Author: Dick Mangrum

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that: A skunk found near Lee Drive and Richey Road in Fair Play, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider. The skunk was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing Tuesday and confirmed to have rabies  Wednesday.  “It is […]

The Pickens County deputy coroner, Chad Hope, has identified the victim in the Wednesday case of homicide near Easley.  The victim on Zion Heights Court was Augustin Demsa, 41 years old.  The case is being investigated by the Pickens Sheriff’s Office as a potential domestic shooting.  

Four cases are on the list for potential trials during Oconee General Sessions Court week–October 25-29.  In those cases, one man is charged with domestic violence high and aggravated. A second defendant faces disorderly and resisting arrest charges.  Two other men are charged with traffic offenses.  Tenth Circuit Judge Lawton McIntosh will preside.

New, confirmed cases statewide:  864 (28 in Oconee) New, confirmed deaths:  15 Of 16,595 test results received, the new positivity:  8.4%.

In the estimation of Larry Brandt, defense attorney for Kenny Johns, the state Supreme Court order is a “death shot” for Johns’ future in the office of Oconee Probate Judge, though Brandt says he’d like to see his client be able to resurrect his career and return to head the county’s probate court.  However, Johns is now on an 18-month […]

Wherever senior citizens are gathering today in Oconee and Anderson counties, it’s likely they are talking about the government’s announcement that Social Security checks will be increased for 2022 by nearly 6%.  The Associated Press reports it’s the largest increase in nearly 40 years, and is being influenced by the rising cost of living across the country.  Doug Wright, executive […]

Three convenience stores were raided recently in Stephens County, Georgia, according to Sheriff Randy Shirley.  Officers were looking for Schedule 1 drugs that have no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse.  Toccoa Radio WNEG reports officers seized products containing Delta 9 THC, the main ingredient for marijuana, along with more than $70 thousand cash from the stores. Arrest […]

A state prison inmate from Oconee County was found dead this week in his cell at the Lee Correctional Institution, and the Department of Corrections says the investigation is centered on the likelihood that Lee Mikeal Cawthon took his own life.  He did not have cellmate, according to the DOC.  Cawthon, 45 years old, pleaded guilty to the 2017 murder […]