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The manager shared that so far, monetary donations are nearing $2,000.

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ROCK HILL, S.C. — Neighbors in Rock Hill are continuing to come together for the families affected by the tragic shooting that took place just one week ago at Budiman’s Smoke Shop on Cherry Road.

That shooting took the lives of 27-year-old Celci Johnson and 49-year-old Emad Saadalla.

“You can tell how much the community does care and how much they want to help,” explained Kayla Stanek, the front house manager at Richie’s Italian Bistro and an organizer for the donation drive.

Since the shooting, the community has stepped up to collect donations for the victim’s families to ensure they’re taken care of for the holidays. People have taken the time to bring bags of gifts and essentials to the restaurant to be delivered to the family.

Stanek also said so far, monetary donations are nearing $2,000.

“This is the least we can do. We can’t take the pain away from them but if we can just make them smile and ease the pain – even if it’s just for an hour or 15 minutes - that’s all that matters,” she said.

The donation drive was initially scheduled to end Dec. 13, but Stanek says since the turnout has been so amazing she’s extending it throughout the weekend.

If you would like to donate, organizers say they’re still looking for diapers, wipes, and clothes specifically for a 15-year-old and 11-year-old.

You can drop off all donations this weekend at Richie's, located at 819 Terrace Pak Ste. 103 in Rock Hill.

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April 20, 2024, was a warm, mostly sunny Saturday in Rock Hill, until it wasn’t. A little after 4 p.m., a microburst of hailstones fell across a narrow slice of York County in general, and a small neighborhood in Rock Hill in particular.

On a damp, gusty December morning, much of the Southside neighborhood that took the brunt of devastating hail looks as if nothing had ever happened.

But a lot of this end of town looks as though something certainly did. While there are numerous new roofs and a lot of updated siding, installed courtesy of insurance following severe damage to homes and businesses, there are still several properties with damaged roofs, chipped siding, and boarded windows.

One of the most persistent issues keeping Southside from getting out from under the April storm is a lack of financial resilience. Southside is among the poorest districts in Rock Hill, even as the city is trying to build this neighborhood back up. That’s happening, but it’s slow going, and not everyone is able to put the storm behind them yet, even after eight months.

“It looked like somebody set off machine gun fire. That's how bad that hit,” said Samuel Lee Robinson III, a homeowner on Lucky Lane. “It didn't really last as long as you thought, but the damage it did in that short amount of time, over here on this side of Rock Hill – people are still trying to build and fix.”

Robinson’s siding took a beating and extra-large hailstones hurt his roof. He’s been able to take care of those things, mostly. But he’s still dealing with water damage inside his house, wrought by Tropical Storm Helene in September – damage made possible by the April storm, because Robinson couldn’t get everything fixed before Helene’s heavy rainfall.

He does count himself as lucky because he’s been able to address storm damage, but he knows his neighbors – many of whom were renters who had to leave damaged properties after the storm and haven’t returned since – didn’t all fare so well.

“You can walk around here and still see people still trying to rebuild from this, still waiting for help to come,” he said.

He points across the street, where the siding on his neighbor’s house is chipped and flaked in what almost looks like a woodland camouflage pattern of lighter paint on top and a darker color beneath. Other homes in the blocks around Luck Lane show lesser, but still distinct evidence of storm damage.

It wasn’t just homes, of course.

Crystal Nazeer, owner, with her husband, Jonathan, of a small produce shop on Crawford Road called FARMacy, has just returned to the store for a grand re-opening it took seven months to get to.

“It was pretty bad,” she said. “Our roof was like Swiss cheese.”

FARMacy’s roof is flat, so when a spring and summer of soaking rains came, what didn’t leak collected water. What did leak created issues with mold that required major repairs. The store raised $15,000 from the community to get the roof and leak issues fixed.

“It gave us a feeling like the community does want us here. They do want to support us,” she said. “Even though we may not see them come in the doors all the time, they do want to see us still open.”

During the store’s down time, Nazeer said, the business was still able to be the community hub it’s been since it opened two years ago. The Nazeer's trade in community development and healthy eating programs and oversee a community garden out back, next to the Emmett Scott Center.

That farming program – particularly the greenhouse – took a pummeling in April too, but Nazeer said the store could still host programs and be part of the community.

“Everything that was going on before we had the store kind of kept going,” she said. “We just didn't have the store.”

Insurances went a long way for Robinson and the Nazeer's. Not so, however, for Fletcher Ervin, a 73-year-old retired carpenter whose house behind Clinton College was badly damaged in April, further damaged in September, and remains in a kind of limbo.

