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Clover S.C.-Six Flock traffic cameras have recently been installed in the Clover area. These cameras have raised questions about people’s fourth amendment right to privacy and what data is really being collected. This controversial topic has brought up many benefits and concerns. After much research, the cameras have been found to not violate the fourth amendment. They are owned by a private company and placed on private property not owned by the government. Since they are not implemented by the government they are therefore not violating any laws or amendments. According to Brittany Farr, a previous town council member, “Well, that may be true, but I also shouldn’t have to forfeit all my privacy just to go out in public.” She later explains “...I would argue on that, that if the government is seeking to have those…public, private partnerships, that is where it would be a violation of the Fourth Amendment because the government is supposed to protect that. So if they’re outsourcing to a private company, that in and of itself would violate us.” According to eyesonflock.com, data is deleted after thirty days. Information about what organizations the data is shared with is not provided because it is not shared publicly from the Flock company. According to https://transparency.flocksafety.com/clover-sc-pd, the policies between Flock and the Clover PD are shared. These policies include that the cameras detect license plates and vehicles, not facial recognition, gender, or race. The Acceptable Use Policy states that data is not shared with third parties and is only used by the Clover PD for law enforcement. The cameras are not used for traffic and immigration enforcement, or intimidation. All data that is stored requires valid reasoning. Farr describes more about the cameras by saying, “...it’s a huge, huge network, and these things are able to, through AI, essentially, do pattern recognition, predictive policing, you know, it recognizes, makes, models, color, and any anomaly on a vehicle, even roof racks. So if it’s only looking at license plates, how can it differentiate a roof rack?” After September eleventh the government implemented the Patriot Act. This act caused Americans to give up some of their privacy for safety overall. Now with new technology there seems to be no boundaries. Farr explains “...that’s what I keep coming back to, is that there’s…no framework in place. We’ve just implemented something and not had any oversight in place whatsoever.” She describes how representatives of the people push things though because it sounds like a good idea or it’s considered “safe” and helps with our safety. Farr continues by saying “I just want to see it balance, because anything that can be used for good can be used for bad and anything that can be used for bad can also be used for good, I’m not naive to that fact, but there had to be some sort of framework that protects everyone involved and allows for accountability when things are misused.” After attempting to reach out to the Clover Police Department with no response, Farr recounts “There is some incentivization for officers to speak with other people in the community, like businesses, churches, neighborhoods, to expand this network of cameras, and they are planning to request six more in this coming budget.” The dates for this upcoming budget public hearing have not been planned yet, but they will be posted on the Town of Clover website when determined. Other states, like Colorado, have proposed bills creating stricter access to Flock cameras for law enforcement officers according to https://kdvr.com. As of right now there are no passed laws in regards to the Town of Clover, but two bills have been proposed in the last legislative session in 2025 according to Farr. She points out House Bill 4675 which has the most points to it but is still weak in language. She says “I do have some friends that work with their local GOPs that are looking into that legislation and trying to see how it can be strengthened…” Farr dives into the philosophy around representative government by describing, “...if we don’t pay attention to what the people we voted for are doing, lots can happen and that can happen fast and not in our favor.”
