Author: Dick Mangrum

South Carolina is one of many states going ahead with political qualifying in advance of both the primaries in June and the general election in November. But some states have stopped. What if the pandemic is still spreading by election time? How might that change the course of elective politics as we know them? A close follower of the country’s […]

Seneca Chick-fil-A announces that at 10:30 this morning, its drive-thru re-opens with a limited menu.  During the restaurant closing, a third-part professional cleaner disinfected and deep cleaned the building in accord with public health guidelines.  According to a statement from the company, the employee who experienced symptoms of COVID-19 and those in close contact with the worker are now self-quarantining […]

The spread of COVID-19 means neither Ronnie Millsap, nor Restless Heart, nor the Tams will take the stage in Pickens. The 23rd Annual Blue Ridge Fest has been cancelled, but the performers are being invited for next year’s. It’s with sadness that the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative must cancel the event, but the spirit behind why it’s held each year […]

The Oconee Probate Court encourages everyone who wishes to be married to now apply for a marriage license through the mail. The office at the county’s Pine Street complex will accept applications in person weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm. To find a marriage license application, couples are urged to go to the website oconeesc.com/probate-home. Complete the form and […]

Sheriff’s officers searched last night but could not find their suspect in a shooting in the Foxwood Hills subdivision. The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Devan Chavis Bennett and said the 27-year old should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Crimestoppers is accepting tips on where Bennett might be found. Shortly after 2 pm deputies […]

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating 82 additional cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the total number statewide to 424 cases in 39 counties*.Two previously reported cases, one in Lexington County and one in Lancaster County, have been subtracted from the total case count as those individuals were determined, through further investigation, […]

For the most part, so far, Oconeeans seem to be abiding the rule that no one should gather in groups of three or people–as a way to protect against the spread of the global pandemic COVID-19.  That is the assessment given this afternoon by Sheriff Mike Crenshaw.  Asked if his officers have had to break up groups of three or […]

Oconee School District officials signed the paperwork and handed over the check to finalize the purchase of approximate 44 acres of land along Wells Highway for a new Seneca Middle School. The site is located approximately one mile from Seneca High School along Wells Highway and is in close proximity to all three elementary schools. The site, with a total […]

Source DHEC:  South Carolina counts 342 positive cases and 7 deaths.  Oconee has recorded 2 confirmed cases and 0 deaths.  The next report is due out within a couple of hours.

While court sessions have been cancelled at the state level, magistrates are still conducting some business, although limited.  According to Chief Oconee Magistrate Will Derrick, persons who have received tickets should contact the magistrate to find out their options.