“I pay an amount of $1,200 a year for insurance,” Ervin said, pointing to a strip of vinyl sign he has taped and tucked over a pane of glass in his living room bay window. The sign covers a hole the size of a cantaloupe, which does little to stanch the flow of cold, damp air or to repel the interest of flying bugs into his house.

“My deductible is $2,500,” he said. And despite what he thinks is about $5,000 in damages stemming from the hailstorm, including the roof and siding, his insurance company cut him a check he says he can do almost nothing with.

“At the end of the day,” Ervin said, “I come up with an $86 check.”

Since filing his claim, Ervin said his annual homeowner’s insurance has gone up to $1,700.

While there might not be a connection between Ervin’s filed claim and the higher premium – the South Carolina Department of Insurance says weather-related insurance claims are increasing and as a result, insurance premiums are rising universally, so Ervin’s higher rate could be something that would have happened anyway –he hasn’t bothered to file any claims related to Helene, because he doesn’t want his premium to rise again, just in case.

He would be willing to deal with the repairs himself. But with his eyesight failing and his working income gone, he said he can’t get to the repairs efficiently.

“It's been a little struggle,” he said. “And while my windows are still busted up, I'm really having trouble keeping warm and fighting the bugs. So it's like a fight, a journey, where I feel like I'm losing some time.”

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Scott Morgan

Scott Morgan is the Upstate multimedia reporter for South Carolina Public Radio, based in Rock Hill. He cut his teeth as a newspaper reporter and editor in New Jersey before finding a home in public radio in Texas. Scott joined South Carolina Public Radio in March of 2019. His work has appeared in numerous national and regional publications as well as on NPR and MSNBC. He's won numerous state, regional, and national awards for his work including a national Edward R. Murrow.

Northwestern and Irmo meet at 6 p.m. Saturday in Orangeburg for the S.C. High School League’s Class 5A/Division 2 football championship, capping three days of state title games on the S.C. State campus.

The action began Thursday, with Clinton (2A) and Abbeville (1A) winning state championships.

Dutch Fork then captured the Class 5A/Division 1 title Friday afternoon, before South Florence and Westside put on a dramatic show Friday night in the 4A finals. South Florence prevailed 43-42 in a shootout.

Here is a look ahead at Saturday’s two title games, along with summaries of the games already completed.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Belton-Honea Path (13-1) vs. Oceanside Collegiate (10-3), noon — Belton-Honea Path won a state title in 2014, while Oceanside Collegiate is aiming at its second straight championship. The Landsharks also finished second two years ago.

Belton-Honea Path’s offensive leader is RB Marquise Henderson, who has rushed for 1,934 yards, has scored 25 touchdowns, and has 10 100-yard games this season. Oceanside Collegiate lost three of its first five games, but those were to Irmo and Dutch Fork (S.C. state finalists) and Georgia power Savannah Christian. Sophomore QB Aiden Manavian has thrown for 3,000 yards.

Northwestern (13-0) vs. Irmo (12-1), Class 5A/Division 2, 6 p.m. — Northwestern is making its 12th title-game appearance and has won the championship five times. Irmo is a traditional S.C. power but has won it all just once — 44 years ago.

QB Finley Polk (70 percent completion rate; 3,284 passing yards; 42 touchdowns) powers the Northwestern attack, although Zymier Gordon-Miles (1,198 rushing yards) is a big help. Andre Pickett (5.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss) leads the defense. Irmo QB A.J. Brand Jr., son of head coach Aaron Brand, is the Gatorade Player of the Year in South Carolina, He has rushed for 1,861 yards and 25 touchdowns and thrown for 2,449 yards and 28 scores. Watch out for sophomore LB Jaiden Bryant, who has 18.5 sacks and four caused fumbles.

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

CLASS 5A / DIVISION 1: Dutch Fork 35, Summerville 21 — The Silver Foxes (13-0) won the school’s ninth state championship and earned head coach Tom Knotts his 17th state title, as Maurice Anderson ran for three touchdowns.

Anderson’s 27-yard run gave Dutch Fork a 6-0 lead, but Summerville (13-1) gained the lead on a fourth-down pass of 18 yards from Jaden Cummings to Jaiden Kelly-Murray. The Green Wave made it 14-0 on a 43-yard run by Williams early in the second quarter.

Dutch Fork responded, scoring on a 19-yard pass from Ethan Offing to Boykin Bickley and on a short run by Anderson. Offing and Bickley connected on a 20-yard touchdown pass midway in the third quarter, giving Dutch Fork a 28-14 lead.

