Wednesday, July 9 2025

Rock Hill Council Approves Higher Recreation Fees for Non-Residents and Honors Fire Chief Blackmon

Tom Hyslip

The Rock Hill City Council convened a special session on Monday, July 7, 2025, to consider several zoning, annexation, and program funding items, with the primary focus on changes to the Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) Department fee structure. The meeting concluded with the retirement recognition of Fire Chief Kenneth Michael Blackmon. Consent Agenda Council […]

SLED: Woman Used Modified BB Gun in Officer-Involved Shooting in Rock Hill

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday evening, July 5, at the intersection of Sturgis Road and Cheryl Lynn Drive in Rock Hill. According to a press release from SLED, the incident began when deputies from the York County Sheriff’s Office responded to […]

SCHNEEBERGER to Open First South Carolina Facility in York County, Bringing 101 Jobs

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, S.C. – SCHNEEBERGER, a Switzerland-based manufacturer of precision linear technology, has selected York County as the location for its first South Carolina operation. The $3.2 million investment will create 101 new jobs over the next five years. The company will lease a 42,000-square-foot facility at 656 Red River Road in Rock Hill. The […]

SC Forestry Faces Market Challenges as Mill Closures Reshape Industry

Patrick Byrne

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 […]

America’s Future Trust will host a Townhall in with Special Guest Lt. Governor Pamela Evette

Tom Hyslip

America’s Future Trust will host a Townhall in Rock Hill with Special Guest Lt. Governor Pamela Evette on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The Townhall will be moderated by Joey Hudson — entrepreneur, speaker, radio personality, and host of the daily podcast “Just the Truth.” Lt. Governor Evette will answer questions related to AFT’s policy priorities and questions […]

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, […]

Rock Hill City Council Approves $313 Million Budget with Increases to Trash and Sewer Fees

Tom Hyslip

At its regular meeting on June 23, 2025, the Rock Hill City Council unanimously approved a $313 million budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, enacting a series of changes to service fees while maintaining steady property tax and electric rates. The budget addresses rising operational and infrastructure costs, particularly for solid waste and wastewater services, […]

Rock Hill Raises Recreation Fees for Non-Residents After County Council Ends Equalized Funding

Tom Hyslip

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 pay the same program rates […]

New Era of Veteran Care Dawns with Rock Hill VA Clinic Opening

Tom Hyslip

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 to the nation’s heroes. The […]

SCDOT to close lanes on I-77 Northbound over Cherry Road in York County for bridge repairs

Tom Hyslip

Columbia, S.C. (June 16, 2025)— The South Carolina Department of Transportation will close the right lanes of I-77 Northbound at mile marker 82 over Cherry Road in York County for bridge deck repairs beginning around 10 a.m. These repairs are expected to be finished by the end of the day. Drivers should expect delays and […]

Motorcyclist Killed in York County After Crashing into Ditch on Catawba Church Road

Tom Hyslip

A 27-year-old motorcyclist died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning in York County, according to Queen City News. The crash happened around 4:30 a.m. on Catawba Church Road near Springdale Road. Authorities said the rider was traveling southbound on a 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when the vehicle left the left side of the road and […]

Rock Hill Native Shapes Next Generation of Navy Recruiters

Patrick Byrne

Senior Chief Petty Officer Matthew Wilson, a proud native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, is making a significant impact on the future of the U.S. Navy. Assigned to the Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit (NORU) in Pensacola, Wilson serves as an instructor, directly influencing the development of future Navy recruiters. A 2003 graduate of Northwestern High […]

Rock Hill City Council Advances Key Annexation and Zoning Changes, Approves CDBG Plan, and Recognizes Community Achievements

Tom Hyslip

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, approval of consent agenda items, […]

Rock Hill Hooters Closes Amid National Company Restructuring

Patrick Byrne

Hooters, the well-known sports bar and restaurant chain, has closed dozens of its locations across the country, including its Rock Hill establishment. This move comes as the company navigates financial challenges and shifts towards a franchise-based business model. More than 30 Hooters restaurants have shuttered across several states, including South Carolina. The Rock Hill location […]

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 […]

Rock Hill Man Arrested on Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

Patrick Byrne

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson today announced the arrest of David Earl Sebastian, 65, of Rock Hill, on two charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. The arrest was made by investigators with the York County Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, with assistance from the Attorney General’s Office, also […]

