Author: Dick Mangrum

On occasion, 101.7/WGOG NEWS encounters those who do not believe masks are making a difference when it comes to the spread of COVID-19.  And a concerned listener has posed an interesting question for which, unfortunately, the Oconee public schools can’t satisfy.  He wants to know in the aftermath of a positive case detected in the schools — and the quarantine […]

Newsweek magazine is out with a poll that shows Democrat Jaime Harrison slightly behind Republican incumbent Lindsey Graham for South Carolina U-S senate.  The magazine cites the Cook Report and says the 48%-42% advantage three weeks until election is the widest lead for Graham has enjoyed over his challenger in months.  The poll is based on how voters would vote […]

An even 700 new South Carolina cases of that virus that is staying with us like one of the worst houseguests imaginable, today’s state COVID-19 numbers are showing us.  The South Carolina death toll has risen over 24 hours by 17 people.  None shows an Oconee address; however, the eight new virus cases have been confirmed among county residents.  Results […]

No longer do two massive cranes dot the skyline on Seneca’s Wells Highway on the grounds of the Borg Warner plant.  Area residents noticed the cranes were removed by large trucks.  Those cranes were part of the massive re-build of the car parts plant, hit hard by the April 13 tornado.  And, as such, the work they did was instrumental […]

A transplanted Californian has been accorded Fire Fighter of the Year in Seneca.  He has an unusual name (Dash Lucero), but the quality of his work is anything but run of the norm.  His boss, Chief Caudill, says, “I’d take 10 men just like him.”  Lucero was applauded and awarded during last night’s city council meeting.  Besides his business-like approach […]

Tri-County Technical College at Pendleton has new federal money to spend to help students with child care issues.  A grant of more than $378 thousand has arrived and is to be spent to help low income students by giving them access to affordable and flexible child care.  In Oconee, Anderson and Pickens, Tech serves more than nine thousand students a […]

  The new man temporarily in charge at the Seneca Police Department is talking about the scourge of illegal drug activity in his city … and an arrest that one of his officers made at night over the weekend.  Law enforcement records show the arrest of Sarah Kathleen Collinsworth.  According to Casey Bowling, interim police chief, the police went to […]

In case anyone has forgotten, covering your face is still the law anywhere in Clemson. The city has put out a reminder that everyone, residents and visitors, must wear a mask outside when six feet of social distancing can’t be maintained from people not in the same family or household.  Included but not limited to sporting events and waiting in […]

Kindergartners at the Westminster Elementary School have been sent home for two weeks–the result of COVID-19 cases there.  The virus continues to play havoc at Seneca High School.  There, one math and one physical education class are now on distance learning.  The Bobcats’ have called off their next two scheduled football games, meaning the team won’t play again until October […]

  The first Oconee General Sessions jury trial in the pandemic era has ended with a conviction and a lengthy prison term.  According to a court officer, defendant Gary Martin Wirtz was found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine third offense and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.  Judge Verdin’s sentence sends Wirtz to prison for 25 years. Wirtz, 41, […]