Category: News

The Oconee Veterans Affairs Director, Jerry Dyar, sees hope for the U-S Department of veterans Affairs to begin to reduce the backlog of disability claims. U-S Senator Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, among others, calls on President Obama for a plan. Dyar says, “We have numerous veterans right here in Oconee County who have rating decisions pending that have been […]

A Lake Keowee restaurant near Seneca has closed temporarily because of a kitchen fire. According to the Seneca Fire Department, yesterday morning’s fire at the Tikki Hutt on Old Salem Road was doused by kitchen workers using extinguishers. Department spokesman Chris Cartee says the investigation of the fire is in the hands of Shane Gibbs, the county fire marshall. According […]

Before Oconee County Council, Dr. Mike Lucas, county Superintendent of Education, offered what he called a “flat” budget request—meaning it seeks no additional local tax funds for general education purposes in the next year. Bottom line figures for the budgets projected for Oconee School District: $86.8 million in both state and local source revenues; $88.6 million in expenses. That means […]

In the eyes of its administrator, Oconee County faces a stark challenge in what some see as a new normal after the Great Recession. Scott Moulder laid out for the County Council last night a choice of either raising taxes and fees or cutting spending which means fewer services. Moulder proposed a general county budget for the next year of […]

Oconee Republicans have reorganized for 2013, and they have new a new chairman and a new vice-chairman. Bob Skipp succeeded Eddie Adams, who stepped down as chairman. Bill Jerome is the new vice chairman. New chairman Skipp embraces the conservative philosophy and claims to be an original Tea Party organizer. In a 96.3/WGOG NEWS interview, Skipp explained he found himself […]

The United Way of Oconee, partnering with the state DSS, will issue free coupons to low income adults 60 and older that may be used to buy fresh produce at local participating farmers’ markets. Each eligible person will receive $35 worth of coupons that may be used from June through October 15. They’ll be issued at the United Way Center, […]

Employees at a lakeside restaurant near Seneca this morning used extinguishers to put out a kitchen fire. The 9-1-1 call received from the Seneca Fire Department reported a gas leak at the Tikki Hut preceded the fire. It occurred as the restaurant was preparing today’s lunch, and two of the employees required medical attention—one for smoke inhalation. Chris Cartee of […]

A 55-year old man was arrested yesterday at a Seneca business—an arrest made by both city and county officers. According to an announcement by the Oconee Sheriff’s Department, Joseph Michael West of West North Second Street, Seneca was arrested at Yesterday’s, a West North First Street business, and warrants were served also at West’s home. Arrest warrants charge West with […]

Oconee County leaders are worried that legislation before the South Carolina General Assembly could take away their authority to keep out of state solid waste from being stored in their county. It’s a bill supported by the State Chamber of Commerce and opposed by the South Carolina Association of Counties. According to Charles Edens, president of the Association of Counties, […]

Three choirs from the Walhalla Middle School Chorus competed Saturday against choirs from three states during the Music Showcase Festival at Six Flags Over Georgia. The local singers brought back first place trophies and ratings. The competition featured choirs from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.