Author: Dick Mangrum

Top cops in Oconee municipalities were impressed by the public turnout for last evening’s “Back the Blue” in the county.  Seneca Chief Casey Bowling, speaking to the crowd, said, “It’s not every day we get support like this.”  From the standpoint of the Walhalla police, Chief Sean Brinson said last night’s demonstration for the work of law enforcement went well.  […]

South Carolina’s senior U-S senator, Lindsey Graham, says he has been vaccinated and is glad he did it.  “If you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated,” Graham said in a statement.  “I think the vaccine is safe.  I think it’s effective.”

The U-S population count, conducted during the time of a world pandemic, was announced this afternoon by the Census Bureau.  By April 1, 2020, the total of U-S residents was 331,449,281.  That’s a 7.4% increase over the 2010 count, but it’s a smaller increase that in the past.  Ron Jarmin, acting Census director, also highlighted the apportionment figures that are […]

After a lightning strike that damaged equipment, repairs have been made and Oconee County is back in the business of crushing rock and selling its products to those in the business of hauling rock.  Amanda Brock, county administrator, said the crusher was returned to service late Friday afternoon and today has been a regular day of business at the quarry […]

An old county building has a new look.  Amanda Brock, Oconee County administrator, says the Clemson University Joseph F. Sullivan health services gave a facelift to the former state health department building facing Booker Drive in Walhalla.  Brock says it’s part of an expansion of health services available there to Oconee County residents.

Clemson University researchers say new evidence that an ancient river system flowed from Canada’s western mountains to the Labrador Sea raises questions about the impact it may have had on Earth’s climate millions of years ago.  It could hold clues to what future climate might be like.  Scientists have hypothesized that the now-extinct Bell River and its tributaries flowed east […]

In a report this afternoon, South Carolina DHEC noted 362 new COVID-19 cases.  Sixteen of the cases are Oconee residents.  Statewide, the death toll increased by two persons.  Of 13,206 test results, the latest positivity is 3.7%.  The numbers reflect the 24-hour count effective at 11:59 Saturday night.

Qualifying government agencies and non-profits are invited to apply for Duke Energy funds from the utility’s Keowee-Toxaway Habitat Enhancement Program.  The program funds projects that create, enhance and protect fish and wildlife habitats along the shores of the lakes Keowee and Jocassee, along with their watersheds.  Among projects eligible:  planting native shoreline vegetation, constructing osprey platforms and wood duck boxes, […]

The FAA has released the following statement:  “A single-engine Kitfox crashed into trees and came to rest in a creek near Mountain Rest, SC at 11:07 am local time yesterday.  There were two people on board.”  The men injured in the two-seater craft were identified to 101.7/WGOG NEWS as an 18 year old and a 45-year old.  A spokeswoman for […]

The Facebook page of the Oconee Republican Party announces plans for a “Back the Blue” event tonight in Walhalla.  It’s planned as a mobile rally starting at 6:30, with a 5:30 meet-up in the parking lot of the sheriff’s office.  The purpose:  to show support for the county deputies.  Participants are asked to wear Thin Blue Line gear and display […]