The (Rock Hill) Herald week in review

SC attorney general questions York County on Silfab Solar

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has sent a letter to York County Council demanding answers about how Silfab Solar was permitted to operate in Fort Mill. Silfab, a Canadian solar panel manufacturer, has drawn controversy for years due to its location beside Flint Hill Elementary School and its use of industrial chemicals. Two chemical release incidents this month led to the school closing for two days and sparked renewed protests. Wilson’s letter questions whether standard permitting procedures were followed, who authorized Silfab’s placement in a light industrial zone, and what effect a zoning appeals ruling had on the company’s operations. An ongoing lawsuit in York County Circuit Court has added to the confusion. Meanwhile, Silfab announced a compliance agreement with the state environmental department outlining conditions the company has agreed to meet.

Reported by John Marks, published March 17

Rock Hill man convicted in absentia gets 5-year term

A Rock Hill man has been sentenced to five years in South Carolina prison after a jury convicted him in his absence on charges of illegal gun possession and methamphetamine possession. Jordan Thomas Ligon, 43, did not appear for trial despite being notified, authorities say, prompting a bench warrant that led to his arrest. Jurors deliberated less than 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict following a three-day York County trial. Visiting Judge Eugene Griffith sentenced Ligon to four years for the illegal firearm and one additional year for the drugs. Ligon had reportedly invoked Second Amendment rights, but Griffith noted that lawmakers have passed laws barring certain convicted individuals from possessing firearms. The incident stemmed from a traffic stop during which Ligon, a passenger, allegedly became verbally abusive and reached for the weapon. Both the prosecutor and defense attorney praised Rock Hill Police Officer Quyen Kpa for de-escalating what could have been a dangerous situation.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published March 12

York County’s LIFT program connects workers to jobs

York County’s Leadership Institute for Talent, known as LIFT, is making significant strides in workforce development three years after its launch. The initiative brings together 17 workforce development programs aimed at connecting local residents with employment opportunities across key industries. York County Regional Chamber President and CEO Dean Faile told the York County Economic Development Committee that the program is ahead of schedule, having met many five-year goals within just three years. The chamber secured $1.1 million in private funding, expected to reach $1.5 million by year’s end, with an annual budget of $300,000 projected over the next five years. Originally seeded with $100,000 per year from York County, Faile does not intend for the county to fully fund the program long-term. Because half of some industries’ workforces commute in, outreach extends beyond county lines.

Reported by John Marks, published March 16

Lancaster teen accused in shooting death of man

An 18-year-old Lancaster County man is accused of fatally shooting his mother’s boyfriend following an argument, authorities say. D’Andre Azam Ivey faces a murder charge in the death of Justin Damien Bailey, 37, according to Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. Deputies found Bailey shot multiple times at a home on Thompson Road before 2 a.m. Ivey allegedly left the scene in a Ford Taurus but was later taken into custody following a traffic stop, at which point deputies recovered a firearm. Ivey remains held at the Lancaster County jail after being denied bail.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published March 16

Rock Hill moves to sell Gettys Center amid uncertainty

The Rock Hill City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance on March 9 to sell the city-owned Gettys Center at 201 E. Main St., but the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed as negotiations continue. Artists renting studio space in the building, which is managed by the Arts Council of York County, say the lack of transparency has left them uncertain about their future. The process has been complicated by competing bids surfacing during council meetings. In January, developer Warren Norman submitted an offer $80,000 higher than the initial bid and proposed relocating artists to the Rock Hill Galleria. At the March 9 meeting, another potential buyer also appeared. City spokesperson Katie Quinn said the proposed buyer will be identified at the second reading. Artists, currently on month-to-month leases, plan to continue hosting events, including an artist yard sale on April 11.

Reported by Nora O’Neill, published March 16

Lake Wylie data center sparks environmental concerns

A $1 billion data center campus is taking shape near Lake Wylie in York County, with videos showing large-scale land clearing already underway. The nine-building complex, led by data center company QTS, spans nearly 800 acres after the company purchased additional land in December for $26.1 million. The project promises around 200 on-site jobs with a median salary of about $80,000, but nearby residents and environmental advocates say the industrial scale raises serious questions. Rock Hill resident Stacy Armstrong, who organized a petition against the project, says concerns center on compatibility with residential communities and nearby waterways. The Coastal Conservation League warns that large-scale tree removal can increase stormwater runoff, harm wildlife habitat, and raise flooding risks. QTS says it plans to replant more trees than are removed and that a third-party environmental study confirmed no threat to endangered species.

Reported by Nora O’Neill, published March 12

This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 2:33 PM with the headline "The (Rock Hill) Herald week in review."