Author: Dick Mangrum

Confirmed Cases 343; (five in Oconee) Probable Cases 270; Confirmed Deaths 16; Probable Deaths 4 Total Tests  11,407 Percent Positive 4.0%

New research from Clemson University in a medical journal indicates how surveillance-based informative testing mitigates the spread of COVID-19 on campus.  And that, according to Clemson, paves the way for other institutions for mass-scale testing.  SBIT was implemented during the first two weeks of Clemson’s fall semester.  According to the study, random surveillance tests to identify outbreaks in residence halls […]

The auditorium that once served middle and high school students in Salem has been restored, thanks to a community effort.  And, with its certificate of occupancy, the Eagles Nest Art Center held its first event, a beauty pageant on Saturday.  A grand opening is planned in the near future.  Meantime, the restored auditorium still has needs.  Alumni have the opportunity […]

An announcement details the completion of a merger involving a local bank.  Community First says the acquisition of (SFB) Security Federal Bank, effective with the close of business Friday, means that Security Federal merges immediately into Community First.  Under terms of the agreement, Security Federal shareholders receive cash of about $8.3 million, or $33.00 for each share of common stock […]

A 26-year old Westminster man was killed instantly late Saturday afternoon when struck by a southbound freight train in vicinity of North Avenue and the Earle Holcombe Street.  Two train personnel spotted Trevor Hobbie Turner walking on the tracks  Turner died instantly. People at the nearby Anderson Park witnessed the death.  According to Coroner Addis, Turner was identified by tattoos […]

Reported Sunday, March 21, 2021  11:00 a.m. Data as of Friday, March 19, 2021 11:59 p.m. COVID-19 New Total Confirmed Cases 654 (five in Oconee County) 459,417 Probable Cases 405 82,165 Confirmed Deaths 35 7,953 Probable Deaths 8 1,054 Molecular Test Results 20,445 Total Tests 6,524,120 Percent Positive 4.3%

Fire destroyed a garage attached to a home at Keowee Key.  Chief Brandon Shirley says Keowee Fire Department reached the fire scene on Smooth Sailor Court in four and a half minutes and were able to stop the attached garage fire before it could spread to the house.

Beginning today, all nursing homes and assisted living facilities in South Carolina are required to offer outdoor and/or indoor visitation, with few exceptions, based on new guidelines released by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). These newly updated visitation guidelines follow federal guidance released on March 10. “Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as their […]