Author: Dick Mangrum

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 […]

Many trees have fallen in Oconee and the county is experiencing flood conditions. This morning’s forecast is windy with bands of rain from Tropical Storm Helene.  Cloudy today and humid this afternoon.  High 75.  Mostly cloudy tonight, low 62.  Just after 3:30 this morning, Doppler radar showed heavy rain across Oconee and Pickens counties.  Between 3 and 6 inches of […]

More than 10,000 Duke Energy line workers, tree trimmers and other storm support personnel are being strategically staged by the utility, ahead of Helene’s entry into the Carolinas.  Duke recommends customers prepare for the severe rain and tropical-storm-force gusts that could lead to power outages.  Everyone should always stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging — […]

All campgrounds, designated campsites, and other recreation areas inside the Andrew Pickens Ranger District in Oconee County are closed through Saturday and will not re-open until personnel are able to finish on-site hazard inspections.  Affected recreation spots include Yellow Branch, Cherry Hill, Chattooga Picnic areas, and the Cedar Creek Rifle Range.  Reservations for affected campgrounds have been canceled and refunds […]

Here’s a warning from the South Carolina Court Administration to avoid falling for the following scam:  Scammers review public records to find a person who has recently been arrested and remains incarcerated.  The scammer will call a member of the jailed person’s family, demanding immediate payment by gift card, credit card, Venmo, Zelle, or other service to obtain the release […]

Oconee County administrative offices, the county courthouse, the Walhalla magistrate, and the Walhalla Library will open at 11 this morning.  Announcement from Amanda Brock, county administrator, “The delayed opening is due to a widespread power outage affecting Walhalla and surrounding area.”

South Carolina is under a State of Emergency, as declared by the governor.  As such the state Emergency Management Division is coordinating with all relevant state agencies to prepare for requests for help from local officials and county emergency management leaders.  The hard rain across Oconee County is believed to have started around 3 this morning and already flooding is […]

Oconee School District announces that Thursday is planned as a normal day for school; however, all afternoon and evening activities are canceled for Thursday.  The statement reads:  “If severe weather arrives earlier than expected or road conditions are found to be unsafe, any decision to move to an eLearning day for Thursday will be made by 6 a.m. Thursday.  Friday […]

The general contractor for the I-85 corridor sewer expansion, Moorhead Construction, has realized a savings in the cost of materials, and that money amounts to nearly $13 thousand. Brian Ramey, chairman of the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority, says it bodes well for the integrity of the Moorhead Construction.  Ramey said, “It takes a very honest contractor to do that.” […]