Summerville narrowed the gap on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Cooper Kafina to Kelly-Murray with six minutes left in the third quarter.

But Dutch Fork twice stopped Summerville on downs in the fourth quarter, after the Green Wave drove into Silver Fox territory. Anderson finished the scoring with a 38-yard run in the closing minutes. He finished with 146 rushing yards on 16 carries.

CLASS 4A: South Florence 42, Westside 41 — In what was almost certainly one of the state’s most exciting championship games in years, South Florence (12-3) avenged a 34-32 loss to Westside in the finals a year ago and won the 4A crown for the second time in three years.

Trailing 35-28 early in the fourth quarter, South Florence tied the score on a 33-yard fourth-down pass from Messiah Jackson to Jayden Sellers. South Florence then pulled ahead with two minutes left, on a 4-yard run by Tre Leonard. The conversion kick gave the Bruins a 42-35 lead.

But Westside (13-1) answered, as Cutter Woods fired a 50-yard touchdown pass to Chamarryus Bomar with 1:52 remaining. The Rams elected to go for a two-point conversion, but the pass attempt was broken up.

Woods passed for more than 400 yards, and Bomar had four touchdown catches.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

CLASS 2A: Clinton 35, Barnwell 6 — The Red Devils made their first visit to the state finals since 2009 successful, scoring a lopsided victory over the Warhorses.

Clinton (11-2) won its ninth state championship behind the play of quarterback Tushawan Richardson, who threw two touchdown passes, and Rhett Gilliam, who ran for two touchdowns and a two-point conversion.

The Red Devils scored just 35 seconds into the game, on Richardson’s 78-yard touchdown run. Gilliam’s conversion made it 8-0. Barnwell (13-2) answered when Jaquan Peeples returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown.

But D.J. Clark ran 27 yards for a Clinton score just two minutes later, and Gilliam scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter for a 21-6 halftime lead.

Barnwell drove to the Clinton 30 early in the third quarter, thanks to a long pass from Cameron Austin to William Robinson, but the Clinton defense held.

The Red Devils then added scores on a Richardson-to-Devin Swindler pass and a Gilliam run.

CLASS 1A: Abbeville 58, Cross 20 — Abbeville won its 14th state championship, and its seventh since 2015, behind the running, passing and defense of South Carolina commit Demarcus Leach.

Cross (11-3) led briefly, scoring on Karmello Jones’ 25-yard run early in the first quarter. But Darius Riley’s 30-yard run and a conversion kick put Abbeville (13-1) ahead to stay 7-6, with five minutes left in the period.

Leach and Karson Norman scored on short runs in the second quarter, and a Leach interception set up another Abbeville touchdown midway in the period for a 30-6 lead.

Leach ran 40 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter and completed a 70-yard pass for another touchdown.

Cross’ Mah’ky Green raced 50 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

This story was originally published December 12, 2024, 5:30 AM.

We are always on the lookout for a new dining or bar concept. And, this one is right up my alley. One of our favorite spots will now be the site of a new speakeasy Rock Hill South Carolina. So, let’s dig in and find and lean more about it!

Earlier this year, our family ventured out for Sunday brunch in Rock Hill, South Carolina at Kounter. It was one of the best brunch experiences we’ve ever had. The drinks were awesome, the food was incredible and innovative. And, the history of the building was moving.

History Of The Site Of Speakeasy Rock Hill South Carolina

Kounter, from Chef Rob Masone, sits in the historic building once the site of McCrory’s Five and Dime. And, of course the lunch counter of McCrory’s holds an historic moment in Civil Rights history. In February of 1960, black students from nearby Friendship Jr. College in Rock Hill were denied service at the counter but refused to leave.

They were arrested and 9 of them chose to take the 30 day jail sentence rather than pay the $100 fine. That group famously became known as “The Friendship Nine.” The counter at Kounter still features the seats the group occupied. And, a plaque on the back of each seat commemorates the moment with the name of each.

More About The New Speakeasy Rock Hill South Carolina

And now, according to qcitymetro, Chef Rob Masone of Kounter, is launching Elsie’s Speakeasy Rock Hill South Carolina. Elsie’s, set to open December 18, is named for the chef’s grandmother. It will be 900 square feet with enough space for 45 guests. And, there will be a larger event space upstairs for private events opening next year.

Elsie’s will also offer memberships for 50 guests that renew yearly. The memberships allow customers to experience VIP treatment and private access, exclusive invites and more perks. So, what can we expect from Elsie’s menu?

