It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic President James K. Polk State Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lancaster, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is a great communicator with us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that come in and do what”
“I am a current client of this provider The first person was kind of young, so”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver as a person and who she”
“Phil Davidson and his staff provides the best service around in the York County area...Very”
“Looking for a loving and caring place for a parent, grandparent or any loved one?”
“I am a current client of this provider I have enjoyed working with Always Best. They”
“Always willing to help”
“I have worked for many agencies as a CNA. Always Best Care of Rock Hill,”
“They gave my mother the most wonderful, loving care. They were very accommodating when we”
“New Employee & I’m loving it already”
“I am a current client of this provider I could probably say that I was a”
“Needed care for my mother with dementia, and father with medical issues. The team at”
“Always willing to help”
“I am a current client of this provider We're using Always Best Care for my parents.”
“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed”
“I have had the best support from a caring and supporting staff over the past”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been providing care givers”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care service was very helpful in”
“I can honestly say that Always Best Care in Rock Hill did a very good”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your”
“Dear Phil, "We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such wonderful”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your”
“Dear Phil, Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is a great communicator with us. I live out of state and I have a brother who lives near the client, but he has a full-time job. It really takes a village to take care of the clietn now. I just feel like this agency is part of that village. They really have his best interest at heart. They give great care, but they're also super easy to work with and you feel important with them. I have recommended the agency to many people. I like the owner, Phil. He is just a really stand-up guy. He is very knowledgeable and he is very empathetic. You don't get the feeling that he is in the business to make money and provide livelihood. He really cares about people and really wants the clients taken care of well. I think he has a lot of expertise and compassion. Everyone that we have dealt with there has been great. I also like the caregiver that we've had, Fawn. She has been with the client for over 15 months. She is just really great with the client. He is in assisted living now but we choose to have her go in still for more companion care for the client. She is just a really sweet person and helps us with keeping up to date with what the client needs. He just loves having her around.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that come in and do what they got to do. I like that they are really friendly and nice. They do not talk to him in a sharp way, they are really good with him.”
“I am a current client of this provider The first person was kind of young, so I asked them for someone a bit older, and they did that. I would recommend them because they are prompt, and they have good people.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver as a person and who she is has made this so positive. I like the assistant that they have sent to help my brother.”
“Phil Davidson and his staff provides the best service around in the York County area...Very professional and they truly care about their clients...I highly recommend Always Best Care of Rock Hill”
“Looking for a loving and caring place for a parent, grandparent or any loved one? Look no further than Phil and his team at Always Best Care of Rock Hill!”
“I am a current client of this provider I have enjoyed working with Always Best. They are informative and helpful. When I need to schedule care, they are very responsive. Definitely a good choice in companion care.”
“Always willing to help”
“I have worked for many agencies as a CNA. Always Best Care of Rock Hill, SC is by far the best! They treat their clients and caregivers with generosity and compassion. They go "above and beyond" in every area. You can't go wrong with them.”
“They gave my mother the most wonderful, loving care. They were very accommodating when we needed to make changes in the schedule. After dealing with two other agencies I wish I had gone with them from the start. They deserve a 10!”
“New Employee & I’m loving it already”
“I am a current client of this provider I could probably say that I was a past client of this provider, but because I continue to receive words of encouragement and advise from them, I still claim the current client status. Their help with my mother that was provided while she was at home was fantastic. They also have helped guide us through hospital and rehab stays. I would have to give them a 5 star rating and honestly can not think of one thing that went wrong on their part while we used their care The Caregiver was excellent. I wholeheartedly would recommend Always Best Care to anyone that finds themselves needing a caregiver to come along beside them.”
“Needed care for my mother with dementia, and father with medical issues. The team at Always Best Care were very responsive to our needs for 24/7 care for about 8 weeks. They try hard to have the same caregivers come to the house for continuity of care. The family really appreciated Phil's assistance with placing my parents in Assisted Living. His knowledge of the local York County homes was invaluable to placing my parents in a welcoming environment. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to help with senior care!”
