Author: Dick Mangrum

After four days of protests and counter protests centered on Walhalla’s Civil War memorial, the mayor wants to find a peaceful solution that has divided people on both ends of the issue.  “In the coming days,” says Mayor Danny Edwards, “we hope to organize a meeting with leaders of the area to find a peaceful solution.”  Edwards view was echoed […]

A small, see-through fence surrounds the Walhalla Civil War memorial and cannon.  Signs attached to the fence read, “For your protection, please stay off the monument.”  That fence and signs are the doing of the city.  Brent Taylor, administrator, says, “We are concerned about people climbing on them, falling, and getting hurt.”  The cannon and memorial sit in a grass […]

The trustees of Oconee public schools agreed last night on a new calendar that will resume education in August.  “What it will look like, I don’t know,” says Jerry Lee, board chairman.  Lee says much will depend on decisions reached by the state, and Oconee public school officials continue to await those decisions.  Uncertain, according to Lee, is whether the […]

In last night’s budget workshop, Scott Moulder announced that, after further consultation with department heads, he no longer is recommending an increase in property tax rates in 2020-21.  However, a small water rate increase appears to be in the offing.  The recommendation is that the mayor and council add $1 dollar to a water customer’s bill, for both inside and […]

On his Facebook page, Walhalla Mayor Danny Edwards wrote:  “Tonight I want to thank the Walhalla Police Department and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department for keeping Walhalla safe during tonight’s protest.  Excellent job!  This could have turned into a violent situation.  Please remember to pray for these folks as tomorrow could be difficult.  I’m also asking for prayers for our […]

Walhalla’s James Brown Elementary this weekend will be the location for another Prisma Health COVID-19 community tests for the virus which is spiking across South Carolina.  The Walhalla tests will be given between 10 am and 2 pm Saturday and are free to the public.  Prisma officials caution that the testing site is intended only for free tests.  Doctor-ordered tests […]

Things appeared quiet this morning in the area of Walhalla’s memorial to deceased Civil War soldiers.  However, the city last night enacted a 9 pm to 6 am curfew as a way to calm down an apparent escalation of words between protesters and counter protesters.  Brent Taylor, city administrator, explained why the city went to a curfew.  “It had to […]

The arrangement between Dr. Michael Thosland, superintendent for Oconee public schools, and his employer, the county board of trustees, is being extended five years.  Here’s an announcement from the school district:  “During Executive Session at a board meeting Monday, June 15, 2020, members of the school board voted to extend the contract of Dr. Michael Thorsland through June 30, 2025. […]

South Carolina Thrive’s COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program, which was designed to provide emergency rental assistance to South Carolinians facing financial hardships because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, still has funding available and is accepting applications. Launched in late May in cooperation with the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing), the program aims to lessen the economic […]