Author: Dick Mangrum

  A search warrant execution yesterday near Seneca, in relation to stolen property, led Investigators to a discovery of narcotics and stolen firearms from a neighboring Upstate county.   Investigators executed the warrant at an address on Friendship Road Tuesday afternoon.  The search warrant was obtained in relation to a separate investigation involving a stolen dirt bike.   During the […]

“FOLKS–Friends of Lake–announces five recipients of this year’s scholarship for the Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship.  Two of the five students from the 2022 scholarship class are Walhalla students Savannah Smith and Claire Mattox.  The others are William Chandler of Daniel High School, Jackson Keith of Pickens High School, and William Quisenberry of the NEXT School Eagle Ridge.  FOLKS set up […]

A moment of satisfaction was achieved when Amanda Brock, the Oconee County administrator–prodded by District Four’s Julian Davis–reported a phone call at 10:37 am that delivered assurance of a green light to start piped sewer to parts of I-85 in the county.  Brock reported a phone call from South Carolina “ACOG’s” Arlene Young of what’s believed to be approval of […]

Greenway proponents say trails can be used for recreation, to save energy, and other benefits that can be a blessing.  But others say, for cash-strapped governments, greenways are a luxury at a time when government struggles to provide basic services.  Money to pay for greenways was discussed at last night’s county council meeting and at Walhalla city hall, where we […]

Chairman Elliott of Oconee County Council clarified for local school officials that the county’s next reassessment, set for 2023, can’t factor in for the new, 12-month school budget, to start July 1.  It leaves Dr. Thorsland, district superintdnent, and Gloria Moore, the budget writer, with the hope to realize additional revenues without a tax increase.  And that’s the growth that […]

Periodic countywide revaluation helps government track tax base expansion, along with identifying where there are changes that should lower one’s tax bill.  Oconee’s next reassessment, to reflect on 2023 property bills, was debated during last night’s county council meeting.  As a council candidate from the audience questioned the p[ossibility that reassessment could enable the governing authority to raise taxes by […]