“Always willing to help”
“I am a current client of this provider We're using Always Best Care for my parents. They're fantastic. The caregivers are professional, courteous, entertaining, and accommodating. They mainly provide medication management and companionship. I feel like they give personal touches, and there's a certain professionalism to them that other agencies I contacted didn't have.”
“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed you.”
“I have had the best support from a caring and supporting staff over the past year. The AMAZING part is that I live in CA and they're providing these services in Rock Hill. When I have any questions they are quick to get my answer back in a timely manner.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been providing care givers for my 91 year old father for more than 2 years now. I have been happy with their staff. My father is cared for with love and dignity and with their help I've been able to keep him in my home.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care service was very helpful in locating an assisted living facility for my Mother. Very professional and I would use them again.”
“I can honestly say that Always Best Care in Rock Hill did a very good job with providing home assistance with my mother and I am happy to recommend their services to others. The home care assistantswere friendly, patient, and respectful. Above all, I was extremely pleased with the active role the president, Phil Davidson, took in my mother’s care. He was exceptional at balancing professionalism and personal concern as he took a genuine interest in my mother’s well-being, he checked in periodically to see how the home care was going, and he diligently communicated with both family and staff. Phil’s efforts and those of the ABC staff are very much appreciated.”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your business. You really stand out in an industry and a time when people just go through the motions. You are a very special man and I pray that you will be very successful in your business.”
“Dear Phil, "We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such wonderful live-in care for our Grandfather from June through October 2013. Our family found ourselves in the most unimaginable situation when our Grandmother was unexpectedly hospitalized in late May and ultimately passed away in June. As you know, she was the sole caregiver for our Grandfather who has severe Alzheimer's disease. We are so very fortunate that we discovered your agency! You were able to promptly place qualified caregivers in his home and this gave our family immediate peace of mind. The level of care and compassion that you and your caregivers demonstrated toward our Grandfather is more than we ever anticipated and we will be forever grateful. You all walked with him through the terrible tragedy of losing his wife of 67 years. You and your staff provided extraordinary physical and emotional care for him through his grief and made getting him back to a "normal" life your top priority upon her death. In addition to the care you all provided my Grandfather, you were so kind to help educate us on the progression of Alzheimer's. You were a wonderful resource to us on what to expect in the next phases of this disease and help us plan for long-term care for him. While we are very sad to have to place him in a memory care-assisted living facility, we made the decision knowing that this will be the best place for him as he ages and his disease worsens. Your guidance and expertise in helping us choose the right facility for him helped make this daunting task bearable. Thank you again for all that you have done for our grandfather and for our family! We will be forever grateful!”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your business. You really stand out in an industry and a time when people just go through the motions. You are a very special man and I pray that you will be very successful in your business.”
“Dear Phil, Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during this summer. The care givers that we had were excellent and very professional. Thanks for being so flexible with the scheduling.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bear Creek Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Belvedere Inn or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lancaster, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lancaster, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lancaster, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A teacher at a Lancaster County elementary school has been charged with assaulting a student during gym class, the sheriff’s office said.The incident reportedly happened on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Buford Elementary School. Michael Wayne Edwards, 63, of Charlotte, has been charged with third-degree assault and battery, and cruelty to a child in connection with the incident.The altercation allegedly...
LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A teacher at a Lancaster County elementary school has been charged with assaulting a student during gym class, the sheriff’s office said.
The incident reportedly happened on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Buford Elementary School. Michael Wayne Edwards, 63, of Charlotte, has been charged with third-degree assault and battery, and cruelty to a child in connection with the incident.
The altercation allegedly occurred when Edwards, a gym teacher, responded to a 10-year-old student who was not following the rules of an activity. According to LCSO reports, Edwards forcefully pulled the boy out of the game and shoved him against the gym wall.
Several students in the class witnessed the incident and informed a teacher, prompting the school resource officer to launch an investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
“It is unfortunate this incident occurred,” Sheriff Barry Faile said in a released statement. “Parents expect those who teach and supervise our children in the school setting to nurture and protect them, not commit assaults against them. It’s encouraging to know these young student witnesses know the ‘see something, say something’ rule and reported this incident.”
