrested without probable cause by a former Lancaster police officer in August 2020. While the city denied the allegations, the settlement was reached to […]

At its August 12 workshop, the Lancaster City Council approved several key agenda items, most notably a large-scale rezoning package that enables a new 900-home residential subdivision and accompanying commercial development to proceed. The meeting also included approval for a public festival and city planning updates. All items passed unanimously. Highlights of the Meeting Resolution […]

Christopher William Stevens, 35, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Stevens to 135 months in prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision, after he was found guilty of […]

Some cited for pest issues, improper food temperatures, and sanitation violations LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 79 food safety inspections across Lancaster County in July 2025. While most establishments received an “A” rating, nine restaurants were cited with lower grades—six with a “B” and three with a “C.” Routine […]

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities are working to identify a man whose body was recovered Wednesday afternoon from the Catawba River near the Highway 9 bridge, which spans the Chester-Lancaster county line. The discovery was made after a motorist driving across the bridge on Chester Highway around midday on August 6 reported seeing what appeared […]

A Lancaster man has been sentenced to 15 years (180?months) in federal prison following his conviction on drug conspiracy charges, according to public records and media reports. Defendant and ChargesTymarious Nydarious Thompson, 24, of Lancaster, South Carolina, was convicted of conspiring to distribute substantial quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. The sentencing, handed down by […]

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — The filing period for candidates interested in running for local office in the City of Lancaster and the Towns of Heath Springs, Kershaw, and Van Wyck opens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, and closes at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The municipal general elections are scheduled […]

Lancaster County, South Carolina – As part of ongoing construction related to the Exchange at Indian Land and Costco development projects, a significant traffic pattern change has been implemented at the intersection of US 521 and Possum Hollow Road in Indian Land. Effective immediately (8/7/25), northbound traffic on US 521 will no longer be able […]

Lancaster native and Lancaster High School graduate Matt Williams has been named the 2025 D1 Baseball Assistant Coach of the Year, a prestigious national honor recognizing his immediate and significant impact as the pitching coach for Coastal Carolina University. This accolade comes in his inaugural season with the Chanticleers. Williams, who previously served a season […]

A South Carolina resident has been arrested and charged following a Waxhaw Police Department investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl. According to officials, the case involves 22-year-old Philip J.?Emerson of Indian Land, South Carolina. Authorities say Emerson allegedly sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2024 at a home […]

The Lancaster City Council’s July 22, 2025, meeting was packed with major actions, including adopting the city’s 2025 Community Needs Assessment, advancing multiple rezonings for new housing and commercial projects, approving key infrastructure improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, and certifying the historic LD Hotel as an abandoned building to unlock tax credit funding for […]

The Lancaster County Council convened on July 21, 2025, with a full quorum and addressed a range of topics including rezoning approvals, policy amendments, and community recognitions. The meeting opened with citizen comments focused heavily on traffic concerns in the Indian Land area, particularly on Caroline Acres Road. Special recognitions highlighted the work of student […]

INDIAN LAND, S.C. — A routine traffic stop turned into a major drug bust Tuesday after a Lancaster County deputy pulled over a speeding driver and discovered 17 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle. Around 11 a.m. on July 15, a deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit was traveling south on […]

LANCASTER, S.C. — A suspect was taken into custody Monday afternoon following a multi-agency pursuit that began in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and concluded in Lancaster County, South Carolina. According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte?Mecklenburg Police notified deputies that the vehicle involved was headed south on Highway 521 toward the Indian Land area […]

Lancaster High School is excited to announce Mr. Casimir Bundrick as its new principal. Mr. Bundrick joins the Bruins family with a vision for the school community that he is eager to share with students, parents, and staff. To introduce Mr. Bundrick and provide an opportunity for the community to get acquainted with him, Lancaster […]

LANCASTER — The Lancaster City Council held a work session on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, to review upcoming grant opportunities, assess community needs, and consider rezoning proposals for housing development. The meeting covered a broad array of topics, with an emphasis on infrastructure, housing, and downtown development. Key Items Discussed Detailed Summary Grant Opportunities and […]

Restaurant brand brings bold takes on homestyle cooking to one of The Carolinas’ fastest-growing suburban communities INDIAN LAND, S.C., July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Metro Diner, the family-friendly restaurant famed for modern takes on classic American comfort food, has opened its first location in the Indian Land/Fort Mill area. Located at 2077 Parkway Drive, Suite 101 in the CrossRidge […]

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 88 food establishment inspections in Lancaster County during June 2025. While most restaurants earned an “A” grade, 16 received lower scores, including four with “C” ratings and 12 with “B” grades. C-Rated Establishments: B-Rated Establishments: Twelve restaurants in Lancaster County received “B” grades during routine inspections. These included: […]

South Carolina’s forestry industry, a significant economic driver and top job provider for the state, is currently navigating substantial challenges. Recent paper mill closures have severely impacted markets for pulpwood, making timber cultivation economically difficult for landowners. The history of paper mills in South Carolina dates back to the early 19th century, with initial operations […]

The Lancaster County School District is taking proactive measures to combat the growing issue of teen vaping by installing vape detectors in its middle and high schools. This initiative aims to curb e-cigarette use among students, a problem that has become increasingly prevalent, with nearly 6% of middle and high school students nationwide reporting e-cigarette […]

