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Western Watch
Western York County Newcomers’ Guide
Living in our towns
History & culture
2010-2011
Schools Recreation & civic life Churches
Historic reenactor Kitty Wilson-Evans and others tell of the region’s storied past.
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Western Watch Magazine
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Introduction
From the editor Hello, and welcome to Western York County! Whether it’s the well-regarded schools, the rolling peachtree-covered hillsides or simply the laid-back atmosphere that brought you here, we’re glad to have you as a new neighbor. No matter where you’ve chosen to settle down — York, Clover, one of the many smaller communities, or even all by yourself on a back country road without a neighbor for miles — you’ll find we’re all a big family in western York County. This area has a deep and rich history including some major Revolutionary War battles fought here on York County soil. The locals are proud of this history, and you’ll find many groups and organizations devoted to preserving it for future generations. Western York County has also become something of a hub of cultural activity over the years, with many a potter, painter, writer and performing artist calling the area home. By choosing this area, you’ve become a part of small-town life with all the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make the cast of characters you’ll now call neighbors so interesting. Our communities encompass all the charms of the quintessential Southern town – beautiful Victorianera homes with wide front porches perfect for sipping sweet tea in the afternoon sun, quiet neighborhood streets lined with enormous old-growth trees and a vibrant downtown business district with a variety of local shops, offices and restaurants only a short walk away. And if you want a little more excitement, the big city is only a short drive away, and you’ve got choices – Charlotte, Gastonia and Rock Hill are all just minutes from your new home. Want to go fishing, or spend a day tooling around on a Jet Ski, or party with new friends on a pontoon boat? Lake Wylie is even closer. And there are plenty of things to occupy your time in our communities. Sign up for a committee with your local government or join a local civic organization that specializes in your interests. Volunteer at a local library branch or with a local charity. Take some time to drop in on a local sporting event — the rivalry between York and Clover high schools is as strong and deep as any college or professional beef. If nothing else, get to know your neighbors, discover some of our local customs and, above all, enjoy your new home. We hope you find Western Watch helpful as you settle into your new surroundings. If you have questions this guide doesn’t answer, please give me a call (684-9903), or shoot me an e-mail (news@enquirerherald.com) so we can make it even better next year. You’re part of the family now, so make yourself at home. — Jonathan Allen, editor
Table of contents ON THE COVER: Photo of historic reenactor Kitty Wilson-Evans, by Jamie Self COVER STORY: Our history – the story of our past........................................7 Our towns Clover ..............................................................9 Government contacts ....................................12 Public safety ..................................................13 Taxes ............................................................13 Voter registration ............................................13 Western York County ................................10-11 York ................................................................8 Getting started Animal shelters ..............................................17 Driver’s licenses ............................................15 Post offices ....................................................15 Recycling & garbage service ..........................16 Utilities ..........................................................14 Community Annual events ................................................19 “Best of the West” ....................................22-23 Chambers of commerce ..........................22-23 History ......................................................20-21 [4]
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Local clubs and civic groups ..........................18 Schools What’s news in schools..................................25 York and Clover school superintendents..........26 Clover School District ....................................28 Immunizations ................................................30 School calendars & registration ......................31 York School District ........................................29 Recreation and the Arts Escape to the great outdoors ....................32-33 Local parks ....................................................33 Music ............................................................34 Nearby attractions ..........................................32 Performing and fine arts groups ................34-35
Churches Directory of churches.................................36-37
Western Watch 2010-2011 Western York County’s newcomers’ guide Editor Jonathan Allen Advertising staff Mary Pettus Kristin Alley April Wynn
Contributors Paul Boger Andy Burriss Melissa Cherry Brad Harvey Adam O’Daniel Vernon Prosser Jackie Robinson Marc Sosne Jamie Self Jim Stratakos
“Western Watch” is an annual publication of the EnquirerHerald, a McClatchy Co.-owned community newspaper serving York, Clover, Hickory Grove, Sharon, McConnells and Smyrna. Phone: (803) 684-9903 Fax: (803) 628-0300 www.enquirerherald.com “Western Watch” is distributed in June to the York and Clover Chambers of Commerce, real estate agencies and other areas across western York County. Information compiled is the most recent available at press time. To submit items for next year’s “Western Watch,” call the number above or e-mail news@enquirerherald.com.
Advertiser index Badcock Furniture...................................................16 Boney Insurance.......................................................2 Clover Chamber of Commerce....................23 and 27 Culture & Heritage Museums....................................6 Edward Jones........................................................20 El Mexicano restaurant............................................21 El Rodeo Mexican restaurant..................................20 Family Trust Credit Union........................................16 Fogles....................................................................17 Granite Man.............................................................5 Island Dreams........................................................17 Medicap Pharmacy.................................................31 Palmetto Fresh........................................................21 The Peach Tree.......................................................21 People’s Choice Insurance......................................35 Piedmont Medical Center.......................................................30 Rock Hill Adult Education.........................................31 Sifford & Stine............................................................39 Sloan Financial........................................................40 Stacy’s....................................................................34 Summerfest.............................................................21 Town of Clover.........................................................14 White Rose Veterinary Clinic....................................17 York Chamber of Commerce...................................22 York Downtown Business Association......................24 York Electric Cooperative...........................................15 Yorkville Pharmacy.....................................................3
Don’t miss it! More than 5,000 copies of “Western Watch” are distributed to over 70 locations across western York County. Call the Enquirer-Herald today at (803) 6849903 to reserve advertising in the 2011-2012 guide.
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The American Revolution & Antebellum South Experience living history, including the African American story. Hike the scenic Walt Schrader Trails, see historic breeds of rare farm animals or enjoy a relaxing outdoor picnic. Don’t forget to visit our gift shop, featuring a wonderful selection of local and regional items. MON-SAT 10 am–5 pm SUN 1 pm–5 pm General Admission Adult $6, Senior $5, Youth 4–17 $3, 3 & under FREE Special Events Scheduled Throughout the Year
www.chmuseums.org
(803) 684-2327
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1444 Brattonsville Rd, McConnells, SC
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Visitors call (888) 702-1320
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Cover TEXT story HERE
A living history Community honors its storied past with reenactments, more By Jamie Self
Nowhere in Western York County is far from the stories of a history that shaped the region and its people. And with help of the Culture & Heritage Museums and the Museum of Western York County, both newcomers and life-long residents can learn something new about the rich and colorful history. It is a story that stretches from plantations and battlefields where our nation’s most prized freedoms and darkest legacies were forged, to charming historic towns still populated by many of the families who settled them long ago. “Western York County is a storied place,” says local author and historian Jerry West, director of the Museum of Western York County in Sharon. When the museum opened in 2003 with just a couple hundred relics, West never thought the community would BY JIM STRATAKOS donate so many items so quickly, nearly filling the A British soldier surrenders during a museum’s 5,000-squarereenactment of the Battle of Huck’s BY JAMIE SELF foot space. Defeat. At Historic Brattonsville in McConnells, costumed interpreters present living In the museum’s history days to show visitors how residents once cooked, prepared cotton collections are historical documents, some that date back to the 1700s, as and did other daily tasks. well as art, artifacts, dated consumer products, gadgets and tools, military objects, antiques, and much more — the physical relics linked to Western These objects trace a narrative from the people who first inhabited the region York County’s past. to those who now call Western York County home. Carefully carved, centuries-old arrowheads dug up from the region’s red soil The CHM also work to preserve local history through the Historical Center now lie beneath protective glass. Antiquated farming implements hang in and the Southern Revolutionary War Institute, located at the McCelvey Center retirement on the walls. The museum has a circa 1900 military transport wagon in York. found on a farm near Hickory Grove and Sharon’s very first phone booth. Even a They provide public access to extensive archives on Western York County’s bottle of Jack Daniels sits on display, commemorating the 2006 opening of history and the Southern states’ involvement in the Revolutionary War, Sharon’s first liquor store. Please see HISTORY, page 38 “We try to tell the story of Western York County,” West says. Western Watch Magazine
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Our towns
When incorporated: Village of Yorkville in 1841, Town of Yorkville in 1896, Town of York in 1915 Area: more than 6.15 square miles Form of government: Council-manager Origin of name: Settled by emigrants from Pennsylvania and Virginia, the town of Yorkville was established as the county seat in 1785.
Participants in York’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade wave to the crowd.
BY ANDY BURRISS
York A seat of law. A central site for county government. Now, a thriving, growing arts and business center. York has a vibrant history and an even more appealing future, as its downtown becomes a haven for eclectic shoppers and the surrounding areas are filled with large businesses. But the town has always been the center of an ever-growing county. York began unofficially when a courthouse was built at Furgus’ Crossroads in 1786. Although “Yorkville” would not become officially incorporated until 1841, it is referred to in documents dating back as far as 1790. The suffix “-ville” was no longer used after 1915. Since the building of that courthouse, York has always served as the county seat and a center of merchant life. Another courthouse was built in 1823 and remodeled in 1894 after a fire. The county’s current courthouse was built in 1914. Yorkville became the home of South Carolina’s first newspaper north of Columbia. The weekly publication was called “The Pioneer” and was a precursor to “The Yorkville Enquirer,” now the “Enquirer-Herald.”
York was home to the Kings Mountain Military Academy, which closed before the Civil War. Before the war, York was known as “the Charleston of the Upcountry” and held the highest per-capita income in the state. Like many other Southern towns, York suffered after the Civil War. But times began looking up again in the 1890s with the creation of textile mills and the expansion of lumber work. Since then, York’s industries have become diversified. Now, the town includes a growing commercial community. Large businesses have changed the town’s image and a push in the late 1990s to revitalize downtown has created a new artistic center for the county. York has one of the largest historic districts in the state. It includes more than 180 historic structures and landmarks.
2007 population: 7,735 (estimate) 2000 population: 6,985 1990 population: 6,709 Median age: 34.2 years Under 18: 27.9% 65 and older: 14.5% White Non-Hispanic: 53.4% Black: 40.3% Hispanic: 5% Male: 46.2% Female: 53.8% 2005 median household income: $32,000
Sources: City of York Web site and “Yorkville to York,” a history compiled by J. Edward Lee and presented by the Yorkville Historical Society.
Did you know? In honor of its history as a circus town, York hosted its first “Under the Big Top” festival in May 2010, including a parade, a circus breakfast, talent show, children’s activities and more. The Barnett Brothers Circus wintered in York many years ago. After several name changes, it later became the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers Circus. Clowns served as volunteer firemen when the circus was in town, and elephants were exercised around the town. [8]
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Our towns
When incorporated: 1887 Area: more than 2.5 square miles Form of government: Council-manager Origin of the name: A train that used to pass through the town in the late 1800s would stop at the four-leaf clover patch.
2007 population: 4,678 2000 population: 4,014 1990 population: 3,502 Median age: 34.2 years Under 18: 28.9% 65 and older: 12.8% White Non-Hispanic: 75.6% Black: 21% Hispanic: 1.9% Male: 47.5% Female: 52.5% 2005 median household income: $39,100
Clover When David Jackson and his wife, Mary Morrison, left Ireland, they never thought of the impact they would have on the area that would become Clover. All they knew was the promise of the New World and a hope that life could be better. Jackson earned a 903-acre land grant from the King of England in the mid1700s. He and his wife settled in the Bethel area east of Clover. After earning enough money in the Revolutionary War, Jackson bought 1,700 more acres. Through the years, many families have sought that same happiness the Jacksons knew could be found here. Not more than 100 families lived in the area before train lines connected Gastonia, N.C., to Chester and points beyond in 1874. The first passenger trains started rolling through the area in 1876. A stop on the way, the Clover area became the place where trains filled their boilers with water. The water would often slosh over the top, spilling on the ground. Lush clover patches began to grow in the area. The area soon became known as the “Clover Patch.” Later, it became known simply as Clover. But Clover had yet to become a town. The first town surveys were conducted in 1876. A post office was constructed in 1884 and, despite an earthquake in 1886, Clover was chartered in 1887. Industry began moving into the town when the Clover Spinning Mill opened in 1890. The mill’s creator, Beaty Smith, would become known as a “Founder of Clover.” Today, businesses continue to open in the area and the town has been affected by the growth boom striking all of the county. Clover maintains a rustic charm and small-town environment that can be seen while walking down Main Street. Source: “...And Clover Began to Grow.” Author unknown.
