Category: News

The re-surfacing of an 11-mile stretch of I-85 is a project that continues across the Oconee and Anderson stretches of the interstate highway. The work is being done on the northbound lanes. Josh Makison, resident construction engineer for the DOT, predicts the project should finish by October 31. In the meantime, next month is the projected starting date for road […]

With the public schools resumed for a new year, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reminds everyone to always look for flashing lights on a school bus, slow down, prepare to stop, and always look for children.  On two-lane motorists, motorists traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing amber/red lights.  On four or more […]

The start of a school year is not only the time for teachers to organize their classrooms. It’s a time for the lunchroom managers to figure out how to interest more students and teachers in school-served breakfast and lunch. Two members of the district’s meal providers, the Sodexo company, spoke at last night’s board meeting about some of the new […]

Investigation continues as to what caused fire Saturday night that destroyed a home near Walhalla. Firemen were called shortly before 11 Saturday night to Laurel Estates on the Highlands Highway where they found flames shooting through the roof of the two-story home. As many as seven people are said to have lived in the home, but apparently no one was […]

OSD’s top two goals 0700, Tue., 19 August 2014..lrm Above all others, there are two goals which Oconee public schools will pursue. The trustees last week retreated to Lake Jocassee’s Devil’s Fork State Park for a planning meeting. And, at last night’s regular meeting, Dr. Michael Thorsland, the superintendent, said the first goal is to “quantify” the district’s goal of […]

An exit exam no longer a requirement for a high school diploma, Oconee School District has begun to issue diplomas to former students who met all the requirements except that one. Steve Hanvey, assistant superintendent for operations, estimates as many as 200 former students may now qualify for diplomas under South Carolina Act 155. So far, 27 have picked up […]

Overall, day one for Oconee public schools went well. In a report to the trustees last night Dr. Michael Thorsland, superintendent, estimated first day attendance fell between 10,100 and 10, 200. The day was not without its normal opening day problems—such as some children left behind at their bus stops. Thorsland says advancements in communication technology helped make this opening […]

Oconee sheriff’s officers have issued a ticket alleging that a Fair Play woman solicited prostitution. Jongsoon Back, 51 years old, was booked into the Oconee Detention Center yesterday afternoon after, according to the Sheriff’s Office, an undercover agent entered the King’s Spa on Herring Road in Fair Play and was solicited for sexual favors for money. An investigation had begun, […]

A man became a crime victim even before he was able to move into his new residence near Seneca. While moving into that home last year, someone took household items that he had placed there. Now the Oconee Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged a 29-year old Pickens County man, Timothy Rip Bryant of Liberty, with receiving stolen goods. According […]

Oconee County opened a new school year this morning.  And, first reports are, no problems.