Author: Dick Mangrum

South Carolina (and Oconee) COVID-19 numbers reported today, reflect a one-day count period that ended at 11:59 Wednesday night.  New South Carolina cases:  847; new Oconee cases:  16. Statewide, there were two more deaths.  Of 25,005 test results, the positivity:  4.4%.

A special education class at the Walhalla High School has been sent home and given a return-to-school date of Monday, April 26.  The action is effective today.  For yesterday, four new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the Oconee School District.  Of the four, three are district employees–one at Seneca Middle School and two at Walhalla High.  The fourth case […]

By taking a minute or so to complete a survey could help Clemson come up with ways to better move traffic in and around the busy Pickens County city.  The regional group Ten at the Top is at work to facilitate more active and livable communities across the upstate.  Of special interest are the patterns of behavior as they relate […]

Choosing the best medication and wearing a face mask outdoors are among the recommended ways to deal with the allergy season.  Many of us experience runny noses, itchy throats and watery eyes with the increase in pollen, ragweed and other allergens in the air.  Dr. Conrad Shuler, physician with Prisma Health’s Seneca Medical Associates, says, “We’re entering the months when […]

Casey Bowling, the Seneca police chief, advises motor vehicle owners to secure their parked vehicles by keeping the doors locked.  The police are investigating multiple car break-ins in the vicinity of the Shiloh Road.

Oconee Parks, Recreation and Tourism announces a hiking group for survivors of domestic violence.  Titled “Ascend”, the hiking group goal is to facilitate healing and a restorative experience as domestic violence survivors hike toward Oconee’s waterfalls and scenic vistas.  The PRT is partnering with Safe Harbor.  The first meet-up and hike is tomorrow but out of caution and safety of […]

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time when communities work to create positive childhood experiences to nurture environments that give children the opportunity to flourish.  And raising awareness is a critical step to prevent abuse and neglect.  Today is pinwheel planting day across the state.  The Walhalla police took part in planting pin wheels near the city park.

After a CyberTip, Oconee sheriff’s officers arrested a 28-year old man on multiple charges related to the crime of sexual exploitation of a minor.  The sheriff’s office announces the arrest Wednesday of Daniel Eugene Taylor of Padgett Street, Utica.  Taylor has been charged with eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor third degree and 24 counts of sexual exploitation […]

Here is the response yesterday by David McMcMahan, chairman of Oconee Republicans, to earlier remarks by Jody Gaulin, chairwoman of Oconee Democrats.  (The chairpersons’ statements center on whether some county Republicans might switch to the Democratic Party based on the events during the Republicans’ county convention April 10): “The Oconee County Republican Party, with grassroots efforts, re-organized 15 precincts throughout […]

Walhalla sanitation customers are being advised to expect a delay of up to two days in their trash pickups later this month, during the week of April 26-30.  The county’s solid waste transfer station will be closed that week to allow for the replacement of the floor of the transfer station.  As a result, a longer turnaround time could affect […]