Author: Dick Mangrum

South Carolina DHEC counts 447 new cases of COVID-19 in the state.  Six of those cases are Oconee County residents.  Statewide there were 12 new deaths.  Of 11,206 test results, the latest positivity was 5%.  These numbers reflect data collected by the state health agency effective 11:59 pm Sunday, April 11.

A graduate of both West-0ak High School and Tri-County Technical Colllege, Hannah Smith, won a healthcare award in her capacity as a nurse at the MUSC Health Transplant and Telehealth Center in Greenville.  The award is called the “Transplant, Nephrology and Hepatology ICCE Outpatient Care Team Member of the Year Award for 2020.”  With that award came a certificate,  flowers […]

Here’s a new announcement from the state health agency” “The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) released the following statement concerning this morning’s federal announcement about the Janssen vaccine, also referred to as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: South Carolina public health officials received word this morning, like many throughout the nation and the state, that the […]

The use of alcohol and marijuana make for some of the most dangerous driving on the roadways.  Data announced by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety show drivers who use alcohol and marijuana are more likely to speed, text, intentionally run red lights, and drive aggressively than those who don’t.  Notwithstanding whether marijuana is legal or prescribed, AAA’s Tiffany Wright […]

With national funding, Clemson University has accepted the task of a quest for scientific advancement in human genetics.  A grant of $10.6 million from the the National Institutes of Health will establish the Center of Bio-medical Research Excellence in collaboration with the Greenwood Genetic Center.  Genetic networks define an individual’s characteristics, which along with life-style habits and environmental factors, determine […]

  Gunfire wounded one adult male last night in Westminster.  The police chief, Rory Jones, this morning released only scant details. “I will confirm that we did have a shooting in the city of Westminster last night in the Butler Street area, leaving one person wound and hospitalized, Jones said. The shooting occurred around 8 o’clock.

The superintendent of Oconee public schools, Dr. Michael Thorsland, is sensing that the district has begun to move from strict COVID-19 protocols to a return to its top priority of providing the best education possible to its students.  In a report last night to the trustees, Thorsland said it has been a successful year,  although a year disrupted by the […]

A look at an architect’s drawings for the next public school to be built in Oconee County reveals the typical of what a new school looks like in the 21st century.  But the new Seneca Middle School to be built on the Wells Highway will be equipped with a room influenced by the world pandemic. Architect Joel Carter                                                                                                                                   announced at […]

Walhalla’s voters decide today who gets to fill an open seat on their six-member city council.  The ballot candidates are Gwen Owens and Christy Marlow.  For voters who make their way to the polls at the EMS/Rescue Squad building, the sun will shine and the temperature should hit 80 degrees.  There is a slight chance for showers between 2 and […]