Government

Overview of the Meeting:On November 21, 2024, at 5:15 PM, the York County Council Finance & Operations Committee met to examine a number of topics, such as district funding distribution, board and commission nominations, and a proposed local vendor preference policy. Key Discussions and Actions: Appointments to Boards and Commissions: The committee deliberated on filling vacancies across several boards, including: Culture and Heritage Commission: Dorothy Johnson was appointed. Board of Assessment Appeals, Disabilities and Special Needs Board, Lake Wylie Parks and Recreation District, Bethel Fire Tax Board: Several appointments were deferred to January, causing disagreements among committee members over the timing and fairness of decisions, particularly concerning transitioning coun...

SC's York County Applications for the 2025 Citizen's Police Academy are being accepted by the York County Sheriff's Office. The academy will take place at various YCSO sites and the Moss Justice Center in York on Monday nights from 6:00 to 9:00. Classes will start on February 10th, 2025, and on March 31st, 2025, there will be a formal graduation. Staff from the various divisions will provide instruction at the Citizens Police Academy, which will also introduce attendees to the various operations of the York County Sheriff's Office. Through the free flow of information and communication, the Citizen's Academy seeks to establish significant relationships with York County residents and enable the Sheriff's Office to provide better and more effective services to our community. Adults 18 years ...

The 12-year legal battle between MorningStar Fellowship Church and York County over the unfinished 21-story Heritage Tower in Fort Mill, South Carolina, has come to an end. Finalized on October 9, 2024, the agreement specifies precise dates for the church to either renovate or demolish the building. Details of the Settlement: Building Permit Application: MorningStar is required to apply for a building permit within 18 months, demonstrating that the Heritage Tower can meet current building codes. Demolition Timeline: If the church fails to secure the necessary permits within the stipulated period, it must demolish the tower within the following nine months. County Intervention: Should MorningStar not comply with these terms, York County is authorized to demolish the tower at the church s e...

On November 18, 2024, the York County Council met regularly and discussed a variety of community-affecting topics, including zoning changes, infrastructure upgrades, youth recognition, and animal welfare issues. The meeting's highlights included endorsing a resolution regarding the recently passed 1% sales tax vote, honoring 4-H youth for their contributions, and having lively discussions over property rights and rural zoning laws. During the public discussion, the Council also heard from locals on issues ranging from support for local parks and animal shelter improvements to industrial zoning concerns. Invocation and Formalities: The meeting began with an invocation by Councilmember Debbie Cloninger, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Cloninger reflected on the upcoming Thanksgiving h...

(WNY News Now) Governor Kathy Hochul stated that Rockaway residents will benefit from enhanced transit alternatives and significant savings as part of a $400 million overhaul of the A and S train lines.In order to assist transit users in the Rockaways during the crucial resilience and repair work being done on the A S lines this winter, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a comprehensive alternative service plan. Free shuttle buses, substantial fee reductions at the Long Island Rail Road's Far Rockaway Station, and a free shuttle train that runs to all stations on the peninsula between Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park are just a few of the service options available to passengers at this time. For $2.75 each way, residents of Rockaway can take the LIRR from Far Rockaway. Tickets for the return tri...

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul and Secretary Hillary Clinton Highlight New York’s Cybersecurity Leadership in Fireside Chat.Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul participated in a fireside chat on cybersecurity with Secretary Hillary Clinton. Today’s cyber threats are marked by a convergence of criminal and nation-state actors, who increasingly rely on cyber criminals to execute state actions. Those criminals, in turn, continue to perpetrate crimes, aided by additional resources and technical capabilities. This blending of criminal and nation-state malicious activity has increased the magnitude and complexity of cyber threats. In today’s fireside chat, Governor Hochul outlines New York’s first-ever cybersecurity strategy, and highlights her plan for ensuring that New Yorkers continue to...

(WNY News Now) – In a pointed request to Amtrak’s top executives, Governor Kathy Hochul urged the immediate restoration of Empire Service trains, highlighting the critical impact the service reductions have on millions of New York State travelers.Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday sent a letter to senior executives at Amtrak urging them to restore the canceled Empire Service, which serves 2 million passengers in New York State per year. The Governor emphasized her support for the maintenance work, but urged Amtrak to reconsider the cuts and explore a series of viable alternatives to ease the disruption. Governor Hochul’s letter to Amtrak is below:November 13, 2024Mr. Anthony CosciaChairman of the BoardMr. Stephen J. GardnerChief Executive OfficerNational Railroad Passenger Corporation  1 Mass...

The November 11, 2024, Fort Mill Town Council Meeting discussed several key agenda items, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation led by Council Member Helms. Following the approval of previous meeting minutes, the council proceeded to the public comment session. Key Presentations Employee of the Quarter: Cary Vargo, Town Manager, recognized Marin Long from the HR department for her dedication and commitment to the town’s employees. Christmas Events Update: The Fort Mill Christmas Village and Tree Lighting Ceremony scheduled for December 5 at Walter Elijah Park, featuring food vendors, entertainment, and a 50-foot tree lighting. The 77th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade on December 7, with Representative Raye Felder as Grand Marshal. The Christmas Cookie Crawl on December...