Dan McWhorter of Charlotte prepares to lift and turn the Caber during a Scotch-Irish competition that is one of the highlights of Feis Chlobhair, Clover’s annual Gaelic festival.
BY JIM STRATAKOS
Honoring its heritage In 2007, Clover celebrated its Irish heritage by becoming sister cities with Larne, Northern Ireland. To honor the heritage and relationship, each June the town holds an annual Scotch-Irish Festival, Feis Chlobhair. It’s a chance for people to hear bagpipes, watch Scottish games and taste a bit of haggis, or sheep innards.
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Our towns
Charlie Bolin shops at the Sharon Hardware in Sharon with his grandson, Elijah Gibson.
BY ANDY BURRISS
Sharon
Hickory Grove
In the late 1800s, railroad tracks acted as fertilizer for the growth of small towns. A year after the first crews laid the track to Blacksburg in 1888, Sharon was incorporated officially as a town. Before it became a town, Sharon was still a busy area. Two roads came together in the area that would become a town: the Chesterville-Shelbyville Road and another that came in from Yorkville and Sutton Springs. Sharon Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church stood in the extreme southern limit of the town. Before the lines were drawn for Sharon, the church had more than 150 members. A later deal with the railroad companies allowed the train to stop in Sharon, but only if the town built a railroad depot. Stores opened because of the train stop, and it was predicted that Sharon would grow to be as large as York. It wasn’t meant to be, however. Stores began closing, not to be replaced. Despite that, the town’s one square mile is home to more than 400 people today. Sharon is also home to the Museum of Western York County. The museum features about 1,000 items in the Sharon Community Center.
In 1904, an unnamed journalist called Hickory Grove “...a lovely place and healthy.” He described a small town lined with shops and big leafy trees “over which four churches and a two-story school are guards and sentinel.” The town’s history stretches back to 1831, when Hickory Grove’s post office opened in James McKinney’s store. The town came into existence when he built his store at the corner of Quinn’s Road and Smith’s Ford Road, and was incorporated in 1888. McKinney dubbed the town “Hickory Grove” when he applied for postmaster. The name stuck even after Thomas G. Wylie became postmaster. The small town continued to grow, and a number of businesses appeared. A hotel was opened, notorious for the parties held there. In the early 1900s there were six mail routes and two doctors in the town. Families such as the Whitesides became prominent in politics. Hickory Grove High School fielded a baseball team. Hickory Grove native W.S. Wilkerson invented a new processor for sorghum milling. Today, Hickory Grove residents still enjoy the small town life. An elementary school and a park serves the community.
Source: “History of Sharon,” an article by Walter A. Kennedy found in the book “Remembering Sharon” by Doris M. Thomas and Martha Helen Kennedy.
When incorporated: 1889 Area: 1 square mile Form of government: Mayor-council Origin of the name: Sharon ARP Church was established in 1800. An early post office was called Sharon Valley. In the Bible, “Rose of Sharon” refers to Jesus Christ.
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2007 population: 488 (estimate) 2000 population: 421 1990 population: 270 Median age: 33.6 years Under 18: 28.5% 65 and older: 12.4% White Non-Hispanic: 94.5% Black: 3.8% Male: 49.2% Female: 50.8% 2005 median household income: $36,900 (estimate)
Source: “York and Western York County: The History of a Southern Eden” by J. Edward Lee and Jerry L. West.
When incorporated: 1888 Area: 1.3 square miles Form of government: Mayor-council Origin of name: Named for a grove of hickory trees, first mentioned on survey maps in the 1850s.
2007 population: 407 (estimate) 2000 population: 337 1990 population: 287 Median age: 36.2 years Under 18: 27.3% 65 and older: 11.3% White Non-Hispanic: 67.7% Black: 28.8% Male: 51% Female: 49% 2005 median household income: $46,100
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Our towns
Smyrna When incorporated: 1895 Area: 1 mile Form of government: Mayor-council
2007 population: 76 2000 population: 59 1990 population: 57 Median age: 35 years Under 18: 29% 65 and older: 17% White NonHispanic: 92% Black: 8% Male: 46% Female: 54% 2005 median household income: $34,100
Life in Western York County is often focused on the quiet comforts of rural existence. If you like small towns, Smyrna is the place to be. Smyrna holds the title of smallest municipality in South Carolina. The town’s borders hold one mile of territory. A railroad and depot was established in 1888, and F.D. Horn built a mercantile business nearby soon after. Then came a grocery store, a drug store and a dry goods business. Fifty years before the town came into being, Smyrna Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church provided a place of worship for area residents. When the town incorporated in 1895, it would take the church’s name as its own. In 1924, the completion of the “West Road” between York and Smyrna, through Hickory Grove and Sharon, shrank the town’s population. People found it easier to move to larger areas thanks to the road. As the population began to dwindle, Smyrna’s high school was closed. Southern Railway decided to shut down the train depot. By the eve of the Great Depression, the telegraph office had also closed and only three stores were still open for business. Today the town still has a post office and, with only 59 residents in the 2000 Census, is still the smallest municipality in South Carolina. Source: “York and Western York County: The History of a Southern Eden” by. J. Edward Lee and Jerry L. West. This historical marker is located near Smyrna.
BY ANDY BURRISS
McConnells When basketball season rolls around, McConnells lights up. The small western York County town that has more cows than its 300 or so residents has reason to be proud. It’s the birthplace of Ivory Latta, a 2003 York Comprehensive High graduate who became the all-time leading scorer in South Carolina basketball history. She joined the WNBA team Atlanta Dream in 2008. Now, the words “Home of Ivory Latta” adorn the welcome sign as visitors drive into McConnells. McConnells exemplifies the ever-changing face of the county around it. The town was incorporated as “McConnellsville” in 1906, but its surrounding area boasts of a history that extends as far back as before the Revolutionary War. Historic Brattonsville, a nearby homestead that holds a McConnells address, was the site of
the Battle of Huck’s Defeat in 1780. British Capt. Christian Huck was sent with a troop of light calvary to apprehend Col. William Bratton and Capt. John McClure before they had a chance to enlist help to fight the British. Bratton and his forces beat Huck near his plantation. The battle revived South Carolinians during a time when defeat by Britain seemed inevitable. Social life in McConnells has largely centered around churches or in general stores. Sources: “York and Western York County: The History of a Southern Eden” by J. Edward Lee and Jerry L. West, the Historic Brattonsville Web site found at www.chmuseums.org, and the Ivory Latta biography page, found online at tarheelblue.collegesports.com.
When incorporated: 1906 as McConnellsville. The “ville” was dropped in 1951. Land area: 2 square miles Form of government: Mayor-council. Origin of name: Named after an early prominent family.
2007 population: 346 2000 population: 287 1990 population: 157 Median age: 36 years Under 18: 28% 65 and older: 9% White Non-Hispanic: 71% Black: 28% Hispanic: 1% Male: 51% Female: 49% 2005 median household income: $43,900
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Our towns
Local and state
government
Clover Town Council Town Administrator: Allison Harvey, 222-9495. Mayor: Donnie Grice 112 Ridge Ave., 222-4374, 704-913-3296 (cell). Council: Ann Harvey, 612 South Main St., 222-9414. Wes Spurrier, 106 Cherokee Drive, 222- 9033. Jay Dover, 102 Long St., 222-3367. Granita Boyd, 406 Carver St., 222-6238. Christine Gourley, 124 Meghanshire Court, 2220702. Bruce Henderson, 423-B Knox St., 704-747-0964. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Clover School District Administration Office, 604 Bethel St.
Mayor: Chris Faulkner, P.O. Box 65, 925-2304. Council: Ralph Wyatt, 7790 Main St., 925-2584. Frances Faulkner, 1011 Main St., 925-2695. Bob Faulkner, 1011 Main St., 925-2695. Phillip Jackson, 980 E. Main St., Smyrna, 9251596. The council meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Town Hall. Members are elected at-large to two-year terms in November of even years.
Hickory Grove Town Council
York City Council
Town Hall: 925-2625. Mayor: Larry Earl, 5967 Wylie Ave., 925-2011. Council: David Rhodes, 2010 Smith Ford Road, 925-2591. Harry James Good, 6277 Wylie Ave., 925-2361. John Blackwood, 5035 Peachtree St., 925-1441. Kyle Wyatt, 5749 Wylie Ave., 925-2585. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Town Hall, 6001 Wylie Ave.
Interim-City Manager: Charles Helms, 684-2341. Mayor: Eddie Lee, 202 W. Madison St., 628-6615. Council: District 1: Charles Johnson, 107 Washington St., 684-0313. District 2: Edward Brown, 30 Maiden Lane, 6840791. District 3: Josephine Castle, 8 Center St., 6849399. District 4: Tony Moore, 201 Springdale Drive, 684-7130. District 5: Denise Lowry, 403 S. Pacific Ave., 6849256. District 6: Mark Boley, P.O. Box 224, 684-7187. The council meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at York City Hall, 10 N. Roosevelt St. Both mayor and council members serve four-year terms.
McConnells Town Council Town Hall: 684-5534 Mayor: John Harshaw Jr., 320 Simpson Road, 684-6944. Council: William “Bill” Covington, 3955 Chester Hwy., 684-3864. William “Bill” Nance, 399 Lowrys Road, 6844759. Kenneth Patrick, 4148 Chester Hwy., 684-0820. Larry Plyler, 920 Davis Lever St., 684-7234. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Town Hall, 131 York Hwy.
Sharon Town Council Town Hall: 927-1927. Mayor: Beverly Blair, P.O. Box 122, 3810 York St., 927-7503. Council: Bob Barnette, P.O. Box 21, 927-7513. Kathy Montgomery, 3937 Woodlawn St., 9271709. Donald Kropp, 1721 Dr. Saye Lane, 927-0091. Jerry Bradham 3839 Woodlawn St., 927-7717. The council meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Sharon Town Hall, 4025 Woodlawn St. [ 12 ]
Editor’s note: The * indicates seats that will be up for election in November 2010.
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Smyrna Town Council
York School Board Chair: Chris Revels, seat 3, 2121 Legion Road, Smyrna, 925-2840, home; (864) 936-7921, work. Vice-chair: Chris Stephenson, at-large, 2329 One Iron Drive,York, 684-2611, home; 372-7774, work. Seat 1: Dr. Al Johnson, 457 Riding Trail Road, York, 628-1698. *Seat 2: Mike Smith, 715 Sweet Meadow Lane, York, 684-6912. *Seat 4: Betty Johnson, 212 W. Madison St., 6845281. Seat 5: Melissa Ramsey, 3777 Wilson Chapel, Sharon, 927-3211. *At-large: Shirley Harris, 2068 Apple Blossom Road, York, 684-3733. Superintendent: Dr. Vernon Prosser, 684-9916. The York school board, representing York County District 1, meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the York One School District office, 1475 E. Liberty St.
Clover School Board Chairman: G. Franklin Pendleton II, seat 4, 110 Jamestowne Circle, Clover, 222-3026. *Vice chairman: Joe Gordon, seat 1, 119 Hillcrest Ave., 222-7982, home. Seat 3: Jack Grier, P.O. Box 1011, Clover, 6270778. At-large: Melanie Wilson, 19 Shipmaster Court, Lake Wylie, 704-906-1973 *At-large seat: Mack McCarter, 1461 Paul Boyd Road, Clover, 222-1251. *Seat 5: Kathy Cantrell, 11 Shipmaster Court, Lake Wylie, 831-7642, home; 222-3312, work. *Seat 2: Bob Magee, 5099 Willow Pond Road, Lake Wylie, 831-2955, home. Superintendent: Dr. Marc Sosne, 810-8000. The Clover school board, representing York County District 2, meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the district office, 604 Bethel St.