CLOVER, S.C.-Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a near-universal digital utility in businesses and everyday life. With the rapid growing usage of AI, more databases, housed in data centers, are needed. The government plans to invest around $500 billion in the Stargate project. This initiative is a part of the Trump Administration’s private deal to “revolutionize” infrastructure for the leading AI corporations such as: Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank. QTS Data Centers are one of the largest and fastest growing hubs for large-scale AI, cloud computing and high-performance computing workloads. QTS currently has 14 new data centers in construction in addition to their near two dozen running locations. In 2023, QTS bought land in Lake Wylie and recently expanded that land to around 143 acres. The data center will cover this land, spanning across Handsmill Highway and Paraham Road. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), larger data centers can consume 5 million gallons of water daily, which is about equivalent to a town with a population of 30,000. To add, data centers must use fresh water, which is already scarce with only 3% of all water being fresh. For data centers to function without overwhelming their computers, they must use hefty amounts of water to cool their systems. Data centers in dryer locations pose a threat to the local water supply. However, QTS states their water will come from York County Water & Sewer, which is Lake Wylie/Catawba River water that is treated and filtered, then purchased from the City of Rock Hill. Unlike traditional data centers, QTS uses a closed loop system, which means water is recycled over and over through the system. This means that water is a one-time fill for the initial start of operations. After operations begin, the system “does not withdraw, consume, or discharge water” says Karen Cohen, the QTS Senior Public Relations Manager. QTS says after that they only use another 20,000 gallons a month for appliances like toilets and sinks. QTS data centers guarantee around 5 gigawatts of power to their privately signed customers. To put this into perspective, 4.8 gigawatts could power around 3.25 million homes struggling to pay electricity bills. QTS keeps the specific power needs of each data center confidential for security purposes. Global warming is not a “new” topic whatsoever, but what is new is the exponential rate at which it is happening. 2024 and 2025 have been recorded as the most dramatic and warmest years for climate change. 2024 was also one of the “big boom” years for generative AI. Since then, there have been thousands of data centers built, with plans for more. It can be predicted, and expected, that climate change will continue to be affected negatively. According to their website, QTS is trying their best to not contribute to carbon emissions and global warming. They work to become carbon neutral and minimize environmental impacts. QTS promised full transparency with Clover to maintain mutual trust, keeping our community up to date with the data center construction. Many believe QTS has not earned the trust of the Clover community due to suspicion that our County Council is not being forthcoming. York County Council Member Andy Litten has talked and posted about this topic on Facebook, for those looking for more information. On an economic scale, QTS should benefit Clover. Their website states a study “found that between 2017 and 2023 the industry’s total fiscal support to federal, state and local governments increased from $66.2 billion to $162.7 billion”. In spite of this, some are concerned about QTS paying a set fee in lieu of taxes. This means they will pay a set fee instead of normal property taxes for a contracted amount of time. However, Cohen says that the data center is “expected to boost regional growth and advancements”. QTS is also working to disrupt the community as little as possible. There are many projects in development in the Clover and Lake Wylie area, making many concerned about having yet another construction site. The base development is predicted to be complete in 2027. As development is speeding up, QTS says they will minimize impacts regarding dust, roads, cleaning, and traffic. QTS is only a small part of South Carolina’s electricity cooperatives plan to up the rate of data center projects, according to the SC Data Center Development Act. Every data center company operates differently with different regulations and precautions. Countless centers pump dangerous chemicals into the air and waste water, but some take the other side and work to be as environmentally friendly as possible. From the information shared, QTS positions itself as the second type of data center. With everything said, the future is uncertain, but the Clover community should go into this new era with an open mind. QTS seems to be working to set a new standard to oppose the current stigma and backlash on data centers.
FORT MILL, S.C. - Silfab Solar confirms the leakage of harmful chemicals in Fort Mill. On March 3, 300 gallons of potassium hydroxide were spilled, followed by a leak of hydrofluoric acid on March 5. While both incidents have no confirmed injuries or pose a threat of imminent harm, the temporary shutdown of Flint Hill Elementary has officials expressing frustrations, in some cases even calling for the shutdown of the facility. The York County, SC Facebook account posted, “We are incredibly disappointed that another issue at Silfab Solar has occurred; York County does not have regulatory authority but will continue to coordinate with those agencies who do.” Two subsequent leaks two days apart raise speculations about the competency of Silfab Solar. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) exposure may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a serious and possibly life-threatening emergency that makes it hard to breathe. Mistakes like these may not have caused harm this time, but continued issues like this present danger to not just Fort Mill and Lake Wylie, but also the general area of Clover. If the leak had escaped into the air, it would have caused an evacuation radius of over a mile. Parents were outraged at the incident and took it to the school system. According to a WCNC article, one parent shared, “Today was not a hypothetical. Today actually happened, and your schools were caught completely flatfooted,” WCNC reported. Fort Mill Superintendent Grey Young assured that no chemical properties were found on campus. Testing was run by Citadel EHS, but this did little to reassure parents and homeowners in the area, some even going as far as pulling their children from the district completely. According to comments to the press by a Silfab official, the March 5 leak was confirmed to actually start Feb. 27. Silfab officials knew the leak started a week ago, but claimed it was not large enough that it required any notification to county or state regulatory or emergency officials. Plant Manager Greg Basden says they’ve “got nothing to hide, a drip of that magnitude far from qualifies for notification.” Silfab reached out to parents of students affected by the leak to apologize. Most parents agree the knowledge of the leak alone should have been reason enough to raise concerns from employees. Silfab has agreed to continue to halt all production and operations while U.S. EPA and SCDES assessments are conducted. Fort Mill School District administrators were still outraged and called for the immediate shutdown of the facility. Representative David Martin has been advocating for the facilities stoppage for years, claiming, “I don’t really trust what I’m being told from Silfab.” Martin has been to Columbia to advocate for a bill made directly in response to Silfab’s operation. House Bill 4293 allows local governments to have the authority to cease industrial projects that are violating zoning regulations. The Roaring Eagle will continue to rigorously look into and follow this situation.
