Author: Dick Mangrum

This year’s deadline to file state and federal tax returns is Monday, April 15.  On January 29, the state Department of Revenue begins accepting individual income tax returns for the tax year 2023.  Before you file, make sure you have all W-2s, 1099s, and other necessary documents.  The DOR begins processing returns February 5 to allow employers time to meet […]

The 65 outdoor warning sirens around Oconee Nuclear are to be tested for five to 30 seconds between 11 am and 1 pm today.  It’s a scheduled test to ensure the sirens are sounding properly.  According to Duke Energy, it may be necessary to test some of the sirens more than one time.

At mid-day yesterday, and a pouring rain, Walhalla Fire Department personnel effected a successful rescue in flooded conditions on Razorback Lane.  According to fire fighter Justin McAlister, two people, along with six dogs and eight cats, were rescued from an animal rescue building.

David Cooper returned to Westminster’s meeting room last night with his concerns about the city’s small police force.  That force is now seven officers-strong, with an eighth enrolled in the state’s law enforcement academy.  But Cooper said over the recent holidays, the force had been reduced to just five officers – after the resignations of the chief and another officer.  […]

At the urging of the state Municipal Association, Westminster’s elected leaders have pledged to carry out their meetings and duties in a civil manner.  The resolution passed last night acknowledges that robust debate and the right to self-expression are protected by the First Amendment, yet it quotes a national survey as finding that 93% of Americans believe in-civility is a […]

Two men and two women have begun new, four-year terms on the Westminster City Council.  Andrew Holliday, the city attorney, read the oath last night to Mayor Brian Ramey and council members Adam Dunn, Audrey Reese, and Daby Snipes, and all accepted.  The swearing-in topped last night’s agenda January meeting agenda of the city council.

Clean up crews are dealing with wind-blown trees across Oconee County — the result of strong winds last night that followed the earlier drenching of rain.  A weather watcher in Salem saw his gauge fill to 4.5″ inches.  The Chauga River and tributaries, among others, reached flood levels.  Oconee’s Chau Ram Park was forced to close and, once cleanup takes […]