York County Council debates property owners' rights versus need to limit growth in January

YORK, SC – York County Council met twice in January, on the sixth and on the 21. Items for discussion included the need to weigh property owners' rights with the need to limit the growth of residential housing in the area, a proposed application for a grant from the SC Opioid Recovery Fund, and a presentation on the 2024 fiscal year audit.

District 2 Rezoning Requests

A rezoning request (#24-57) of 1.47 acres on Charlotte Highway from Residential Mixed 20 (RMX-20) to Light Industrial (LI) was considered at both meetings. According to the paperwork filed by Todd Flowers, who is a Marine Contractor with Lake Wylie Dock Construction, this would allow for a marine staging area to be built on Lake Wylie. The purpose of this area, as indicated by Flowers, is to provide dredging services to Lake Wylie.

Flowers indicates that Lake Wylie has no dredging services, while Lake Norman has three. At the first reading on January 6, multiple citizens spoke in favor of the change.

Reasons mentioned ranged from how dredging would increase property values and how dredging would improve the health of the lake. One citizen spoke against the change because this particular area is not suitable in her eyes. The future land use plans for the area in question is for residential use.

There is currently a neighborhood being developed that surrounds the parcel, Meriway Pointe. Additionally, a portion of the land across from the plot in question is to be donated to the county for a park. The staff recommends denial. The Planning Commission (PC) also recommends denial. The PC agrees that dredging is a need for the Lake Wylie area, but that this particular parcel of land is not suitable for an LI designation. The council discussed the request. The discussion centered around need for the business, the actual process of dredging, safety issues, and the potential of unwanted or unforeseen uses of the LI designation once the zoning changes. Additionally, there were multiple unanswered questions that may warrant further research prior to decisions being finalized.

The vote went 6-1 to approve this request to move forward to a second reading. At the second reading on January 21, there were several citizens present to speak in favor of the request. District 2 Representative, Andy Litten, moved to approve with deed restrictions. After additional discussion regarding those restrictions and other questions, the request was approved 7-0 with the deed restriction language to be drafted prior to the third reading.

Case #24-52 involves rezoning 3.02 acres on North Paraham Road from Agricultural Conservation (AGC) to Rural Development (RUD). Property owner Steven Britt addressed the council, sharing that the change would allow his son to build a home on 1 acre of the land. Britt stated that he was informed that he would have to rezone the property for his son to be allowed to build. The staff recommendation was to deny the rezoning because the request was not consistent with the comprehensive plan and the future land use map. The current AGC designation is consistent plan and adjacent parcels are AGC and 5+ acres. The Planning Commission's (PC) recommendation was to approve because the current lot size is already smaller than the AGC district and therefore is non-conforming with its current designation. After discussion weighing property owner rights, the need to limit the development of residential housing in the area, and the potential for setting a precedent, the Council approved the first reading. During the second reading on January 21, the staff and the PC recommendations did not change, however the council approved this recommendation as well. This will move forward to a third reading.

Other Business

The Solicitor's Office requested to apply for and to accept if awarded SC Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF) grant funding in an amount not to exceed $200,000 to initiate a new program within the Drug Court program in York County. The Council unanimously approved the request.

n the January sixth meeting, Councilmember Christi Cox was nominated and elected as York County Council Chair, while Councilmember Tom Audette, representing District One, was elected Vice Chair. Newly appointed members of York County boards and commissions were sworn in during the meeting. Dorothy Johnson was sworn into the Culture and Heritage Commission for District Two. Laura Milem was sworn into the York County Library Board for District Three. Terry Plumb was sworn into the York County Library Board for District Four. April Simpkins was sworn into the York County Natural Gas Board. Valerie Lynch was sworn into the Board of Zoning Appeals for District Two and was absent. During the January 21 meeting, Tom Bach was sworn into the Planning Commission for District Seven.

The Council, Sheriff Tony Breeden, and Major Fred Moore recognized Deputy Ray Feaster for 33 years of service and retirement from the York County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Kevin Tolson was also honored for his service and retirement.

During the January sixth meeting, several citizens, including Donna Forester, Kerri Bishop, and Caitlin Boyle, expressed opposition to Silfab Solar's presence in Fort Mill and expressed their concerns about Council members being invited to attend a Silfab event on January ninth. On January 21, Ashley Horne addressed the Council with her opposition to Silfab Solar having their location in Fort Mill.

During the January sixth meeting, the Council approved a three-year contractual agreement with TRANE Inc. for routine HVAC preventative maintenance and repairs at the Government Center for a total cost of $144,253, and at the Family Court Building for a total of $127,088. The Council also approved, at the same meeting, a contractual agreement, subject to the approval of the County Attorney, with Sustainable Consulting Solutions LLC of Piedmont SC, for Economic Development Consulting Services, for a total cost not to exceed $100,000 for a maximum one year term.