YORK COUNTY, S.C.- Every February, communities across the nation recognize Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and achievements of Black Americans. In York County, that history is deeply rooted in the land, schools, churches, and historic sites that continue to tell powerful stories of resilience and contribution. Historic Brattonsville This important historical location is in McConnells, S.C. This living history site features a dedicated African American interpretation, which focuses on the history and experiences of enslaved people. The site also includes original slave quarters and the Enslaved Ancestral Burial Ground, where 481 people of African descent are buried. Throughout February, visitors can attend a special Saturday program titled “By Way of the Back Door: The Life and Times of Molly,” which explores African American life through the perspective of a woman who lived at Brattonsville from 1780 to 1865. Roosevelt School Black history is also closely tied to the Roosevelt School in Clover. During segregation, the school served as an all-Black K–12 school and was originally known as the first Clover Colored School. Although the building was destroyed during integration in the mid-1960s, its legacy remains strong. The school once served as the hub for Black education in Clover before segregation ended. Today, a historical marker stands at the former site, which now includes three baseball fields, a playground, a basketball court, and picnic tables. Green Pond United Methodist Church This church has been a very important part of Black history in the area, serving as one of the earliest and longest-lasting places of worship for African-American residents. At that time, Green Pond was widely the only church serving African-Americans in the Clover area and has remained an all-Black church, continuing to serve as a main gathering place for worship, fellowship, and mutual aid in the community. Stellie J. Jackson served as the pastor of Green Pond Church, giving spiritual leadership and guidance to the congregation. Under his leadership, the church continued its mission of strengthening faith while also supporting the social and educational growth of the community. For generations, the church has been a religious home. It has also served as a symbol of resilience, community unity, and the struggle for dignity and recognition. Green Pond Church Cemetery Another significant site is Green Pond Church Cemetery, the first cemetery for Black residents in Clover. The cemetery holds the remains of many formerly enslaved individuals. African Americans lived and worked in the Clover community before the Civil War, first as enslaved people and later as sharecroppers, farmers, laborers, and skilled workers who helped build the local economy. Even during the hardships of slavery and the Civil War, African Americans played an important role in shaping the region. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, formerly enslaved individuals in the Clover area began building independent lives. Many worked as sharecroppers or tenant farmers while striving to reunite families separated by slavery. During this time, African Americans established their own churches, schools, and neighborhoods, laying the foundation for strong Black communities that would continue for generations. Black History Month serves as a reminder not only of the struggles Black Americans have faced but also of their strength, perseverance, and lasting contributions. York County’s historic sites stand as meaningful landmarks for future generations.