York County Council *District 2 (Clover, Lake Wylie): Tom Smith, 938 Timber Creek Drive, York, 631-4116. *District 3 (western York County): Joe Cox, 3009 E. Pratt St., Sharon, 927-0728. *District 5 (McConnells, parts of Rock Hill): Curwood Chappell, 925 East Chappell Road, Rock Hill, 324-1062, home; 366-3262, fax. The council meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Monday each month in the county Agricultural Building, 6 S. Congress St. in York.
S.C. House of Representatives *District 29 (York, western York County): Dennis Moss, 306 Silver Circle, Gaffney, or 422A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, (864) 487-2121, home; (864) 761-6353, work; (803) 734-3073, Columbia. *District 47 (Clover): Herb Kirsh, P.O. Box 31, Clover, or 532A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 222-9430 (Clover); (803) 734-3071 (Columbia). *District 49 (part of York, Rock Hill): John Richard King, P.O. Box 11555, Rock Hill, or 309A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 980-5454, home; 377-1144, work; 803-212-6873, Columbia.
S.C. Senate District 14: Harvey Peeler, P.O. Box 742, Gaffney or 213 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, (864) 489-3766, home; (864) 489-9994, work; (803) 212-6430, Columbia. District 15: Robert W. Hayes, 1486 Cureton Drive, Rock Hill or 205 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 3288532, home; 324-2400, work; (803) 212-6410, Columbia.
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Our TEXT towns HERE
your
taxes at work
In addition to the statewide sales and use tax of 6 percent, York County has capital projects and hospitality sales taxes. ◆ Pennies for Progress: The sales and use tax program in York County adds 1 percent to goods purchased in the county for road improvements. Voters approved the 1-cent on the dollar tax in 1997 and renewed it in 2003 for an additional seven years. The county may ask voters to approve a third Pennies program in 2011, though money troubles have plagued the first program, leaving several projects uncompleted. ◆ Hospitality tax: In unincorporated areas of York County, there’s an additional 2 percent tax applied to the proceeds of sales of prepared food and beverages sold in eating/drinking establishments. Restaurants in Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon and Smyrna add 1 percent for the county. Clover and York also have this tax for each municipality. State law requires the money be spent on tourism-related marketing and attractions. In the county, the money is used for Convention and Visitors Bureau funding, Culture and Heritage Commission funding and at council’s discretion. Groups wanting to form an agricultural equestrian center will use some of this money for a feasibility study.
York County property taxes The county collects both county and city taxes. Citizens living within all municipalities are billed on their personal property as well as real estate. The tax rates vary by municipality because of fire districts and other varying bond amounts. Personal property taxes in York County help pay for a variety of public services, including schools, law enforcement, libraries and roads. Personal properties that are taxed include automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, campers, trailers, watercraft, airplanes, furniture, fixtures and equipment owned by businesses. Taxes on real property are computed at either 4 or 6 percent of the market value depending on ownership. The tax rate of the district you live in is then applied. All property classified as a primary residence is taxed at 4 percent. These properties are not subject to school operating taxes. If the owner is 65 years of age, 100 percent disabled through a state or federal agency, or blind, they may be eligible for a reduction in taxes through the Homestead Exemption Program. This is a state funded program that exempts the first $50,000 fair market value of the home from taxes. The owner must have been a resident of South Carolina for a year prior to Dec. 31 of the previous year to be eligible for the current year. All other real properties are taxed at 6 percent unless they are classified as manufacturing. Also, each municipality and school district has various millage rates on property tax. For property tax questions, call York County Auditor’s Office at 684-8501 or 909-7505 or your local town hall.
Voter registration Newcomers to western York County who want to register to vote can pick up the required forms at the Clover Public Library, 107 Knox St., the York Public Library, 21 E. Liberty St., or at the Voter Registration Office, 13 S. Congress Street in York. Also, voter registration can be completed while applying for a license or license renewal at the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles at 305 Hands Mill Road in Newport and 1070 Heckle Blvd. at the York County Complex in Rock Hill. Voters also can register at www.yorkcountygov.com. Call the registration office in York at 684-1242.
Keeping you
safe
York County has agencies that provide police, fire, rescue and other services. For any emergency, dial 911. The York County Sheriff’s Office patrols the 685-mile county, while York and Clover operate police departments. The S.C. Highway Patrol handles traffic patrols and accidents in unincorporated areas. Under Cotton Howell, the Emergency Management office is at 155 Johnston St. in Rock Hill. 329-7270 The EMS ambulance service is run by Piedmont Medical Center, while volunteer squads based geographically also assist county residents. The following is a list of volunteer rescue squads, fire departments and police agencies serving the area:
Fire departments York County Fire Prevention Bureau, P.O. Box 11705, 909-7620. Bethany-Santiago, 13167 S.C. 55 West, Clover, 222-3010; Chief Tim Gordon. Bethel, 5598 S.C. 557, Lake Wylie, 831-7988; Chief Don Love. Bullock Creek, 2250 S.C. 97, Sharon, 927-7246; Chief Ken Belk. Clover, 115 Bethel St., Clover, 222-9495; Chief Charlie Love. Hickory Grove, 6009 Wylie Ave., 925-2706; Chief Kenny Gilfillan. McConnells, 131 York Hwy., 684-5534; Chief Ken Williams. Newport, 5198 Hampton Ridge Road, 366-3638; Chief Carl Faulk. Sharon, 3336 York St., Sharon, 927-7261; Chief Oliver Dowdle. Smyrna, 1052 Main St., 925-2230; Chief Rickey Wilson. York, 14 N. Roosevelt St., 684-1700; Chief Domenic Manera.
Rescue squads Clover Rescue Squad, 114 Bethel St., Clover, 222-1219; Capt. Steve Shillinglaw. Hickory Grove Rescue Squad, 6004 Wylie Ave., Hickory Grove, 925-2706; Capt. Kenny Gilfillan. River Hills Emergency Squad, 4 Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie, 831-9888; Ken Wilson, president. York Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 644, York, 684-4141; Capt. Billy Allen. York County Emergency Response and Dive Team, P.O. Box 36667, Rock Hill, 329-1116; Larry Crooks, coordinator.
Law enforcement York County Sheriff’s Office, 1675 S.C. 5, Moss Justice Center, York, 6283059; Sheriff Bruce Bryant. Clover Police Department, 112 Bethel St., 222-9494; Chief Randy Grice. York Police Department, 10 N. Roosevelt St., 684-4141; Chief Bill Mobley.
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Getting started
your
utilities
Soon after you turn the key in your front door, you’ll want to get your utilities turned on. Here’s how:
Water & sewer
Clover: Water rates for residents inside town limits are $13.47 for the first 1,999 gallons of water and $5.39 for the next 2,000 to 10,000 gallons of water used. For sewer, residents who live within the town pay a $14.91 base charge, plus $3.70 for each 1,000 gallons of water used. Outside town limits, water rates are $26.95 for the first 1,999 gallons of water; $10.80, 2,000 to 10,000. People who live outside town limits pay a $29.84 base charge for sewer and $7.42 per 1,000 gallons of water used. Customers may pay their bills over the phone by calling Town Hall at 2229495 with their customer number or service address and a credit card number. Customers can pay in person, by mail or through the drop box at 114 Bethel St. Automatic Bank Draft is also available. All water/sewer bills are due by the 15th of each month. York: The administrative fee for the original connection is $60 for York homeowners. Renters must pay a $150 refundable deposit. The base charge is $21 for water and sewer inside or outside city limits. The cost is $3.14 per 1,000 gallons for water and sewer each inside city limits; $6.28 per 1,000 gallons for each outside city limits. Other: Carolina Water Services, a private utility company, serves residents on the outskirts of Clover. (704) 525-7990.
Phone, Cable & Internet Comporium Communications, 950 E. Liberty St., York, provides telephone, cable TV and Internet services to residents in York and surrounding areas. Prices vary. 6841012. AT&T serves the Clover and Lake Wylie area. (800) 780-2355. Time Warner, at 2125 Union Road in Gastonia and 3140 W. Arrowood Road, Charlotte, provides Clover’s cable and Internet. (704) 864-8327 or (704) 3779600.
Electricity
Duke Energy electric deposits range from $100 to $250, depending on a home’s power efficiency and appliances. Visit www.duke-energy.com and click on “customer services.” Details, 800-777-9898. York Electric Cooperative Inc. is a member-owned, non-profit utility. York Electric’s main office is at 1385 E. Alexander Love Hwy., York. A $5 membership fee is required, along with the applicable deposit, and there is a $20 activation fee. Residential deposits of $225 are refundable after 12 months. 684-4248 or 1-800582-8810.
Gas
York County Natural Gas Authority initial deposits range up to $300 for residences. A tap fee of $175 is charged for all new lines. Residential customers must pay a monthly base charge of $5. There also is a $25 service origination fee. (803) 323-5304 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or visit www.ycnga.com.
TOWN OF CLOVER The town with love in the middle Work, play, shop and dine in your hometown.
Visitors Welcome! Town of Clover • 803-222-9495 www.cloversc.info [ 14 ]
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Special Events St. Patrick’s Day Festival Bordertown BBQ Cookoff Easter Egg Hunt & Games Feis Chlobhair - Clover Scottish Games and Scotch-Irish Festival Fall Festival and Auto Show Pumpkin Carving Competition Annual Christmas Parade
Proud SisterCity of Larne, Northern Ireland
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Recycling & Garbage York County Convenience Centers will accept household trash, items that can be recycled, some household appliances, tires and vehicle parts. Centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. five days a week (closed Wednesday and Sunday). Allison Creek, 5725 Campbell Road, at the intersection of Campbell Road (County Road 80) and SC 274 Bethel, 3150 S. Paraham Road, south of S.C. 55, in Clover Bethany, 2690 S. S.C. 161, south of S.C. 55 in Clover Bullocks Creek, 6800 Lockhart Road, on S.C. 49 near the Bullock Creek area, south of the intersection of S.C. 97 and S.C. 49 Cotton Belt, 2365 Black Hwy. (S.C. 5), west of York between Matlock Drive and Howell Road. Lake Wylie, 102 Bethel School Road, near Hwy 557 Lesslie, 3211 Pantry Drive, off S.C. 21 McConnells, 100 Cemetery St. across from Mt. Olivette Presbyterian Church Sharon/Hickory Grove, 5011 Hickory Grove Road, on S.C. 211 past Hickory Grove/Sharon Elementary Tirzah, 6190 Old York Road (S.C. 161) across from Pursley Dairy Farm Road
Garbage pick-ups for each town are: Clover: Residents pay $15 per month for garbage and recycling collection. The town supplies a recycling bin and a roll-off trash can. For information, call 222-9495. York: Residences pay $9.01 per month for one weekly pickup, plus a $6.30 landfill fee. Another 75-cent fee goes to the state health department. For information, call 6842341. Other: D & D Sanitation, a private company based in Clover, serves residents outside of York and Clover town limits. Rates vary. For more information, call 222-3862.
There is also a recycling box and a garbage display box at the York County Landfill, 289 Public Works Road, York. Landfill hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. For details, call York County Public Works at 628-3200 or e-mail public.works@yorkcountygov.com.
A Relationship You Can Trust
Call: 803-367-4100 Click: familytrust.org T h i s C re d i t U n i o n i s fe d e r a l l y i n s u re d b y t h e N a t i o n a l C re d i t U n i o n Ad m i n i s t r a t i o n .
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FILE PHOTO
visit us 24/7
at www.badcock.com
717C East Liberty • York, SC 828-628-0911
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Getting TEXT started HERE
Want to adopt a cat or dog? Here’s what you’ll need to know
BY CATHERINE MILLER
This female Australian shepherd mix, named Carolina, was one of the animals placed up for adoption through York County Animal Control. Pet adoption costs $77 per animal, which includes spaying or neutering. For details, call 628-3190.
