River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS IS CLOSER TO IT'S GOAL: Community Rallies to Support Lifesaving Services7/2/2024 BY KELLY CLARK, ROARING EAGLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lake Wylie, SC - In May, River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS (RHLW EMS) issued a critical plea for financial assistance to ensure their continued operation amidst a burgeoning financial crisis. Since then, the community has shown a heartwarming outpouring of support, bringing hope to the non-profit organization dedicated to serving York County’s emergency medical needs. Fundraising Progress Following the initial call to action, RHLW EMS has made significant strides toward its fundraising goals. As of the publication of this article, they have successfully raised $90,000 of the $100,000 needed for immediate financial support. Michael Neal, President and Chairman of the Board, and Mary Cobb, Vice President, expressed their gratitude, stating, "The fundraising has been going very well so far! We saw a lot of donations come in right after our Q&A session we held in late May." Community and Organizational SupportLocal organizations have played a pivotal role in supporting RHLW EMS during this crucial period. Notable contributors include The River Hills/Lake Wylie Lion’s Club, All Saints Catholic Church, Bethel Fire Department, The Journey at Lake Wylie, Pine Grove Christian Academy, Bethel Baptist Church, and Sweet Repeat. Neal and Cobb acknowledged their contributions, saying, "We thank all other local businesses who have supported us and are not listed above!" The community’s involvement has been equally commendable. Residents have taken to social media to spread awareness, and many have volunteered their time to assist with future fundraising initiatives. Neal and Cobb highlighted the community’s efforts: "The community has stepped up by helping us spread the word of our financial needs and by donating to support us." Future Fundraising Plans To maintain momentum and achieve their long-term financial goals, RHLW EMS has several upcoming initiatives. They are planning to host a "First Responder Run" this Fall, aimed at raising both awareness and funds. Neal and Cobb elaborated, "We plan to make t-shirts and have as many local sponsors as possible to support our event." Additionally, RHLW EMS is exploring other revenue-generating options. They are investing in a new non-emergency transport division, which is expected to provide steady reimbursement from insurance companies. This strategic move aims to create a sustainable revenue stream to support the 911 services, which are crucial for the community. Call to Action: How You Can Help Despite the progress, RHLW EMS still needs the community’s support to reach its full fundraising target. There are several ways to contribute:
Looking Ahead RHLW EMS is committed to finding long-term solutions to its financial challenges and remaining the primary ambulance service for Lake Wylie. The organization’s leadership is determined to secure sustainable funding to keep up with the increasing demand for emergency medical services as York County’s population continues to grow. Neal and Cobb emphasized the urgency, "Our area’s population will continue to expand, and 911 services will continue to be needed more frequently as the growth continues. We have seen the growth firsthand with the increase in the 911 call volume in recent years. In 2017, our call volume was 1,500 calls, and in 2023, our call volume increased to over 2,200 calls". The remarkable community response so far underscores the vital role RHLW EMS plays in York County. As the organization continues its fundraising efforts, the community's support and generosity will be crucial in ensuring that this lifesaving service remains operational. For more information or to support RHLW EMS, visit rhems.org. You can also scan the QR code below.