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CLOVER, S.C.-Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a near-universal digital utility in businesses and everyday life. With the rapid growing usage of AI, more databases, housed in data centers, are needed. The government plans to invest around $500 billion in the Stargate project. This initiative is a part of the Trump Administration’s private deal to “revolutionize” infrastructure for the leading AI corporations such as: Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank. QTS Data Centers are one of the largest and fastest growing hubs for large-scale AI, cloud computing and high-performance computing workloads. QTS currently has 14 new data centers in construction in addition to their near two dozen running locations. In 2023, QTS bought land in Lake Wylie and recently expanded that land to around 143 acres. The data center will cover this land, spanning across Handsmill Highway and Paraham Road. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), larger data centers can consume 5 million gallons of water daily, which is about equivalent to a town with a population of 30,000. To add, data centers must use fresh water, which is already scarce with only 3% of all water being fresh. For data centers to function without overwhelming their computers, they must use hefty amounts of water to cool their systems. Data centers in dryer locations pose a threat to the local water supply. However, QTS states their water will come from York County Water & Sewer, which is Lake Wylie/Catawba River water that is treated and filtered, then purchased from the City of Rock Hill. Unlike traditional data centers, QTS uses a closed loop system, which means water is recycled over and over through the system. This means that water is a one-time fill for the initial start of operations. After operations begin, the system “does not withdraw, consume, or discharge water” says Karen Cohen, the QTS Senior Public Relations Manager. QTS says after that they only use another 20,000 gallons a month for appliances like toilets and sinks. QTS data centers guarantee around 5 gigawatts of power to their privately signed customers. To put this into perspective, 4.8 gigawatts could power around 3.25 million homes struggling to pay electricity bills. QTS keeps the specific power needs of each data center confidential for security purposes. Global warming is not a “new” topic whatsoever, but what is new is the exponential rate at which it is happening. 2024 and 2025 have been recorded as the most dramatic and warmest years for climate change. 2024 was also one of the “big boom” years for generative AI. Since then, there have been thousands of data centers built, with plans for more. It can be predicted, and expected, that climate change will continue to be affected negatively. According to their website, QTS is trying their best to not contribute to carbon emissions and global warming. They work to become carbon neutral and minimize environmental impacts. QTS promised full transparency with Clover to maintain mutual trust, keeping our community up to date with the data center construction. Many believe QTS has not earned the trust of the Clover community due to suspicion that our County Council is not being forthcoming. York County Council Member Andy Litten has talked and posted about this topic on Facebook, for those looking for more information. On an economic scale, QTS should benefit Clover. Their website states a study “found that between 2017 and 2023 the industry’s total fiscal support to federal, state and local governments increased from $66.2 billion to $162.7 billion”. In spite of this, some are concerned about QTS paying a set fee in lieu of taxes. This means they will pay a set fee instead of normal property taxes for a contracted amount of time. However, Cohen says that the data center is “expected to boost regional growth and advancements”. QTS is also working to disrupt the community as little as possible. There are many projects in development in the Clover and Lake Wylie area, making many concerned about having yet another construction site. The base development is predicted to be complete in 2027. As development is speeding up, QTS says they will minimize impacts regarding dust, roads, cleaning, and traffic. QTS is only a small part of South Carolina’s electricity cooperatives plan to up the rate of data center projects, according to the SC Data Center Development Act. Every data center company operates differently with different regulations and precautions. Countless centers pump dangerous chemicals into the air and waste water, but some take the other side and work to be as environmentally friendly as possible. From the information shared, QTS positions itself as the second type of data center. With everything said, the future is uncertain, but the Clover community should go into this new era with an open mind. QTS seems to be working to set a new standard to oppose the current stigma and backlash on data centers.
FORT MILL, S.C. - Silfab Solar confirms the leakage of harmful chemicals in Fort Mill. On March 3, 300 gallons of potassium hydroxide were spilled, followed by a leak of hydrofluoric acid on March 5. While both incidents have no confirmed injuries or pose a threat of imminent harm, the temporary shutdown of Flint Hill Elementary has officials expressing frustrations, in some cases even calling for the shutdown of the facility. The York County, SC Facebook account posted, “We are incredibly disappointed that another issue at Silfab Solar has occurred; York County does not have regulatory authority but will continue to coordinate with those agencies who do.” Two subsequent leaks two days apart raise speculations about the competency of Silfab Solar. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) exposure may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a serious and possibly life-threatening emergency that makes it hard to breathe. Mistakes like these may not have caused harm this time, but continued issues like this present danger to not just Fort Mill and Lake Wylie, but also the general area of Clover. If the leak had escaped into the air, it would have caused an evacuation radius of over a mile. Parents were outraged at the incident and took it to the school system. According to a WCNC article, one parent shared, “Today was not a hypothetical. Today actually happened, and your schools were caught completely flatfooted,” WCNC reported. Fort Mill Superintendent Grey Young assured that no chemical properties were found on campus. Testing was run by Citadel EHS, but this did little to reassure parents and homeowners in the area, some even going as far as pulling their children from the district completely. According to comments to the press by a Silfab official, the March 5 leak was confirmed to actually start Feb. 27. Silfab officials knew the leak started a week ago, but claimed it was not large enough that it required any notification to county or state regulatory or emergency officials. Plant Manager Greg Basden says they’ve “got nothing to hide, a drip of that magnitude far from qualifies for notification.” Silfab reached out to parents of students affected by the leak to apologize. Most parents agree the knowledge of the leak alone should have been reason enough to raise concerns from employees. Silfab has agreed to continue to halt all production and operations while U.S. EPA and SCDES assessments are conducted. Fort Mill School District administrators were still outraged and called for the immediate shutdown of the facility. Representative David Martin has been advocating for the facilities stoppage for years, claiming, “I don’t really trust what I’m being told from Silfab.” Martin has been to Columbia to advocate for a bill made directly in response to Silfab’s operation. House Bill 4293 allows local governments to have the authority to cease industrial projects that are violating zoning regulations. The Roaring Eagle will continue to rigorously look into and follow this situation.
