Category: News

583 new cases across the state; 7 in Oconee. 18 new deaths statewide.  One of the 18 is a middle-aged Oconeean who died February 27. Of 9,277 test results received, the South Carolina positivity was 9.6%.  

The Smithsonian is including Westminster as one of a half dozen small South Carolina communities to display its Water/Ways exhibition.  That exhibit will be available for public viewing starting this Saturday – and continuing through April 17—at the Westminster Historic Train Depot on Main Street.  The Smithsonian, the museum of natural history, has this to say about the exhibit”  “In […]

For the first time, and through the 12t of March, the South Carolina governor’s mansion will be lit blue in honor of colorectal cancer awareness month.  The special designation comes as South Carolina funds colorectal cancer prevention and education programs — and the important role they play to address the decrease in the pandemic-driven screenings.  Governor McMaster said, “As Peggy […]

After a long tenure in the drug enforcement field, an Oconee sheriff’s officer has taken a transfer within the office.  Capt. Jeremy Chapman has succeeded the retired Gentry Hawk as director of the Oconee Detention Center.  Chief Deputy Kevin Davis says Chapman went on his new assignment two weeks ago.  Sheriff Crenshaw has disclosed a second personnel change.  David Smith […]

A Maryland man is under arrest in Oconee County, after he allegedly assaulted a woman near Seneca.  Davon Brian Bowman of Edgewood, Maryland was arrested early Tuesday by the Oconee Sheriff’s Office on charges of assault and battery third degree and malicious injury to property.  Twenty-three year old Bowman is accused in a warrant of striking with an open hand […]

Walhalla’s newest police officers are Mark Boatman and Devin Matthews.  At this point, the two are uncertified, but Chief Brinson is hopeful they’ll qualify for patrol duties in six months.

Eastbound traffic between Seneca and Westminster on U-S 123 will soon undoubtedly face some slow down in front of the Heritage Farm complex.  Construction is to begin on new turning lanes and on an eastern entrance road to the property.  County Council last night approved a contract with Thrift Development which includes a 5% contingency.  In total, the approved cost […]

Former Oconeean Ola (Whitney) Martin has attained a honor in her young teacher career in South Carolina.  In her first year in the South Aiken school district, Martin has been accorded Teacher of the Year.  She teaches 10th grade English.  Previously she taught in North Augusta.  Ola Martin is the daughter of Barbara Whitney and the late Robert Whitney.

One year ago today, a WGOG NEWS story opened with this:  “Oconee public schools continue to monitor the outbreak of the coronavirus, although the virus has not yet become widespread in the U-S.”  Well, it wasn’t long before the strange virus became widespread.  And here we are one year later with South Carolina’s announcement that, by this week, more than […]

For the time being, plans for a new Westminster magistrate office are on hold.  Oconee County Council last night unanimously decided to instead offer the former Free Gospel Holiness Church building and property for sale.  The council last night was expected to approve the demolition of the building, as the first step in the re-build project.  A design-build contract with […]