Category: News

Share Clemson University faculty and police have received a grant award from the 2019 Justice Mental Health Collaboration Program to design a strategy that improves responses and connection to treatment for people with mental health disorders. The focus of the research project will be Clemson University and surrounding areas, including Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. Bryan Miller, associate professor in […]

This week is U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is encouraging South Carolinians to get their annual flu shot to avoid illnesses that could lead to the unnecessary use of antibiotics. “Many healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics for common flu symptoms such as runny nose and cough,” said Dr. B Linda Bell, […]

Six new fire trucks will soon bolster the fire readiness of Oconee County. The County Council approved the purchase of the new pumpers at a cost of just over $2.04 million. According to County Fire Chief Charlie King, the trucks will be dispersed to local volunteer fire departments to replace trucks that have reached the end of their 25-year service […]

The final shape of an ordinance for a moratorium on Oconee County billboards hasn’t taken form yet, but county councilmen were advised last night that such a restriction is on solid legal ground. County attorney David Root said research shows courts support local authorities restricting billboards for either lessening driving distractions or for aesthetics, or for both. The key, Root […]

If Oconee County Council acts on the suggestion of a structural engineer, the county could see some limits on the use of some wood frame construction described as cheap and shoddy. Structural engineer Derek Hodgin, a former mayor of Westminster, and county resident John Agar, both recommended limitations on wood frame construction of buildings over three stories. They called attention […]

Home builder Sam Head announced at last night’s Walhalla City Council that he’s willing to downsize his Chestnut project to 10 homes only, and promised to return to city council with deed restrictions next month to back up the promise. As a result, the city council took no vote on a required zoning change. Not everyone was on board. There […]

Walhalla leaders could not agree on how much to lower a water re-connect fee. The city council mired itself in debate and attempts at vote to settle the controversy. In the end, a vote to lower the fee from $65 to $35 dollars tied at three yes votes and three no votes. Councilman Robbie Burrell was absent. Most disappointed was […]

The Seneca police say a suspect was in custody last night after a brief motorcycle chase in the vicinity of the middle school, WS 4th Street, and Perkins Creek Road. Chief John Covington said his officers responded to the report of a stolen motorcycle from Clemson.

Ground has been broken for Oconee County’s long-awaited remembrance to the attacks against three United States locations on September 11, 2001. Brandy Shirley of the citizens committee that has been planning the memorial for years says the groundbreaking was three weeks ago. Since then, erosion control and drainage features are being worked on at the location near Walhalla Middle School […]

An Oconee County man, found guilty by a General Session jury, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The two-day trial finished today, and defendant Clifton Eugene Smith did not testify in his defense. Smith’s lawyer tried to make the case for self defense. But the jury heard prosecution […]