YORK COUNTY, S.C.- Every February, communities across the nation recognize Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and achievements of Black Americans. In York County, that history is deeply rooted in the land, schools, churches, and historic sites that continue to tell powerful stories of resilience and contribution. Historic Brattonsville This important historical location is in McConnells, S.C. This living history site features a dedicated African American interpretation, which focuses on the history and experiences of enslaved people. The site also includes original slave quarters and the Enslaved Ancestral Burial Ground, where 481 people of African descent are buried. Throughout February, visitors can attend a special Saturday program titled “By Way of the Back Door: The Life and Times of Molly,” which explores African American life through the perspective of a woman who lived at Brattonsville from 1780 to 1865. Roosevelt School Black history is also closely tied to the Roosevelt School in Clover. During segregation, the school served as an all-Black K–12 school and was originally known as the first Clover Colored School. Although the building was destroyed during integration in the mid-1960s, its legacy remains strong. The school once served as the hub for Black education in Clover before segregation ended. Today, a historical marker stands at the former site, which now includes three baseball fields, a playground, a basketball court, and picnic tables. Green Pond United Methodist Church This church has been a very important part of Black history in the area, serving as one of the earliest and longest-lasting places of worship for African-American residents. At that time, Green Pond was widely the only church serving African-Americans in the Clover area and has remained an all-Black church, continuing to serve as a main gathering place for worship, fellowship, and mutual aid in the community. Stellie J. Jackson served as the pastor of Green Pond Church, giving spiritual leadership and guidance to the congregation. Under his leadership, the church continued its mission of strengthening faith while also supporting the social and educational growth of the community. For generations, the church has been a religious home. It has also served as a symbol of resilience, community unity, and the struggle for dignity and recognition. Green Pond Church Cemetery Another significant site is Green Pond Church Cemetery, the first cemetery for Black residents in Clover. The cemetery holds the remains of many formerly enslaved individuals. African Americans lived and worked in the Clover community before the Civil War, first as enslaved people and later as sharecroppers, farmers, laborers, and skilled workers who helped build the local economy. Even during the hardships of slavery and the Civil War, African Americans played an important role in shaping the region. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, formerly enslaved individuals in the Clover area began building independent lives. Many worked as sharecroppers or tenant farmers while striving to reunite families separated by slavery. During this time, African Americans established their own churches, schools, and neighborhoods, laying the foundation for strong Black communities that would continue for generations. Black History Month serves as a reminder not only of the struggles Black Americans have faced but also of their strength, perseverance, and lasting contributions. York County’s historic sites stand as meaningful landmarks for future generations.
Community
Clover S.C.-Six Flock traffic cameras have recently been installed in the Clover area. These cameras have raised questions about people’s fourth amendment right to privacy and what data is really being collected. This controversial topic has brought up many benefits and concerns. After much research, the cameras have been found to not violate the fourth amendment. They are owned by a private company and placed on private property not owned by the government. Since they are not implemented by the government they are therefore not violating any laws or amendments. According to Brittany Farr, a previous town council member, “Well, that may be true, but I also shouldn’t have to forfeit all my privacy just to go out in public.” She later explains “...I would argue on that, that if the government is seeking to have those…public, private partnerships, that is where it would be a violation of the Fourth Amendment because the government is supposed to protect that. So if they’re outsourcing to a private company, that in and of itself would violate us.” According to eyesonflock.com, data is deleted after thirty days. Information about what organizations the data is shared with is not provided because it is not shared publicly from the Flock company. According to https://transparency.flocksafety.com/clover-sc-pd, the policies between Flock and the Clover PD are shared. These policies include that the cameras detect license plates and vehicles, not facial recognition, gender, or race. The Acceptable Use Policy states that data is not shared with third parties and is only used by the Clover PD for law enforcement. The cameras are not used for traffic and immigration enforcement, or intimidation. All data that is stored requires valid reasoning. Farr describes more about the cameras by saying, “...it’s a huge, huge network, and these things are able to, through AI, essentially, do pattern recognition, predictive policing, you know, it recognizes, makes, models, color, and any anomaly on a vehicle, even roof racks. So if it’s only looking at license plates, how can it differentiate a roof rack?” After September eleventh the government implemented the Patriot Act. This act caused Americans to give up some of their privacy for safety overall. Now with new technology there seems to be no boundaries. Farr explains “...that’s what I keep coming back to, is that there’s…no framework in place. We’ve just implemented something and not had any oversight in place whatsoever.” She describes how representatives of the people push things though because it sounds like a good idea or it’s considered “safe” and helps with our safety. Farr continues by saying “I just want to see it balance, because anything that can be used for good can be used for bad and anything that can be used for bad can also be used for