Author: Dick Mangrum

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 […]

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, […]