Author: Dick Mangrum

Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina state epidemiologist, says that since the start of the pandemic, she has never been more concerned about the state’s health as she is today about the surge of COVID-19, accelerated by the Delta variant.  Unless South Carolinians begin to take better precautions, which include getting vaccinated, she’s fearful that cases that are now exceeding in […]

While executing a search warrant in an unrelated investigation, Oconee Sheriff’s Office says, evidence was obtained that led to the charge of criminal sexual conduct with a minor against a 19-year old Westminster man.  The man arrested—Jerad Milton Grimes—is also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor based on evidence that the sheriff’s office says was gathered to […]

New cases across the state:  1,680.  Seventeen (17) of those are Oconee residents. New confirmed deaths:  14 (including two Pickens County residents). Of 17,906 test results received, the new positivity:  13.8%.  

  From Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director: “Fellow South Carolinians, Today the State of South Carolina reported 15 new deaths due to COVID-19, pushing the total South Carolinian lives lost so far to this virus past the 10,000 mark. While statistics are useful to measure data, there is no statistic for grief or comfort in a milestone for those who […]

At this hour, the state patrol is assisting a motorist on SC 28/the Highlands Highway, where the roadway is blocked in the vicinity of the Stumphouse Tunnel Park.  A passerby says the problem is a disabled camper.  Earlier, according to the patrol, three youngsters were sent for treatment after their golf cart turned over in the Foxwood Hills subdivision.

Prisma Health workers return tomorrow to Walhalla’s James Brown Elementary School to give the Pfizer vaccine to those people 12 years old and older in a drive-thru arrangement.  The clinic hours will be 2:30 to 6:30 pm. Tomorrow’s clinic will be held on the cafeteria side of the elementary school, to create separation from tomorrow’s James Brown back-to-school event. The […]

A student at Walhalla High School, Olivia Lee, was among 74 high-achieving students who took part this summer in a web-conference, part in-person event, sponsored by South Carolina electric cooperatives.  An article about Olivia’s experience and that of the other students appears in “South Carolina Living” — the magazine of the cooperatives.  The teenagers used their laptops and smartphones to […]

Nationwide tests are scheduled this afternoon of both the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Alerts.  The national tests start at 2:20 this afternoon ET and are conducted by “FEMA”, in coordination with the FCC.  The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radio and TV.  The Wireless Emergency Alert will be directed only to consumer cell […]

A wild and free-ranging non-native black and white tegus lizard has, so far, been documented by 13 sightings since last summer in South Carolina, and the state DNR is concerned.  More than one-half of the sightings have been in the Columbia area, but the animal has also been seen in Pickens and Greenville counties.  Because of the potential negative impacts […]