Category: News

A record number of South Carolinians, a little over 1,407,940 will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas/New Year’s holiday, according to AAA Carolinas. The record number represents an increase of 1% from last year. The 12-day Christmas/New Year’s travel holiday is defined as Wednesday, Dec. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 3. “Although we have seen an increase in gas prices […]

The leaders of Oconee’s three largest towns are marking their calendars for a meeting the night of January 9 in Walhalla.  On that night, at 6 o’clock, at the Walhalla Depot the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority conducts its annual members’ meeting for the municipalities of Seneca, Walhalla, and Westminster.  The agenda calls for an overview of 2016 activities including […]

At their meeting tonight, Oconee Planning Commissioners discuss the transition from one new year to the next.  The commission meets at 6 in County Council Chambers at Walhalla, and the public is invited.

Oconee authorities say they have received word that Indiana wishes to extradite a resident of their state arrested late last week by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.  Arrest records show Zechariah Levi Bates of Fremont, Indiana was arrested Thursday night by South Carolina trooper Parsons on the Dr. John’s Road near Westminster on the following charges: fugitive from justice and possession/disposal […]

Fewer jobless claims are being filed by Oconee County residents.  According to the state Department of Employment and Workforce, November unemployment in the county stood at 3.8%–equivalent to 1,353 county residents who are out of work but actively searching for new work.  Oconee’s employed labor force was 33,842. In November, the seasonally adjusted jobless rate for South Carolina was 4.4%. […]

  Not even in small West Union is it safe these days to leave your doors unlocked.  Police Chief Charles Sanders says unscrupulous characters are looking to commit crimes of opportunity by turning doors handles at West Union homes and parked cars.  So, Sanders recommends, especially at holiday time, to keep all doors locked and to report any suspicious activity […]

A 22-year state lawmaker had strong words yesterday about two societal problems—one of which distinguishes South Carolina from other parts of the country.  Rep. Bill Sandifer, in front of the Seneca Rotary Club, said he and his colleagues in Columbia are embracing the need to reduce the state’s “horrible” rate of violence in the home place.  “We right now, in […]

The federal government will send more than $50 million dollars for health centers in 23 states, Puerto Rico and the Federated State of Micronesia, and Oconee’s Rosa Clark Medical Clinic in Seneca is one of the beneficiaries.  An announcement yesterday by Sylvia Burrell, Secretary of Health and Human Services, means $812,500 for Rosa Clark.  Free community health centers, such as […]

The Oconee Conservation Bank Board, now infused with more than $600 thousand dollars thanks to Duke Energy, is willing to do business.  The Bank Board is now soliciting statements of interest and applications for funding from interested Oconeeans who wish to conserve their property from future development.  Forms are available by contacting the Clerk to Council at 718-1023 or thru the Oconee […]

The new-look Oconee County Council will be official on the night of Tuesday, January 3.  At 5:30 that evening Magistrate Will Derrick will administer the oath of office to councilmen-elect Glenn Hart of District Five and Julian Davis of District Four.  District Two’s Wayne McCall is to be sworn in as a re-elected incumbent.  The public is invited.  The council’s […]