Author: Dick Mangrum

Duke Energy says it has begun re-connecting service to customers in the Carolinas.  The storm produced historic flooding, depriving 1.7 million customers of electricity.  By 4 pm today, Duke had restored 380,000 customers, but that leaves about 1.3 million and many of them may be looking at multiple days without service.  Duke counts 11,000 workers on the job, including additional […]

Here is an update on what Oconee Joint Regional Sewer is facing.  By 6:30 tonight, “All 16 OJRSA pump stations are off for one or more of the following reasons: “(1) Generators are running out of fuel and we will not be able to receive fuel deliveries until Saturday, (2) the upstream gravity sewers are underwater and we are essentially […]

Restoration efforts were in progress this evening responding to unprecedented damage to the Blue Ridge Electric power grid caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Hundreds of workers remain deployed across Blue Ridge’s five-county service area, with more arriving and working to restore service.  Governor McMaster noted today that the storm caused “more power outages than maybe ever.”  And Jim Lovinggood, Blue […]

The Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department has requested a swiftwater rescue team to help effect the rescue of some people trapped by water on Cooper Road in the vicinity of the Tugaloo River.  A widespread power outage plagues the Madison and Cleveland communities, as multiple trees and power lines have fallen.  This report provided to 101.7/WGOG NEWS by station chief Travis […]

The Westminster city administrator, Kevin Bronson, says some of his city’s electric power customers are liable to remain without service until Sunday evening.  Some customers may be restored by nightfall today, but Bronson says there’s no guarantee.  Because the storm was so severe, utilities neighboring Westminster are in a similar situation and contractors are deployed across the Southeast.  The Highway […]

South Carolina Department of Public Health confirms an Oconee County skunk has tested positive for rabies.  The skunk was found near Rocky Fork Farm and Snow Creek roads near Seneca.  At this time, no people are known to have been exposed. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined.  The skunk was submitted to the state lab September 19 and […]

“FEMA” — Federal Emergency Management Agency — is available to South Carolina to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions from Hurricane Helene beginning September 25 and continuing.  President Biden’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save […]

The following is a statement by Senator Lindsey Graham:  “Tropical Storm Helene is having a devastating impact on South Carolina.  I spoke with Duke Energy leadership yesterday.  They seem well prepared to act and restore power promptly. The scope of damage from the storm has been wide and deep.  People are not only without power, but there is heavy flooding, […]

More than 200 Blue Ridge Electric workers are assessing what the cooperative calls catastrophic damage to the system.   “Multi-day outages are expected.”  Outside help is on the way.  Another 17 workers are arriving late this afternoon and tomorrow from Maryland and Virginia to provide aid. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies or evacuate to a safe location if needed.  Blue Ridge requests […]