The MillTown News

08/06/2025

A FMHS grad KIA in the Pacific and the U.S. introduces “The Bomb.”; Coach gets a promotion and more classrooms needed - just some of that week’s news in 100 Years of Fort Mill History by Chip Heemsoth: 2005
Six more mobile classroom units were scheduled to be installed at Fort Mill High School, bringing the total to eleven.
A nighttime safety checkpoint by the Fort Mill Police Department netted 17 arrests.
Stan Koterba was the new band director at Indian Land High School. He was a graduate of Kent State University.
The Gold Hill Middle School cheerleaders were invited to dance in the Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade.
1985
In the championship game of the Fort Mill Little League, Springs beat Butler Seafood 14-8. Pitching for Springs were Jonathan Kidd and Eric McCraven.
Churrasco Grill and Steakhouse opened at I-77 and Carowinds Boulevard.
Jack Brazzell, owner of Jack’s House of Flowers, was concerned with the frequent vandalism of his outdoor sign.
According to a recent survey, most Fort Mill residents were ready for some kind of land zoning.
1965
James E. Walser, head football coach and athletic director at Fort Mill High School for the past five years, was elected as the school’s new principal. Assistant coach Robert W. Jones would take over Walser’s athletic duties.
Crenshaw Motor Co., 108 Spratt Street, was participating in Plymouth Dealin’ Days.
1945
Japanese perished by the uncounted thousands when the United States dropped an atom bomb on Hiroshima.
Lt. Charles Turner of the United States Navy and a Fort Mill High School graduate, was killed in action in the Pacific Theatre.
1925
The drought, which Fort Mill had endured for 11 weeks, was partially broken by a few showers.
The local National Guard unit was moving its quarters from Confederate Street to White Street.

07/30/2025

Fined for over exposure, an officer decorated and the rest of the week’s headlines from Chip Heemsoth’s 100 Years of Fort Mill History.

2005
Bobby Kimbrell, Fort Mill Police Chief for 17 years until his retirement in 1994, passed away at the age of 67. He had more than 30 years of law enforcement experience.
BI-LO was approved to take over the Fort Mill Winn-Dixie store on Highway 160 West.
Rising Fort Mill High School senior wrestlers, Mitchell Alston and Thomas Shaw, were participating in the Junior National Championships in Fargo, ND.
Rock Hill based Comporium Communications asked the state for permission to raise its cable and phone rates.
1985
Charles Rymer, 17, of Tega Cay, won the U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship in Clarence, NY.
PTL took preliminary steps toward the construction of a hospital on their property in Heritage USA.
The Fort Mill High School football staff attended the S. C. Coaching Association’s annual clinic in Columbia. The Air Force Academy football staff conducted the clinic.
The Fort Mill Swim Team wound up its fourth consecutive undefeated season by winning the 25th Annual Springs Aquatics.
1965
Movies at the Center included: Goldfinger, Cat Ballou, Ski Party, How to Stuff a Wild Bikini, A Swingin’ Summer, Code 7…Victim 5, The Family Jewels, Mister Moses, I’ll Take Sweden and Cinderella.
Elliott Springs Close and William Calvin Kimbrell, Jr., received awards during Citadel Camp graduation exercises.
1945
Major James A. Ferguson was awarded the Bronze Star.
Two Fort Mill doctors, Dr. J. R. DesPortes and Dr. J. B. Elliott, were cited for by the South Carolina Medical Association for loyal and unselfish service to the people of Fort Mill.
1925
A fine of $5 was placed against three boys in Fort Mill for riding through the streets in bathing suits which exposed more than two/thirds of their bodies.
The two local units of the S. C. National Guard, which had been in camp at Fort Jackson, returned to Fort Mill on a special train.