Rock Hill Ranked Among Top Cities to Live in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report

Tom Hyslip

Rock Hill, South Carolina, has been recognized as one of the top places to live in the state, earning the #5 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–2026 rankings of the Best Places to Live in South Carolina. This accolade highlights the city’s growing appeal as a vibrant, affordable, and livable community. A Rising […]

Rock Hill Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

Patrick Byrne

Justin Lee Payne, 31, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis. The investigation leading to Payne’s conviction began when he was arrested by York County Sheriff’s deputies […]

Rock Hill Schools Welcomes Dr. Deborah Elder as New Superintendent

Patrick Byrne

Press Release for the new Rock Hill Superintendent:  Following a successful meet-and-greet and thoughtful discussion, the Rock Hill Schools Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Deborah Elder as our next Superintendent. Her contract was unanimously approved in a 7-0 vote at the Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 28th, and she will officially begin […]

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 […]

Rock Hill City Council Greenlights Budget, Denies Ebenezer Road Rezoning, and Amends Accommodations Tax Funding [cite: 1, 46]

Tom Hyslip

On May 27, 2025, the Rock Hill City Council held a special session. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2025/2026 fiscal year budget, proclamations, consideration of consent agenda items, second readings of ordinances, planning commission recommendations, and budget-related items. Executive Session (5:00 P.M.) The City Council considered holding an Executive Session for discussions […]

Rock Hill Senior Michael Davis Earns Prestigious SCAC Scholarship

Tom Hyslip

Rock Hill, S.C. – Michael Davis, a graduating senior at Rock Hill High School, has been awarded the 2025 South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) Board of Directors Scholarship. This honor recognizes his outstanding academic achievements and strong community involvement. Davis is one of 12 students across the state to receive a Board of Directors […]

Rock Hill Receives $1.2 Million Grant as Part of Statewide Infrastructure Funding

Tom Hyslip

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 in 22 counties, benefiting more […]

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, […]

Northwestern High School Names Ty Baumgardner as New Head Basketball Coach

Tom Hyslip

Rock Hill, S.C. — Northwestern High School has announced the hiring of Ty Baumgardner as the new head coach of the Trojans men’s basketball program. Baumgardner joins Northwestern with more than two decades of coaching experience across multiple states. Most recently, he led the basketball program at Collins Hill High School in Georgia. His previous […]

SCETV Premieres Documentary Celebrating Rock Hill’s Vibrant Mural Scene

Patrick Byrne

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) has announced the premiere of “SC On Display: The Murals of Rock Hill,” a new 30-minute documentary that explores the transformative power of public art in communities and its role in preserving cultural identity. The program premiered on ETV on May 8th at 8 p.m. and will have […]

Former Rock Hill Police Officer Convicted on 18 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Patrick Byrne

A federal jury in Columbia has found Daniel Paul Shealy, 36, of Rock Hill, guilty on 18 counts of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The verdict was reached after three days of testimony and approximately 90 minutes of jury deliberation. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that in 2023, investigators with the […]

Hissho Sushi Relocates Headquarters to Rock Hill, Bringing 146 Jobs and $5 Million Investment to York County

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Hissho Sushi, one of the largest sushi distributors in the United States, is moving its corporate headquarters and primary distribution operations to York County, marking its first major operational footprint in South Carolina. The company announced a $5 million investment in the new facility, which is expected to create 146 new […]

Rock Hill City Council Advances Rezoning, Approves Senior Housing Incentives at April 28 Meeting

Tom Hyslip

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 Council also approved a Growth […]

Jessica Branham of Rock Hill inducted into Phi Beta Kappa

Tom Hyslip

SPARTANBURG, SC (05/02/2025)– Wofford’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa welcomed 39 members into the nation’s oldest academic honor society during an induction ceremony at Leonard Auditorium on May 1. Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa honors the nation’s most outstanding undergraduate students for excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Only 10 percent of U.S. […]

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 […]

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 […]

Rock Hill Men Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy

Patrick Byrne

Timario Gayton, 33, and Quonzy Hope, 36, both of Rock Hill, have each been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Evidence presented in court revealed that in August 2022, Hope sold approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills to a […]

Hometown Hero Headed to the Emerald City: Robbie Ouzts Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks