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By Kelly Clark, The Roaring Eagle Editor-in-Chief Lake Wylie, SC - York County Parks and Recreation proudly announces the continuation of the "Naked Goat Market", a monthly farmers and crafters market held at the Goat Farm in the Bethel-Lake Wylie Park District. Although the Goat Farm, Thistle Park, and Woodend Park are currently closed to the public, the district occasionally hosts special events.One such event is the "Naked Goat Market", a monthly farmers and crafters market held from March to November at the Goat Farm. This vibrant market celebrates locally made and sourced products, featuring a variety of local businesses, food trucks, and live music. The next market is set for Saturday, June 15th, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Future market dates for the year are as follows:
The June market showcased an impressive array of vendors, including:
BY KELLY CLARK, THE ROARING EAGLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WYCAA WEBSITE York, SC - An exciting new initiative is gaining momentum in Western York County as plans for an agricultural arena begin to take shape. This ambitious project, currently in its early stages of fundraising and design, demonstrates the power of community collaboration. The York School District, Clover School District, York's Educational Foundation, Clover LEAF, and 4-H of York County have joined forces to bring this vision to life. The proposed arena aims to be much more than just a physical structure. It will serve as a multifunctional space for livestock shows, educational events, and agricultural fairs, thus reinforcing the community’s connection to its rural roots. The arena is designed to support 4-H and FFA programs, providing invaluable hands-on learning experiences for students. This educational focus will help grow the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators. Kyle Eller, the president of Clover LEAF, is excited about the avenues this arena will open for both schools and businesses. Eller shared, “Clover LEAF is thrilled to be a partner for this incredible project uniting our Western York County schools and communities. The benefits of such a facility not only include advancing agricultural educational opportunities, but also promoting local business and agritourism. This project has been a long time coming, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have.” The initiative has already secured approximately $1.3 million in funding from the state legislature and other partners, marking a substantial milestone. This includes $500,000 received from the Department of Agriculture as seed money in December 2022, followed by an additional $750,000 from the South Carolina Department of Education in December 2023. However, the journey is far from over, as the project continues to seek additional business and community partners to fully realize this vision. The groundwork for this amazing project began with the formation of the Agriculture Arena Steering Committee in September 2023. Made up of representatives from key organizations and community members, the committee meets monthly to strategize and push the project forward. Notably, York School District One has generously provided 97 acres of land for the arena, located across from Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary. As the plans progress, renderings and architectural designs have already been prepared, and the community has been actively involved in the planning process through various public meetings and events. The arena promises to be a beacon of opportunity for generations to come, reducing the need for students to travel long distances for agricultural events and providing a local venue that supports their educational and extracurricular pursuits. The Western York County Agricultural Arena represents an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and invest in the future of its youth. Those interested in sponsoring or learning more about this project are encouraged to contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Additional information is also available at wycaa.org. BY EMILY BELK, THE ROARING EAGLE STAFF York, SC - The Humane Society of York County (HSYC) proudly introduces Bibby as our Dog of the Month for May and June. This stunning Treeing Walker Hound mix, with his striking white and brindle coat and superb stub tail, urgently needs a forever home where he can truly thrive.
Bibby’s journey has been a long one. Rescued from animal control, he has spent over three years at HSYC waiting for his perfect match. At almost four years old, Bibby is bursting with energy and has a playful personality that will keep you endlessly entertained. Despite his vibrant spirit, Bibby has faced a lot of instability, making him initially wary of new people. However, with a little patience, Bibby transforms into the ultimate “velcro dog,” always by your side and eager to share his affection. Bibby is looking for an active family to match his high-energy lifestyle. Due to his exuberance, he would do best in a home without young children or other pets. He is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and heartworm tested—ready to embark on his next adventure with you. If Bibby has captured your heart, call 803-802-0902 to schedule an appointment to meet this sweet boy. Please remember, all household members must attend the appointment. Bibby cannot wait to meet you and find the loving home he so deserves! BY EMILY BELK, THE ROARING EAGLE STAFF PHOTOS FROM THE TATANKA BISON RANCH FACEBOOK PAGE York, SC - Nestled on the outskirts of the historically rich York County, SC, the beautiful 215-acre Tatanka Ranch unfolds, exclusively dedicated to the majestic American Bison. Guided by the principles of "Preservation, Education & Agritourism," Fred Ilse and his lovely wife Dana, the passionate owners, devote their lives to ensuring that their visitors experience a memorable opportunity to observe and educate themselves about these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
