Author: Dick Mangrum

Dr. Michael Thorsland, superintendent of Oconee School District, admits he was disappointed to hear that the governor and the state superintendent believe it’s best that schools do not re-open the classrooms for the rest of the current year. But he understands and supports Governor McMaster’s recognition that it’s difficult to prevent social distancing in the schools. Part of Thorsland’s disappointment […]

The anxiety felt about falling into the unemployment lines by the world pandemic is not only felt by the displaced workers of South Carolina. It’s felt also by those in charge of administering the state’s jobless benefits. And James Suber can empathize with those who are frustrated trying to navigate a system that requires communications by the internet. Suber, the […]

Church volunteers from the Low Country of South Carolina are responding to the tornado-stricken Seneca area by cooking hot meals on the scene of the disaster. Pastor Stan Rankin, a native of Seneca, has brought a number of volunteers and a portable kitchen from his church-Hamer Church of God- near Dillon. The group will serve hot meals throughout the day […]

Candidates to be the next city administrator in Westminster are being interviewed.  Mayor Ramey says three candidates were interviewed last night; two more are to be interviewed tonight.  The mayor says last night’s interviews went well.  Chris Carter, the current administrator, is resigning and his last day of work is believed to be May 8.

After a closed session, Oconee County Council approved a resolution, proposed by the county attorney, to authorize staff to respond to complaints that have arisen within county Emergency Services. The “complaints”were not identified. As worded by the attorney, David Root, the following motion was approved:  “To direct staff to respond to the complaints related to Emergency Services as discussed and […]

As all of us continue on what seems an indefinite lock down of the lives we used to enjoy, many of us have thought exactly what we missed about living this new normal.  To help gauge what’s on the minds of some of our listeners, 101.7/WGOG this morning opened the phone lives.  And what they told morning announcer Gary Butts […]

Complications from the coronavirus have taken the life of a woman in Oconee County. The Blue Ridge Cremation Society has announced the death on April 5 at the Prisma Oconee Memorial Hospital of Patricia (Corey) Boni. She was 80 years old and the wife of Bruce Boni of Salem. An interment ceremony will take place in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts where […]

Fire burned a camper last night in southern Oconee County.  The Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department received the call around 8 o’clock to put out a fire in a camper on highway 59.  According to Rural Fire Control, no one was hurt.

Walhalla’s 69 municipal workers can look forward to something extra in their paychecks. The city council last night agreed to add $100 dollars a week for up to eight weeks as hazard pay for the employees who must balance social distancing with members of the public while carrying out their duties. The vote was 4-3. The dissent reflected the view […]

To better define the scope of COVID-19 within South Carolina nursing homes and similar facilities, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is providing updates on those facilities that have an associated case of COVID-19, as well as the number of positive cases for either residents or staff members. According to yesterday’s list, Prisma’s Lila Doyle facility in Seneca […]