Author: Dick Mangrum

Today’s report on jobless claims shows that, for the first time since pandemic started, South Carolina first-time claims have dropped below 13,000.  And, among the places where there have been fewer claims, is Oconee County.  For the week ended last Saturday, Oconee’s number was 190.  The numbers prompt the director of employment and workforce, Dan Ellzey, to say, “Our economy […]

At this hour a storm, with lightning, has struck the Walhalla High School area, and the outdoor COVID-19 tests taking place there have been suspended at least temporarily.  It remained to be seen if the medical personnel can re-start tests because the event is scheduled to run until 3 o’clock only.  Testing there today apparently got off to a slow […]

A 101.7/WGOG listener to our traffic reports has noticed an increasing number of hit-run accidents reported by the highway patrol … and wonders if there could be a correlation between drivers who text and the numbers of hit-run cases.  Not necessarily, in the view of state troopers.  Their spokesman, Lance Corp. Joe Hovis, says troopers find that there are a […]

We have word from Walhalla High School this morning that at the start of drive-up COVID-19 testing, there were few cars in line–meaning that if you want to take advantage of a free test, this might be a good opportunity.  A school official quoted medical personnel there as saying the crowd is expected to pick up later during what’s planned […]

A strong supporter of nuclear power, the 3rd District congressman is behind a bill that seeks to change the way the government’s watchdog nuclear agency reviews the industry.  The legislation is called “The Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act.”  Rep. Jeff Duncan notes that in South Carolina, nuclear power generates nearly 57% of the electricity, with the national average being […]

About two weeks remain in an application period for disaster unemployment assistance for South Carolinians in nine counties, including Oconee and Pickens.  The help is offered through the system of unemployment insurance benefits.  Residents of Aiken, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Hampton, Marlboro, Oconee, Orangeburg, and Pickens are eligible due to “FEMA’s” decision to change the application to include individual assistance in […]

Large amounts of rain were measured during the night in parts of Oconee, but not in Walhalla.  There, the official weather observer recorded only .04″ of rain.  Barbara Wilson does say that the radar she saw last night indicated heavy rain to both the north and east of the city.

Everyone in South Carolina, when in public and unable to social distance, should be wearing a mask.  That’s the newest recommendation from the governor.  But that’s not all.  Governor McMaster yesterday issued several orders, effective Monday, that further restrict the public gatherings.  The details are being broadcast today on 101.7/WGOG NEWS.

Because of the potential of a COVID-19 exposure inside the office of the Oconee County Auditor, that Pine Street, Walhalla office will be closed for three and a half hours this morning.  Amanda Brock, county administrator, says the temporary closing is precaution only and while closed, the office will undergo a professional sanitizing and deep cleaning.  The plan is to […]