With a rich background in South Africa, a profound passion for African Elephants and their symbolism, and approaching retirement, Fred Ilse decided it was time to fulfill his dream of farming and giving back to society. Retiring from what he humorously referred to as "the corporate world" in late 2014, he possessed limited knowledge of farming but abundant life skills. In May 2015, he discovered an abandoned yet beautiful 215-acre property in York County, SC, with overgrown pastures and no infrastructure. Despite the lack of roads, water, fencing, and electricity, the captivating beauty of the hills and surrounding views convinced Fred that this was the ideal place to spend his retirement. While traveling through North Carolina, Ilse saw a “herd of large and furry animals” alongside a highway. After he had conducted further research, he discovered that these animals were bison and that, over 200 years prior, they were native to the Carolinas. For the next 6 months and after a ton of research and hard work setting up the proper infrastructure to keep and care for bison, the first 18 arrived on the ranch. The next spring, in 2016, the first calves were born; now, the herd is over 40 bison. Four years into realizing his dream, Ilse combined his interest in farming with a commitment to America's national mammal. Ilse loves to share his remarkable dream with those interested in the history of America and the bison. Not only does his ranch offer a variety of 2-hour, safari-like tours on the ranch in vehicles that include a comfortable 6-seater, 4-wheel drive UTV that can seat either 4 adults or 3 adults with 2 kids, a 1994 Japanese fire truck that can seat 9 adults or 11 people including kids, that is also wheelchair accessible, and lastly a cushioned-seated wagon with easy step-up access that can fit 20 adults and children. Additionally, he has a wide selection of premium, 100% grass-fed, and grass-finished bison meat for sale, allowing visitors to take a piece of the ranch home with them. You can tour Tatanka Bison Ranch daily except Saturdays. Please schedule a tour in advance by calling (704) 860 2130 or emailing f[email protected]. You can purchase bison products at the Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market and at the ranch from 8am to 6pm on Sundays through Fridays. The Ilse's just ask that you call an hour ahead to ensure someone can let you in the gate. Tatanka Bison Ranch is at 8088 Kays Drive, York, SC 29745. You can learn more at their website, https://www.tatankabison.com/. Their is summer school and their are a few camps Football Youth camp June 3rd-th, Boys Basketball camp June 5th-8th, Wrestling camp June 7th-8th, Baseball camp June 17th-19th, Volleyball Summer Youth camp June 17th-20th, Girls basketball camp July 8th-10th, Softball camp July 15th-18th, and Cheer camp July 19th-20th. You can sign up here https://www.blueeaglecamps.com/
Summer camp around the world 2024 for any rising 9th-12th grade students enrolled in EOC courses (Algebra 1, English 2, Biology, and US History). June 24th-June 27th from 9am-4pm. At Clover High School ATC Building C Student Union. BY DANTE HUDNALL, ROARING EAGLE REPORTER ![]() Clover, SC - A new community initiative is taking root in Clover, bringing together local runners of all skill levels and backgrounds. “Runners of Clover” has been founded with a mission to create an inclusive, friendly, and safe environment that celebrates the joy of running together. Co-founded by local enthusiasts Ben Clark and Jeff Hudnall, the club extends an open invitation to residents of Clover and the surrounding areas. “We aim to include all paces and faces with a welcoming and relaxed environment ensuring safe and fun running for all. Come join us for a few miles and some good times,” says Hudnall. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, meet new people, or enjoy the outdoors, Runners of Clover offers a unique space to connect and thrive. Meet, Run, and Enjoy! The club currently meets twice a week, with plans to expand: Tuesday Evenings: Gather at The Vault Bottle Shop at 6:30 p.m. on Main St. Sunday Mornings: Meet at The Brick and Mortar Mercantile at 7:30 a.m. on Main St. Each session promises not just a good run but also a chance to socialize and unwind in a supportive setting. With more days and times on the horizon, the club looks forward to welcoming more members into its fold. A Look That Unites Adding a visual identity to the club, the logo was designed by Christopher Young. This emblem is quickly becoming a symbol of community and health within Clover. Join the Movement Interested individuals can connect with Runners of Clover through various platforms: Facebook: Join