Author: Dick Mangrum

In what’s seen as a further decline in the spread of COVID-19, South Carolina recorded no deaths in the latest 24-hour count period.  Yesterday’s report from DHEC showed 310 new confirmed cases statewide, including five in Oconee, but no new deaths.  Of 12,379 test results, the state’s positivity was 3.4%.

An arm of the federal government, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,  is accepting public comment on an application for a new Lake Keowee marina.  This one would be known as Sunset Marina and would occupy waters where Gap Hill Marina was previously located.  The marina would cover 6.08 acres and include 13 boat docks to accommodate 171 watercraft, a concrete […]

More than 1 million South Carolina returns have been filed electronically at the halfway point for the tax season. According to figures from the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR), as of March 12, 1,080,548 state Individual Income Tax Returns have been electronically filed. So far, 98.2% of all returns have been filed electronically, the safest and most accurate option. […]

Conservatives are aiming for a greater voice within the Oconee County Republican Party.  In recent weeks, roadside signs have begun to appear calling for the county party to embrace conservative candidates over “RINOS” – the term that some conservatives apply to party members who they see as Republicans in name only.  Conservative David McMahan is part of a new group, […]

At the start of their meeting tomorrow, the Westminster mayor and council will meet Andy Butcher, general manager of the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency.  The PMPA is Westminster’s wholesale electric power supplier.  But, under the city’s long-running contract with the consortium of upstate municipalities, there has been friction between the two entities.  Two years ago, the city council voted unanimously […]

Governor McMaster has proclaimed this week “South Carolina Citizen Weather Observer Week”—thanks to efforts by the state climatology office.  The week recognizes National Weather Service cooperative observers, including Walhalla’s Barbara Wilson, who dutifully record daily weather statistics, such as those heard on 101.7/WGOG.  A retired teacher, Wilson succeeded her late aunt, Henrietta Brandt, who taught choral music at the high […]

Oconee Humane Society holds a clinic on Wednesday to implant microchips in pet cats and dogs.  A total of 100 free microchips will be available from 10 am to 3:30 pm at the shelter on the Sandifer Boulevard.  Humane officials believe a microchip can help protect your pet.  If your dog or cat gets lost and it’s picked up by […]

On yesterday’s report from South Carolina DHEC:  502 new cases of COVID-19, including eight in Oconee County.  Statewide:  six new deaths.  Of 18,196 total test results received, the South Carolina positivity was 4.6%.  Saturday’s state health agency report tracking the virus contained 571 new cases, 15 in Oconee. There were an additional 33 deaths statewide.  Of 36,679 test results, the […]

Fire damaged a home last night near Westminster, on Harry’s Drive off the Coffee Road.  Although the fire was small in size, the American Red Cross is assisting one occupant.  The fire call was sounded just before 8:45.