Category: News

Three Oconeeans were in jail yesterday facing drug charges after deputies went to Peachtree Lane near Westminster to look for a person of interest.  According to the Sheriff’s Office, arrested were Steven Gil Wilson, Bob Everett Welborn, and Brittney Nicole Varner.  Deputies went to a camper on the property and say they saw one person run and heard others inside […]

Old Georgia Road near SC 183/the Walhalla-Westminster Highway, will remain closed today as Oconee County crews continue asphalt repairs.  According to the county Roads and Bridges Department, local residents will be able to access their homes with minimal delay.  Every effort is being made to minimize inconvenience and re-open the road as soon as possible.

A $500 dollar fine and credit for serving two days in jail settles the case of a man charged with indecent exposure on Lake Keowee.  Judge Scott Sprouse in the Oconee General Sessions Court handed down the sentence today in the Oconee General Sessions Court to Larry Ownbey who was charged in 2015 by the South Carolina DNR.  Assistant Solicitor […]

The new South Carolina Roads Bill, along with increased funds from the legislature, makes possible re-surfacing and re-habilitation projects in 27 counties,  including Oconee. The DOT today announced that the projects will cover nearly 200 miles of paving work around the state and are valued at $26.5 million. The projects are part of SCDOT’s increased re-surfacing program and the local […]

At least one pre-trial issue in Seneca v. Pioneer Rural Water has apparently been settled by the cancellation this morning in Anderson of a motion hearing at which the attorney for Pioneer’s consultant firm would have moved to quash a subpoena.  That subpoena would have sought information related to the water plant project from Design South Professionals.  By yesterday, however, […]

For Oconee’s five municipalities, there’s reward money for which ever town picks up the most litter.  Janet Hartman, Destination Oconee Manager, announces a competition to decide which of the five can pick up the most litter.  Each town is to receive $500 dollars to be used to benefit its downtown.  The overall winner receives a $5 thousand re-imbursable grant toward a downtown […]

South Carolina DNR reports increased black bear activity across the state, some of that is in Oconee County.  If you live in areas where bears roam, DNR’s advice is to remove birdfeeders now.  Near Salem, one bear feasted on the honey in a backyard beehive.  It’s the breeding season that has the bears on the move.  Bears are hungry and […]

One person went to the hospital last night after a rollover pickup truck accident on the Duck Pond Road near Walhalla.  The Fire Department responded with resources to the accident shortly before the 10 o’clock hour.

With four weeks before classes start, the campus at Walhalla Elementary School on Fowler Road remains a construction zone–especially the entry road and the parking.  It’s a question that trustee Jerry Lee posed at this week’s board meeting.  District administrators are relaying words of assurance from the contractor that the school will be ready first day August 17.  Among the […]

Near Salem the Oconee Sheriff’s Office is getting a greater presence.  An agreement with the Keowee Fire District allows sheriff’s personnel to use building space at 115 Maintenance Road next to Keowee Fire Department.  Showcase day for the facility is Sunday when, from 2 to 4 o’clock, the public is invited to have a look.  Two other substations of its […]