Following the reports, the school resource officer, a deputy of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, conducted interviews with multiple students and a teacher who were present in the gym.
The sheriff’s office forwarded their findings to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office for prosecution, due to a conflict of interest involving the local solicitor’s office.
On the morning of March 21, Edwards turned himself in to authorities and was booked into the Lancaster County Detention Center. He was released on two personal recognizance bonds, set at $1,000 each. Edwards’ charges are classified as misdemeanors and carry penalties that include fines and potential jail time. Third-degree assault and battery can result in a fine of $500 or 30 days in jail, while cruelty to a child carries a penalty of a $200 fine or 30 days in jail.
The Lancaster County School District has placed Edwards on administrative leave.
“Our district continues to collaborate and cooperate with local law enforcement. Lancaster County School District has built a reputation for excellence, and we will continue to focus on our students’ success and ensuring the safety of all students,” Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, District Superintendent said in a released statement on Friday.
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The Lancaster County School District will review its fee on new home construction to see if it’s high enough, and if it should spread beyond the Indian Land panhandle.The school board voted last week to study impact fees, a charge on new home or apartment construction to create revenue for school capital projects. Four years ago, Lancaste...
The Lancaster County School District will review its fee on new home construction to see if it’s high enough, and if it should spread beyond the Indian Land panhandle.
The school board voted last week to study impact fees, a charge on new home or apartment construction to create revenue for school capital projects. Four years ago, Lancaster County Council approved a fee that’s now about $9,000 per home and nearly $10,000 per apartment.
It applies to properties north of S.C. 5, the highway that crosses the panhandle near Van Wyck.
Those fees are lower than similar ones in neighboring communities, they exclude many homes under construction and they don’t apply where a new wave of residential growth is expected.
“We are still reacting to growth in the panhandle,” school board Chairman Melvin Stroble said Thursday at a joint meeting with his board and the county council. “Our goal is to get ahead of growth as it is sprawling toward Lancaster and into Kershaw.”
The council would make the final decision on any changes, including the fee amount or what parts of the county would require fees.
The school board is thankful for the $900,000 collected so far in impact fees, Stroble said, but that amount only goes so far. A failed $588 million bond referendum last November included a new elementary school in Indian Land costing $93 million.
“Impact fees are like a Band-Aid on a gaping wound,” said Council Chairman Brian Carnes. “It’s going to help a little bit, but it’s not going to do what needs to be done. It’s just a small part of that process.”
The school board wants to see if impact fees can become a bigger part.
In Fort Mill, schools got more than $18,000 per new home in 2018, and recently applied to York County Council for a nearly $30,000 per home fee. There’s also concern in Lancaster County that the fee doesn’t apply in enough places.
The county exempted new homes from the fees if developers submitted a site plan prior to the 2021 vote to create school impact fees. Other county land use changes that year and saturation in the panhandle have largely stopped new residential projects in Indian Land.
So now, most of the homes under construction in Indian Land are from earlier agreements, and aren’t required to pay impact fees. School board member Revery Johnson said thousands of houses are being built within 5 miles of his Indian Land home.
“So those houses are being built, even though we’ve shut down new ones,” he said. “That’s fine. The houses are being built. They will have children. We have to deal with them.”
Councilman Jose Luis questioned whether the county could amend its impact fee rule so that it would apply to all developments under construction in Indian Land. Changing the approved exemption would be tricky. It’s hard to get a legal opinion from the state on whether the county could to it, said County Administrator Dennis Marstall.
“It’s untested,” he said.
For the school board, a new impact fee study would consider countywide collection since areas like Catawba Ridge, Edgewater and the city of Lancaster have tens of thousands of homes coming.
There are more than 26,000 lots countywide — more than half the number of residences that exist today — that are approved for home construction but don’t have one built there yet.
The South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office estimates Lancaster County will grow at a faster pace in the 15 years after 2020 than in the record-setting 20 years before it.
Still, school impact fees south of the panhandle are a nonstarter for some decision-makers.
