Author: Dick Mangrum

Now that South Carolina restaurants may start to re-welcome inside diners at partial capacity, what’s next for the state that’s joining most of the rest of the country in loosening the COVID-19 lockdown?  Governor McMaster gave indications Friday that he’s working on an announcement for Monday that will cover such closed businesses as gymnasiums and hair-cutting and styling. Starting at […]

The number of new South Carolina COVID-19 cases ballooned yesterday to 238–including four Oconee County residents.  There were four new deaths of elderly people in Clarendon, Florence, and Greenville counties.  But, DHEC points out, as tests increase, there likely will be more lab-confirmed cases.  Based on available symptom onset data that DHEC have for about 5,000 individuals who have tested […]

According to the city of Clemson, its decision to cancel all spring sports was difficult, but made to align with instructions from the governor’s office and the guidelines from health authorities and the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Administration.  There will be no youth baseball, youth softball, youth spring soccer, and adult church softball.  If some restrictions are removed, however, […]

Yellow Branch waterfalls continue to receive high visitation, despite the limited parking options and narrow single-lane design. The trail to and from the falls does not allow for adequate social distancing according to Centers for Disease Control guidelines, and this past weekend, more people utilized the trail than there was room. When a high volume of people gather at the […]

A plea today from JoAnn Johnson, executive director of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce.  Johnson notes that with the opening of some restaurants that offer outside dining, along with the re-opening of other product retailers, things seem to be starting to more forward.  She requests, however, that Oconeeans keep in mind the many businesses that remain prohibited from making a […]

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today visited Milliken & Company in Pendleton to discuss the need to strengthen the United States medical supply chain and increase production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in this country instead of relying on imports from nations like China. The Milliken facility produces medical gown fabric to support healthcare professionals. “With our experience in textile […]

A large tree fell early today across a rural highway onto a three-phase Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative line on rural highway 76 in northwest Oconee and created an outage that affected 541 customers.  Crews needed about one hour to restore service.  Conditions at the time were clear, no wind.  And Blue Ridge’s Terry Ballenger says the assumption is wet soil […]

Starting Monday, the small Oconee town of Salem will start to come out from the grip of the COVID-19 closings.  The town’s Marti Jennings says starting Monday (May 11), the Town Hall lobby will be re-opened to the public which means customers may make payments and transact other business thru the counter window.  The tennis courts are available, and the […]

This moment in time might be a good time in Oconee Countyfor applying and voting by absentee for the June 9 primary elections. The elections director, Joy Scharich, says at this moment, there are no lines.  And that should serve as a comfort for those wishing to follow social distancing recommendations to avoid catching or spreading the virus.  Because of […]