Category: News

Lawyers for the convicted murderer Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald have filed a new appeal based on what they say is evidence discovered thru modern day DNA technology.  MacDonald, a military surgeon, was convicted in North Carolina in 1979 of killing his pregnant wife and two young children nine years earlier.  He has been in prison since and today is 72 years […]

A man from the Utica Community near Seneca has been arrested on charges of stealing pickup trucks in three separate incidents last year in Oconee County.  The Sheriff’s Office identified the arrested man as Douglas Elwood Emerson (left) of Brown Street, Utica.  Arrest warrants show the 33-year old Emerson is accused of taking pickup trucks on E. Springwood Drive, the […]

The sky above Walhalla is liable to turn grey with smoke during today’s fuel reduction burn near Mountain Rest.  But a spokesman for the U-S Forest Service predicts the smoke will be short in duration and have minimal impact.  For the purpose of eliminating the fuels that can lead to wildfire, the Forest Service today plans to burn 1,700 acres […]

Westminster’s first-year administrator warned the city council last night that downtown blight could block the city’s efforts to attract new investment.  And coming out of last night’s informal meeting was agreement that Westminster needs a property maintenance code.  Right now, according to administrator Chris Carter, the city has a minimal maintenance code and nothing that governs commercial property.  The mayor […]

Henry McMaster will make his first speaking appearance in Oconee County since becoming South Carolina governor.  The state’s 117th governor will keynote next month’s State of Oconee Luncheon.  It’s to be a $25 dollar a plate affair from 12 noon to 1:30 Friday, February 17 at West-Oak Middle School.  Tickets are available from the Oconee Chamber of Commerce.

The body of a man found in a wooded section of Pickens County last week has been identified by authorities.  Coroner Kandy Kelley said the body was that of Kenny Mark Chapman, a 44-year old resident of Evergreen Acres Road, Pickens.  An autopsy is pending, though Kelley says there is no evidence of foul play or trauma.  The death is […]

A car and a van collided at Seneca’s Miracle Circle intersection.  Yesterday afternoon’s accident shortly before 4:45 sent four people to the hospital and temporarily shut down one lane and slowed traffic thru Oconee’s busiest crossroads.  Capt. Robert Tribble said the accident occurred when a car headed eastbound on 123 collided with a van attempting to make a left turn […]

The allegation of the unlawful practice of a regulated profession has landed a Columbia area man in the Oconee County jail.  An arrest warrant alleges that Lexington resident Elbert Carson Boan Jr. accepted a $10 thousand dollar check from a Seneca couple in 2015 to install solar panels at their home, but left the job incomplete.  According to an incident […]

Up to $30 thousand dollars generated by Oconee accommodations taxes is available to the applicants who can meet the county’s criteria.  The county Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission is accepting applications until 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, February 15.  Those interested may request an ATAX application guide by calling 888-1488 or online at oconeesc.com.  The commission will vote to recommend grants […]