“From talking to my constituents, no,” said Councilwoman Charlene McGriff, a former school board member whose council district covers downtown Lancaster. “North of (Hwy.) 5, is a different story.”
Councilman Steve Harper’s district surrounds the city, and touches rural areas in the westernmost and southernmost parts of the county. He could see impact fees if they target high-construction areas like Edgewater, but not if they cover more remote parts of the county to do it.
“There’s no way I’ll support approving impact fees below (Hwy.) 5,” Harper said. “Adding $10,000 to $15,000 will make houses unaffordable in my part of the world.”
Impact fees are an imperfect option but the school district doesn’t have many others, said Councilman Stuart Graham. He asked council to be receptive to whatever a study might find. There’s also the prospect that more rural areas could see increased growth pressures like Indian Land has, if the county does nothing.
Decisions limiting residential growth in the panhandle already are pushing construction south. Development won’t stop, Carnes said, but it could move.
The school district operates on a $182 million annual budget. The impact fee study will cost about $75,000. At more than 15,000 students and growing, the district continues to look for answers. All of them are expensive.
The board plans to set up a citizen commission and host public input sessions ahead of another school bond vote next spring. Total cost and project lists haven’t been developed.
The panhandle already has 53 mobile classroom units, or trailers, added onto school properties to meet capacity needs. That’s the most of any section of the county, Stroble said, and each new mobile classroom costs about $1 million.
The district has had discussions about the likely unpopular options of shifting attendance boundaries to better fit capacity needs.
“When you talk about attendance zones, parents love their schools,” said district Superintendent Raashad Fitzpatrick. “Communities love their schools. And so that is a sensitive topic.”
Impact fees won’t solve all growth and capacity problems, officials say. School bonds are still necessary. But impact fees at the right amounts and in the right places, they say, can help.
“We need to learn from our past mistakes and try to cut them off in the future,” Carnes said.
The Herald
John Marks graduated from Furman University in 2004 and joined the Herald in 2005. He covers community growth, municipalities, transportation and education mainly in York County and Lancaster County. The Fort Mill native earned dozens of South Carolina Press Association awards and multiple McClatchy President’s Awards for news coverage in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie.
The luckiest player in South Carolina has struck again.That’s what South Carolina Education Lottery officials said about the Lancaster man who recently won at least his third five-figure jackpot.The player won a scratch-off game’s $75,000 grand prize, officials said Thursday in a news release.“It was exciting,” the winner said in th...
The luckiest player in South Carolina has struck again.
That’s what South Carolina Education Lottery officials said about the Lancaster man who recently won at least his third five-figure jackpot.
The player won a scratch-off game’s $75,000 grand prize, officials said Thursday in a news release.
“It was exciting,” the winner said in the release. “But it was more exciting when I won more.”
He was talking about the time he won $250,000, but also said he’s proud of a $20,000 win along with many other smaller prizes he’s had over the past few years, according to the release.
The man overcame 660,000-to-1 odds to win his most recent grand prize, officials said.
As for a formula to finding winners? The South Carolina man said there’s no method, according to the release.
He enjoys playing scratch-off games, but doesn’t have a favorite one, officials said.
He doesn’t have a lucky spot where he buys tickets, and actually gets them from different stores in Lancaster, according to the release.
The man bought his most recent winner for $3 at the Jiya Mansi LLC gas station/convenience store at 1483 Charlotte Highway, officials said.
The only thing the man said that his wins have in common is how he spends his jackpots.
“I always give to the church after I win,” he said.
There was no word on any other plans he has for his newfound windfall, or how he’s used previous grand prizes.
The winner will be allowed to retain some privacy, as South Carolina is one of 11 states — along with Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio,Texas and Virginia — that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.
This was the last of the Loteria game’s four grand prizes to be claimed, and the scratch-off ticket is no longer available for purchase, according to the release.
The Lancaster gas station received a commission of $750 for selling the claimed ticket.
LANCASTER, S.C.Lancaster’s Jordan Watford put the game to bed.The Queens University of Charlotte-bound combo guard controlled the basketball down low and took flight late in Lancaster’s 64-57 victory over South Pointe Tuesday night in the South Carolina high school quarterfinals.Watford juggled the ball into the palm of his dominant hand as he leaped, throwing down a remarkable windmill dunk dur...
