Author: Dick Mangrum

A split verdict brought to an end a one-day trial in the Oconee General Sessions Court. The jury acquitted contractor Mark Thomas of Clemson on the charge of obtaining goods under false pretense, but found him guilty on the charge of unlawful practice or submitting false information to obtain a license. Judge According to a court officer, Judge Scott Sprouse […]

In spite of a poor voter turnout, one aspect of the Seneca election held suspense. A newcomer to the political scene, W-C Honeycutt Jr., walked away from Pine Street with a kick to his step, having learned that he won a city council seat by the unofficial margin of six votes. It meant that Honeycutt, a minister, was in and […]

If possible, Fair-Oak Youth Center would like to field baseball and softball teams this season, under the umbrella of Dixie Youth sports. But there’s a catch that Fair-Oak leaders hope to overcome, if not by this ball season, by the next season. To re-gain a Dixie Youth charter it once had, Fair-Oak must rely on Westminster and Townville recreation departments […]

A fourth grader at Seneca’s Northside Elementary School, Eliora Cobb, was selected the grand prize winner in the recent tornado poster contest, sponsored by the Oconee Emergency Services. Besides a cash reward of $50 dollars, Eliora received a weather alert radio. The contest educates children on the dangers of tornadoes and makes the students aware of the protective actions that […]

At 1 o’clock this afternoon, a Clemson contractor is scheduled to announce his decision on whether to testify in his defense in the Oconee General Sessions Court. Four witnesses testified this morning for the prosecution in a case in contractor Mark Thomas is charged with unlawful practice of submitting false information to get a license. The dispute centers on a […]

Cold in the South and storms in the North likely will lead an appetite for a heavy summer travel season, in the opinion a Fair Play-based travel agent. Whether you go by car, by plane, or by boat, the travel game changes and it pays to pay attention to those non-refundable ticket availabilities. Gretchen Fuller of Travel By Gretchen spoke […]

A new organization chart has been unveiled by Dr. Michael Thorsland, Superintendent of Education for Oconee County. Thorsland presented a revised chart of who’s who during last night’s school board work session. There’s a new title and added responsibilities for Steve Hanvey. According to Andy Inabinet, board chairman, Hanvey will assume the new title of associate superintendent of education July […]

A young woman who admitted burglarizing a Seneca church and vandalizing an apartment near Walhalla has a second chance to straighten out her life. Kelsey Leann Woodring pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon to burglary and vandalism. The judge suspended a 10-year prison term to 62 days’ credit in jail awaiting trial, and probation for five years. The 23-year old Woodring told […]

Not guilty by reason of insanity. That was the judge’s ruling yesterday in an Oconee General Sessions Court proceeding in which a young woman faced multiple charges. According to Deputy Solicitor Lindsey Simmons, defendant April Dawn Townsend will now be evaluated at the State Department of Mental Health. Townsend faced charges of attempted murder, arson second degree, and possession of […]

At tonight’s meeting of West Union Town Council, town leaders take public comment on their spending plan for the next year. Mayor Linda Oliver says the proposed budget calls for a three percent pay raise for employees. The regular March meeting of the town council takes place at 6 tonight at Town Hall.