07/24/2025

Bar brawl injuries, wartime shortages and more in this week’s 100 Years of Fort Mill History by Chip Heemsoth:
2005
The Fort Mill Police Department would hire another officer and shift personnel around in order to provide three resource officers for the schools.
A Tega Cay man was facing up to 20 years in prison and more than $350,000 in fines after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
Fort Mill firefighters were to use a building on the property of St. John’s United Methodist Church for structure fire training.
Three straight losses to Irmo Post 174 in the opening round of the state playoffs ended Post 43’s season.
1985
Sean Wooton, Jeff Walker and Alan Yankowsky, all of Indian Land, were attending the 11th National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia.
Jack Vitale received the Tega Cay Citizen of the Year Award.
The Fort Mil High School football team was hard at work in the weight room, preparing for the upcoming season.
Good Motor Co., 119 East White Street, Rock Hill, was selling a brand new 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale four door sedan for $12,916.
1965
A fight at Potts Grill in the Paradise community resulted in Dickie Wilson of Fort Mill being seriously wounded.
York County and Fort Mill Police solved the mysterious thefts of ladies’ lingerie from Fort Mill homes with the arrest of a Rock Hill man.
1945
Movies at the Majestic included: Woman of the Town, Song of the Open Road, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Riders of Deadwood, National Velvet, Sheriff of Sundown, The Princess and the Pirate, San Antonio Kid, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Blonde from Brooklyn, and San Diego I love You.
Sugar was so scarce in Fort Mil that it was hard to buy even if the purchaser had sufficient stamps and money.
1925
Fort Mill won two splendidly played games: the first from Belmont, 2-0 and the second from the Charlotte Knitters, 8-6.
W. B. Armstrong was acting Chief of Police of Fort Mill in the absence of V. D Potts, who was on a 10-day vacation.

07/16/2025

German POWs put to work, hotel plan hits resistance and other memories from 100 Years of Fort Mill History by Chip Heemsoth: 2005
Shortly after Winn-Dixie announced it was pulling out of South Carolina, BI-LO announced it was interested in the Fort Mill store.
Multiple negative comments at a Baxter Community Association meeting prompted Clear Springs Development to drop its plans for a hotel.
Lancaster County Councilman Brian Vaughn was leading a push to dismantle the Citizens Advisory Board.
The Springs Company named Robert F. Allison president of Springs Insurance.
1985
Final plans to kickoff a fund-raising program to erect a memorial honoring all veterans of York County was underway.
Mark Nichols of Fort Mill joined the staff of Spirit Square Arts Center as director of preforming Arts.
Neil Collins, head coach of the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets football team, announced that Bill Banks would remain as head coach of the JV team and Danny Saverance would be middle school coach.
1965
Tim Moore, 6’6” Indian Land basketball star, was selected to play in the annual North/South All-Star game in Columbia.
Richard C. Oliver was promoted to Lt. Commander in the United Sates Navy. He was a member of the Navy Blue Angels precision flying team.
1945
Ten German Prisoners of War were at work picking peaches at Springs Orchards. They were captured in the North African Campaign.
Springs Cotton Mils won its fourth “E” Award for outstanding achievement in providing materials for the Armed Forces.
1925
Due to the severe drought, and for the first time in recent years, A. O. Jones, Fort Mill grocer, had to send a truck to Columbia to secure fresh vegetables.
The Rv. Edward Mack, D.D., son of Miss Hattie Mack, was in China delivering a series of lectures on the Christian Religion.

07/14/2025

More info:

Former York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson was arrested Monday by the South Carolina Highway Patrol in connection with a hit-and-run incident that occurred over the weekend in Rock Hill. Tolson, […]

07/14/2025

Not much information provided but they give you the headline.

Former York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson was arrested by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Tolson was booked into the York County Detention Center on July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
https://www.yorkcountysheriff.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=391

07/09/2025

Big shout out to our newest top fan!💎

Andy G. Strickland

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

07/09/2025

A golf champ, MLB star and a fatal accident. All part of this week’s 100 Years of Fort Mill History by Chip Heemsoth:
2005

A local pastor and his best friend died after their motorcycles were hit head on by a car west of Pageland.