York County Animal Shelter is on S.C. 5 in York near the Moss Justice Center. The $2.3 million shelter includes high-tech waste removal and odorcontrol systems that change the air about every four-and-a-half minutes. The shelter has room for 250 animals, an adoption program and an animal control center. Pet adoption costs $77 per animal, and that includes spaying or neutering. For details, call 628-3190. While there is no Humane Society in western York County, it may be worth a trip north where you’ll find a broad selection at the Humane Society of York County, located at 2036 Carolina Place in Fort Mill. For information about the no-kill shelter, call 802-0902. There are several other animal rescue groups in York County, including Richardson Rescue in York and Recycled Pets in Rock Hill. Both have animals available for adoption. Richardson Rescue is on the Web at Richardsonrescue.petfinder.com or call 684-6865. For information on Recycled Pets, call 981-5087 or visit www.recycledpets.rescuegroups.org.
York’s Newest Veterinary Clinic! Come see us for all your pet needs! 1420 E. Alexander Love Hwy. (beside Animal Supply)
Mon.-Thurs. 9 am-6 pm • Fri. & Sat. 9 am-12 noon
Sylvia Chappell, D.V.M.
803-818-5121
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Get involved in an area club or organization Civic clubs Clover Jaycees Heath Eubanks, 242-1232 River Hills Lions Richard (R.J.) Phillips, 831-7808 York Lions Andy Propst, 684-6166 Lake Wylie Lioness Lions Club Shirley MacMillan, 831-8262 Clover Optimist Josie and Ashby Skinnell, 684-2008 York Area Optimist Ronnie Sanders, 631-4463 Clover Rotary Ollie Robertson, 222-7660 York Rotary Bill Fischer, 628-1744 Good Folks of York County Charlotte Hogue, 324-4910
Women’s groups Clover Woman’s Club Wendy Bartee, 222-7533 Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women Diane Carr, 631-1049 Clover/ Lake Wylie Moms Group Jackie Quinn, 487-0223 River Hills Women’s Club Jo Webb, 831-8214 Lake Wylie Ladies’ Bowling League Joan Barnes, 831-7272
Social clubs Asbury Coward Literary Club, Katherine Gardener, 684-4392 White Rose Book Club, Jan Sweigart, 628-7828
Patriotic groups American Legion Post 66, York, TJ Martin, 684-4367 American Legion, Frank Roach Post 34, Rock Hill Cecil Phillips, 327-2959 DAV, York County, Chapter 46 Ruskin Belk, 329-6677 DAR, Kings Mountain Chapter Dorothy Martin, 831-8086 VFW, Old Hickory Post 2889 327-2975 [ 18 ]
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Fraternal organizations United Daughters of the Confederacy, White Rose Chapter Lillian Wilson, 684-1409 The Sons of Confederate Veterans The Brigadier General Micah Jenkins Camp Davis Timmerman, 547-5797 The Sons of Confederate Veterans Pvt. Thomas Caldwell Camp Kirk Carter, 704-739-2964, or Jimmy Cagle, 222-4372
Miscellaneous groups AARP Roger Jermyn, 817-9800 American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345 Arts Council of York County 328-2787 Broad River Basin Historical Society Dorothy Berry, 628-1457 Boys & Girls Clubs of York County 324-7920 Citizens Awareness Group of Western York County Inc. Gussie Butler, 684-9506 Clover Community Theatre, Elaine Davis, 831-7659 Crisis Pregnancy Center, 329-2524. Ducks Unlimited, Western York County chapter Joe Johnson, 684-4271 Friends of Historic Brattonsville Betty Caughman, 684-2327 Friends of York County Library Debbie Turner, 981-5837 Girl Scouts, Hornets Nest Council 1-800-868-0528 or 704-731-6500 Henry’s Knob Group, Sierra Club Joe Zdenek, 366-9763 Mid-Upstate Mothers of Multiples Support Club of South Carolina Monica Roveri, 831-5343, or Ruth Walkup, 329-1813
NAACP, Western York County Wanda Simril, 684-6200 National Association of Retired Federal Employees Richard E. Sarver, 831-2504 Newcomers Club of York County Kathy Buskirk, 366-6643, or Diane Barber, 325-4648 Piedmont Regional Association of Realtors 329-2030 River Hills Marina Club 831-1802 Roosevelt Community Watch, Willie Phillips, 222-3772 or 389-7031 Thrift Store Ministries of Western York County 628-0808 The Writers of York County, Charlotte Hallberg, 328-8293 Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Asa Myers, 222-1767, or Sonya Davis, 684-9651 York County 4-H Clubs 684-9919 York County Ballet Company 328-8328 York County Beekeepers Ron Lilly, 222-9885 York County Cancer Association 327-2556 York County Choral Society Jane Hudson, 547-0962 York County Council on Aging 324-5084 York County Education Association-Retired Zora Hones, 327-6378, or Ruth Culp, 327-1445 York County 4-H Margie Sippel, 684-9919 York County Family and Community Leaders 684-9919 York County Quilter’s Guild Barbara Moseley, 324-0778 Yorkville Historical Society Ed Wood, 628-1076 Yorkville Players 980-7412
To be included in next year’s Western Watch, e-mail news@enquirerherald.com.
There are several outreach agencies serving western York County, all ready to help when needed. Here’s a closer look: Clover Area Assistance Center provides food, financial assistance, health services, including educational programming and special need items for Clover school district residents. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Address: 1130 S.C. 55 E., Clover. Phone: 222-4837. God’s Kitchen feeds shutins in their homes five days a week and those who walk in. Mail donations to God’s Kitchen, 708 Old N. Main St., Clover, SC 29710 or call 2220711. Lighthouse Shelter and Thrift Store houses people who are homeless and helps them turn their lives around. Donations can be sent to: Lighthouse Shelter and Thrift Store, 1000 Old N. Main St., Clover, SC 29710, or call 2220636. PATH provides help for people living in the York school district only with food, clothing, limited medical, rent and utility assistance. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Address: 204 Raille St., York. Phone: 684-3992. Tender Hearts Community Outreach and Thrift Store provides qualified customers with one outfit and a bag of groceries monthly for up to six months. Tender Hearts House of Hope provides temporary shelter for women and children. Address: 511 Kings Mountain St., York. Phone: 684-3132. E-mail: ainslee@tenderheartsinyork. org.
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Annual events York County hosts festivals, parades and other special events each year. Here are some of the highlights:
January The Western York County branch of the NAACP holds an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Congress Street in York. The parade is usually the weekend before or after Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January.
March
BY MELISSA CHERRY Clover holds a one-day St. Patrick’s Day Crowds line the streets for York’s annual Summerfest. festival on Main Street the weekend closest to March 17. include the York Comprehensive High Band, the ◆ The City of York and the York School District American Legion, different branches of the began collaborating on a fireworks show and military and Revolutionary and Civil War remusical festival held at the YCHS Stadium, 1010 enactors. York’s Downtown Farmer’s Market, a project of E. Devinney Road. the Downtown Business Association featuring local produce and handmade crafts, opens. Hours: 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until November, North Congress Street. (Vendors, ◆ Held on the fourth Saturday of August in ◆ The first full weekend in December finds contact Signa Curry, 704-299-2322, or Jim York, Summerfest is a daylong festival that Historic Brattonsville brimming with the spirit of Dickerson, 684-4225.) attracts people from across the region. The Christmas during its annual Christmas Candlelight festival includes a craft fair, classic car show, a 5K Tour. Festivities include drama, music and run, fireworks, a golf and softball tournament, traditional holiday decorations bring the past alive. ◆ Christmas in Olde York, sponsored by the York Under the Big Top Festival celebrates the food and live entertainment. Yorkville Historical Society, includes a walking tour city’s rich circus heritage from the early decades of York’s oldest homes decorated with natural of the 20th century, when several circus troops greenery and alive with the smells and sounds of wintered in the town. The annual Clover Jaycees auto show and fall Christmas. York’s annual Downtown Live, a summer festival is held each September in downtown ◆ Christmas in Olde Sharon has been a concert series sponsored by the Greater York Clover. tradition for more than 20 years. Usually in early Chamber of Commerce, runs monthly May December, several of the town’s businesses and through August. historic buildings dress up for the holidays and open their doors to a host of visitors. Choirs ◆ The Downtown Business Association hosts gather by the Fire Department to spread some Clover celebrates its Scotch-Irish heritage with Fall in Downtown York from noon to 6 p.m. the Christmas cheer and church ladies provide Feis Chlobhair, held each year around the first last Saturday in October. The event includes live refreshment. ◆ York and Clover Christmas parades are held weekend of June. Activities include Highland entertainment, children’s activities, contests, a games, Irish dancers, bagpipers, sheepdogs, Halloween costume contest and street vendors. in early December. Floats, bands and music as Scottish athletic games, cultural foods and crafts. well as an after party featuring Christmas carols, music Santa Claus and vendors. The parades are sponsored by each town’s chamber of ◆ Yorkville Music Weekend in historic commerce. ◆ Lake Wylie’s annual fireworks display over downtown York is held in early November, offering ◆ Lake Wylie lights up each year for the Lights the lake begins at dark July 4 by the Buster Boyd concerts, jam sessions and instructional on the Lake Holiday Boat Parade, held around Bridge on S.C. 49. workshops. mid-December near the Buster Boyd Bridge. It’s ◆ York hosts an annual Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the Lake Wylie Chamber of the closest weekend to Nov. 11. Past participants Commerce.
April
August
December
May
September
June
July
October
November
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WE UNDERSTAND
COMMITMENT. For decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing financial solutions and personalized service to individual investors. You can rely on us for: T Convenience Locations in the community and face-to-face meetings at your convenience. T A Quality-focused Investment Philosophy A long-term approach that focuses on quality investments and diversification T Highly Personal Service Investment guidance tailored to your individual needs
Call or visit today.
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Western York County These sites are on the National Register of Historic Places: Allison Plantation, added 1980, off SC 40 and SC 60, York Bethel Presbyterian Church, added 1980, on S.C. 557, Clover Bethesda Presbyterian Church, added 1977, 3.5 mi. North east of McConnells on S.C. 322 Brattonsville Historic District, added 1971, east of McConnells Clover Downtown Historic District, added 1999, at the junction of Main and Kings Mountain streets, Clover Hart House, added 1977, 220 E. Liberty St., York Hightower Hall, added 1982, at Historic Brattonsville, McConnells Hill Complex Historic District, added 2003, York and Shannon streets, Sharon (W.L.) Hill Store, added 1995, 3034 York St., Sharon Jackson’s Furnace Site, added 1987, Also known as Jackson’s Furnace; Stroup’s Furnace, address
restricted, Smyrna Kings Mountain National Military Park, added 1966, northwest of Bethany on S.C. 161, Bethany Nanny’s Mountain Iron Mines, added 1987, also known as Iron Mines of Hill’s Ironworks; address restricted, Clover Sharon Downtown Historic District, added 2001, York Street and Woodlawn Avenue, Sharon Wilson House, added 1974, also known as Old Jail; Yorkville Jail; 3 S. Congress St., York Witherspoon-Hunter House, added 1978, 15 W. Liberty St., York York County Courthouse, added 1981, corner of West Liberty and South Congress streets, York York Historic District, added 1979, S.C. 5 and U.S. 321, York — Source: http://www.nationalregisterofhistoric places.com/SC/York/state.html
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has a rich history History buffs may want to check out these establishments: The Museum of Western York County: The museum at 1716 B. Woodlawn St. in Sharon celebrates the long history of the area’s settlers and leaders. It contains thousands of items — 800 photos alone. Items in the Museum of Western York County include crosscut saws, a 1930s voting box, white oak baskets made by the late Charlie Cole and a covered wagon donated by a Hickory Grove resident that dates back to the SpanishAmerican War and World War 1. Hours are 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays and other times by appointment, especially groups. Admission is $2 for ages 6 and older. For more information, call Jerry West at 927-7558. Historic Brattonsville: This 775-acre living history village and Revolutionary War battlefield site near McConnells features 29 historic structures and programs chronicling Carolina Piedmont development from the 1750s through the 1840s. It includes the Walt
Schrader Trails, and eight miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Guided group tour programs are available. Special events, including a Revolutionary War battle re-enactment, Christmas candlelight tours, an AfricanAmerican experience on the plantation and living history days, are held throughout the year. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 seniors and $3 for students; free for members and those younger than 5. For more information, call 684-2327 or visit www.chmuseums.org. Historical Center of York County archives: The McCelvey Center, at 212 E. Jefferson St. in York, houses the county archives, available for genealogical and historical research related to the region. Research databases include 18th and 19th century occupations; Confederate veterans; Revolutionary War Battle Inventory; Blacks in the American Revolution and more. For details, visit www.chmuseums.org.
