Author: Dick Mangrum

The city of Walhalla marks another year today.  Calling attention to Walhalla’s 171st birthday is the retired newspaper editor, Ashton Hester.  On his Facebook page, Hester writes the city’s March 8 birthday means that “ONLY FOUR MORE YEARS TO THE BIG 1-7-5.”

Someone has been posing as a poll taker, claiming to be employed by Duke Energy.  The Oconee County sheriff, Mike Crenshaw, says it is a scam, and he is advising county residents to be aware for anyone who shows up at the door without verifying his or her identity or have not scheduled in advance any visit from a Duke […]

The state health agency report yesterday contained 732 new cases, 15 of which are in Oconee County.  DHEC confirmed 32 new deaths, including an elderly Oconee resident who died Thursday last week.  Of 24,261 total test results received, the South Carolina positivity was 4.4%.

Three people required a trip to the hospital at Lavonia, Georgia after the collision of a car and an 18-wheeler on I-85 just inside the South Carolina line.  The accident was reported at 11:45 Friday morning on the northbound side of the busy interstate.  Reaching the scene required patience on the part of Oconee County public safety responders.  Chief Larry […]

Prisma Health is making important COVID-19 announcements today.  One is that, on yesterday, Prisma received its first supply of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 660 doses.  The next shipment is to total 600 doses.  Also, Prisma is the designated COVID vaccine provider for six school districts, including the Oconee public school.  Starting Monday, teachers and other school staff are among the […]

1,079 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Carolina. Of that number, 15 are Oconee residents. Statewide, there are 36 new confirmed deaths. Of 26,486 tests, the new South Carolina positivity is 5.7%.

Facial coverings will continue to be required inside buildings serving  the public in Clemson, but a city council vote today eases the COVID-19 rules that drinking establishments have had to follow.  In a 5 to 1 vote, the council agreed to allow customers to eat and drink while standing. That previous prohibition has drawn the ire of both bar owners […]

Prisma Health announces that, starting Monday, the COVID-19 testing site at Oconee Memorial Hospital is changing locations and will test by appointment only moving forward.  On Monday, testing at Oconee Memorial will switch to the Outpatient Testing Center at 105 Omni Drive, Suite B on the Oconee medical campus.  The center is open to 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday, […]