Category: News

  The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 156 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and 4 additional deaths. This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 10,788 and those who have died to 470. The deaths occurred in 4 elderly individuals from Chesterfield (1), Fairfield (1), […]

Oconee County and South Carolina share an identical unemployment rate.  The figures that State Senator Thomas Alexander made known today show 12.1% unemployment in both the county and across the state.  And in the case of Oconee, an additional 340 residents filed first claims for unemployment during May 17-23.  Today Tim Scott, South Carolina’s junior U-S senator, expressed alarm that […]

101.7/WGOG was back on the air after a power outage that lasted about one hour and started around 11:30 this morning.  The Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative apparently was flooded with calls from affected customers.  According to information received by 101.7/WGOG NEWS, nearly 240 of its customers were affected in the Walhalla area.

The devastating tornado that re-arranged parts of Seneca in April highlights added focus to this year’s contest to make children and everyone better aware of the dangers of severe weather events.  This is the 35th year that Oconee school children have made posters to spread tornado awareness.  A fourth grader at Westminster’s Orchard Park Elementary School, Kamiyah Waddell, is the […]

COVID-19 and its financial repercussions have stopped plans for a Waffle Hut on highway 28 in West Union.  There had been hope to see that project started this summer.  But Mayor Linda Oliver made this announcement today:  “They’re (Waffle Hut) not doing any buildings right now whatsoever.  They are hoping that once the economy gets back to going and their […]

West Union water customers may now pay their bills inside town hall.  And, for a limited time, bill payers may take home a free water bottle, courtesy of the U-S Census.  During COVID-19, or for whatever reason, the federal government is worried that some people are ignoring the important population count.  Two problems spots in the county are Salem and […]

Monday will be an example of another step in the move to continue to try to re-open the local economy.  Walhalla City Hall starting Monday will welcome back members of the public wishing to do city business.  You will be able to pay a bill or conduct other business from the City Hall lobby, but everyone should keep in mind […]

Not even the spread of a nasty virus can block an annual ritual in the county seat of Walhalla, which is aimed at better public health.  The city next weekend will start spraying for mosquitoes.  The spraying schedule will run until October.  If you have a question, call 638-4351.

When you drive South Carolina highways, occasionally you’ll see “Keep Right Except to Pass.” But increasingly motorists ignore the sign and routinely use the passing lane as others use the inside right lane on four-lane roadways.  Some states (examples are Georgia and Indiana) recognize this as a potential danger, especially when slower drivers clog the passing lane. That forces faster […]

With business such as corridors and the U-S Census, the Oconee County Planning Commission will re-group on Monday evening in the county council chambers in Walhalla.  The planning commissioners’ meeting at 5 pm is a public gathering, but social distancing must be observed.  Attendance by the general public will be limited to 20% capacity, or a total of 34 people.  […]