Tom Hyslip

The dreams of a local standout have become a reality as Robbie Ouzts, a proud product of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and a former Rock Hill High School Bearcat, has been selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The announcement, made earlier today, has sent waves of excitement through the Rock Hill […]

Abigale Ross of Rock Hill Elected to Membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Tom Hyslip

BATON ROUGE, LA (04/23/2025)– Abigale Ross of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Syracuse University. Ross is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi […]

Winthrop University Student Affairs Recognizes Efforts by Outstanding Students

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – A French marketing major and the student body leader captured top honors at the 2025 Winthrop University Student Affairs Awards ceremony on April 16 at the DiGiorgio Campus Center. Mathilde Pieri was presented the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award for her extraordinary impact on Winthrop and the surrounding community. As an […]

Five Winthrop Music Students Win International Scholarships

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – An astounding five Winthrop University music students have landed International Trumpet Guild scholarships. Thanks to those scholarships, Olivia Clifton of Summerville, S.C., Will Isenhour of Clover, S.C., Riley Lazar of Anderson, S.C., Michael Mott of Stanley, N.C., and Lilie Robles Smith of Greenville, S.C., will attend the 48th Annual Trumpet […]

Melissa McCartney Named Dean of Winthrop’s School of Graduate, Continuing, and Online Education

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Melissa McCartney, the founding dean of the Graduate School, an associate provost for digital learning and chief online officer for Queens University of Charlotte, has been named the dean of Winthrop University’s School of Graduate, Continuing, and Online Education, beginning July 16, 2025. McCartney was selected from a strong pool of candidates. Provost […]

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 […]

Carowinds Springs into Spring Break

Patrick Byrne

Carowinds is rolling out the red carpet for spring break with extended hours and an action-packed lineup of family-friendly events from April 11 through April 27 — perfect timing for families in Fort Mill, where schools will be on Spring Break the week of April 14. Rock Hill and Clover students can also take part […]

York County Library to Host First-Ever Teen Open Mic Night Featuring Poetry and Jazz

Patrick Byrne

A brand-new event at the York County Library is giving local teens the spotlight to share their creativity through poetry and music. The library’s first Teen Open Mic Night promises an evening of family-friendly spoken word and jazz, celebrating the voices of young performers. Hosted by Rock Hill Youth Poet Laureate Genesis Medley and award-winning author, […]

Catawba Nuclear Station Siren Test Scheduled for April 9th

Patrick Byrne

York County, SC – Residents living within a 10-mile radius of the Catawba Nuclear Station are advised that Duke Energy and York County emergency management officials will conduct a routine test of the outdoor warning sirens on Wednesday, April 9th, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The test will involve activating the 89 sirens located around […]

Fort Mill and Northwestern Clash in High-Octane Track and Field Duel

Tom Hyslip

Fort Mill, SC – A showdown of track and field titans unfolded last night as  Northwestern hosted Fort Mill, delivering a spectacle of speed, strength, and endurance. Both teams showcased their depth and talent, with state-leading athletes battling for supremacy. The Northwestern boys entered the meet with a formidable sprinting arsenal, spearheaded by Austin Smith, […]

Rock Hill School District Names Former Local News Anchor Laurabree Monday as New Public Information Officer

Tom Hyslip

Rock Hill, SC – The Rock Hill School District is proud to announce the hiring of Laurabree Monday as its new Public Information Officer. A seasoned journalist and community leader, Laurabree brings over two decades of experience in media, communications, and community engagement to the district, as well as a deep passion for serving the […]

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 […]

Rabid Skunk Confirmed in York County; One Pet Exposed

Tom Hyslip

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 quarantined as required in the […]

Introducing The Citadel Class of 2026 Summerall Guards

Tom Hyslip

The Summerall Guards for the Class of 2026 are now in position. The 61 rising-senior cadets held their first performance during the changing of the guard ceremony, an event that is part of The Citadel’s annual Corps Day weekend ceremonies. This marks the moment that the Class of 2025 Summerall Guards perform their last precision […]

USA BMX Carolina Nationals Kick Off Today in Rock Hill

Tom Hyslip

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The USA BMX Carolina Nationals return to Rock Hill starting today, launching a weekend full of high-speed action and world-class competition at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track. From March 28–30, thousands of riders, spectators, and fans from across the country are expected to gather at the world-renowned facility at 1307 […]