Now Serving
Open for Lunch 7 Days a Week Serving Dinner Thurs - Sat until 9:00
Deli Meats
Selling Bulk Hamburgers & Hot Dogs for Order.
1724 Old York Road • Yorkville Plaza (beside Family Trust) • York, SC • 684-9932
#1 700 East Main St., 5-B Duncan, SC 29334 864-439-9020 • fax: 864-439-7222 #2 3720 Boiling Springs Rd. Boiling Springs, SC 29316 864-814-0222 • fax: 864-814-5588 #3 2113 E. Main St., Unit E Duncan, SC 29334 864-4866-0245 • fax: 864-486-0246 #4 2528-G Boiling Springs Road Boiling Springs, SC 29316 864-814-1560 • fax: 864-814-1516 #5 401 N. Main St. Clover, SC 29710 803-222-1839 • fax: 803-222-1839
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Greater York Chamber performs vital community role By Paul Boger Visiting Western York County will be an experience well worth your time and energy. We encourage everyone to experience Western York County and the rich culture it has to offer. Visitors will be treated to avariety of sites and experiences, ranging from the county's earliest years through the Revolutionary War and the War Between the States to the robust environment present day York County has to offer. The rural flavor cannot only soothe the soul, it can reinvigorate the tired and run-down body. As a member of the Western York County Community, the Greater York Chamber of Commerce serving the communities of Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Smyrna and York, welcomes you. The Chamber helps to establish and maintain a progressive economic environment in which existing businesses can thrive, new businesses can succeed and the quality of life can continue to improve. The Chamber performs this vital role by working with groups in our communities, county, state and on
Greater York Chamber of Commerce Hickory Grove ~ McConnells ~ Sharon Smyrna ~ York 23 East Liberty Street York, South Carolina info@greateryorkchamber.com 684-2590
We Are Your Business Contact Market Products, Services Make Business Contacts Increase Visibility We Serve Our Community Gain Voice in Government Support Local Schools Get Involved
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Greater York Chamber of Commerce Address: 23 E. Liberty St. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 684-2590 Web: greateryorkchamber.com
the national level to ensure the collective voice of Western York County is heard. The Chamber has five standing committees that review issues that may impact Chamber members and recommend action to the Board of Directors. The Membership Committee's focus is on member services. The Government Liaison Committee maintains contact with elected officials. Our Economic Development Committee's charge is to encourage businesses to move to the area and help existing businesses grow. Members of the Education Committee work with the school district to promote excellence in schools and a positive relationship between business and schools. The Community Involvement Committee coordinates events hosted by the Chamber. Each January, the Chamber holds its Annual Meeting to honor selected members for service. Awards include Citizen of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
The Downtown Live concert series offers evening concerts on the third Thursday of May, June and July. In August the concert switches to the fourth Friday and kicks off the Chamber's biggest event - Summerfest. Summerfest, on the fourth Saturday in August, attracts more than 45,000 visitors and has been recognized by the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel as the Most Outstanding festival of 2002 in a community of 5,000 to 15,000 and by the Olde English District as the 1996 Attraction of the Year. The Chamber coordinates York’s Christmas Parade on the first Wednesday of December. The parade includes school bands, marching groups, old cars, beauty queens, church groups, civic groups, commercial trucks, member- sponsored floats and more. Over the years the parade has grown to approximately 100 entries. The small fee for each entry is donated to our local assistance agency, P.A.T.H. (People Attempting To Help). Serving as the Welcome Center for Western York County, the Chamber has an abundance of information on the many attractions in Western York County. For more information contact the Chamber at 803-684-2590 or visit the web site at www.greateryorkchamber.com. — Paul Boger is executive director of the Greater York Chamber of Commerce.
Best of the West You’re new to the area and you want to know who serves the best burger, pizza or ice cream. Who better to ask than locals? Each year the Enquirer-Herald polls readers about the best in western York County. The top vote getters win our “Westies Awards.” Here are highlights from the 2009 Westies Awards: Best Seafood: Palmetto Seafood Best Chinese Restaurant: China King Best Family Restaurant: J & J Best Mexican: Rey Azteca Best Steak: Coalyard
Best Barbecue: Courtney’s BBQ Best Breakfast: Huddle House Best Buffet/Salad Bar: Coal Yard Best Dessert: Garden Cafe Best Caterer: Garden Cafe Best Country Cooking: J & J Best Meal for Money: J & J Best Coffee: Huddle House Best Fast Food: McDonalds Best Pizza: Papa John’s Best Hamburger: Tim’s Best Hot Dog: Palmetto Fresh Market Best Sandwich/Sub: Subway Best Ice Cream: The Peachtree Best Wings: Wing King Best Chicken: Wing King Best Bakery: Walmart Best Grocery Store: Bi-Lo Best Peaches: The Peachtree Best Produce: Bush n Vine
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Business, community are pride of Clover Chamber By Jackie Robinson The Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to the charming community of Clover.
Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce
The Clover area offers an excellent quality of life in a perfect small-town setting and is located 25 miles from Charlotte and 15 miles from Gastonia in North Carolina, 20 miles from Rock Hill and 10 miles from York and Lake Wylie in South Carolina. Here at the Chamber, we provide the Clover area with economic development opportunities as well as help existing businesses through their professional development. As the organization representing Clover’s business community, we encourage participation in the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce’s various community and networking events, including Business after Hours, Business Before Hours and our Annual Meeting. Area residents and visitors enjoy Clover’s down-
Best Pet Store: Animal Supply Best Consignment Shop: Best Friends Closet Best Florist: Hummingbird Florest Best Gift Shop: Flower’s Etc. Best TV/Appliance store: Boyd Tire & Appliance Best Tire Store: Boyd Tire & Appliance Best Jewelry Store: Frank’s Jewelers Best Convenience Store: Time’s Best Insurance: Mellon’s Insurance Best Pet Groomer: Sheer Pawfection Best construction/builder: Jamison Construction Best Furniture Store: T.E. Jones & Sons Best discount store: Walmart Best Law Firm: Brice and Brice Best Heating/AC: Brown’s Heating & Plumbing Best Medical Clinic: Piedmont West Urgent Care Best Dentist: Dr. Cauthen Best Physician: Dr. Hayes Best Chiropractor: Dr. King Best Car Dealership: Dunlap Johnson
Address: 118 Bethel St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone: 222-3312 Web: www.cloverchamber.org
town. There are quaint shops and restaurants, and at the center of town is the impressive Larne Building, which serves as a community meeting and events center. Beautiful churches serve a multi-denominational faith community. The Clover School District, considered one of the top in the state, boasts modern, state-of- the-art facilities and a dedicated, talented staff. Our growing community enjoys the benefits of an excellent school district. Within Clover’s town limits, there are two large parks for the public to enjoy, Clover Community Park and Roosevelt Park. There also are a few smaller spots with walking trails. In addition, a community recreation program offers youth sports programs throughout the year. Leisure and recreational activities are also not far
away. Both the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Carolina beaches to the east are within easy driving distance. Nearby are Lake Wylie, Carowinds Amusement Park, the York County Cultural & Heritage Museums, including Historic Brattonsville, and Kings Mountain National and State parks. Annual festivals and parades are celebrated each year and include the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in March, Feis Chlobhair - the Scottish Games and Scotch Irish Festival - in June, the Auto Show & Fall Festival in September and the Clover Christmas Parade in December. We welcome you to Clover, South Carolina with open arms and open hearts and hope you enjoy your experience. Clover is truly a place to call home! The Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce office is located at 118 Bethel St., and is open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on weekdays. For more information about the Chamber and the services it provides and events it sponsors call 803222-3312 or visit www.cloverchamber.org.
— Jackie Robinson is president of the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce
Best Real Estate Company: ReMax Best Bank: SCBT Best Men’s Store: Men’s Shop Best Antique Store: Leake’s Antiques Best Drug Store: Yorkville Pharmacy Best Massage Therapist: Serenity Best Tax Service: Midway Tax Best Mechanic: Jackie Queen Best Auto Repair: Queen’s Garage Best Building Supply: Lowe’s Best Pest Control: Armstrong Best Funeral Home: Bratton’s Best Tanning Salon; One Stop Videos to Go Best Hotel: Days Inn Best Dance Studio: Julie’s Fancy Feet Photographer: Orenda Parker Best Car Salesman; Matt Johnson Best Real Estate Agent: Tracey Ferguson Best Hair Salon: Solutions Best Plumbing: Taylor’s Plumbing Co. Best Dry Cleaner: Whitesides Western Watch Magazine
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Schools lead the way with community backing By Jonathan Allen School districts in York County have historically been some of the strongest in the state, and their more intimate size and reputation for quality have helped drive population growth. The York, Clover, Fort Mill and Rock Hill districts post better test scores and graduation rates than the state average. Clover and Fort Mill have more affluent populations, and in Clover Duke Energy's Catawba Nuclear Power Station provides a substantial tax base. A lot of the success of Western York County schools boils down to involved parents, suportive communities and the districts' commitment to maintaining and upgrading technology. The new York Comprehensive High School, which opens in August 2010, is a prime example of the blending of community support and commitment to technology. Voters approved $85 million for the school and other changes in a bond referendum. “We’re so excited we can’t stand it,” YCHS Principal Diane Howell said months before the new school opened. She has served eight years as principal at a school building that is alternately loved and loathed. The circular design of the building has led to near chaos at the beginning of each school year. In many cases students have to walk through classrooms to reach their own class. The new high school at Alexander Love Highway and Lincoln Road will have plenty of room to reunite the freshman, who did not attend the old school, with the sophomores, juniors and seniors. The Floyd D. Johnson Applied Technology Center is moving with the campus. It’s actually two schools that function as one, Howell said of the relationship between the high school campus and the technology and labbased classes offered at the ATC. “I was involved in the first bond refernedum that didn’t pass, and I was disappointed at the time, but now I think it worked out for the best,” Howell said, referring to a failed 2003 bond effort. “We designed this school from the bottom up,” she continued. “It was a one-and- a-half to two-year process. Everybody who has wanted a say had it and they listened to us.” The new high school has new athletic facilities, including a $200,000 artificial turf field in the new stadium. This year's football and other athletic teams will be playing on the artificial turf field, courtesy of the NFL Grassroots Grants program that pairs teams like the Carolina Panthers with nearby high schools through the NFL Youth Fund and Local Initiatives Support Corporation. York was one of 16 school districts nationally to win such a grant in 2009. The student population in York has declined slightly since the 2008 economic collapse - York's high school sports teams will move to the AAA classification this year, down from AAAA the last several years - but the new high school is designed with room to grow.
BY JONATHAN ALLEN
The new York Comprehensive High School, above, opens in August with an expected 1,500 students. It is designed to house 2,000. Below, workers put finishing touches on classrooms.
York has seen a slow but steady enrollment increase of 1 percent to 3 percent per year, and leaders expect that growth to return as the economy starts to grow again. Howell expects about 400 freshmen at the new high school, bringing the enrollment from 1,075 in 2009-10 to closer to 1,500 for 2010-11. The campus was designed to comfortably house 2,000 students, and includes several acres that could become outdoor classrooms similar to ones at Clover High School, according to Assistant Superintendent Matt Brown. Moving the ninth grade back into the new high school allowed the district to reorganize the rest of its grade structure, according to Brown. The former high school becomes a middle school for seventh and eighth grades, discontinuing the junior high school model which grouped the eighth and ninth grades together. Middle schoolers will see upgrades at the former high school, including new hallways that cut the need to wander through classrooms.
