Author: Dick Mangrum

When the Rev. Clementa Pinckney was nine years old he joined a 4-H program; today the late Reverend-Senator Pinckney is a posthumous inductee into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.  And a former legislative colleague, Oconee-Pickens Senator Thomas Alexander, is pleased that Clemson University has drawn attention to the accomplishment.  As a nine-year old 4-Her, Pinckney focused on public speaking […]

A man in varying types of costumes is popping up on Walhalla’s Main Street downtown, with a smile on his face, trying to draw the attention of passersby.  This morning it looked like he was dressed as a Good Humor driver; this afternoon he wore a police officer’s cap.  The Walhalla police chief, Sean Brinson, says, “He is just someone […]

The South Carolina Department of Education invites the public to review textbooks and instructional materials that have been proposed for use in South Carolina’s public schools. The materials will be on display at fifteen locations as well as online from November 9 to December 9 with instructions for submitting comments available at each site. “South Carolina students, families, educators, and […]

Larry Hendrix has sold Davenport Funeral Home in West Union and the new owners intend to operate it as a new family-run funeral home.  As Hendrix moves into retirement, Terry Woodall and his family are the new owners, and Mr. Woodall is introducing himself today (through an interview airing on 101.7/WGOG NEWS) to the community. He’s being assisted by two […]

Pets and Patriots Week is underway at the Oconee Humane Society.  Between now and Sunday, November 14 veterans may  adopt a dog or a cat for $10 dollars.  A full-scale pet palooza with adoptable dogs and cats takes place on Saturday from 10-3 and on Sunday from 1-4.  All Oconee Humane Society pets are spayed or neutered, have a microchip, […]

Two women with banking backgrounds have joined Blue Ridge Bank.  Tara Adherold is a new customer service representative at Blue Ridge’s main office in Walhalla.  Tracy Cameron has joined the main office as operations specialist.  President/CEO Kyle Thomas says Adherold and Cameron have strong background in banking and bring a wealth of knowledge to Blue Ridge Bank.

Walhalla’s state lawmaker is expecting to add, perhaps, as many as 2,500 population to his District One which, historically, has been confined to Walhalla and northern parts of Oconee County.  Rep. Bill Whitmire expects to learn more this week but it appears, he says, that the new re-districting map will add to his constituency by cross the lake for a […]

Every member of the South Carolina State University football team is, according to DHEC, fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  State health officials last Saturday presented the university a Community Hero Award.  Dr. Bell, state epidemiologist, said:  “By each player stepping up to get fully vaccinated, the Bulldogs have taken great strides to protect not only the health of their team, but […]

Law enforcement seized 11 handguns, shotguns, and semi-automatic rifles in a collaborative effort by local, state and federal authorities to combat street gangs at Toccoa, Georgia.  Four arrests were announced.  Toccoa Radio WNEG quotes Sheriff Randy Shirley of Stephens County as saying an aggressive effort is directed at increasing violent crime and the takedown is the first in a collaborative […]