Author: Dick Mangrum

Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority is experiencing one known overflow near the Wells Highway, east of Seneca near Martin Creek.  But, possibly, there are other overflows that JRSA, at this time, is unaware of.  The state Department of Environmental Services has been notified and will continue to be updated.  The volume of wastewater spilled has not been determined.  The surge […]

Many West Union customers of Duke Energy are without service today. And the mayor, Linda Oliver, says she’s trying to call-in additional help for town workers who’ve been on duty since the midnight hour.  Like other parts of Oconee, West Union has seen many of its trees toppled by Helene.

The Anderson coroner’s office has been sent to a death scene.  The death apparently results from a tree down at a home on W. Whitner Street.  And now the coroner’s staff is working a second death — the result of a tree landing on a home on Williams Road, near Whiten Road, in the Broadway Fire Community.

Some customers of the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative can expect to be without power for “multiple days.”  The tropical storm has brought widespread damage to the Blue Ridge service territory — the worst of which apparently is Oconee County where, by 8:15 this morning, about 63,000 were without service.  That accounts for about 86% of Blue Ridge’s membership.  Other Blue […]

Until conditions improve for safety purposes, crews won’t start electric power restoration for Seneca customers.  And that’s why, at this point (shortly before 9:30) this morning, city administrator Moulder says he can’t give an estimation on when service will be returned.  Moulder says the city has sustained minimal flooding, but there are many trees down — including some that have […]

Electric power is functioning at 101.7/WGOG but, unfortunately, the station is off the air — the result apparently of a power outage at our Tamassee transmitter location.

If you’ve wondered what happened to outdoor displays of the American flag, the flags have been temporarily removed based on the orders of Gov. McMaster.  The flags will be put back after the storm passes.

September is harvest time for many South Carolina farmers, and Clemson Cooperative Extension Service experts say rain and win from Hurricane Helene could pose problems for crops. Cotton is one crop that will likely be affected.  Harvest typically begins in South Carolina in late September.  Soybean specialists say about 25% of the state’s soybean crop has reached maturity, with most […]

Oconee County government offices and facilities are closed today.  However, public safety and emergency services remain open.  Any questions or concerns, please contact the Oconee Emergency Operations Center at 864/364-5911.  A temporary hurricane shelter has opened at Walhalla’s College Street Baptist Church, 401 S. College Street, Walhalla.  The center is open for men, women and children (no pets) in Oconee […]