Money for the new hallways was included in the $85 million bond package that funded the new high school. In addition, the York school district took the fifth grade out of the elementary schools and paired it with the sixth grade for what Brown called an intermediate school. That campus took over the former junior high campus. The former middle school, Harold C. Johnson, closed for renovations, also included in the bond package. Harold C. Johnson will keep its name and reopen for 2011-12 as the district’s fifth elementary school, alongside Cotton Belt, Hickory Grove - Sharon, Hunter Street and Jefferson. Beginning in August, the York elementary schools will cover kindergarten through fourth grade, Brown said. “We’ve been in transition mode all year long.” “I’m hoping this is going to be good for us for the next 10 to 15 years before there’s any need for major new facilities,” he added. Western Watch Magazine
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Clover schools strive to be at the top By Dr. Marc Sosne As superintendent of the Clover School District, I would like to extend a welcome to new members of our community. The Clover School District has the reputation of being one of the best in the state, and we strive to keep our standards high. We are fortunate to have a community that cares about our students and faculty, and this is reflected in and out of the classroom. Our faculty is committed to continuous improvement, and because of this, the district continues to improve on state and national tests. The SAT and ACT scores from Clover High School seniors ranked in the top of the state, and surpassed the state and national averages
in 2009. Our schools continue to test above state standards in all content areas and in all grades. Although federal standards to achieve yearly growth rise each year, CSD has more schools reaching this goal than ever before. There also continues to be an upward trend in End of Course tests and High School Assessment Program test passing rates. It is the goal of CSD to not be complacent with our progress, but to continuously work to achieve more for our students and their futures. Our district emphasizes the implementation of technology in ways that engage students and prepare them for the 21st century. I am always amazed at the creativity and dedication demonstrated by our teachers and instructional staff. Like our students, our staff continues to further their education in order to stay abreast of technological trends in education. We are fortunate to have added two state-ofthe-art schools to our district for the 20092010 school year.
Both Larne Elementary, named after Clover's sister city in Northern Ireland, and Oakridge Middle School have contributed greatly to our community. Despite the difficult economy, Clover School District has been able to maintain a steady course. Because our school board has been cautious in the budgeting process, Clover is weathering the challenge. We continue to provide the best education for our students. We strive to be at the top academically in the state, as well as provide a safe and healthy environment for students. Our district also plans to be a service for our community and hopes to facilitate community involvement and cooperation in our district's programs. We owe a lot to our community, and we appreciate the support that we continue to receive. — Dr. Marc Sosne is superintendent for the Clover School District.
York schools help students reach goals By Vernon L. Prosser Sparking potential. Inspiring success. These four words represent our school district’s goal of providing our students with the support they will need to be successful in their life’s aspirations. York School District One offers a studentcentered learning environment that is safe, caring, individualized, and challenging. Using progressive educational approaches coupled with an emphasis on traditional expectations for student behavior and work ethic, our teachers and staff help each student
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find the right formula for success. Our goal of creating a college-going culture continues to be reached by way of our positive achievement indicators. Our graduates go on to some of the most prestigious colleges in the nation, knowing that they have a solid educational background. The same is true for our graduates who go directly to work, into the military or to other two and four year colleges and universities. Our greatest strength continues to rest in our community stakeholders. We enjoy strong, unified support of our students and schools across the full expanse of the district. Our teachers realize the timeless traits of good teaching never change, and we promise that you can always count on them to be nurturing, challenging, inspiring, respectful, protective and dependable. This is truly an exciting time for our school
community. As we open our new high school and new technology center, we look forward to offering our students new programs, including a Culinary Arts program and a Middle College partnership with York Technical College. Additionally, renovations and upgrades are being made to three other schools in the district. In the fall of 2011 we look forward to opening the district’s fifth elementary school. As our comprehensive high school alma-mater states, “We are one, we are many…different people, yet the same.” This is who we are. Sparking potential. Inspiring success. This is what we do! — Vernon L. Prosser is superintendet for the York School District.
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Sponsored by the
Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce 118 Bethel St. • Clover SC 29710 • 222-3312 sccloverchamber@aol.com
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“When You Want The Best, Just Say Jackson’s!”
Be a part of a growing, vibrant Clover business community. Join the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce today!
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Schools
Clover schools Bethany Elementary Principal: Melanie Wall 337 Maynard Grayson Road, Clover, SC 29710 Office: (803) 810-8800 Fax: (803) 222-8055 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/bethany Bethel Elementary Principal: Tom Guinane 6000 S.C. 55 E., Clover, SC 29710 Office: (803) 831-7816 Fax: (803) 631-2995 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/bethel Blue Eagle Academy Director; Mike McAdams 300 Clinton Ave., Clover SC 29710 Phone: 803-810-8420 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us Crowders Creek Elementary Principal: Millicent Dickey 5515 Charlotte Hwy., Clover, SC Elementary Phone: (803) 831-2434 Elementary Fax: (803) 831-9471 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/cce (elementary) Griggs Road Elementary Principal: Kenda Cook 100 Griggs Road, Clover, SC 29710 Phone: (803) 222-5777 Fax: (803) 222-8066 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/griggs/ Kinard Elementary Principal: Kathy Weathers 201 Pressley St., Clover, SC 29710 Office: (803) 222-3071 Fax: (803) 222-8048 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/kin
Superintendent: Dr. Marc Sosne Administrative office: 604 Bethel St., Clover, SC 29710 Phone: (803) 810-8000 Fax: (803) 222-8010 Web: www.clover2.k12.sc.us Total enrollment: 6,550 Students on free / reduced lunch: 31 percent
at a glance
Griggs Road Elementary student Micah Sherwood competes in a cup-stacking event.
Knox Street School Director: Michael McAdams 300 Clinton Ave. Office: 810-3420 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/knox Larne Elementary Principal: Georgia Westmoreland 3598 Filbert Hwy., Clover, SC 29710 Office: 803-810-8600 Fax: 803-810-8670 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/les
BY JIM STRATAKOS
Clover Middle School Principal: TBD at June press time. 1555 S.C. 55 East, Clover, SC 29710 Phone: (803) 810-8300 Fax: (803) 222-8034 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/clover middle Oakridge Middle School Principal: Will Largen 5350 Hwy. 557, Clover, SC 29710 Office: 631-8000 Fax: 631-8702 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/oms Clover High School Principal: Mark Hopkins 1625 S.C. 55 East, Clover, SC 29710 Phone: (803) 222-4591 Fax: (803) 222-8021 Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/chs
The Clover High School Choraliers rehearse.
BY ANDY BURRISS
Kinard Elementary School students perform a Japanese folk song.
Average SAT scores: Total: 1,515 Expenditures per pupil: $8,617 Graduation rate: 78.5 percent Average teacher salary: $47,819 Student-teacher ratio: 20 to 1 in PreK, grades 2 to 4; 25 to 1 in 5K and grades 1 and 5 to 12. FILE PHOTO
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Schools
York schools at a glance Cotton Belt Elementary School Principal: Mark Hendry 1176 Black Hwy., York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-1947 Fax: (803) 684-1949 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/cbe.htm Hickory Grove/Sharon Elementary School Principal: Dietrich Long 4901 Hickory Grove Road, Hickory Grove, SC 29717 Phone: (803) 925-2116 Fax: (803) 925-2218 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/hgs.htm Hunter Street Elementary School Principal: Kevin Hood 1100 Hunter St. , York, SC 29745 Phone: 803) 684-1926 Fax: (803) 684-1931 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/hss.htm Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center Director: Ron Roveri 275 E. Alexander Love Hwy, York SC 29745 Phone: 803-684-1910 Fax: 803-684-1913 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us.fdj
Vallerie White competes in the Golden Brick Challenge at the Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center.
Superintendent: Dr. Vernon Prosser Administrative office: 1475 E. Liberty St., York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-9916 Fax: (803) 684-1903 Web site: www.york.k12.sc.us Total enrollment: 5,173 Students on free / reduced lunch: 58 percent
Jefferson Elementary School Principal: Jane Wallace 1543 Chester Hwy. , York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-1942 Fax: (803) 684-1944 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/jes.htm York Intermediate School Principal: Keith McSwain 1010 Devinney Road, York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-2311 Fax: (803) 684-1918 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/yis York Middle School Principal: Louvetta Dicks 1280 Johnson Road , York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-5008 Fax: (803) 684-1916 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/yms York Comprehensive High School Principal: Diane Howell 275 E. Alexander Love Hwy, York SC 28745 Phone: (803) 684-2336 Fax: (803) 684-1932 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/ych/ York One Academy Principal: Ethel Engrum 37 Pinckney St., York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-2381 Fax: (803) 925-1903 Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/yoa.htm
BY ANDY BURRISS
Average SAT scores: Verbal: 492 Math: 502 Expenditures per pupil: $8,697 Graduation rate: 83.6 percent Average teacher salary: $49,152 Student-teacher ratio: 22 to 1 in K-8, 23 to 1 in Grades 9-12 The York Comprehensive High School band rehearses.
FILE PHOTO
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Schools
Immunizations Children who enroll in kindergarten through the 12th grade in South Carolina public schools are required to have the following immunizations: ◆ Grades 5K to sixth, four doses of any combination of DTP, DT, DTP-Hib, DTap, Td, or Tdap vaccine, with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday. For unvaccinated children 7 and older, three doses of Td/Tdap complete the primary series. Grades 7 to 12, three doses of any combination of DTP, DT, DTP-Hib, DTap, Td, or Tdap vaccine, at least one on or after the fourth birthday. ◆ Grade 5K, three doses of any combination of oral or inactivated polio vaccine, with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday. Grades one to 12, three doses of oral or inactivated polio vaccine, with at least one received on or after the fourth birthday Students already enrolled in grades 1 to 12 comply if they have three doses, one on or after the fourth birthday, or four doses before the fourth birthday. ◆ Two doses of rubeola (measles) vaccine, with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least one month. ◆ One dose of mumps vaccine received on or after the first birthday. ◆ One dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine, received on or after the first birthday. ◆ Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. ◆ One dose of varicella vaccine received on or after the first birthday or positive history of disease for all children admitted to kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. For details, call (800) 277-4687. FILE PHOTO
For a physician referral, call 803-329-1234.
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Schools
Registering for school
York School District 2010-2011 student calendar Aug. 18 — First day of school Sept. 6— Labor Day holiday Oct. 11 — Teacher day Oct. 21 — End of first nine weeks Oct. 22 — Parent conference day Nov. 2 — Election day Nov. 24-26 — Thanksgiving holiday Dec. 20-31 — Winter break Jan. 13 — End of second nine weeks Jan. 14 — Teacher day
Jan. 17 — Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday Feb. 21 — President’s Day holiday March 22 — End of third nine weeks March 25 — Teacher work day April 18-22 — Spring Break May 30 — Memorial Day Holiday June 2 — End of fourth nine weeks and last day for students June 3 — Teacher day
Clover School District 2010-2011 student calendar Aug. 18 — First day of school Sept. 6 — Labor Day holiday Oct. 21 — End of nine weeks Oct. 22 — Teacher work day Nov. 2 — Election day, no school Nov. 24-26 — Thanksgiving holiday Dec. 20-31 — Winter break Jan. 17 — Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday Jan. 18 — End of nine weeks Feb. 21 — President’s Day holiday/Bad
weather makeup day March 18 — Teacher work day/Bad weather makeup day March 24 — End of nine weeks April 2 — Student holiday/Bad weather makeup day April 18-22 — Spring Break May 30 — Memorial Day Holiday June 3 — Last day of school June 4 — Graduation
There are four school districts in York County. Western York County is covered largely by the Clover and York school districts. South Carolina law requires children between the ages of 5 and 17 to enroll in school. Kindergarten is required for children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1. To enroll, parents must present their child’s birth certificate, a S.C. Certificate of Immunization and a Social Security number.