A York County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team had to break down a door at a Massey Street home to arrest a 33-year-old man.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Shilling wowed a crowd of 10,036 at Knights Castle in a rehab start for the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Fort Mill Post 43 evened its record at 7-7 with 9-0 and 10-3 wins over Chester.

1985

Wood working and gymnastics camps were available at the Leroy Springs Recreation Complex.

Kimbrell Furniture Store manager Tripp Reeves received a Gold Seal “Crafted with Pride in USA” certificate from Springs Industries.

Fort Mill High School graduate Malcolm G. Rogers Jr., retired from the Upjohn Company after 34 years of service. He was director of Pharmaceutical Sales for the Southern region.

Jeff Updike, formerly of Tega Cay, was appointed as manager of the Atlanta Market Center.

1965

Lucille Ray, 14, of Unity Street, was the winner of the Southern Junior Girls Golf Championship held in Raleigh.

The Lakeview Grill on Banks Street, just beyond the high school, held its grand opening.

1945

Hugh Harris, former 1st Sgt. In the U.S. Army, was hired as a night policeman for the Fort Mill Police Department.

Fort Mill City Council approved the blocking of Clebourne Street on several evenings each week for children to play in.

1925

Patterson’s Men’s Store announced its move to the Ardrey Building.

Benjamin Winn, 18, died as the result of an accident at the Southern Power Co. plant, three miles west of Fort Mill.

07/07/2025

Do you know about the new local food option?
Metro Diner, the family-friendly restaurant famed for modern takes on classic American comfort food, opens at 8 a.m. today at 2077 Parkway Drive, in CrossRidge. The new addition to the chain is owned and operated by Josh Collins.
“I’m thrilled to bring Metro Diner to this fast-growing community,” said Collins, a Charlotte native with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, eight of which with the Metro Diner in Pineville, NC.
“We’ve reimagined some of America’s favorite dishes to deliver an experience that will keep guests coming back to try everything on the menu.”
Known for hearty portions and all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings, Metro Diner’s menu showcases comfort food favorites – from a variety of omelets and breakfast platters to BBQ ribs and specialty burgers made with 100% Angus beef.
Metro Diner offers 10% off for uniformed first responders and active or retired military members.
Metro Diner Indian Land’s hours will initially be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with a plan to extend operating hours to serve dinner in the near future. For more information, call 803-402-3173 or visitwww.metrodiner.com.

07/02/2025

Mourning a beloved citizen, furniture icon takes an easy chair and more in Chip Heemsoth’s 100 Years of Fort Mill History:

2005
The Fort Mill High School Cheerleaders were named Camp Champions and given the Top Banana Award at the UCA Coastal Carolina College Cheerleading Camp.
Fort Mill was not named an All-American City in competition in Atlanta. Mayor Charlie Powers said the town was just too well-off to win.
A Fort Mill mother wanted peanuts banned from schools due to her son’s allergy.
Gold Hill Middle School teacher Amy Bartholmew was heading to Germany as part of an outreach program.
1985
W. C. “Bill” Kimbrell retired after 44 years as manager of Kimbrell’s Furniture store in Fort Mill.
J. Dixon Lesslie of Fort Mill was named to the Board of Counselors of Erskine College.
Dedication ceremonies were held at Saluda, N.C. for Camp Bob Hardin, the Boy Scout Reservation of the Palmetto Council. The Camp replaced Camp Palmetto, summer camp for many Fort Mill Scouts over the years.
Sherri Sutton, Miss Fort Mill 1985, was in Greenville for the Miss South Carolina Pageant.
1965
The State Highway Department announced that an underpass would be built at Highway 160 West and U.S. 21 Bypass. U.S. 21 Bypass would be routed under 160 West.
Fort Mill’s traffic safety record of no traffic fatalities within town limits reached 17 full years.
1945
Col. John Erskine Ardrey, Fort Mill native, was named Provost Marshal of Fort Bragg, N.C.
Billie Arrie Hannon and L.A. Graham, Jr., both 17 of Fort Mill, were processed for enlistment in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
1925
Miss Lucy Parker Jones, wife of A. O. Jones and one of the best loved women in the Fort Mil community, died at her Tom Hall Street home.
Fort Mill’s $3 street tax had been paid by 410 tax payers with 40 yet to pay.

