Author: Dick Mangrum

The Department of Health and Environmental Control announces that, starting Friday, November 27, daily COVID-19 data will be provided with a 24-hour delay.  The announcement states:  “This delay will allow for more robust analysis before it’s publicly reported.  DHEC’s epidemiologists and data analysts will have greater time to review the vast amounts of data and information reported to the agency […]

An additional 1,479 COVID cases were added today to the South Carolina count, along with 26 new deaths.  Two of the deaths are elderly Pickens County residents.  New cases from Oconee today totaled 23.  Total test results received by DHEC Thursday were 11,207, a positivity of 13.2%.

Fire destroyed the home of a three-member Walhalla family this morning on Abbott Lane, a short, dead-end street near the Playground Road.  According to fire chief Burton, at the time, a propane gas tank was being re-filled and it appears the fire originated there.  The family of Tonia and David Watson lost all possessions, and a community drive is being […]

Seven new cases of COVID-19 are detected within the Oconee School District, including a second worker at the district office in Walhalla.  Other new cases recorded yesterday are one Seneca High student; one Seneca Middle student; one James Brown employee; one Walhalla High student; and one West-Oak/Career Center student.  Both the Walhalla High student and Career Center student are described […]

The director of South Carolina’s job service is brimming over the numbers for October.  Statewide the unemployment rate fell to 4.2%. Oconee and Pickens counties have some of the lowest jobless percentages in the state; Oconee’s is 3.1% and Pickens, 3.2%.  Here’s what Dan Ellzey, director of the Employment and Workforce, is saying:  “October’s employment situation is a huge stepping […]

Dark smoke can be seen over the Walhalla skyline this morning, as fire fighters battle home fire near N. Katherine Street and Playground Road. The home fire is believed to be on Abbott Lane.  A medical helicopter has landed in the field behind the 1st Baptist Church.

The hopes of two men to convert Oconee’s former courthouse into a boutique-style hotel appear in jeopardy with the news that their lease with the county has expired.  In a statement yesterday, County Administrator Amanda Brock said, “The development agreement has long expired.”  And Julian Davis, chairman of Oconee County Council, says the old courthouse, at Walhalla’s W. Main and […]

Two young Oconee men were jailed Wednesday charged with sex offenses in incidents that the Department of Social Services brought to light in late October.  Those incidents alleged involved the two men with a victim under legal age.  Sheriff’s Office records identify Brandon Michael Yon, 19 years old, and Dylan Kane Douglas, also 19, as arrested and charged with criminal […]

Prisma Health and The Blood Connection (TBC) are partnering to host community blood drives in the Upstate through December. Prisma Health, a hospital system that relies on the generosity of the Upstate community for blood donations, is working with The Blood Connection to bring awareness to blood donation during a time of urgent need. TBC typically sees a dip in […]