Official GED Testing Center Located at
Rock Hill School District’s Flexible Learning Center 1234 Flint Street Ext. (previously Castle Heights Middle School)
Register at
Rock Hill School’s Adult Education of York District 3 Located at the Flexible Learning Center
Register Online at http://ae.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/gedtestingcenter.aspx or call for more information
803-981-1378 GED® and GED Testing Services are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council onEducation. www.GEDtext.org
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Recreation
Having fun in the
great
outdoors By Brad Harvey Many families move into Western York County to take advantage of the fact that the area is extremely close to Charlotte while still possessing the small-town charm that comes with rural living. Typically, the first consideration is to take a look at the quality of our schools, and we’re quite blessed in that regards. But, what comes after that? After all, the majority of our free time is spent in the pursuit of recreation and whatever our hobbies happen to be. Well, if you’re into the outdoors, you’re in luck! With the big city just a half hour or less away, “newcomers” are generally surprised to find that our area has an abundance of opportunity when it comes to taking advantage of the outdoors. Whether your tastes include camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing, rafting or just about anything else that you can imagine, it’s all right here and more. If you found yourself here by way of Charlotte, you probably crossed the Buster-Boyd Bridge as it stretched across Lake Wylie. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to quickly figure out the potential here. This man-made lake boasts over 13,400 acres of swimming, boating, skiing and fishing fun. There
are a number of public access boat ramps, with the most popular being adjacent to the bridge along Highway 49. Are you a bit competitive? Various fishing tournaments are held weekly on the lake and entry fees tend to be low. Many hunters across the nation feel that they just don’t have the chance to enjoy their chosen form of recreation due to a lack of property ownership. Now that you’re here, that excuse doesn’t apply. Western York County has several great public outdoors recreation properties. These spots, known as state Wildlife Management Areas, include such places as the Draper tract, the Herb Kirsh Wildlife Conservation Area and the Worth Mountain WMA. All of these large acreage, state-owned properties are teeming with deer, turkey, rabbit, dove and more. The avid angler will find that several contain stocked ponds. If you’d like to step off of the public grounds, there are many local hunting clubs that are always looking for new members. These usually involve leased land where the total cost is split between the members. You can expect an annual membership to range from $500 to $1,000 per year, depending on the
Nearby attractions:
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number of members and the total acreage leased. Finding them is easier than you might expect. Look for postings at any of the local outdoors stores, gas stations and convenience stores, as it is customary for clubs to post flyers about their need for filling spots. Ever thought of throwing in a little education with your outdoors fun? Kings Mountain National Military Park, off of Highway 161 by the N.C. border, can easily provide both. Considered to be the site of the turning point of the Revolutionary War, it was here that a group of Patriot militia defeated British Maj. Patrick Ferguson on Oct. 7, 1780. Try a self-guided tour along Battlefield Trail. As you walk the 1.5-mile loop, you’ll not only encounter a plethora of natural beauty and wildlife, but also the Centennial Monument, the U.S. Monument and Ferguson’s grave. Join in the local tradition and toss another stone on him! If you feel you’re up for a more serious hike, the Park Loop trail wanders for 16 miles through both the national park and the adjacent state park. Own a horse? Then 16 miles of winding trail rides await. The Kings Mountain State Park can help to make
Kings Mountain National Military Park 864-936-7921
Kings Mountain State Park 1277 Park Rd. Blacksburg 803-222-3209
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Recreation
Clover Clover City Park on Knox Street and Memorial Drive: Features a walking track. Clover Centennial Park in downtown Clover: A walkway and benches. Clover Community Park: Softball/baseball fields, concession stand with offices, a horseshoe facility with 18 lighted courts, walking track, playground, picnic facilities and a halfmile paved nature trail. Optimist Field on Tom Joye Road: Baseball fields. Roosevelt Community Park: Adultsize baseball field, a youth baseball field, basketball courts, picnic shelter, concession stand and playground equipment.
York
Dorothy Neal from Augusta,Ga., fishes near the Buster Boyd Bridge at Lake Wyilie. The popular man-made lake boasts more than 13,400 acres of swimming, boating, skiing and fishing recreation.
BY JIM STRATAKOS
it an overnight affair. With 115 RV Crowder’s Mountain. campsites and 10 more tent locations, More information Summers around here can be quite there’s no reason why you shouldn’t For maps of S.C. warm. There’s no better way to beat the Wildlife Management pack your sleeping bag and plan to stay heat than the good soaking that you’re Areas, Lake Wylie boat sure to receive on a rafting trip. a while. ramps and fishing and Don’t forget your fishing rod! Canoe Right on the banks of the Catawba hunting regulations, and boat rentals are available on the River and just outside of Charlotte, the visit the S.C. park’s two sizeable lakes. U.S. National Whitewater Center Department of Natural When you’re nestled against the invites both the novice and expert alike Resources website at state border as we are, it makes sense to come and hone their skills at the www.dnr.sc.gov. that there should be more adventure to same “world class” location as our be had within a short drive over the Olympic athletes. Featuring the world’s N.C. line. largest artificial whitewater river, this is An incredible view of York, sure to be a favorite. Cherokee, Gaston and Cleveland counties awaits you at This 307-acre facility also features mountain biking, the top of King’s Pinnacle in Crowder’s Mountain State hiking, climbing and a ropes course for your Park. A mere 15 minutes from downtown Clover, the enjoyment. hearty 1.7-mile hike (each way) to the top will really get So, there you have it. The outdoors lover in you is your heart pumping. I think you’ll find the effort to be guaranteed to find Western York County a great place well worth it when you reach the top. to be. Are you a bit more adventurous? How about trying — Brad Harvey writes a weekly column for the your hand at rock climbing? Even the most experienced Enquirer-Herald. climbers will enjoy challenging the steep rock cliffs of
Crowder’s Mountain State Park 522 Park Office Lane Kings Mountain, N.C. 704-853-5375
U.S. National Whitewater Center 820 Hawfield Road, Charlotte 704-391-3900 www.usnwc.org
Lincoln Park on Lincoln Road: A multipurpose court, tennis court, tot lot, picnic shelter and grill. Green Street Park on Green Street: Basketball courts. Magnolia Street Park on Magnolia Street: Basketball courts. Wooded Valley Park on Galilean Road: A non-fenced playground area. City Park near Congress Street: Two lighted tennis courts and playground area. New Street Park: Two basketball courts. Moore Park on Congress Street: A gazebo, picnic tables and sitting areas. Optimist Park on West Jefferson Street: Multipurpose fields. York Recreation Complex: A 2.5-mile lighted walking trail, five softball fields, two picnic shelters, playground and an 18-horseshoe complex.
Hickory Grove Park on S.C. 211: Ballfield and trails
Sharon Children’s playground on S.C. 49: A picnic shelter, tennis courts and play area with a slide, swings and other playground equipment. J.B. Comer field on S.C. 211: Two lighted softball fields, concessions, a picnic shelter and restrooms. Sharon Community Center on Woodlawn Street: Aerobics, line dancing and youth dances.
Smyrna Smyrna’s park has a baseball diamond, tennis courts, playground equipment and a picnic area. Western Watch Magazine
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The arts
Fine arts Arts Council of York County The Arts Council of York County provides leadership in arts education and development, arts marketing and arts advocacy. The vision of the council is to create and support a thriving arts community in York County. The council’s Center for the Arts in Rock Hill houses offices, galleries and artist studios. Visit www.yorkcountyarts.org.
Yorkville Artist’s Guild In a room inside the McCelvey Center, visual art comes to life. It’s the Yorkville Artist’s Guild’s room, where 40 or so talented York County residents meet once a month. The room also is used by members to teach art classes. The guild was formed in the 1970s, and it sponsors two main events. In August, they hold an Open Art Competition and Exhibit in the McCelvey Center. You do not have to be a member to enter work. In November the Guild hosts a fund raising auction and dinner at the American Legion Hall in Rock Hill. For more information, call Guild President Jack Bolan at 328-6747 or Treasurer Sandy Brindle at 684-4580.
Myers Art
This Pottery Studio in Hickory Grove is the home of John and Jan Myers. On their 100-acre farm, they grow fish and flowers, feed the wildlife and create pottery. On the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving the Myers help organize a Christmas Show at the Mt. Vernon Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Hickory Grove. The Myers farm is at 1281 Legion Road in Hickory Grove. Check their Web site, myersart.net. BY MELISSA CHERRY
Pottery is taught and produced in WesternYork County.
Listen to the music Downtown Live One unique venue to enjoy live music is Downtown Live. Held on the third Thursday of May through July and the fourth Friday in August in downtown York, this is a summer classic. The free event is sponsored by the Greater York Chamber of Commerce in the parking lot of Whitesides Cleaners on South Congress Street. Food and drinks are available for purchase. The fun runs from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs. For more information call 684-2590 or check out www.greateryorkchamber.com.
Thursday Night Bluegrass Allison Creek Presbyterian Church hosts a live bluegrass jam the first and third Thursday of each month. Hundreds flock to see performing artists and regular folks onstage. After the jam session, the night’s featured artists perform. For details, visit www.allisoncreekchurch.com.
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The arts
In the arts
The Western York County Performing Arts Company performs at McCelvey Center.
McCelvey Center
The 150-year old McCelvey Center at 212 E. Jefferson St., York, houses a 560-seat theatre, the Yorkville Artists Guild, the Historical Center of York County and the Jane Bratton Spratt reception room. The McCelvey is the home of the Yorkville Players (see below) and the McCelvey Showcase Series, which includes concerts, plays and other performance arts. The center also offers arts education programs and classes for both children and adults throughout the year. Classes in Water Colors are taught by Sandy Brindle and classes in Acrylics and Oil are taught by Jack Bolan. The grounds of The McCelvey are the location for each year’s Fourth of July Celebration that includes live music, fireworks and other family fun. For more information call (803) 684-3948 or go online at www.chmuseums.org.
Yorkville Players Since 1990, York’s community theater troupe has been entertaining audiences with classics like “You Can’t Take It With You” and contemporary pieces such as “Waiting Rooms” by York playwright Laura Pfizenmayer. The Young Yorkville Players also take to the stage several times a year with immensely popular pieces geared to a younger audience. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer with the theater either on stage or behind the scenes. For more information visit www.yorkvilleplayers.com.
Clover Community Theater Since 1996, Clover’s local troupe has been performing at venues throughout Clover. Most recently, it has found a home at the newly renovated Clover Middle School Auditorium. You can count on this group for high quality, entertaining shows that delight their audiences. The season typically runs from September through April and includes four pieces. For information, visit www.geocities.com/clovercommunitytheatre.
Clover School District Auditorium This impressive state-of-the-art performing arts center at 1625 S.C. 55 E., which sits between Clover High and Clover Junior High, can seat 1,500 in absolute comfort. It is the host of an annual performing arts series that pulls in nationallyknown headliners such as pianist George Winston and country/ bluegrass sensation Kathy Mattea. Season tickets for the entire season are available. The theater’s also home to Clover’s school performances and is available for other functions. For more information, call 222-8018.
Sylvia Theater
27 N. Congress St. York: In the middle of downtown York is a small jewel of a theater, The Sylvia, which beautifully restored harkens back to the glory days of the movie palaces. Re-opened in 2001 by Paul Finnican, the theater now serves as a venue for both first run films and live entertainment. In late 2009, Finnican decided to sell equity ownership shares in the theater to local businesses and individuals to make it truly a community theater with community ownership so the Sylvia will remain a venue for movies and live music for future generations of York residents. For information on current and upcoming offerings, call 684-5590 or visit www.sylviatheater.com
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Churches
Directory of
Churches
Faith plays a pivotal role in the lives of most residents of western York County. Though the following is not an exhaustive list, it will help you try out some of the varieties of religious experience the area has to offer.