LANCASTER, SC – A year-long investigation by the Lancaster County Multijurisdictional Narcotics Task Force culminated yesterday, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, with the arrest of Lonnie Rojohn Crawford, Jr., 27, and the seizure of over three pounds of suspected methamphetamine, along with other illicit drugs and firearms.1 The extensive investigation began last year, during which investigators […]

LANCASTER, S.C. – The Lancaster City Council held its regular meeting on June 24, beginning with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A public hearing for the proposed 2025-26 fiscal year budget was held; no residents signed up to speak. The meeting included several community acknowledgments: Minutes from the June 10 work session and […]

At its regular meeting on June 23, 2025, the Lancaster County Council approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and finalized several key ordinances. The \$160.2 million budget passed unanimously and includes a 5% pay raise for all employees, 42 new positions, and a millage rollback, resulting in no increase to the general fund rate. Council […]

At their June?17 session, the Lancaster City Council discussed and approved several key items including the results of a comprehensive salary classification study, updates to the 2025–26 fiscal budget, projected utility and service fee increases, and funding allocations aligned with strategic city goals. The meeting concluded with the introduction of a second-reading motion for the […]

LANCASTER, SC – Two people were arrested Tuesday, June 17, 2025, following the execution of a search warrant on Country Club Drive by the Lancaster County Multijurisdictional Narcotics Task Force, assisted by the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Street Crimes Unit. The investigation began earlier this month when undercover investigators conducted two controlled purchases of […]

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, 31?year?old Christopher Ray Chappell of Heath Springs was arrested as he exited a local business, after being charged on 33 outstanding warrants related to property crimes, firearms and drugs. Chappell had been under investigation by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit following a April 23 search warrant executed […]

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.

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 […]

On June 9, 2025, the Lancaster County Council convened for a meeting that included citizen comments, special presentations, and several ordinance readings and votes, highlighting key issues impacting the county’s growth, public services, and future development. Overview of Key Events: The meeting began with the usual call to order, quorum verification, and public notice confirmation, […]

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. […]

The Haile Gold Mine, nestled in Lancaster County, South Carolina, represents a fascinating intersection of deep historical roots, modern mining innovation, and significant economic impact. With a legacy stretching back nearly two centuries, it stands today as the only operational gold mine east of the Mississippi River, continually redefining its role in the state’s prosperity […]

Lancaster City Council convened on May 27, 2025, to tackle a range of municipal matters, including budget adjustments, approval of community grants, and decisions on city assets. The meeting, presided over by Mayor Alston DeVenny, saw unanimous approval on most agenda items, highlighting a collaborative approach among council members. Detailed Summary of Agenda Items and […]

On May 27, 2025, the Lancaster County Council convened for a meeting that included several key approvals and discussions on important county matters, such as budget adjustments, zoning amendments, and board appointments. The meeting began with a call to order by Chairman Brian Carnes, followed by a welcome, recognition, and the Pledge of Allegiance and […]

Roger Ledell Baskins, 52, of Lancaster and Charlotte, was arrested Wednesday, May 21, 2025, and faces charges of murder and multiple other offenses following two separate incidents: a family dispute and the fatal shooting of a business owner. Deputies responded to a family disturbance on Memorial Park Road, where Baskins had been staying. During an […]

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 to serve fiber clients throughout […]

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 […]

Lancaster County, S.C. – Six individuals, including three juveniles, have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Lancaster woman found dead in her car on Riverside Road late Friday night, May 2. According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded just before midnight to the 3000 block of Riverside Road and […]

Six individuals were arrested Tuesday, May 6, after a narcotics search warrant was executed at a residence on Crestfield Drive in Lancaster, just a short distance from the University of South Carolina–Lancaster campus. The operation was led by the Lancaster County Multijurisdictional Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team […]

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 new positions, a 5% salary […]

Building materials manufacturer Oldcastle APG, a CRH company, is expanding its presence in South Carolina with a new facility in Lancaster County, bringing 30 new jobs to the region. Oldcastle APG, a major manufacturer in the architectural products industry, offers a wide array of outdoor brands and solutions for both residential and commercial spaces. The […]

LANCASTER, S.C. — Oldcastle APG, a leading manufacturer of building materials and a subsidiary of CRH, announced plans to expand its operations into Lancaster County with a new $20 million facility. The project will create 30 new jobs and marks a significant investment in South Carolina’s manufacturing sector. The new plant, located at 1683 Rock […]

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 minutes and quickly extinguished the […]

Lancaster, S.C. – Dr. Courtney Catledge has been named the new campus dean of the University of South Carolina Lancaster, effective May 12, 2025. The announcement was made on May 5 by Dr. Susan A. Elkins, chancellor of USC Palmetto College. Catledge has served as interim dean since January 2024 and was previously the director […]

Lancaster, SC – The Lancaster County School District celebrated the induction of two esteemed individuals into its Education Hall of Fame and honored 82 dedicated retirees at a special event held on May 5, 2025. Louis Canty and Venise Grier were formally inducted into the Education Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to the […]

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 […]

A minor earthquake was reported near the South Carolina–North Carolina state line Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The 2.2 magnitude earthquake occurred around 3:00 am, with a recorded depth of approximately five kilometers. The epicenter was located about 4.7 miles south-southwest of JAARS, North Carolina, and roughly 16 miles east-southeast of […]