Author: Dick Mangrum

South Carolina DOT announces about 83 roads were closed statewide. The figure was likely to change last night as the storm continued to work its way across the state. Based on initial roadway damage assessments, the upstate region appears to be impacted the most at this time. But fewer than one dozen roads will require major repairs by SCDOT crews. […]

An office employee at the Seneca Lowe’s store was arrested Wednesday at her workplace and charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent, value of $10 thousand or more. Law enforcement records identify the accused as Carrie Rose Brooks, 21-year old resident of Donald Road, Seneca. As part of an investigation, Oconee deputy Russ Anderson met with Craig Dowdle, Investigator […]

Word has reached Seneca that state and federal money to run “CAT” buses throughout the city and into the county will be reduced during the next year by about $78 thousand. At a public hearing today, Seneca’s Ed Halbig says his city in 2020-21 can expect 717 thousand, 602 dollars thru the DOT’s Division of Mass Transit. That compares with […]

A second Oconee woman, missing for about one year, also, is the subject of stepped efforts by the Sheriff’s Office to find her.  She is Laura Ann Anders.  A deputy quoted her husband as saying he left for Spartanburg January 2, 2019, returned at the end of the month, but did not have any contact with her.  The last known […]

Out of caution, public safety officials closed parts of several Oconee County roads and streets. Eight locations in the Walhalla area were identified by the fire department as problems areas: Rocky Knoll Road at fields (East End) Tulip Drive (Sertoma Field) E Main (between Oak and Church) S College and W S Broad intersection N Andover Rimrodt road Busch Creek […]

SCDOT is advising motorists to use caution and travel only when necessary in areas of South Carolina impacted by severe storms. Important safety information includes: • Obey all signs and never drive around barricades. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” • Watch out for highway workers – “Let ‘em Work. Let ‘em Live.” • A foot of water can make a car […]

All Oconee after-school and evening activities are cancelled for Thursday, February 6th. This includes the district professional development opportunity (PDO) scheduled at Ravenel Elementary. For those affected, please contact Anna Shivar with questions.  Based on the conditions, the public schools decided to keep students in class until regular dismiss time this afternoon, although parents were allowed to sign out their children.  […]

The police and fire personnel were on the scene this morning of what appears to have been a one-car accident on 123–the Seneca-Clemson corridor.  The wrecked vehicle wound up in the drive to the Foxnest veterinary clinic.

The Walhalla intersection of S. College and Broad streets is to be avoided this morning, as the torrential rains have flooded much of the pavement.  The problem is compounded for the offices of the nearby Visit Oconee, as part of Visit Oconee’s parking lot is now inundated, and the conditions are likely to worsen the rest of the day.  Ironically, […]

In the 24-hour period that ended at 7 this morning, Walhalla officially received more than 2.5″ rain and hard rain continues to fall.  By routine, weather watcher Barbara Wilson ventures out of her home and walks toward the weather station.  On mornings like this, she covers up in boots and a poncho.  A flashlight also is required gear.