the group @RunnersOfClover Email: Contact the club at [email protected] Strava: Connect on the app @Runners Of Clover Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual walker, Runners of Clover invites you to lace up your shoes and join in for a few miles—and some good times. Come find your pace and make new friends! For more details on upcoming events and club updates, keep an eye on our social media channels or reach out via email. Let’s run this town together! BY LILY WALLACE, CHS SOPHOMORE AND KELLY CLARK, ROARING EAGLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lake Wylie, SC - The Clover Leaders for Educational Advancement Foundation (Clover LEAF) recently hosted its highly anticipated inaugural Gala on achieving remarkable success by raising an impressive $23,000 to support local education initiatives. This milestone event, begun under the leadership of former president Jackie Hicks and organized by a dedicated committee chaired by Marty Cotton, underscored the community's strong commitment to advancing educational excellence. This event would not have been possible without the amazing work done by committee members Alicia Griffith, Penny McClure, and Pam Olivieri. Andrew Ketchum from AK Media generously contributed his talents to enhance the evening's entertainment, along with his wife, Dr. Carla Ketchum and Dr. Tony Hemingway, who served as emcees for the event. The Gala was a wonderful celebration of the community's support for education. According to Kyle Eller, current president of Clover LEAF, "It was one of our largest fundraising events that we've ever held in the 38 years." Tickets were very popular and sold out quickly. In fact, the committee is going to look at larger venues for the next Gala to accommodate more attendees. In addition to raising funds for Clover LEAF, the committee wanted the Gala to serve as a celebration of the educators and students of the Clover School District. Attendees continued to show their support of initiatives that directly impact the schools by generously bidding on silent auction items. The funds raised from the Gala directly contribute to Clover LEAF's grant programs, which empower educators to implement innovative instructional projects and initiatives that enhance student learning experiences. This will allow Clover LEAF to be able to expand the grant program, either by offering more grants or by offering larger grants. Mr. Eller explained, “Clover LEAF began in order to give teacher grants for innovative ideas or to enhance current curriculum and current projects. In the past, we’ve had a limit of $1000.00 on those grants. I think we are going to expand, we are looking for corporate sponsorships in addition to our general funds, where we will increase the limit on some of those grants.” Mr. Eller went on to share that they are considering something like a Premier grant that could have an award of $2,000.00 - $2500.00. Clover LEAF never wants to move away from their initial mission of supporting teachers in their classrooms, but they do want the community to know that they are considering supporting other projects that will impact the education of CSD students. The feedback from Gala attendees and the community has all been positive. Attendees enjoyed themselves immensely, and many have reached out to members of Clover LEAF to see how they can get involved. Mr. Eller remarked that they are considering expanding their voting member base however, the bylaws currently constrain voting . Looking ahead, Clover LEAF remains steadfast in its mission to promote educational excellence through community-driven initiatives. The resounding success of the Gala underscores the vital role of community involvement in advancing educational opportunities for both students and educators, fostering a culture of innovation and learning within the Clover School District. To further support Clover LEAF's impactful work and contribute to future events, community members are encouraged to engage in ongoing fundraising efforts. Every contribution directly supports educational programs and promotes innovation within the local school community. For more information on upcoming events or to contribute to Clover LEAF's initiatives, please visit www.cloverleafsc.org. Clover LEAF offers multiple ways to support the efforts of the last 38 years of service to the district, including the ability to contribute to “The Donor Tree,” an art installation in the lobby of the CSD Auditorium. Anyone who would like to sponsor a leaf to be added to the tree can do so by visiting the website listed above. The overwhelming success of the inaugural Gala reflects the shared dedication of the community to enhancing education within the Clover School District and beyond, setting a promising precedent for future endeavors. By Emily Belk, CHS Junior
