Author: Dick Mangrum

To fulfill the promise from an earlier board vote, Oconee School District has begun the search for property to build a new Keowee Elementary School.  Yesterday Steve Hanvey, associate district superintendent, said, “We have looked online at potential options, but we haven’t started truly narrowing it down and reaching out to property owners.”  A minimum 25-30 acres is a requirement […]

Out of respect for the family of the deceased Seneca High teacher, the county school district will neither release the name, nor the details. Principal Ashley Ramirez said the teacher was a Seneca High graduate and an important part of the school community.  At school yesterday, counselors were made available for students and staff.

A mulch fire discovered around dusk last evening remains smoldering, and there’s the smell of smoke in an area east of Seneca.  According to county fire dispatch, fire fighters intend to return this morning to the scene — Wells Highway at Davis Mill Road.  By 10 o’clock last night, fire fighters had contained the fire to one pile of mulch […]

For each of three available Oconee School Board seats, voters in Districts  2,4, and 5 will have a choice in November.  The qualifying period for the trustee non-partisan elections November 5 passed when the clock struck noon today, with no changes since the last few days.  The contests shape up this way:  For District Two:  Incumbent Meghan Ketterman and newcomer […]

The following is a Facebook post by Seneca High School: “It is with deep sadness that we share that Seneca High School was made aware this morning of the death of a faculty member.  Students were told of the news during second block and counselors were made available to any student in need.  We would appreciate your thoughts and prayers […]

Oconee deputies Tuesday removed a 26-year-old man from a home near the Dr. John’s Road and charged him with multiple offenses, including kidnapping.  According to the sheriff’s office, investigation revealed Bradley Thomas Moore would not allow one of the women at the Mount Bay Drive home to go to work and threatened her.  Other charges facing Moore:  driving under suspension […]

After meeting with top officials of the Scandinavian nation Finland, South Carolina U-S Senator Lindsey Graham says, “We are truly lucky to have Finland as a new NATO member, and I look forward to this relationship growing.”  According to Graham, Finland President Alexander Stubb is a Furman University graduate who played on the golf team.  Graham said, “What more could […]

The Pickens County coroner’s office reports the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered early yesterday at a Marietta community address near the Table Rock Road.  Amber Riddle, 38, and John Ryan Riddle Sr., 43, are apparent gunshot victims.  According to Chief Deputy Coroner Andrew Wilson, “The investigation thus far supports the theory that the motive and connection […]

Walhalla and West Union fire fighters called late yesterday afternoon to the JTEKT manufacturing plant.  Fire was extinguished in a furnace at the plant, according to one responder.  Near Westminster, Red Cross was called to assist two people displaced by a single-wide mobile home fire on the Clearmont Road.  Fire Chief Michael Smith says the fire is under investigation.

A Georgia DOT spokesman sheds light on his state’s plans to improve I-85.  Kyle Collins says, “GDOT is expected to begin project concept development activities in Fall 2024 for a preferred alternative to reconstruct I-85 from State Route (SR) 15 in Commerce to the South Carolina State line….  Responding to an inquiry by Lake Hartwell Radio WLHR at Lavonia, Collins […]