Author: Dick Mangrum

The latest report from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce shows Oconee County unemployment stood at 11.3% in the month of May.  That was a slight decrease from April’s 12 %.  At 11.3 in May, the Oconee jobless rate was lower than both the state (12.2%) and the nation’s (13%). In spite of the pandemic, jobs are still […]

Oconee Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of a man charged with financial identity fraud.  It’s a case that the sheriff’s office says involved an attempt to buy a Lake Keowee Dodge Challenger.  The man arrested was identified as Bernard Alan Harris of Bridgeport, Connecticut.  Harris was jailed late last night in Walhalla.  A deputy obtained a Louisiana identification for the […]

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,741 new confirmed cases and 2 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, as well as 17 additional confirmed deaths and 2 new probable deaths. There are currently 1,021 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19. This brings […]

According to announcement today by the Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, the Oconee Regional Airport appears to be in line to receive $69 thousand worth of “CARES” Act money.  Chao’s announcement covers $800 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants to 46 states.  Jeff Garrison, Oconee airport manager, said the local airport applied and is to use its share as an […]

DHEC urges South Carolinians to make safe, responsible plans to celebrate the 4th of July weekend–precautions to protect against the spread of the virus.  Health authorities are confident that the lack of social distancing and mask wearing contributes to the escalating numbers.  They recommend families celebrate with home-based festivities and watch fireworks shows while remaining in their vehicles or tuning […]

One of the Seneca area’s elementary schools (Ravenel) gets a new principal, starting tomorrow.  In a special meeting today, the county board of trustees selected assistant principal Robin Cox to succeed Angie Henderson, who resigned.  

South Carolinians once again can benefit from a sales tax free holiday, to take place this year over 72 hours Friday through Sunday, August 7-9. Among a variety of items, consumers may buy free of the normal sales tax computers, clothes, and school supplies.  According to the state Department of Revenue, shoppers are reminded they can avoid the 6% sales […]

  Only one member of Seneca City Council wore a face covering, and a speaker wearing a mask in the audience suggests that’s a sign the city leaders should do more to protect everyone’s health.  Helen Rosemond-Saunders, during the public comment session, said she’s worried that city-sponsored events, such as Jazz on the Alley and the July 4 festival, are […]

The Seneca mayor and council were told last night that a new voter registration drive has added nearly 200 people to the registration rolls, and the new voters are primed to cast ballots in the November election, as well as Seneca’s next election a year from now.  And Seneca resident Tinishia Graham made clear that those who’ve qualified as new […]

Jerry Edwards profusely apologized for the cartoon that appeared three weeks ago in the Journal.  At the lectern at the Seneca City Hall, Edwards directed his apologies last night to a group of African-Americans seated behind him and to the mayor and council in front of him.  As was explained by his paper the day after the cartoon appeared, Edwards […]