Author: Dick Mangrum

Walhalla leaders came out of their meeting last night agreed that they will make no change to their rules covering political candidate signs on public property—at least for this election season. But it’s not out of the question that, starting with local, state and national elections next year, they won’t re-institute a law that restricts candidate signs until two weeks […]

The Oconee Planning Commission and the county’s Economic Alliance will take up the issue of a possible moratorium or prohibition on future billboard construction in the county. Following an executive session to receive legal advice on the matter during Tuesday’s Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to refer the issue for recommendations. In July, the Council asked county attorney David […]

Improving traffic safety on U-S 123, especially with deceleration lanes and improved access points, must be addressed as the corridor between Seneca and Clemson continues to be one of the county’s hottest areas for new development, according to county officials. The SC DOT has already indicated that any policies the county adopts will be strongly considered as the state makes its […]

A judge signed off today on a $50 thousand settlement that will cover a mishap involving a five-year old boy and an Oconee school bus. Judge Maddox was told the boy, a special needs student, fell while getting off a bus on January 10, 2018 and broke an ankle. His mother says the boy has been left with anxiety including […]

On a statewide grading system of the quality of public education, the Oconee School District scored a 52 on a scale from zero to 100. The student achievement gradings under the framework of a federal law are designed to provide an accounting of the public schools. The school report card data are available today on the School Report Card page […]

The lack of moisture and warm temperatures have caused grassy fuels and brush to dry making it susceptible for wildfire.  “One spark is all it takes to cause a wildfire,” said Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Supervisor Rick Lint.  “We ask you to be aware a toss of a lit cigarette or driving across grass can spark a wildfire.  […]

Counting the newly-announced federal grant and supplement from local and state governments, Oconee’s Joint Regional Sewer Authority is being infused with monies to help make a new phase of Sewer South a reality. The U-S Commerce Department announcement late last week of a $3.7 million grant to the JRSA is designed to facilitate infra-structure improvements to protect businesses in the […]

Oconee County may be close to finding someone new to lead the game of economic development.  Amanda Brock, county administrator, has confirmed that she has extended an offer to an applicant to succeed California-bound Janet Hartman.  In a statement, Brock says she expects to learn the preferred applicant’s response by late this afternoon.  Whoever is picked to succeed Hartman will […]

“Young, tenacious and talented” are words to describe a three-year member of the Walhalla Fire Department.  Cole Davenport last night was recognized as the city’s fire fighter of the year during the county’s Annual Municipal Public Safety Appreciation Dinner. The event was held at the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. Davenport started as a volunteer and transitioned in a career position.  […]