good, I’m not naive to that fact, but there had to be some sort of framework that protects everyone involved and allows for accountability when things are misused.” After attempting to reach out to the Clover Police Department with no response, Farr recounts “There is some incentivization for officers to speak with other people in the community, like businesses, churches, neighborhoods, to expand this network of cameras, and they are planning to request six more in this coming budget.” The dates for this upcoming budget public hearing have not been planned yet, but they will be posted on the Town of Clover website when determined. Other states, like Colorado, have proposed bills creating stricter access to Flock cameras for law enforcement officers according to https://kdvr.com. As of right now there are no passed laws in regards to the Town of Clover, but two bills have been proposed in the last legislative session in 2025 according to Farr. She points out House Bill 4675 which has the most points to it but is still weak in language. She says “I do have some friends that work with their local GOPs that are looking into that legislation and trying to see how it can be strengthened…” Farr dives into the philosophy around representative government by describing, “...if we don’t pay attention to what the people we voted for are doing, lots can happen and that can happen fast and not in our favor.”
CLOVER, S.C.-Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a near-universal digital utility in businesses and everyday life. With the rapid growing usage of AI, more databases, housed in data centers, are needed. The government plans to invest around $500 billion in the Stargate project. This initiative is a part of the Trump Administration’s private deal to “revolutionize” infrastructure for the leading AI corporations such as: Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank. QTS Data Centers are one of the largest and fastest growing hubs for large-scale AI, cloud computing and high-performance computing workloads. QTS currently has 14 new data centers in construction in addition to their near two dozen running locations. In 2023, QTS bought land in Lake Wylie and recently expanded that land to around 143 acres. The data center will cover this land, spanning across Handsmill Highway and Paraham Road. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), larger data centers can consume 5 million gallons of water daily, which is about equivalent to a town with a population of 30,000. To add, data centers must use fresh water, which is already scarce with only 3% of all water being fresh. For data centers to function without overwhelming their computers, they must use hefty amounts of water to cool their systems. Data centers in dryer locations pose a threat to the local water supply. However, QTS states their water will come from York County Water & Sewer, which is Lake Wylie/Catawba River water that is treated and filtered, then purchased from the City of Rock Hill. Unlike traditional data centers, QTS uses a closed loop system, which means water is recycled over and over through the system. This means that water is a one-time fill for the initial start of operations. After operations begin, the system “does not withdraw, consume, or discharge water” says Karen Cohen, the QTS Senior Public Relations Manager. QTS says after that they only use another 20,000 gallons a month for appliances like toilets and sinks. QTS data centers guarantee around 5 gigawatts of power to their privately signed customers. To put this into perspective, 4.8 gigawatts could power around 3.25 million homes struggling to pay electricity bills. QTS keeps the specific power needs of each data center confidential for security purposes. Global warming is not a “new” topic whatsoever, but what is new is the exponential rate at which it is happening. 2024 and 2025 have been recorded as the most dramatic and warmest years for climate change. 2024 was also one of the “big boom” years for generative AI. Since then, there have been thousands of data centers built, with plans for more. It can be predicted, and expected, that climate change will continue to be affected negatively. According to their website, QTS is trying their best to not contribute to carbon emissions and global warming. They work to become carbon neutral and minimize environmental impacts. QTS promised full transparency with Clover to maintain mutual trust, keeping our community up to date with the data center construction. Many believe QTS has not earned the trust of the Clover community due to suspicion that our County Council is not being forthcoming. York County Council Member Andy Litten has talked and posted about this topic on Facebook, for those looking for more information. On an economic scale, QTS should benefit Clover. Their website states a study “found that between 2017 and 2023 the industry’s total fiscal support to federal, state and local governments increased from $66.2 billion to $162.7 billion”. In spite of this, some are concerned about QTS paying a set fee in lieu of taxes. This means they will pay a set fee instead of normal property taxes for a contracted amount of time. However, Cohen says that the data center is “expected to boost regional growth and advancements”. QTS is also working to disrupt the community as little as possible. There are many projects in development in the Clover and Lake Wylie area, making many concerned about having yet another construction site. The base development is predicted to be complete in 2027. As development is speeding up, QTS says they will minimize impacts regarding dust, roads, cleaning, and traffic. QTS is only a small part of South Carolina’s electricity cooperatives plan to up the rate of data center projects, according to the SC Data Center Development Act. Every data center company operates differently with different regulations and precautions. Countless centers pump dangerous chemicals into the air and waste water, but some take the other side and work to be as environmentally friendly as possible. From the information shared, QTS positions itself as the second type of data center. With everything said, the future is uncertain, but the Clover community should go into this new era with an open mind. QTS seems to be working to set a new standard to oppose the current stigma and backlash on data centers.
