Author: Dick Mangrum

An early evening motorcycle accident yesterday in rural Oconee County sent one person to a Greenville hospital by medical air flight.  The accident on the White Cut Road near SC 183/the Walhalla-Pickens Highway occurred when the motorcycle left the road, hit cross-ties, and landed in a yard.

South Carolina’s top cop is concerned about rising violent crime across the state.  Having had a look at the preliminary numbers for 2020, Chief Mark Keel of the state Law Enforcement Division points out an approximate 25% increase in murders—from 457 in 2019 to 571 last year.  Aggravated assaults jumped nearly 10%.  What worries Keel especially is deliberately set fires.  […]

Jeff Duncan, South Carolina’s 3rd District representative to Congress, is reporting three additional co-sponsors of his bill that would prohibit the flying of any flag other than the U-S flag over U-S diplomatic and consular posts.  Republican Duncan counts three House colleagues from Texas, Arkansas, and Florida as new co-sponsors, bringing to the total of them, so far, to 20.  […]

The coyote animal is considered a varmint and is mostly found in western states.  However, by natural movement, coyotes have drifted east and, in South Carolina, were first documented in 1978 in both Oconee and Pickens counties.  The South Carolina DNR suspects some coyotes have been illegally imported into the state.  As varmints, coyotes pose a threat to native game […]

In memory of an avid gardener and a founder of the Lazy Daisy Garden Club, a seed library has opened in Westminster.  The Westminster Library and the Oconee History Museum are providing the Betty B. Watkins Seed Library as a vehicle for Oconeeans to receive garden seeds at no charge.  In this new venture, a seed library will allow information […]

At select schools and community locations, Oconee School District will offer pick-up breakfast and lunch meals to children from 2 to 18 years old.  There’s no charge, and those aged 21 and under, if disabled, are eligible.  The food will come in the form of a “grocery style” box that’ll make seven breakfasts and seven lunches.  Children need not be […]

In the newest report from the state health agency, no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were found among Oconee County residents.  The count period covered Tuesday of this week.  Statewide, there were 122 new cases and four deaths, including Sunday’s death of a middle-aged Pickens County resident.  Of 4,383 test results, the positivity statewide was 3.6%.

The American Red Cross is coming to Oconee County to conduct a blood drive to take place this month at the Seneca Church of Christ, 10833 Clemson Boulevard.  Donors receive a $5 Amazon-gift card by e-mail.  The event will run 10 am to 2 pm Monday, June 21. If you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine or you are in-between shots, that’s […]

Downtown Walhalla once had a set of public restrooms, thanks to the effort made by one of the city’s merchants.  Interim city administrator Brandon Burton says, “Walhalla is looking at ways to provide public restrooms for Main Street.”

In the continual re-organization of Oconee’s troubled animal shelter, there’s a new director in charge.  And Sheriff Crenshaw expects shelter worker Daniel Williams promotion this week to director is going to be a part of the solution.  Earlier Williams had served as a sheriff’s officer.  Crenshaw says Williams’ attitude and his love for animals were determining factors in his promotion.  […]