Author: Dick Mangrum

The day before another year of classes begins at Clemson, the university welcomed back the first African-American to attend Clemson. At this morning’s convocation, Harvey Gantt was greeted with warm applause. The former Charlotte, North Carolina mayor and a distinguished architect by trade, Gantt remembered that emotional, historic time 50 years ago when his enrollment integrated Clemson, an event known […]

Governor Nikki Haley’s schedule brings her to Anderson this morning for the ceremonial signing of a bill, co-authored by State Senator Thomas Alexander of Oconee-Pickens. It’s Senate bill 1213, the Medal of Valor Act. That bill adds a chapter to the state laws “to recognize South Carolinians, or individuals with certain ties to South Carolina, who were killed in action […]

Ken Kopera, the physical plant director at Tri-County Technical College, has been honored with the highest award given for staff excellence at the college. The Powdersville resident received the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence. The medallion, along with a cash award made possible by the Tri-County Foundation, goes to a person who best exemplifies the college philosophy and has contributed […]

The summer driving season and the lack of refineries are among the reasons given for a 30-cent-a-gallon increase in the cost of gasoline at the pump. Another reason given for the cost of motoring is nature-related and not lost on an Oconee County man. Harry Wertheimer continues to wage a campaign against ethanol-mixed gasoline, whose costs are increasing because of […]

The opening of Oconee public schools this morning is a reminder for everyone to be extra safe while driving. Those traveling should watch for children waiting for buses. And, according to Superintendent Mike Lucas, it’s a good idea to drive slower near school campuses. At Clemson this morning, the university officially starts its academic year with the Victor Hurst Convocation. […]

An Aiken family of three is being credited with taking action Saturday night on the Chattooga River that not only helped protect them from the elements but helped facilitate the search that eventually found them cold, wet, tired and hungry. But, according to the account provided by Adam Williams, Deputy Rescue Chief for Oconee County, the members of the Riley […]

Three FFA members at Seneca travel this October to the national convention in Indianapolis to compete in the agri-science fair. Amber Goss, Bailee Hawkins and Candace Gibby are entered in the fair competition for those interested in the science and technology of agriculture. At the state convention in June, Amber, Bailee, and Candace competed against other FFA members. Their agri-science […]

Clemson buzzes with activity this week as it welcomes its largest-ever freshman class that numbers more than 3,450 students. Clemson received a record number of applications this year—18,500—and saw a four percent increase in yield, the percentage of accepted students who enroll. The unofficial average SAT score for the entering freshman class also sets a new record of 1,245. About […]

Oconee voters who make their way through the November ballot will find much more than popular choice for offices such as President and Sheriff. They also will be asked to decide a couple of ballot questions. For instance, Seneca voters will vote on whether their city’s stores and restaurants should be allowed to sell and serve alcohol on Sundays. Countywide, […]

Tourism will be the focus for a meeting next week of the Oconee Municipal Association. Ken Sloan, executive director of the Mountain Lakes CVB, will speak to a meeting of the county’s municipal leaders. Walhalla Mayor Danny Edwards says that meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, August 27 at the Walhalla Depot.