There will be plenty of the classics mixed in with modern spins and smoked features. Plus, expect small bite offerings as well. And, trust me, if Chef Masone is behind the concept, it will all be delicious and creative.

In speakeasy fashion, Elsie’s will be accessible behind a concealed door. And, of course, you’ll need a special code word to enter. We can’t wait to try this new speakeasy Rock Hill South Carolina. We’re planning a visit over the holidays!

Most Northwestern High School football players followed Jayden Baxter as he recorded a crucial late interception.

Perhaps, those Trojans will keep sprinting into next week’s state title game.

It was a battle for most of Northwestern’s 58-40 win over Gaffney in the Upper State championship of the South Carolina 5A Division II football bracket. The Upstate rivals traded blows throughout the first three quarters, with the visitors running the ball effectively and keeping themselves in the game.

But ultimately, there was no way of stopping the Trojans, who remain undefeated.

Northwestern (13-0) will now play Irmo, which beat White Knoll on Friday night, for the state championship at 6 p.m. next Saturday at South Carolina State University.

“We had a great, great crowd,” Trojans head coach Page Wofford said about the atmosphere at District 3 Stadium for what had the feels of a barn burner. “They were in the game the whole time, loud and proud. We expect that next Saturday down in Orangeburg.”

Senior Matthew Fish, who ranks among the top kickers in South Carolina, booted three field goals for the Trojans.

The Gaffney (10-2) offense scored on an early drive, which included a difficult reception by senior wide receiver Eli Falls on fourth down. Speedy receiver Jamarcus Smith hustled for a 10-yard touchdown dash into the right side of the end zone — after which Trojans junior linebacker Antavious Ross stopped the Indians’ two-point attempt following a bad snap.

Senior quarterback Finley Polk hit senior receiver Jayden Nichols for a long gain on the ensuing Northwestern series, but the promising drive stalled on third down at the goal line. Fish drilled another 18-yarder, which made the game an unusual 6-6 score.

The first half kept going back and forth.

Gaffney sophomore Kendaris Bailey took off on a 43-yard touchdown rush, giving his team the upperhand in the second quarter. The Trojans’ special teams unit — led by sophomore Khalil Williamson — blocked the point-after attempt.

Junior wideout Kameron Vance hauled in a 64-yard touchdown pass from Polk, putting the Trojans back on top, before another fast Gaffney drive — culminating in Smith’s second touchdown — made it an 18-13 lead for the Indians.

A strong kick return from junior Jonathan Spurgeon got Northwestern all the way to midfield. Several bursts from standout sophomore running back Zymier Gordon-Miles brought it closer, and then Polk threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Daniel Caldwell.

And the Trojans stayed in front.

Northwestern attempted and successfully recovered an onside kick, giving the Rock Hill side possession inside its opponent’s 30-yard line. Polk capped the short scoring drive with a seven-yard rushing touchdown on a quarterback draw.

It got the ball back again before the end of the first half — and senior Tadarrian Knox made a remarkable touchdown grab that gave the Trojans an 27-18 advantage at halftime.

“The message this week was: ‘Stay calm,’” Wofford said. “We knew there was going to be some adversity, because when you play a good team like Gaffney, there’s going to be adversity. But if you can just stay calm — keep playing, keep chopping — you’ll be OK in the end.

“And we did that. We said at halftime the defense needed to go out and make a few stops; and offensively, we weren’t going to let up and play safe.”

Gaffney clawed into the deficit throughout the third quarter, starting with a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jayvon Gilmore to junior running back Jaiden McDowell. The Trojans added a short field goal by Fish, before another Indians touchdown made it 37-32 late in the third quarter.

Following a crucial interception by senior defensive lineman Mason Grier, Northwestern took another two-score lead early in the fourth quarter. Polk tossed a touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone to Caldwell, who climbed the ladder and caught the 15-yard scoring reception.

? This was the 57th meeting between the Upstate South Carolina rivals. While they didn’t play in the regular season this year, the programs have matched up 17 times over the past two decades. Northwestern currently leads the all-time series, 32-26.

? The undefeated Trojans offense remains dominant, having scored at least 31 points in each of Northwestern’s past 10 games.

? Gaffney had won 10 of 11 games entering Friday night’s showdown. The Indians’ lone regular-season loss came in a 9-7 battle on Oct. 5 against Dorman, which was eliminated in the first round of the 5A Division I playoffs.

Northwestern will play Irmo in the Class 5A Division II championship game, set for 6 p.m. next Saturday, Dec. 14, at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg, on the campus of South Carolina State University.