The (Rock Hill) Herald week in review

Clover band marches together one last time

The Pride of Clover Marching Band will perform in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, marking the last time more than 200 students march together as one band before the Clover School District splits attendance lines between Clover and Lake Wylie high schools next fall. Band director Rick Langdale emphasized living in the moment despite the upcoming changes, securing the parade invitation by highlighting the community’s support and using the town’s tagline about having “love” in the middle. Students will march more than five miles in Pasadena and also visit Disneyland during their California trip. While the split has been emotional, band members say it has strengthened their appreciation for each other and their shared identity as Clover.

Reported by John Marks, published Dec. 22

Ex-police chief, town official arrested

The former police chief and current administrator of Great Falls, South Carolina, have been arrested for allegedly placing tracking devices on the private vehicles of the town’s mayor, a council member, and a third person, authorities say. Joshua Ray Glenn, 44, the town administrator, and Kimberly Deane Benenhaley, 41, the former police chief, each face charges of misconduct in office, conspiracy, and three counts of first-degree harassment. The trackers were allegedly placed on vehicles in May without authorization and were paid for with a town credit card assigned to Glenn, according to arrest warrants. The devices were discovered between October and earlier this month, police say. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigated the case at the request of Chester County Sheriff and Great Falls police.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published Dec. 19

Flu cases surge across South Carolina regions

Flu season is intensifying in South Carolina, with health officials reporting increased activity across all four regions of the state. During the week of December 7-13, the South Carolina Department of Public Health recorded 1,184 lab-confirmed flu cases, bringing the season total to 2,811 cases. The activity is now considered widespread statewide. Patient visits to healthcare providers for flu-like illness reached 5.6%, exceeding the state’s 3.2% baseline and indicating high flu activity. Flu-associated hospitalizations also increased, with 86 reported by 41 hospitals in the most recent week. This season has seen a total of 348 influenza-associated hospitalizations and six flu-related deaths. Twelve counties are experiencing patient visits for the flu above the state baseline. Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each season, especially those at higher risk of severe illness.

Reported by Anna Claire Miller, published Dec. 19

Judge finds probable cause in Rock Hill case

A Rock Hill judge found probable cause to advance charges against a 20-year-old woman accused of attempted murder and unlawful conduct toward a child after allegedly taking an abortion pill and giving birth to a premature baby in November. Authorities say Jocelyn Byrum gave birth to a baby girl at 27 weeks on Nov. 12, and the child remains in critical condition. Her defense attorney argued that South Carolina law makes mothers immune from prosecution for having an abortion and questioned her intent to commit any crime. Prosecutors can now seek indictments following the judge’s ruling.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published Dec.18

SC man sentenced for killing teen in drug deal

A York County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after killing a teenager during a drug deal near Lake Wylie, prosecutors say. Noah Immanuel Walter, 20, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and a drug charge in a negotiated plea deal for the July 26 shooting of Nathan Antonio Martinez, 16. Prosecutors say Walter could not claim self-defense under South Carolina’s stand your ground law because he was selling drugs at the time. According to prosecutors, the investigation showed Martinez had planned to rob Walter after the two met in a car for Walter to sell Martinez a THC vape. Walter told officers Martinez pulled a gun on him, prompting him to shoot Martinez three to four times. In court, Walter apologized to both families and expressed hope they could forgive him.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published Dec. 19

Man in SC prison gets added time for gun charge

A South Carolina man already serving time in state prison for drug convictions has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, authorities say. U.S. District Court Judge Cameron Currie sentenced Brentton Timmons, 30, of Chester, to 77 months after Chester County deputies found a loaded pistol under the driver’s seat during a traffic stop in August 2024. Timmons is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including assault and battery in York County from a 2014 shooting that resulted in a six-year prison sentence, as well as drug and weapons convictions in Chester County. He is currently incarcerated at a state prison in Lancaster County for two Chester drug convictions from 2024 and will be transferred to federal custody once that sentence is completed.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published Dec. 23

This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM with the headline "The (Rock Hill) Herald week in review."