Author: Dick Mangrum

To facilitate the move of the mayor’s cabin from Westminster city property, a tree-removal plan is required by Upstate Forever, which enjoys a conservation agreement covering property along the Chauga River. And this morning the city council gave its assent. Mayor Pro tem Rusty Cater said a unanimous vote was taken during a special meeting this morning, although Mayor Brian […]

In the information age, video conferencing is a tool to communicate when social distancing is required or recommended. The Oconee Chamber of Commerce has recorded its first Zoom video conference with two guests—representatives of the city of Seneca and the Keowee Place assisted living facility. The parent company of Tim Tompkins’ Keowee Place for about one month has embraced Zoom […]

The spread of COVID-19 will be a main topic for a special meeting this evening of Walhalla City Council.  The council is also to consider an ordinance to suspend normal operating procedures and to temporarily delay the collection of business license fees, accommodations taxes, and hospitality taxes.  The meeting is planned for 5:30 at City Hall, but Administrator Brent Taylor […]

Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, reminds the public that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments will continue to be paid on time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency also reminds everyone to be aware of scammers who try to take advantage of the pandemic to trick people into providing personal information or payment via retail gift […]

Governor McMaster’s executive order from yesterday forbids the following businesses, gatherings, and activities for the next 15 days:• Night clubs • Bowling alleys • Arcades • Concert venues • Theaters, auditoriums, and performing arts centers • Tourist attractions (including museums, aquariums, and planetariums) • Racetracks • Indoor children’s play areas (excluding daycare facilities) • Adult entertainment venues • Bingo halls […]

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced four additional deaths related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the state’s total number of deaths to 22. Three patients were elderly individuals who also had underlying health conditions, and one patient was a middle-aged individual who did not have underlying health conditions. They were residents of […]

Received late this afternoon is this announcement from Oconee County on behalf of the county courthouse in Walhalla:  “In order to continue to provide essential services to our citizens and protect the health and well-being of both citizens and staff, the Oconee County Clerk of Court’s Office has implemented the following precautionary measures:  Public access to the Oconee County […]

Spring Break Week for Oconee public school children will be Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13.  New instructions and assignments will start on Tuesday, April 14.  Originally Friday, April 3 was scheduled as a weather make-up day, but now it will be a distance learning day.  Monday, April 13 is professional development and workday for teachers.  Meals will be […]

COVID-19 and its financial repercussions are scary enough for those who have enough savings to meet their costs during the pandemic. But imagine if you rely on government assistance for your day to day life. The non-profit South Carolina Thrive has a contact center where South Carolinians can apply for benefits such as Medicaid, “SNAP”—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—and “TANF”—the […]

Because of COVID-19, Seneca will extend the 2020 business license due date from Thursday, April 30 to Monday, June 1.  If not paid by June 1, a five percent penalty a month will be added to the license fee.