YORK COUNTY, S.C.- Every February, communities across the nation recognize Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and achievements of Black Americans. In York County, that history is deeply rooted in the land, schools, churches, and historic sites that continue to tell powerful stories of resilience and contribution. Historic Brattonsville This important historical location is in McConnells, S.C. This living history site features a dedicated African American interpretation, which focuses on the history and experiences of enslaved people. The site also includes original slave quarters and the Enslaved Ancestral Burial Ground, where 481 people of African descent are buried. Throughout February, visitors can attend a special Saturday program titled “By Way of the Back Door: The Life and Times of Molly,” which explores African American life through the perspective of a woman who lived at Brattonsville from 1780 to 1865. Roosevelt School Black history is also closely tied to the Roosevelt School in Clover. During segregation, the school served as an all-Black K–12 school and was originally known as the first Clover Colored School. Although the building was destroyed during integration in the mid-1960s, its legacy remains strong. The school once served as the hub for Black education in Clover before segregation ended. Today, a historical marker stands at the former site, which now includes three baseball fields, a playground, a basketball court, and picnic tables. Green Pond United Methodist Church This church has been a very important part of Black history in the area, serving as one of the earliest and longest-lasting places of worship for African-American residents. At that time, Green Pond was widely the only church serving African-Americans in the Clover area and has remained an all-Black church, continuing to serve as a main gathering place for worship, fellowship, and mutual aid in the community. Stellie J. Jackson served as the pastor of Green Pond Church, giving spiritual leadership and guidance to the congregation. Under his leadership, the church continued its mission of strengthening faith while also supporting the social and educational growth of the community. For generations, the church has been a religious home. It has also served as a symbol of resilience, community unity, and the struggle for dignity and recognition. Green Pond Church Cemetery Another significant site is Green Pond Church Cemetery, the first cemetery for Black residents in Clover. The cemetery holds the remains of many formerly enslaved individuals. African Americans lived and worked in the Clover community before the Civil War, first as enslaved people and later as sharecroppers, farmers, laborers, and skilled workers who helped build the local economy. Even during the hardships of slavery and the Civil War, African Americans played an important role in shaping the region. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, formerly enslaved individuals in the Clover area began building independent lives. Many worked as sharecroppers or tenant farmers while striving to reunite families separated by slavery. During this time, African Americans established their own churches, schools, and neighborhoods, laying the foundation for strong Black communities that would continue for generations. Black History Month serves as a reminder not only of the struggles Black Americans have faced but also of their strength, perseverance, and lasting contributions. York County’s historic sites stand as meaningful landmarks for future generations.
School
York County Council listens to D2 residents: Approves impact fees
CLOVER, S.C. - The District 4 Student Council Rally brought together students from across the state to learn how to overcome challenges and develop their leadership skills. Held at Clover High School, the rally focused on the theme of “Tackling Reel Leadership,” aiming to inspire students to persist as leaders while embracing new ideas and tackling opportunities.
Clover, SC - October 2, 2024 - In an exciting announcement that promises to bring national recognition to Clover High School, the Bands of Clover have been invited to perform at the iconic Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2026, in Pasadena, California. This prestigious event, now in its 137th year, will mark a significant milestone for the Clover High School marching band, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
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