Author: Dick Mangrum

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 161 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 10 additional deaths. This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 4,917 and those who have died to 150. The deaths occurred in seven elderly individuals from Allendale (1), Fairfield (2), Lexington […]

Ninety-two homes destroyed…another 66 considered un-inhabitable.  They are the numbers that Amanda Brock, Oconee County administrator, reports from an evaluation made by two representatives of “FEMA”–the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  “We went parcel-by-parcel,” Brock told 101.7/WGOG NEWS this afternoon.

The world continues to fight COVID-19 with the hope that the warmer weather ahead will serve as a deterrent. Yet, there’s already worry about the potential for a second wave this fall. Senator Lindsey Graham said today that while he, like health professionals, anticipate a return of the virus, he’s not overly-worried. “What will we have in the fall that […]

Abuse and neglect crimes get no pass during this time of a world pandemic.  Law enforcement has braced for an increase in  incidents simply because so many more people are confined at home.  That’s why Mike Crenshaw, the Oconee Sheriff, reminds everyone that if they witness or suspect abuse or neglect, they should contact their law enforcement agency.  If they […]

Clemson University’s Board of Trustees approved a plan today to freeze tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year for all students, both from in and out of state.  A decision on housing and dining fees is to be made in the near future. “Our Board is keenly aware of the financial impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on many […]

The threat for possible severe weather this afternoon in Oconee County has forced the public schools to stop all Wi-Fi busses at 2 o’clock this afternoon at all locations.  The plan is to return to schedule tomorrow.  Please visit the district COVID-19 webpage for locations and times.

Volunteers organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will return to the Seneca area this Saturday responding to work orders that are telephoned to a home cleanup hotline. Dr. Jayson Jones, a leader in the South Carolina church, They can help cut fallen trees, tarp roofs, mitigate mold, and provide other services. They are able to […]

Camp fire restrictions have been lifted inside four ranger districts inside the state’s national forests, including the Sumter National Forest in Oconee County.  The Forest Service announced the lifting of the camp fire ban with the expectation that, for the next month, there will be above normal rainfall.  But in allowing camp fires in the national forests, all campers are […]

Two early morning fires in the areas of Walhalla-Westminster.  The worst fire broke out around 2 o’clock this morning at what appears to be an abandoned home on Little Country Lane.  The second fire burned a 15-foot carport/shed at Yellow Bell Road. Walhalla Fire Chief Brandon Burton says that fire appears accidental and started from a lawnmower.  No one reported […]

By yesterday, Seneca Light and Water had reduced the outages to 250 customers.  A total of 130 linemen continue to try to restore service to those customers.  At the height of the tornado damage, the city utilities department faced up to 5,000 individual customers who had lost service.  Meantime, clean-up efforts have been well underway.