The (Rock Hill) Herald week in review

York County District 7 candidates face off in primary

Incumbent Debi Cloninger and challenger Scott Couchenour are vying for York County Council District 7 in a June 9 Republican primary, with the winner set to take the seat uncontested in the fall. Both candidates have identified Silfab Solar, a Canadian solar panel manufacturer near Carowinds, as a central issue. Neighbors have protested the facility for three years, and concerns intensified after two chemical release incidents caused Flint Hill Elementary School to temporarily close. Cloninger, a retired small business owner, points to her prior “no” vote on a Silfab tax incentive as evidence she listens to constituents. Couchenour, a semi-retired flooring contractor, says industrial chemicals must be removed if the facility remains. Both also prioritize road improvements, school impact fees, and responsible land use decisions for the fast-growing district.

Reported by John Marks, published May 26

I-77 South toll project killed after years of debate

The Interstate 77 South toll lane project has been officially declared dead after the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization voted to rescind its support, following a narrow 6-5 Charlotte City Council vote to do the same. NCDOT confirmed it will remove the project from the State Transportation Improvement Plan, with $600 million in funds to be redistributed statewide. The project, in development since 2007, aimed to add toll express lanes along an 11-mile stretch from uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina border. Council member Malcolm Graham, who voted to rescind support, said he focused on residents rather than political pressure. Nonprofit leader Shannon Binns noted the community wants collaborative solutions that go beyond road widening, while the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance warned the decision could have generational consequences for commuters and regional competitiveness.

Reported by DJ Simmons, published May 25

Park superintendent accused of stealing $60K

The superintendent of a Lake Wylie area park in York County has been arrested on allegations he stole more than $60,000 over several years, authorities say. Jason Cameron Ratterree, 48, of Rock Hill, was in charge of cash paid to Field Day Park for various uses. According to an arrest warrant, the funds were allegedly used for vacations, home improvement purchases, and private school tuition. Ratterree turned himself in after a monthslong investigation and faces a charge of embezzling public funds. York County Sheriff Tony Breeden said Ratterree never deposited the cash into a county bank account. The investigation also included false invoices, per the warrant. York County suspended Ratterree without pay and stated the conduct under investigation does not reflect the standards or values of those serving the community.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published May 21

Lake Wylie swimming banned after wastewater spill

Swimmers on May 26 were being advised to stay out of Lake Wylie after an estimated 123 gallons of wastewater overflowed and reached the lake near 11007 Lochmere Road in Charlotte. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is collecting and testing water samples to measure bacteria levels following the May 24 spill. Staff alerted nearby residents on May 25 after confirming the overflow had reached the lake. According to the agency, a pipe failure caused the overflow within a low pressure sewer system that conveys waste to a gravity-fed sewer leading to wastewater treatment plants. The swimming advisory remained in place until water samples showed bacteria levels had fallen below the action threshold.

Reported by Jeff A. Chamer, published May 26

Fort Mill alum named principal at Catawba Ridge High

Angela Struve, a Fort Mill High School alumna, has been named the next principal at Catawba Ridge High School in the Fort Mill School District, with her new role set to begin in July. Struve has served as an assistant principal at Catawba Ridge for four years, overseeing facilities, testing, technology, student mentoring, and the school’s 4K program. She previously taught English at Catawba Ridge and Fort Mill, and also taught math and English at the district’s alternative school. She holds degrees from Wake Forest University and Queens University of Charlotte, and has completed doctoral coursework in teacher leadership at Walden University. Struve replaces Barry Ledford, who was hired to lead J.L. Mann High in Greenville. She becomes the fourth principal at Catawba Ridge since the school opened in 2019. Superintendent Grey Young praised her dedication, saying her experience and connection to the Fort Mill community make her an outstanding choice to lead the school.

Reported by John Marks, published May 21

SC Senate kills 2026 redistricting push amid record turnout

The South Carolina Senate has effectively ended efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map for the 2026 election, voting 26-18 to shelve the redistricting bill as record numbers of primary voters turned out on the first day of early voting. Twelve Republicans joined all 12 Democrats in opposing a cloture vote to limit debate. The effort, which consumed eight days of a special session and hundreds of thousands of state dollars, was driven in part by White House pressure to create seven reliably Republican districts and oust U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said the abbreviated schedule never allowed enough time for the effort to succeed. By 5 p.m. May 26, 55,500 ballots had been cast in-person, with Democratic leaders crediting the historic turnout as the decisive factor in swaying Republican senators against the redistricting push. Gov. Henry McMaster expressed disappointment, stating there will be no new congressional map for this election.

Reported by Lucy Valeski and Joseph Bustos, published May 26

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 3:48 PM with the headline "The (Rock Hill) Herald week in review."