Author: Dick Mangrum

South Carolina DHEC announced 928 new cases yesterday of COVID-19, along with 45 more deaths–including one Oconee County elderly resident who died Saturday.  The new numbers propel total South Carolina pandemic cases more than 101 thousand; the latest death poll exceeds 2,000 (2,012.)  By Monday, nearly 854 thousand tests had been conducted statewide and the positivity percentage Monday was 20%.

In the aftermath of one of its distinguished citizens losing his utility service, Westminster City Council last night changed its disconnect policy in favor of a series robo calls that will alert a non-payer that he’s subject to being disconnected unless makes good on his debt.  Councilman Danny Duncan says utility customers should get “a courtesy call” 48 hours in […]

A series of exposes laid bare in the last week by The Journal helped create tension as Westminster’s city fathers gathered for their regular August meeting, in front of about 30 or more interested members of the public—an unusual show of interest in the small town’s affairs.  And some of that not previously transacted publicly came to light as members […]

Seneca has a verbal agreement for the sale of a former supermarket building in the downtown, but neither the sale price nor the identity of the prospective buyer was disclosed yesterday during a city hall meeting.  Seneca’s Improvements Corporation gave its chairman, Scott Moulder, the authority to negotiate a final price and report back to the corporation officers.  When asked […]

In about three weeks, a new factory will take shape on the 123 Seneca ByPass.  It’s called American Pharma Manufacturing and, from the former location of Saluda River Pet Center, will make masks and distribute them from the location.  Dorothy Wells, company president, says each month they expect to produce millions of masks, a variety of them, including the N-95s […]

In their investigation to retrieve a stolen Winnebago and bring the responsible parties to justice, Oconee sheriff’s officers are turning to the public in hopes that a tip can solve this crime.  The Winnebago, valued at $12 thousand, was taken from a garage on the Coneross Creek Road in southern Oconee County last Saturday, it’s believed, between midnight and 10 […]

Usually a radio personality, such as WGOG’s Tom Rusk, is only known by the sound of his voice behind the mic.  But there’s going to be an event next month not only to see Tom but to see his cherished Mayberry One police car.  Mayberry One will lead a parade of classic cars from Westminster to Walhalla to West Union, […]

The Rev. Jeff Whaley has accepted a new pastorate.  He’ll teach his first sermon September 13 at the Hopewell Baptist Church near Seneca.  The Rev. Mr. Whaley has pastored Choehee Baptist near Salem for six and a half years.

Students including kindergarten thru the second grade this year in Oconee schools will be required to wear masks on buses, during arrival and dismissal, using the restroom, during transitions and in all common areas.  But not inside the classrooms for students of those ages.  The Oconee School District is making known mask and other requirements for the year to start […]