Author: Dick Mangrum

In its second year, the fraud hotline implemented by the Oconee public schools remains quiet.  But it’s there for anyone to report fraud within Oconee public schools or a suspicion of fraud.  The hotline was a recommendation of the district’s outside auditors.  “We do get emails from time to time from people thinking they will get a quicker response to […]

The South Carolina 3rd District member of the U-S House, Jeff Duncan, announces his “Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act.”  The aim of the Laurens Republican is to forbid federal money going to state and local governments that would allow non-citizens to vote in any elections.  “Voting in this country is a right that should solely […]

Westminster and other municipal members of the Joint Regional Sewer Authority are bracing for an upcharge in what they pay to treat their wastewater.  Oconee’s third largest city, however, apparently need not worry about a power rate increase from its wholesale supplier in the New Year.  Commenting in advance of today’s “PMPA” board meeting at Greer, Westminster’s Kevin Bronson says […]

An early morning barn fire in Oakway community.  Around 4 am fire fighters were sent to the fire on Oak Creek Road.  Neither humans, nor animals hurt in that fire.

Three cases of the omicron variant have been confirmed in South Carolina.  Dr. Julie Hirschhorn of MUSC made the announcement this afternoon on the weekly DHEC media briefing.  “Last night we completed analysis of our most recent sequencing run of the viral gnomes for positive patients who’ve been tested through the MUSC Health System.  With the completion of that run,” […]

South Carolina’s Tim Scott voted with the majority as the Senate approved a $770 billion defense spending bill.  Republican Scott says, “I am proud to vote for this bi-partisan authorization to increase U-S defense spending by $25 billion more than the Biden plan and give our troops a well-deserved pay raise.”

ABC reports confirm that, by last evening, COVID-19 related deaths had topped 800,000, and it comes at a time when the country is experiencing a winter surge in cases.  South Carolina DHEC now pegs Oconee County total deaths at 252–238 of them confirmed; 14 probable.  When the first COVID vaccines were administered last December, many Americans hoped the shots would […]

Blossman Gas of Easley will receive $48 thousand in EPA grant money to replace three diesel short haul trucks that new trucks with will run on propane fuel.  Blossman was named a recipient of grant money supporting the South Carolina program of the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act that helps reduce diesel emissions and provide for cleaner air.  According to DHEC, […]

The regular December meeting next week of Walhalla City Council will open with a swearing-in ceremony for the victorious during November’s city election.  Taking the oath of office for new four-year council terms will be newcomers Tyler Jordan and Grant Keehn and holdover Keith Pace.  Their terms start in January.  After the swearing-in, the council’s regular meeting is to consist […]

One year ago, on December 15, 2020, we were burdened with a forecast for freezing rain over the northern reaches of Oconee, Pickens, Greenville and Spartanburg.  But that wasn’t all, as ten days later, on Christmas Day 2020 we saw a dusting of snow.  The Walhalla weather watcher said that amounted to melted precipitation of 1.74″.