Category: News

A jury found Sage Hernandez guilty today on a lesser charge than that on which he stood trial this week in the Oconee General Sessions Court.  Hernandez, 29, stood trial on the charge of domestic violence high and aggravated; the jury found him guilty of what’s called a lesser included offense—domestic violence 2nd degree.  And, for that, assistant solicitor Beth […]

The lawmaker who represents Seneca and the southern end of Oconee County in the state House of Representatives says he was quick to take the COVID-19 vaccine, along with a follow-up booster shot.  Rep. Bill Sandifer, (R-Seneca), shared with 101.7/WGOG NEWS his and his wife, Sandra’s, experience with the virus.  “This whole thing (COVID) frightens me,” Mr. Sandifer said.  Having […]

Oconee sheriff’s records show a suspect fought deputies, ran across a cemetery into woods before being arrested yesterday in what started as an arson investigation near Salem.  Warrants accuse Autumn Renee Kiser of second degree burglary and malicious injury to personal property.  A deputy quotes a resident of N. Lake Drive as saying that, after being away for a few […]

An additional three Oconee deaths have pushed the county’s overall COVID-19 death toll to 215.  The new, confirmed county deaths are on today’s DHEC report that reflects the numbers counted at the end of the day on Tuesday.  They were among 50 new deaths across the state.  Statewide, there were 433 new cases (eight of them in Oconee County).  Of […]

Of late, the spread of COVID-19 to Oconee school children, teachers, and other staff has decreased.  And, even though the cumulative numbers of cases within the district recently topped one thousand for the first two and a half months of the year, district officials have detected a significant downward trend.  The following statement arrived this morning from Dr. Thorsland, district […]

Molly Spearman’s announcement yesterday means that starting in 2023, there’ll be a new South Carolina superintendent of education.  Spearman has decided she won’t be a candidate for a new term in next year’s elections.  Her departure gives thought that 2022 could be the time that a former Oconee educator could make a run.  However, Burke Royster, the 10-year superintendent of […]

Jury deliberations are to start today at the Oconee Courthouse to decide the case of South Carolina versus Sage Hernandez.  The start for them was postponed yesterday to allow court officers to attend the funeral of Danny Day, who worked several years as a public defender.  The jurors are to decide the fate for 29-year old Hernandez, charged with domestic […]

The Oconee Arts and Historical Commission, partnering with Visit Oconee, is calling attention to the display of 20 murals across the county that are listed on the Arts & Culture section of the Visit Oconee website at Oconee Mural Trail – Visit Oconee County South Carolina (visitoconeesc.com).  Additional murals will be added, as they are completed and judged to meet […]

On today’s report, South Carolina DHEC recorded 364 new cases of COVID-19–11 of which were Oconee County residents.  Statewide, the health agency has confirmed 29 new deaths, including two new Oconee deaths. Of 12,506 test results received, the positivity was 5.1%. Updated COVID-19 tracking numbers in Oconee public schools:  Since the school year started in August, the cumulative number of […]

Oconee public schools are making available to students in the 7th through the 12th grade virtual courses.  They are offered during the fall and spring semesters, as well as in the summer.  Virtual learning offers options for students who would like to graduate early, make room in their schedule to attend the dual enrollment classes at the career and technology […]