Author: Dick Mangrum

We are expecting some numbers from Seneca today on the number of outages that remain from Monday’s tornado.  Bob Faires, the utilities superintendent, said at the height of the aftermath five of the eight circuits were disabled.  Crews were able to restore one of those circuits quickly. But, as he put it, “Our system has been laying on the ground.”

“We now have power but are experiencing technical difficulties with our compactor at the transfer station. We are still temporarily not taking commercial trash and will contact you as soon as we fix this issue. Thank you for all of your patience during this week.”

In their Clemson neighborhood, Dot and Bruce Yandle and their home were spared any damage from what hit the area on Monday morning. Like all Americans, the Yandles are trying to stay safe from the virus. But, as an economist, the now retired Bruce Yandle has formed opinion on whether and how to re-start an economy that some people fear […]

United Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) in an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal. The two members discussed the need for Congress to quickly replenish funds for the Paycheck Protection Program. The announcement from Republican Scott’s office blames their opposition party, claiming that “Congressional Democrats continue to press for revisions that would make […]

As of 6:25 this Thursday morning, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative had 2,641 members remaining without electric service as a result of Monday’s tornado-induced storm emergency. The by-county breakdown: • Anderson 437 • Oconee 2,204 Shortly after dark last evening, repairs were completed on the damaged portion of a transmission line located near the City of Seneca. Cooperative crews then began […]

The wrath of the tornado extended beyond Seneca to include Oconee County communities of Oakway, Earles Grove, and Fair Play. Besides direct damage to homes, the tornado knocked out electric service. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative achieved success in the Oakway area last night by restoring electric power, and one of its customers there is very grateful to the repair crews […]

“CITY OF SENECA REMINDS RESIDENTS and ORGANIZATONS TO UTILIZE DESIGNATED LOCATIONS FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION between 10 am and 2 pm Thursday and Friday UPSTATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATES – 15575 Wells Highway, Seneca OCONEE COMMUNITY THEATRE – 8001 Utica Street, Seneca The City of Seneca has learned that Texas Roadhouse of Anderson and several food trucks have expressed an interest in bringing […]

Two nights of curfew inside the city limits of Seneca were lifted last night, after the police reported good cooperation among the citizenry and no citations issued either Monday or Tuesday nights. The city, however, stresses that in the affected tornado sections everyone should stay away from any live wire still on the ground. Do not touch or move any […]

“As of 5:30 Wednesday afternoon, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative had 11,998 members without electric service. Essentially all of the affected members are located in Anderson and Oconee counties. These members receive their power through seven substations that are fed by a transmission line. The tornado that visited the area early Monday morning scored a direct hit on a section of […]

The sign in front of  the Hope Church on the Blue Ridge Boulevard reads:  “Oconee Strong   Seneca Strong.”