Author: Dick Mangrum

A 40-year old Oconeean has been jailed charged with multiple offenses—including assault and battery by mob second degree. The Sheriff’s Office announces that Terry Brandon Ramey of Westminster is accused in an incident Tuesday on Sweetbriar Trail in which Ramey allegedly took part in an assault that caused a head injury to the victim. As a result, deputies also charged […]

At 8:20 tonight, the lights at the three Oconee high school football stadiums will be turned on for 20 minutes to recognize and honor the class of 2020.  At that time, seniors from the three high schools are invited to drive through the campus.  All students and families must remain in their cars and travel only on the routes designated […]

Homeowners, renters and business owners in Oconee who have un-insured or under-insured losses from the April 12-13 storms and tornadoes may now apply for disaster help from the federal government.  You can register for FEMA assistance by logging onto DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800/621-3362.  The following documentation is required:  Social Security number; daytime phone number; current mailing address and zip […]

One additional confirmed case of COVID-19 yesterday increases the Oconee County total to 32.  At the same time, South Carolina DHEC calculations show that with 32 cases, it is estimated there are 197 cases in the county and the possibility of 229.  According to a DHEC note, estimated cases are calculated on evidence that for every known case of COVID-19, […]

A Greenville-based developer sees potential in the former textile mill community of Newry. M-Peters Group plans to re-develop the old mill, closed 45 years ago, along with the general store into 197 apartment units, a grocery store, café, event venue and an expanded post office.  The developers are also planning nature trails, a pedestrian bridge, wildlife habitat restoration, a public […]

Borg Warner guard Jack Harvill lost his life in the EF3 tornado, but a company spokeswoman says the death toll could have been worse. Besides the security guard, there were four Borg Warner workers present in the complex when the tornado blew apart the guard shack and caused major damage to the large manufacturing building. But Borg Warner spokeswoman Michelle […]

Oconee public schools are approaching the county council for help in plugging their budget deficit—brought on by drawing down the district’s multi-million dollar fund balance. Chairman Jerry Lee says it now looks like it’ll be September before the schools know what they’ll receive in state aid for 2020-21. Lee says unless adequate state aid is forthcoming, the district will have […]

Walhalla is part of a state that is trying to emerge from the lockdown piecemeal, and part of the relaxation will start tomorrow with the re-opening of some of the city’s recreation offerings.  Walhalla’s Brandon Burton says the Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park and surrounding facilities will open tomorrow morning, and personnel will be monitoring those facilities to try to ensure […]

The executive director of the Oconee Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission, Phil Shirley, is announcing today that day use areas at all three county parks, along with the boat ramp at High Falls Park, will open Friday, May 15 at 50% capacity.  That capacity percentage will be the limit until June 1 when, according to Shirley, the PRT will allow […]

The state police are warning South Carolinians that scammers are liable to try to exploit South Carolinians during the pandemic, especially targeting the elderly, those who’ve been separated from families.  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division alerts everyone to watch for the following COVID-19 fraud:  economic impact scams, supply scams, provider scams, charity scams, phishing scams, mobile app scams, investment […]