Tom McNeish presented the Fiscal Year 2024 Audited Financial Report presentation by Elliott Davis, LLC. NcNeish reported that the County is in sound financial condition as of June 30, 2024.

The York County Council will hold its next County Council meetings for February on the third and the 17 at 6:00PM. Visit York County Council meetings for more information.

Honoring Black History in York

By Kaya Spencer • February 19, 2026
YORK COUNTY, S.C.- Every February, communities across the nation recognize Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and achievements of Black Americans. In York County, that history is deeply rooted in the land, schools, churches, and historic sites that continue to tell powerful stories of resilience and contribution. Historic Brattonsville This important historical location is in McConnells, S.C. This living history site features a dedicated African American interpretation, which focuses on the history and experiences of enslaved people. The site also includes original slave quarters and the Enslaved Ancestral Burial Ground, where 481 people of African descent are buried. Throughout February, visitors can attend a special Saturday program titled “By Way of the Back Door: The Life and Times of Molly,” which explores African American life through the perspective of a woman who lived at Brattonsville from 1780 to 1865. Roosevelt School Black history is also closely tied to the Roosevelt School in Clover. During segregation, the school served as an all-Black K–12 school and was originally known as the first Clover Colored School. Although the building was destroyed during integration in the mid-1960s, its legacy remains strong. The school once served as the hub for Black education in Clover before segregation ended. Today, a historical marker stands at the former site, which now includes three baseball fields, a playground, a basketball court, and picnic tables. Green Pond United Methodist Church This church has been a very important part of Black history in the area, serving as one of the earliest and longest-lasting places of worship for African-American residents. At that time, Green Pond was widely the only church serving African-Americans in the Clover area and has remained an all-Black church, continuing to serve as a main gathering place for worship, fellowship, and mutual aid in the community. Stellie J. Jackson served as the pastor of Green Pond Church, giving spiritual leadership and guidance to the congregation. Under his leadership, the church continued its mission of strengthening faith while also supporting the social and educational growth of the community. For generations, the church has been a religious home. It has also served as a symbol of resilience, community unity, and the struggle for dignity and recognition. Green Pond Church Cemetery Another significant site is Green Pond Church Cemetery, the first cemetery for Black residents in Clover. The cemetery holds the remains of many formerly enslaved individuals. African Americans lived and worked in the Clover community before the Civil War, first as enslaved people and later as sharecroppers, farmers, laborers, and skilled workers who helped build the local economy. Even during the hardships of slavery and the Civil War, African Americans played an important role in shaping the region. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, formerly enslaved individuals in the Clover area began building independent lives. Many worked as sharecroppers or tenant farmers while striving to reunite families separated by slavery. During this time, African Americans established their own churches, schools, and neighborhoods, laying the foundation for strong Black communities that would continue for generations. Black History Month serves as a reminder not only of the struggles Black Americans have faced but also of their strength, perseverance, and lasting contributions. York County’s historic sites stand as meaningful landmarks for future generations.

STATE CHAMPS

By Anthony Mathipannha • February 19, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C.- The Clover High School wrestling team became the SC 5A Wrestling State Champions for the first time in the school’s history. The Dirty Birds defeated James Island 34-31 after a long, hard season. Head Coach Michael Fitzgerald started this program 24 years ago. While the program has experienced ups and downs, including some individual state championships, this is the first team win. Fitzgerald credits the team’s success to getting the right people on the coaching staff and building from there. Fitzgerald shared his feelings about the win as well. “Winning the state championship, the first wrestling state championship in school history for wrestling, definitely was a big moment. It couldn’t have been done without my assistant coaches, our wrestlers, the parents of our wrestlers, the administration, and the support from the faculty and staff. So it’s a true team victory across the board”. In the press conference before the state championship, Fitzgerald spoke about the season. “We were intentional about scheduling tough matches in front of our wrestlers, learning through losses and stacking wins.” As a result, they won important matchups throughout the season to make it to the championship match. Fitzgerald shared, “We are ready to embrace the opportunity we have here on Wednesday.” According to Fitzgerald, there were multiple standouts on the team and all worked hard throughout the season. Winning against the likes of Boiling Springs and Blythewood, picking up wins in dual matches, and beating a few perennial power schools in North and South Carolina helped build the confidence needed to take the state title. Wrestler Owen Tatum believed their winning factor throughout the season was having a great coach like Fitzgerald and being willing to go the extra mile to get their win. Throughout the season, the team focused on their belief in each other, acknowledging that the only thing they could control was themselves, and worked to improve every day. That focus helped them understand each other’s abilities during practice and gave them the confidence to push through each match and work to make each other better than the day before. They put in the work all the way to the end of the season. Wrestler Keller Brunnelson spoke of the team mindset heading into the match, “Overall, we are pretty confident, everybody is just focused to go out there and really put their best foot forward, going out there and wrestling with the mindset that we’re gonna leave it all on the mat.” And leave it all on the mat they did, and they brought home the trophy to prove it.

