It’s hard to believe it’s only been six months since the Tega Cay Sun launched! In June, we set out on an ambitious journey to establish a hyper-local news platform dedicated to the vibrant community of Tega Cay, aiming to fill the void in local news coverage and address the frustrations of content hidden behind paywalls. Our commitment has always been to provide local stories that are accessible to everyone, free of charge. The warm reception and support from Tega Cay and its neighboring areas have been overwhelming, affirming our mission and fueling our dedication to keeping the community informed and connected.
From the very start, it’s been a whirlwind of exciting stories, engaged readers, and a deep sense of connection with the community. We’ve witnessed firsthand the power of local news to inform, entertain, and bring people together.
One of the highlights was uncovering the buzz about new restaurants coming to town. Who wouldn’t be excited about Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Biscuit Belly setting up shop at Mills Crossing? This article, the most read of the year, dives into the details of the $6 million development project on S.C. Highway 160. Readers were captivated by the promise of hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and gourmet biscuit sandwiches adding flavor to the local dining scene. With site preparations underway and an opening targeted for late 2024, the community awaits these culinary additions with anticipation. Stay tuned for more updates on what’s sure to be a new hotspot at Mills Crossing!
Another favorite a
mong our readers was the heartwarming “Reason for the Season on Full Display at Christmas House” story. This article offers a touching look into the lives of the Buettner-Ouellette family in Tega Cay, who transform their home into a beacon of Christmas cheer. Their commitment, stemming from Jeremy’s challenging childhood experiences, to creating a festive sanctuary resonated deeply with the community. The narrative of sharing, community involvement, and the joy of the holiday season touched many hearts, making it a cherished read. The family’s journey of turning adversity into a celebration of love and resilience exemplified the spirit of Christmas and left a lasting impression on readers. Dive into the full, uplifting story available here.
But it wasn’t just heartwarming tales and foodie news that resonated. The Tega Cay City election page, with its in-depth candidate spotlights, became the most visited page on our website. It was a testament to our commitment to providing valuable information during a crucial time for our community.
While online engagement has been fantastic, we also wanted to ensure everyone had access to local news, regardless of their internet access. That’s why we launched our free monthly print edition, available at the Shore Club, Model A Brewing, and Knowledge Perk, as well as via home delivery. Seeing people pick up a copy with a smile has been incredibly rewarding.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, including Model A Brewing, Ameriprise Financial Advisor Michael Matus, Everguard Fence Solution, Farm Fresh Carolinas, Live Active Charlotte, Carolina Realty Solutions, and Nash Patient Advocacy & Consulting. Their belief in our mission has been instrumental in our success.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our contributing reporters: Dr. Brian Strump for his insightful Health/Fitness coverage, Whit Sawyer for enriching our Leisure/Health section, Mike Griffith for keeping us updated with the Carolina Weather Authority, and Kaitlyn Smith for her engaging contributions. Your dedication, expertise, and hard work do not go unnoticed and have been instrumental in our mission to deliver quality local news. Thank you for being an integral part of our team and for your commitment to informing and serving our community. Your efforts are truly appreciated!
As we step into 2024, I’m brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. We have so many stories to tell, voices to amplify, and connections to forge. We’re committed to remaining the go-to source for local news, a platform for community engagement, and a champion for all things Tega Cay.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to a year filled with even more local news, community spirit, and shared connections!
Warmly,
Your friendly neighborhood Tega Cay Sun
Thomas Hyslip and Patrick Byrne
P.S. Stay tuned for even more exciting news and stories in the coming months! We’ve got some big plans in the works, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
