Category: News

An Oconee County farm purchased way back in 1905 and, since then, owned continuously by the same family has attained a prominent distinction. The South Carolina Century Farms Program is announcing the designation of the William A. Taylor Farm as a Century Farm. Today the farm is owned by Edgar and Anna Taylor Zelaya of West Union. The Century Farms […]

Two cars collided this morning on 183 in front of Walhalla High School, as the school and the adjacent Walhalla Middle School were starting a new week of classes. The police say one person received medical attention and the wreckage temporarily caused congestion at the traffic light intersection. This morning’s accident was reported at 7:20.

Air Force Airman Austin LeRoy graduated from basic military training in San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. LeRoy is the son of Denise and Duayne Stewart of Westminster and is a 2011 graduate of Walhalla High School.

Oconee County taxpayers can soon expect to open their mail and see a 2013 property tax bill. County Treasurer Greg Nowell says those bills are likely to go out soon. Under a new format adopted a couple of years ago that saves money, Oconee tax bills are printed and mailed from Columbia.  

A project with the potential to ramp up Oconee’s footprint for tourism is the one envisioned as a destination resort off Exit 1, I-85. Those behind Sanctuary Pointe made big splash early this year with an announcement of what they see for a Lake Hartwell peninsula. Since then, things have been quiet. But on Friday Marion Edmonds explained there’s a […]

The first to be called when an accident such as Saturday’s occurs in South Carolina is a state trooper. Budget cuts, however, have reduced the force statewide which means, at times, it’s hard to find troopers when you need them. State Senator Thomas Alexander wants to change that. Alexander met last week in Oconee County with officials of the State […]

A one-car weekend accident in Oconee County killed the driver and injured his passenger. Coroner Karl Addis reported the death of Jason Patrick Smith, 47 years old, of Courtney Smith Drive. The accident occurred on the Wolfstake Church Road, near Courtney Smith Drive. According to the highway patrol, the car Smith drove hit a tree. His passenger, 29-year old Sarrah […]

A late night fire near Westminster has destroyed a home, but its two occupants were unharmed. All belongings in the home were lost and the Oconee Chapter of the American Red Cross is providing temporary assistance. According to Oconee Fire Chief Charlie King, cause of the fire at 220 Chevis Mountain Road in the Cleveland Community is accidental. The fire […]

The speaker for the luncheon marking the 52nd South Carolina Apple Festival explained just how important the tourism business is to South Carolina and how small town Westminster plays an important role in that. “Tourism in South Carolina represents a $16 billion boost to our state’s economy,” said Marion Edmonds. He is the 35-year director of communications for the South […]

Westminster Mayor Rick McCormick gave a welcome from the city to the large crowd attending the Rotary Club’s annual Apple Festival luncheon. He said his city has done what it can to show its best appearance to this week’s visitors. The mayor also announced a new business opened today—the Music Hall. It will hold a concert tonight on its first […]