Author: Dick Mangrum

New cases of COVID-19 on today’s report from South Carolina DHEC:  779, including 18 in Oconee County.  Statewide, eight people have been added to the state’s virus death toll.  Of 23, 892 test results received, the positivity was 4.6%.

As the United States approaches the 500,000 mark for deaths from COVID-19, the latest number from South Carolina DHEC is that there have been 120 deaths in Oconee County so far from the virus.

About 30 Westminster water customers remain without service today, the result of the line break near Gaston Circle and Hamilton Drive.  The break was first reported around 6:30 am.  Among those without water service:  the Westminster Elementary School.  The school district today dismissed classes for both the elementary and the nearby middle school.  According to the city, customers on Gaston […]

Tim Scott is a Republican senator from South Carolina and Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat senator from Minnesota.  But when it comes to boosting small business, these two opposites agree that the bill “Enhancing Entrepreneurship for the 21st Century” should pass and be signed into law.  Scott and Klobuchar have filed a resolution toward this end.  The bill would require the […]

A water line break has forced the dismissal today at both the Westminster Elementary School and the nearby West-Oak Middle School.  City crews are on the job to find and pinpoint the break, and residents of Gaston Circle are also impacted by disruption to their service.

U-S Rep. Jeff Duncan has a plan to help secure the country’s power grid.  The Laurens Republican is promoting his bill to restrict international countries from “accessing or owning parts of the United States power grid.”  Duncan accuses the Democratic Biden administration of trying to unravel a Trump executive order that put heavy restrictions on foreign adversaries from accessing or […]

Westminster utility customers on Gaston Circle are affected this morning by a water line break in the vicinity of the elementary school.  City crews are attempting to locate the break and make repairs.  For the time being, however, there will be inconvenience on the part of the affected customers.

In at least two meetings of local leaders last week, pleas were voiced to make road improvements for the sake of public safety and convenience.  Oconee County Council members continue to worry about increasing danger on two-lane 130 between Seneca and the lake communities and on busy four-lane 123 between Seneca and Clemson.  One councilman called for a meeting with […]

A home fire late last night in rural Oconee County.  Everyone inside the house on Acorn Drive near Schoolhouse Road escaped without injury.  Fire fighters were alerted at just before 10:30 and remained at that fire scene until 12:15 this morning.

The family of a missing Walhallan has partnered with Crimestoppers to offer a $1 thousand reward for information leading to his whereabouts.  Joshua Scott Ivester was reported last seen one week ago in the area of Rock Crusher Road.  He is 36 years old; white male; 5’7”, 190 pounds, blue eyes, brown hair.  The sheriff’s office wants to hear from […]