Author: Dick Mangrum

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 […]

The country’s unemployment rate is now pegged at 14.7%. As predicted, the number of first-time Oconee County claimants for the week ended May 2 dropped to 485.  Lower than the 1,000 figures of past COVID-19 weeks, but still high compared with pre-virus numbers when they were approaching what’s considered full employment.  Oconee’s geographical neighbors for the week were 975 in […]

The Oconee Humane Society’s “Fill the Bowls” campaign  will offer free pet food to giveaway tomorrow morning in Mountain Rest. You can receive food for your pets between 9 and 11 tomorrow morning at the Mountain Rest Baptist Church at 9915 Highlands Hwy. (Hwy.28).

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 […]