York, SC - In the heart of York County, a story of perseverance and love unfolds with the introduction of this month's pup, Oscar, a delightful one-year-old terrier mix. Rescued alongside his sister from Chester County Animal Control at just five months old, Oscar's journey to find his forever home has been nothing short of remarkable. Oscar's early days were marked by adversity, as he and his sister struggled with demodectic mange. But despite their challenges, the Humane Society stepped in, providing them with the care and attention they needed to thrive. Under the nurturing care of a dedicated foster family, Oscar underwent a stunning transformation in just two months. With a healthy diet, medicated baths, and plenty of TLC, Oscar's once patchy coat blossomed into a beautiful display of black and white fur. More than just a physical transformation, Oscar flourished emotionally, learning essential skills like walking on a leash, sitting on command, and mastering the art of potty training! Through patience and consistency, he regained his confidence and learned to trust again. Described as a "super-smart boy" by his caregivers, Oscar is a joy to be around. He has a playful spirit and a love for treats, toys, and cuddles. Whether he's chasing after a ball in the yard or snuggled up on the couch, Oscar's infectious enthusiasm and love brightens every room he enters. Now, with his sister happily settled into her forever home, Oscar eagerly awaits his turn to find a family of his own. Vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped, he is more than ready to embark on new adventures with his future family. If you're searching for a loyal and affectionate companion, look no further than Oscar. Contact the Humane Society of York County at 803-802-0902 to arrange a meeting with this lovable pup. Don't miss out on the chance to make Oscar a cherished member of your family today! ![]() BY JOLIE BROOKS, CHS JUNIOR PHOTS York, SC- If you enjoy being able to buy and eat fresh and local produce, you’ve probably been to or heard of the Bush and Vine farm, located at 1650 Filbert Hwy, York, SC. The Bush-N-Vine Farm has been in the Hall family for over 150 years. It originally started out as a peach farm. The old building on the farm in York, SC was used as a peach packing shed from the 1930s until the 1960s. Then, in 1979, Bob Hall reopened the doors using the space as an open-air market, where he has sold fresh produce ever since. Then in 2010, when Sam Hall graduated from Clemson, he joined his dad and has worked there full-time since. “In the early 80’s, there were more people moving into the York County Area, and there was a need for local produce sales. So that’s how my dad got started with the Bush and Vine. Prior to that, there weren’t a lot of people in the area. It got to be that more and more people were wanting local produce.” said the owner, Sam Hall. The Bush and Vine Farm grows about 175 acres of land. In this, there is about an acre and a half of greenhouses and about 5 acres of high tunnels, which the farm uses to grow crops out of season. Mr. Hall explained, “A lot of people are familiar with greenhouses; they've got heat in them and ventilation fans, but in tunnels, it's a little bit different. It’s a lot like the greenhouses but they're much bigger. You can drive a tractor through them; they don't have heat, and they don’t have fans. That's what allows us to grow stuff out of season,” Bush and Vine decided to start using the high tunnels because of the demand for local produce, saying, “What kinda brought that about was, there again, people wanting fresh produce. You can go to the grocery store and see strawberries and the shelf pretty much 365 days a year. They come from all sorts of places but there was that demand for local strawberries.” The farm in York also provides for two of their other stands; one is located at 1662 Ebenezer Rd. Rock Hill, SC, and the other is located at 4090 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC. Since this business has been here since the 1980s, they’ve learned quite a lot. “We try not to compare ourselves to others; we just try to focus on what we do best and try to make sure and keep improving. We try to grow as much as we possibly can on our farm.” Mr. Hall said. Bush and Vine grow about 65 different crops on the farm. “Strawberries are certainly what we're known for, that's what we've been growing since 1979. So we really try to focus and grow as much as we can that we offer in the store here on our farm,” However, sometimes in the winter, they aren't always able to provide the produce directly from their farm “There's time in the off seasons where we have to get some vegetables from other places just cause people want it as fresh as we can get it. So, we try to focus on fresh and also try to grow the crops ourselves on the farm because then we have a little bit more control. The weather has an effect on our crops, but we have a little bit more control on our volume of what we're picking and a little bit more control on our variety and quality.” When asked if there were plans for the future of Bush and Vine, Mr. Hall stated, “Bush and Vine is here for the long haul, we want to keep growing fruits and vegetables because we all need to eat. I’ve been with Bush and Vine since 2010, and I hope to keep carrying on the legacy and keep the farm going. We hope to keep the farm going for generations to come.” Bush and Vine is definitely a place of the community. The family and staff make sure to make everyone who walks through their doors feel welcome. “We're here for the community. We’re here to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for our community. That's what we feel like our calling is. That's the way our farm is set up. The community is what has made our business what it is today and we want to continue to provide those fresh fruits and vegetables to the community that basically helped build us.” |