Author: Dick Mangrum

The Oconee Chamber of Commerce and the Oconee Economic Alliance have arranged a community breakfast meeting this morning at the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative offices where the focus will be higher education.  Each of the presenters this morning will share how their organization contributes to higher education.  Speakers include Dr. Galen DeHay of Tri-County Technical College, Dr. Kristin Gehsmann of […]

The Itron technology plant at West Union has a new man-in-charge.  Randy Dunn has been promoted to the position of director of operations.  After having joined the company in January, Dunn is credited with an instrumental role in driving continuous improvement with Itron’s electricity product lines.  Previously, he managed the Auriga Polymers plant.

A Walhalla water line on Medlin Street has been repaired and service restored.  However, there is a boil advisory in place.  Customers are requested to vigorously boil water 3 to 5 minutes before drinking or cooking purposes if you live on the following streets and sections:  Medlin Street, Walhalla Gardens, N. Laurel Street, Frank Martin Street, Bonnie Brae, and surroundings.  […]

Seneca’s Lindsay Road in the vicinity of Fair Oak apartments was closed last night as city crews worked to restore electric power lost as the result of a traffic accident.  The driver, with non-life-threatening injuries, was sent to the hospital.  In the accident, two power poles were toppled and electric power lines fell.  Public safety responders were alerted to the […]

Apart from staying inside and enjoying a working air conditioner, how do you stay comfortable during these hot summer months?  Visit Oconee has a number of suggestions:  go swimming; spend the day at the river; explore Sumter National Forest; lounge at the lake; get ice cream; breeze through the trees; and unwind with an ice-cold beverage.

Officially on the record now is a land transaction to allow Walhalla to build a community center.   The city acquires what are said to be nine acres on the Blue Ridge Boulevard to build a facility to accommodate the over-crowding from Walhalla’s existing recreation facilities.  City administrator Celia Myers has said the community center is expected to house gyms, conference […]

Bank manager Amy Whitfield cut a ribbon at the celebration today of the merger of Community First Bank and Dogwood State Bank.  The ceremony in front of Community First on the Blue Ridge Boulevard, Walhalla was led by Dari McBride of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce.  The merger has the good wishes of the chamber executive director.  Among those on […]

Manufacturing plant manager Elba Lizardi will send off the graduating students of Tri-County Tech during the college 2024 summer commencement ceremony on Monday at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum.  Lizardi of Seneca’s BASF ECMS is likely to offer advice to those graduates heading into the world of work.  She has nearly 30 years’ experience in manufacturing and operations.  Lizardi join BASF Environmental […]

Legislative measures announced by Senator Graham are directed at Iran and would hold the Mideast country accountable if Hezbollah attacks Israel.  In his news conference, the South Carolina Republican said Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran are one and the same.   One of the resolutions offered by Graham would authorize military force against Iran if the U-S president determines Iran is in […]

At its meeting next week, Walhalla city council members are to hear about the Bailey Bill – a state law that allows local government to offer a special tax assessment for rehabilitated historic buildings.  The Bailey bill is part of a two-page agenda that Walhalla’s elected leaders will face in committee form at 5:30 pm Tuesday at city hall.