LANCASTER, S.C.
Lancaster’s Jordan Watford put the game to bed.
The Queens University of Charlotte-bound combo guard controlled the basketball down low and took flight late in Lancaster’s 64-57 victory over South Pointe Tuesday night in the South Carolina high school quarterfinals.
Watford juggled the ball into the palm of his dominant hand as he leaped, throwing down a remarkable windmill dunk during the final minutes. Lancaster will now play for a spot in the SCHSL 4A boys’ basketball title game and the Upper State Championship against Wren on Monday night.
“That’s the main thing that’s getting us our money: Just playing defense 24/7,” Watford said. “For that to be my last ever home game here at Lancaster, playing in front of a packed crowd, I just love it. Anytime I see a packed crowd, in my opinion, I feel like I play better. I step up.
“Early on, before the year, I had the decision to transfer, to go to a prep school. But I really wanted to stay and play with my brothers. These are the same kids I’ve been playing with since rec ball, AAU, and I just knew we’ve had some unaccomplished stuff we had to finish.”
Lancaster (25-1) nearly led the entire game against South Pointe, played inside its packed gymnasium early Tuesday evening.
The Bruins gained the upper hand early, making several defensive stops as various players drove to the basket, which helped them build a six-point lead at the half. Roughly one third of Lancaster’s 30 points at halftime came from Watford, who finished with 20 points.
South Pointe (18-9) kept the game close throughout the second half, continually preventing the Bruins from getting more than a three-score lead for most of the night.
Behind Watford’s performance that included a 6-of-6 mark from the free throw line, junior Columbus Parker — son of former J.C. Smith great Chris “Green Light” Parker — finished with 19 points and junior R.J. Brown added a strong 11-point effort.
“Our community responds, especially as this is a place where they love you or they hate you,” Lancaster head coach Jerron Cauthen said. “When you do right by kids, and right by people, that’s how they support you. They will be behind you, but they just want you to do the right thing. Not be perfect; Just do the right thing.
“I’ve been here for 20 years. I remember losing. A lot of these kids don’t remember that, they were just being born in ‘05, or they were babies. I know what it feels like to lose to a lot of teams several times. The effort was there, the coaching was there, we just couldn’t close. I’ve stayed home and I’m reminding them of that, because I don’t want them to have this feeling that our former teams had.”
? Lancaster won its 20th straight game. The Bruins’ lone loss came Dec. 13 against Dynamic Prep, the Jermaine O’Neal-coached powerhouse in Texas.
? Lancaster has been dominant in every victory this season, putting up nearly 72 points per game while outscoring opponents by an average of roughly 15.2 points.
? South Pointe, winners of eight of 10 entering Tuesday night, bowed out after another strong season. Three of the Stallions’ nine losses came to Lancaster — both the previous ones were also decided by single digits — including a 61-58 game on Feb. 7.
The Bruins are now set to play Wren, which defeated Greer at Powdersville High School on Tuesday night, for the Upper State Championship and a ticket to the SCHSL 4A title game on Monday. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Florence Center, site of the SCHSL’s week-long regional finals and state championships.
Andrew Jackson got a test early but pulled away in the second quarter and trounced visiting Atlantic Collegiate, 99-45, in a 2A girls’ quarterfinal game.
The victory send the Volunteers (25-3) into a Tuesday afternoon Lower State regional championship contest against Lake City in Florence.
The Armada entered the game with a 9-12 record but had upset Lake Marion in the previous round. The visitors surprised Andrew Jackson by taking an early lead and were up 12-9 before Andrew Jackson went on a 9-0 run and finished the first quarter up 18-12.
The Volunteers surged in the second quarter, outscoring Atlantic Collegiate 32-8. Tamia Watkins scored 16 of her team’s points in that period.
Andrew Jackson’s regional final/state semifinal game will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Florence Center, against Lake City (16-7).
This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 9:03 PM.
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