Author: Dick Mangrum

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a press release today regarding best practices when choosing companies to perform storm repair work in the wake of Monday morning’s tornado in the Seneca area. “Recovery and restoration work continues as crews are working to clean-up areas and restore power. Home and property owners are preparing to meet with insurance adjusters and […]

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 105 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 3,656 and those who have died to 107. Of those 10 deaths, seven were elderly individuals with underlying health conditions from […]

Law enforcement authorities say an electrical fire occurred in a Beech Drive home last night near Seneca’s S. 6th Street.  The fire caused smoke damage.  No other details available.

In a special meeting, Oconee County Council approved an emergency and disaster declaration that gives the county extraordinary authority in the aftermath of the damage caused by the EF3 tornado.  All five councilmen voted yes, and it is Glenn Hart’s impression that the main part of it is the authority to block roadways to protect and enhance the safety of […]

Seneca’s mayor pro-tem and his family are OK, but the properties of him and his neighbors in Thriftwood were among the hardest hit by the tornado. From what Ronnie O’Kelley can tell his subdivision and the Borg Warner manufacturing plant across the Wells Highway were at the center of the tornado, before it moved onto heavily damage the Adams subdivision. […]

Oconeeans impacted by the early Monday tornado can ask questions and, at the least, eventually get answers by calling phone numbers provided by county government.  Emergency Services personnel are manning two phone lines–864/364-5428 and 864/364-5436.  Staff are to respond 24/7 to questions about storm recovery, supplies, and available services.

At least some insurers who are often quick to disaster scenes are because of the pandemic resorting to remote inspection and other tools to facilitate settlements for the uninsured.  That’s what at least one roofer is telling clients who’ve been waiting to see and hear from their insurance companies.  One such company resorting to remote work is Nationwide.  That company […]

A disaster declaration covering Oconee County is to be addressed during an emergency meeting this morning of the Oconee County Council.  The meeting is planned for 10 o’clock in the council chambers, but will not be open to public attendance because of the pandemic.  Interested members of the public, however, may watch the meeting live on the county’s YouTube channel, […]

To get food to those who need it and to reduce traffic pouring in, the City of Seneca is offering a plan to local organizations that want to provide prepared food to residents in need of a good meal. Many calls from concerned groups have been made to City Hall asking how they can provide food to the people in […]