AME Zion Clinton Chapel AME Zion 302 California St., York, 684-7465 Clover AME Zion Church 1050 W. S.C. 55, Clover, 222-7781 Ebenezer AME Zion Church 2475 Ebenezer Road, Smyrna, 925-0001 Greater Unity AME Zion Church S.C. 97, Sharon, 927-1027 Liberty Hill AME Zion 5387 W. Liberty Hill Road, York, 831-1495 Mount Zion No. 2 AME Zion 4307 S.C. 97, Hickory Grove, 925-2908 New Home Church 3290 Charlotte Hwy., York, 684-9311 New Loves Chapel AME Zion 5089 Fewell Road, Clover, 831-9248 St. James AME Zion Church 1156 Church St., Hickory Grove, 925-3530 White Hill AME Zion 2255 Old York Road, York, 684-9173 Wilson Chapel AME Zion 4080 Wilson Chapel Road, Sharon, 927-7474
Associate Reformed Presbyterian York Associate Reformed Presbyterian 80 N. Congress St., York, 684-6531 Bethany ARP 1400 N. S.C. 161, 222-9897 Sharon ARP 3915 York St., Sharon, 927-7451 Smyrna ARP 3141 Legion Road, Smyrna, 925-2409 Tirzah ARP Church 6161 Mount Gallant Road, York, 366-5577
Assemblies of God Cornerstone Assembly of God 1090 Black Hwy., York, 684-2273 First Assembly of God 223 Church St., Clover, 222-4475 Lake Wylie Christian Assembly 5766 S.C. 49, Lake Wylie, 831-7036
Baptist Blessed Hope Baptist Church 410 Blessed Hope Road, York, 684-9819 Bright Light Free Will Baptist 1103 N. Congress St., York, 684-0511 Bowling Green First Baptist 1683 N. U.S. 321, 222-6906 Broad River Baptist Church 2315 Legion Road, Smyrna, 925-2700 [ 36 ]
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Calvary Baptist Church 490 Griggs Road, Clover, 222-4028 Central Baptist Church 110 Ross Cannon St., York, 684-4395 Faith Baptist Church 825 N. Main St., Clover, 222-1713 First Baptist Church, Clover 117 S. Main St., 222-3216 First Baptist Church of York 102 S. Congress St., 684-4297 Fishing Creek Baptist Church 1220 Springlake Road, York, 684-6319 Flat Rock Baptist Church 111 Carver St., Clover, 222-4517 Galilee Baptist Church Galilee Road, York, 684-6580 Gold Hill Baptist Church S.C. 49, York, 684-9626 Great Joy Baptist Church, 3383 Chester Hwy., McConnells, 628-0450 Hillcrest Baptist Church 2020 Hillcrest Road, York, 684-9409 Jerusalem Baptist Church 435 Farris Road, Clover, 222-7476 King James Baptist Church 323 Kings Mountain St., York, 684-3962 Langrum Branch Baptist Church 1500 S.C. 324, York, 684-6332. Midway Baptist Church 12984 S.C. 55, York, 222-2909 Mount Do Well Baptist Church 4717 Chester Hwy., York, 684-3104 Mount Sinai Baptist Church 139 Mount Sinai Church Road, Hickory Grove, 925-1032 Mount Zion Baptist Church 5376 McConnells Hwy. E., 684-9302 New Beginnings Baptist Church 706 Old N. Main St., Clover, 222-5005 Open Bible Baptist Church 1116 Hwy. 55 E., Clover Pine Grove Baptist Church 5415 S.C. 557, Lake Wylie, 831-2015 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 1875 Ridge Road, Clover, 222-9527 Sharon Baptist Church 3850 York Road, Sharon, 927-7450 St. John Baptist Church 3726 Woodlawn St., Sharon, 927-7393 St. Luke Baptist Church No. 2 1835 Hwy. 97, Sharon, 927-7180 Shiloh Baptist Church 4455 Hoodtown Road, Sharon, 927-7234 Union Baptist Church 1945 Ratchford Road, York, 684-3881 Unity Baptist Church 2300 Irene Bridge Hwy., 925-2723 Weeping Mary Baptist Church 1799 N. U.S. 321, 222-7672
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Churches
Church of God Church of God of York 201 Charlotte St., 684-6405 Clover Church of God 222-4452 East Clover Church of God Hwy. 55 E., Clover, 222-0850 Hill Street Church of God 30 Hill St., York, 684-1829
Episcopal Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd 108 E. Liberty St., York, 684-4021
Lutheran Abiding Presence Lutheran Church 323 N. Congress St., York, 684-2793
Methodist Canaan United Methodist Church 4810 Canaan Church Road, Smyrna, 925-6805 Clover Chapel United Methodist Church 405 Kings Mountain St., Clover, 222-5100 First United Methodist Church 124 Bethel St., Clover, 222-3496 Good Samaritan United Methodist Church Lake Wylie, 831-0304 Green Pond United Methodist Church 983 Bethel St., Clover, 222-7882 Hopewell United Methodist Church 300 Clark Steele Road, York Kings Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church 2040 S.C. 161, York, 684-2493 Mount Vernon United Methodist Church 2160 Smithford Road, Hickory Grove, 925-2316 Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 2260 Chester Hwy., York, 684-9352 St. James United Methodist Church 1930 Quarry Road, 684-4009 St. Paul United Methodist Church 1550 St. Paul Church Road, Clover, 222-7426 Sharon United Methodist Church 3001 Shannon St., Sharon, 927-7577 Trinity United Methodist Church 22 E. Liberty St., York, 684-4100 Wesley United Methodist Church 110 W. Jefferson St., York, 684-3346
Presbyterian Allison Creek Presbyterian Church (USA) 5780 Allison Creek Road, York, 366-1302 Beersheba Presbyterian Church 130 S. Beersheba Road, Clover, 684-2052 Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church 1184 N. Shiloh Road, York, 684-4046 Bethel Presbyterian Church (PCA) 2445 S.C. 557, Clover, 222-7166 Bethesda Presbyterian Church 4858 McConnells Hwy., McConnells, 328-1360
Clover Wesleyan Church
Bowling Green Presbyterian Church 250 Ridge Road, Clover, 222-4920 Clover Presbyterian Church 202 Kings Mountain St., Clover, 222-9108 Filbert Presbyterian Church (PCA) 2066 Filbert Hwy., York, 684-6881 First Presbyterian Church 10 W. Liberty St., York, 684-2356 Oakdale Presbyterian Church 12585 W. S.C. 55, Clover, 222-7141 Olivet Presbyterian Church (PCA) 159 Church St., McConnells, 684-3719 Temple Presbyterian Church in America 1105 N. Beersheba Road, Clover, 684-0981 Woodlawn Presbyterian Church 3852 Woodlawn St., Sharon, 927-7200
Roman Catholic Divine Saviour Catholic Church 232 Herndon Ave., York, 684-3431 All Saints Catholic Church Lake Wylie, 831-9095
Others Apostle & Prophet Church 1526 Lawrence Road, Clover, 222-2474 Bible Covenant Community Church 1712 Lincoln Road, York, 684-5747 Church of God of Prophecy 26 Wainright Ave., York, 684-0761 Clover Christian Fellowship 1521 N. Jim McCarter Road, 222-9953
Clover Church of the Nazarene 803 Old N. Main St., 222-9800 Clover EPC Church 101 Marion St., Clover Clover Liberty Pentecostal Church 101 Frances St., Clover, 222-5553 Clover Wesleyan Church 102 Parkview Lane, 222-7069 Fellowship Independent Baptist Church 1308 Village Harbor Drive, Lake Wylie, 627-0035 First Wesleyan Church 1830 York Hwy., York, 684-7335 Holy Sanctuary Church 523 York Hwy., McConnells, 684-2058 Jehovah’s Witnesses 250 W. Alexander Love Hwy., York, 628-0645 Jubilee Christian Center 2105 Old York Road, York, 628-5293 Mars Tabernacle Fire Baptized Holiness Church 101 Watson St., Clover, 222-2296 Morning Star Free Will Baptist Church 2192 Meadow Road, Clover, 684-5519 Mount Carmel Holiness Church of God 517 Kings Mountain St., Clover, 222-2090 New Beginning Global Ministries 3080 Charlotte Hwy., York, 628-0060 Restoration Church South 300 Ross Cannon St., York, (704) 864-8616 River Hills Community Church 104 Hamiltons Ferry Road, Lake Wylie, 831-1615 Tabernacle of Praise 229 Wood St., York, 684-0103 Zoe Life Christian Church 110 S. Main St., Clover, 222-0810
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Cover story HISTORY, continued from page 7 especially activity in the Carolina backcountry. “It’s a subject that has been neglected,” says author and historian Michael Scoggins, the institute’s research director. Together, the Historical Center and Southern Revolutionary War Institute provide an unmatched resource for local historians and genealogists. Archival documents such as plantation inventories, census data and the institute’s own published research have made it possible for AfricanAmericans to trace their ancestry across the area. In the summer of 2010, the center will hold free workshops exploring the archives and genealogical research methods to encourage public use of the resources. “We have an informed staff to help you interpret and understand what records mean,” says Scoggins. “Helping people trace their ancestors is one thing we’re getting pretty good at.” Perhaps what is most special about Western York County’s history is how it lives on through modernday reenactments and historic interpretation, and the best place to experience both is at Historic Brattonsville in McConnells. Brattonsville’s history stretches across three generations of the Bratton family, from before the Revolutionary War, through the height of slavery as a cotton plantation with 139 slaves and continuing after the Civil War. On living history days, costumed historical interpreters breathe life into representations of the people who once inhabited the plantation. Interpreters demonstrate a range of domestic and farming tasks, such as plowing fields using horses, spinning yarn out of wool sheared from the plantation’s rare flock of Gulf Coast Sheep, weaving clothing or cooking meals using the rudimentary
BY MELISSA CHERRY
Eric Drye sits under a tent during a Civil War reenactment at Brattonsville. [ 38 ]
Western Watch Magazine
BY MELISSA CHERRY
Sierra Hoover, from left, Alberta Wasden and Lyn Dunn walk through a muddy field during a Civil War reenactment.
means available at the time. ture including Children’s Day on the Farm in April, the In a program called “By the Sweat of our Brows,” Piedmont Pottery Festival in September, a Civil War Living History interpreters act out what life would reenactment in October and the Christmas Candlelight have been like for slaves on a cotton plantation. Tours in December. For 10 years now, Kitty Wilson-Evans has Western York County is also home to two Revoluworked at Brattonsville interpreting the life of a tionary War sites. Bratton family slave. Just down the road from Brattonsville is “It’s more to me than interpreting,” she says. “It’s Williamson’s Plantation, where the Battle of Huck’s Demore to me than putting on those clothes. I have to feat took place on July 12, 1780. become a slave in order to get the Each year, Revolutionary War enMore information thusiasts reenact when Col. William story across.” She also travels all over the South, For details about these Bratton, Col. John McClure and their historic attractions and militia defeated Capt. Christian Huck sometimes portraying a slave in the more, see the list on rice fields of the Lowcountry, or a and more than 100 British and Loypage 20 and 21. slave in a city. alist fighters. Through researching each new At a time when victory seemed imrole, she unearths real stories of slaves that stay with her possible, Huck’s Defeat renewed the patriots’ confiand inspire her. Reflecting on those stories, as well as dence that independence was within reach. her own experience growing up as an African AmerNorth of Brattonsville lies Kings Mountain Naican in the South, helps her bring to life the slaves she tional Military Park, which commemorates the Battle represents. of Kings Mountain, the Patriot victory that precipitat“That’s what brings the slave to life. It is a part of ed the British retreat during the Revolutionary War. me. It will always be a part of me,” she says. In the park, the Battlefield Trail meanders through Through that authenticity, she says, visitors connect the woods, circling the base of the mountain before with the historical figures she interprets and learn climbing the narrow ridge where on Oct. 7, 1780, Pasomething more about their lives. triots overtook Col. Patrick Ferguson and his LoyalDebbie Newby, Brattonsville’s interpretation man- ist army, killing Ferguson. In October, the park will ager, also believes that bringing history to life as an his- host the 230th Battle of Kings Mountain Anniversary torical interpreter leads to insights that research alone Encampment, which will include living history demoncannot inspire. strations. “You can read about someone planting cotton, but Eddie Lee — mayor of York, author and professor when you’re out there planting cotton, and the sun is of history at Winthrop University — wrote the followbeating down on your head, and you have to carry wa- ing about Western York County: “Here, blood and soil ter out there because they didn’t have hoses back then, mingle, and it can never be separated.” it really helps you appreciate how hard they worked,” The history of the region, like that of the nation, is says Newby. indeed one of struggle and the sense of place that has Throughout the year, Brattonsville offers several been born of it. With the kind of soil that exists here, other events highlighting the region’s history and cul- no wonder roots run deep.
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LIFE • HOME • CAR • BUSINESS
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