Officials confirm invasive hornet species in York County

By Kaya Spencer • January 28, 2026
YORK, S.C. - An invasive species known as the yellow-legged hornet has been confirmed in York County, raising concerns among state officials, beekeepers and environmental experts. The hornets, which are native to Southeast Asia, pose a serious threat to honeybee populations and local ecosystems. Officials with the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry confirmed a yellow-legged hornet nest in McConnells, located in York County, in early December 2025. The discovery marked the first confirmed detection of the invasive species in South Carolina. Yellow-legged hornets typically range in size from .07 of an inch ro an inch in length. The head is mostly black, with some front-facing yellow or orange and black eyes. The thorax is black or dark brown. It also has alternating bands of dark brown/black and yellow/orange on the abdomen. The most distinctive feature are the black-brown legs that become yellow on the ends. The yellow-legged hornet was first identified in the United States in November 2023, when it was discovered near Savannah, Georgia. Since then, the species has spread to other areas in the Southeast, prompting increased monitoring and response efforts from state and federal agencies. While the hornets are not considered highly dangerous to humans, officials say their presence poses a significant risk to honeybees. Yellow-legged hornets are known to prey on bees by hovering near beehives and attacking returning workers. Over time, repeated attacks can weaken or destroy entire colonies. Bees play a critical role in pollination, which is essential for the growth of many crops, gardens and native plants. A decline in bee populations can have widespread consequences, including reduced agricultural yields and disruptions to local ecosystems. “When bee populations decrease, the effects ripple throughout the environment,” officials said. Reduced pollination can impact farmers, home gardeners and natural plant life, potentially leading to long-term ecological and economic consequences. The discovery of the hornets in York County has prompted concern among local officials and agricultural track and contain the species. Clemson officials are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings, particularly near wooded areas or beehives. Experts advise residents not to approach hornet nests, as the insects can become aggressive if disturbed. Instead, sightings should be reported to local agricultural authorities or Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry for proper identification and removal. Officials say early detection is critical in preventing the hornet from becoming established in South Carolina. Continued monitoring and public awareness will play a key role in limiting the spread of the invasive species and protecting the region’s bee populations. As efforts continue, state agencies emphasize the importance of cooperation between residents, beekeepers and environmental officials to address the growing threat posed by the yellow-legged hornet. To learn more about this species, including making traps and reporting sightings, visit https://blogs.clemson.edu/regulatory/december-2025-yellow-legged-hornet-update-movement-of-ylh-beyond-lowcountry-confirmed/

Clover School District impact fee passes at $8,000

By BY EVAN FRINTER, CHS JUNIOR AND KELLY CLARK, ROARING EAGLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • December 18, 2025
YORK COUNTY - York County Council approved an impact fee for Clover School District on Dec. 15, setting the amount at $8,000 for single-family homes.

CSD Impact Fee Ordinance faces final vote

By Evan Frinter and Kelly Clark • December 12, 2025
The Impact Fee Ordinance is up for its third and final reading on Dec. 15, 2025, after passing its second reading unanimously on Nov. 17. However, it only applies to the Urban Service Boundary.

York County Council listens to D2 residents: Approves impact fees

By By Evan Frintner, CHS Junior and Kelly Clark, Roaring Eagle Editor-In-Chief • November 18, 2025
York County Council listens to D2 residents: Approves impact fees 

Clover Will Have Two New Eateries and They are Coming This Spring

October 16, 2025
The Cattle Car

Kindness Corner: Girl Scout Troop 888 spreads joy and service

October 15, 2025
LAKE WYLIE, S.C. - At Girl Scout Troop 888, the motto “make the world a better place” is more than just a slogan-it’s a guiding principle. With 87 members ranging from Kindergarten to 7th grade, Troop 888 is making a big impact in the Lake Wylie and Clover communities. Under the leadership of Lucinda Woodard, a lifetime Girl Scout with nearly 28 years of experience, the troop is dedicated to teaching young girls the importance of service and giving back.

Recipes from Ireland

October 15, 2025
CLOVER, SC - Dr. Francine Marz encountered both of these dishes on a trip to Ireland. She found them unique and wanted to share them with our readers.

Kindness Corner: A Spotlight on Community Compassion

October 15, 2025
Welcome to the Kindness Corner, where we celebrate acts of kindness that make a real difference in our community. Each month, we’ll highlight heartwarming stories of generosity and showcase ways you can get involved in spreading kindness too.