06/26/2025

A regional crime wave hits home and more in 100 Years of Fort Mill History by Chip Heemsoth: 2005
Construction of a bridge across Steele Creek delayed work on the northern bypass.
A Fort Mill magistrate authorized York County Animal Control to euthanize the bulldog that attacked two Fort Mill residents.
Officials were considering demolishing a home at 106 Clebourne Street. The structure had been deteriorating for years.
Keith Griffin, principal of Gold Hill Middle School, was selected as the first ever principal of Springfield Middle School.
1985
Dr. John M. Little, Jr., who had been with Fort Mill Family Practice for Five years, was planning to join the staff at Charlotte Memorial Hospital.
A break-in at the Fort Mill Post Office may have been related to similar incidents at other post offices in the Carolinas.
Anna Savoir White was inducted into Pi Gamma National Social Science Honor Society at Converse College.
The National Safety Council gave Safe Driver Awards to mail carriers at the Fort Mill Post Office for having a total of 55 years without a preventable accident.
1965
Stevie Hood, 9, fell from the rail of the Clebourne Street bridge onto the tracks below. He suffered internal injuries.
Movies at the Center included: “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” with John Wayne, “The Monkey’s Uncle” with Annette, “Tickle Me” with Elvis, The Disorderly Orderly, Love Has Many Faces, Brain Storm, Thunder in Dixie, and John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!
1945
S/Sgt. Thomas Morrow Bradford was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions over Germany.
Fort Mill was in the grip of very hot weather and severe drought.
1925
C. S. Link, town treasurer, reported that the collection of street taxes for 1945 was the largest in the history of Fort Mill.
Contractors began work on eleven houses for operatives in Village No. 1 of the Fort Mill Manufacturing Co.

06/19/2025

In this week’s 100 Years of Fort Mill History by Chip Heemsoth, taxes set to rise, police arrest vandals and much more:

2005
Some town residents were upset at what they called indiscriminate tree trimming by Duke Power.
The Town of Fort Mill disciplined one of its employees after having used town equipment to work on private property.
After an 0-3 start to the season, Fort Mill Post 43 rebounded with 10-3 and 3-1 victories over Winnsboro.
Patrick White was the lone dissenting vote in the Fort Mill School Board’s 6-1 vote to raise property taxes for the Fort Mill School District.
1985
John K. Rhodes, who recently graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina, was named assistant band director at Fort Mill High School.
The Fort Mill Post Office added two rural routes to the north and northwest Fort Mill township.
Sixteen of the twenty surviving members of the Fort Mill High School Class of 1935 attended their fifty-year class reunion.
The Fort Mill Recreation Center was planning a two-day camping and rafting trip on the Chattooga River.
1965
Fort Mill Police Officers, Herbert Phillips and Norman Philbeck, caught two Rock Hill men in the act of plundering and destroying property inside Post American Legion Hall.
Patterson’s Red and White grocery store at 418 Tom Hall Street had hamburger for 39 cents a pound, 10-pound bag of charcoal for 49 cents and 3 cartons of Coca-Cola for $1.00.
1945
Movies at the Majestic included: Tonight and Every Night, Stagecoach to Monterey, She’s A Sweetheart, For Whom the Bells Toll, The Fighting Lady, Hollywood Canteen, Code of the Prairie, Objective Burma, Winged Victory, Marshal of Reno, There Goes Kelly and Crazy Knights.
William R. Bradford, Jr., was installed as president of the Fort Mill Lions Club. V. A. Ballard was first vice president.
1925
E. L. Case and Henry McGuirt were in Greenwood attending the annual convention of the State Fireman’s Association.
Workmen were busy repainting traffic marks on Main Street indicating where cars may be parked.