Author: Dick Mangrum

Seneca’s new population figure has yet to be officially finalized, but there is an estimate of 8,564 which would reflect an increase from the Census from 2010.  Ten years ago, Seneca’s population count was 8,102, according to Ed Halbig, planning and community development director.  If the 8,564 number holds as Seneca’s official 2020 Census count, the city will have gained […]

So far, in the school year, Oconee public schools have counted 323 cases of COVID-19 among their ranks, according to new information on the virus tracking page kept by the school district. Of the 323 cumulative cases, 68 were employees; 255 were students.  Walhalla High remains the hardest hit:  65 cases.  The fewest COVID cases, three, were detected at the […]

For many outdoor enthusiasts Labor Day weekend this year could be the last times for boating on South Carolina lakes.  The DNR wants all boaters to be able to enjoy the weekend without worrying about whether their crafts carry the required safety equipment and registration.  The Law Enforcement Division of the South Carolina DNR will conduct courtesy boat inspections at […]

U-S Rep. Jeff Duncan, South Carolina 3rd District Republican, has announced he has signed onto an article of impeachment against President Biden, alleging dereliction of duty over the administration’s handling of the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.  In a statement, Duncan calls what’s happened in Afghanistan “a grave humanitarian crisis.”

Foreign Service Officer Tim Hall of the State Department has earned the designation ‘Distinguished Graduate’–having earned a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University in Washington.  The Walhalla native, a former banker, and former Oconee County councilman placed in the top 10% of his class.  He has worked for the Department of State since September […]

101.7/WGOG NEWS received word this morning of an additional candidate qualifier for one of three available city council seats in Westminster.  That candidate is the Rev. Audrey Reese of the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, says the loss of Americans and Afghans to the deadly attacks is the result of “failed leadership at every level of the Biden administration”. Scott wants President Biden to send all military resources to ensure the safety of every American and ally awaiting evacuation from the Taliban-controlled country.  The Associated Press quotes Biden as […]

Records in the Oconee Common Pleas Court indicate a pre-trial settlement has been entered in a two-year old lawsuit that arose from a 2016 accident in which a train hit a tractor-trailer at Seneca’s East Main Street crossing.  Mediator James Jolly conducted an alternative dispute proceeding for the parties.  The plaintiff, Norfolk Southern Railway, motioned for a judgment in its […]

Walhalla resident Amy Welch announces that she’ll run for a council seat in her city’s November 2 election.  Welch teaches at the Hamilton Career and Technology Center.  Her platform includes the following:  “I will work with the community and city leaders to strengthen the utility system, support efforts to make Walhalla safer and cleaner and equip the city with the […]