Author: Dick Mangrum

A judge’s decision ends a civil claim against the state Department of Public Safety in the death of a Seneca area woman killed when a car chased by state troopers crashed into her home.  Circuit Judge McIntosh’s order last month approves a $175 thousand settlement between the DPS and Shirley Neimeyer.  Plaintiff Neimeyer represents the estate of Vanessa Neimeyer,  killed […]

A long-time Oconee educator is leaving the county district after 18 years.  A district announcement this morning explains Lisa Simmons’ decision is based on family medical needs.  For the past five years, Simmons served as assistant superintendent of instruction.  Before that she was principal at Seneca’s Blue Ridge Elementary School.  Corresponding with Simmons’ departure, according to the announcement, the county […]

An effort by the city of Greer is taking part in a butterfly project to create and display 1.5 million butterflies worldwide representing one for each child who died in the Holocaust.  At last report, Greer has collected 550 colorful tributes.  The city is also recognizing Greer native Horace Berry, whose family operated Berry Mills.  After Horace Berry graduated from […]

Special Election Day draws near in Seneca.  And the League of Women Voters of Oconee and Pickens announces a candidate forum for the candidates.  The forum is scheduled 7 to 8:30 Monday night, May 22 at the Gignilliat Center.  Five people are the ballot candidates when city voters fill a vacant council seat in the special election Tuesday, May 30.

During Council Comments last night, Glenn Hart spoke up about the Oconee Rock Crusher near Walhalla.  Hart requested that council members be included on a communication alert whenever a crusher problem requires a suspension of service.  Amanda Brock, county administrator, responded by saying that failure to include council on a notification list was an oversight and will be corrected.  Secondly, […]

John Elliott remains chairman of the budget committee of the Oconee County Council.  However, council’s new chairman, Matthew Durham, made changes in other appointments for 2023 announced at the start of last night’s meeting.  Council’s newest member, Don Mize, picked up lead roles as chairman of the law enforcement and the planning and economic development committees.  Mize, the council member […]

At the urging of the chairman, the Oconee County Council agreed to include 3% pay increases for county employees and certain elected officials, along with a study to determine which employees deserve merit increases, perhaps, as much as 6%.  Excluded from the pay jumps are the five county councilmen.  The motion by Chairman Matthew Durham was approved 4-0 as the […]

Oconee County Sheriff’s Office held a promotions ceremony in April to honor and recognize Detention Officers, a Uniform Patrol Deputy, and a School Resource Officer who received promotions. The following Correctional Officers are recognized for a promotion in the Detention Center: Detention Deputy Amanda Davis – Promoted to Sergeant – Bravo Shift Detention Deputy Alicia Snyder – Promoted to Corporal […]

A 45-year old West Union man was charged with multiple offenses in an Oconee sheriff’s office investigation of a home burglary near Seneca.  Law enforcement records show charges of breach of peace, malicious injury to real property, entering premises after warning, and burglary first degree against Dawson Donald Batchelor Jr.  Shortly after 4:30 yesterday morning, according to an incident report, […]