Category: News

With the help of a pair of home builders, Oconee planning commissioners last night wore their thinking caps to try for solutions to the county’s housing challenges—specifically the need for affordable housing. Aside from a request for staff to define affordable housing, part of the emphasis last night were the reasons why more housing is not being built in a […]

On the motion of new member Gary Gaulin, the Oconee Planning Commission will take a close look at I-85 exit 4 at Whitfield Road, with an eye to eliminate the safety and traffic concerns raised by residents of the Fair Play area.  In late January, the county Board of Zoning Appeals approved four variances that’ll allow for a Speedway fuel […]

Prepared for the signature of the Walhalla mayor is an ordinance that would establish a four-month moratorium against small box discount stores, while the city considers changes to its zoning laws.  The ordinance, in preparation for tonight’s meeting of the city council, comes at a time when its appears that the Dollar General chain is interested in a downtown location.  […]

The departure of five electric linemen from the employment at Seneca Light and Water was confirmed this afternoon by Bob Faires, utilities superintendent.  The departures are believed to have occurred Friday.  Because the matters are considered personnel, Faires would not explain what happened.  He indicates the positions will eventually be re-filled; however, for now, Seneca will use resources available from […]

If COVID-19 numbers continue their slide, Walhalla’s big outdoor festival will likely return in 2021.  By the narrowest of margins, the Oktoberfest Committee put safety ahead of fun last year and cancelled last October’s event.  But Governor McMaster’s decision to give the state Commerce Department leeway in permitting gatherings of 250 and more has been received by the Walhalla Oktoberfest […]

Total new confirmed COVID cases in South Carolina for the latest 24-hour period:  740.  Of those 740, there were 15 Oconee County residents.  New deaths statewide were three.  Of 25,197 total test results received, the state positivity fell to 4.1%.

A fire fighter with nearly 25 years experience for the Beaufort County town of Bluffton is moving across the state to land as Clemson University’s new chief.  Most recently, Rick Cramer worked as deputy chief of operations in the Bluffton Township Fire District.  At Clemson, he succeeds the retired Bill Daniel.

The police at Seneca say they seized dangerous narcotics in a late night traffic stop last week on the south side of the railroad tracks. Stopped was a Chevy Trailblazer on Fairfield Drive.  Arrested were the driver and his passenger.  The police list the following charges have been placed against driver Calvin Hunt:  driving under suspension; simple possession of marijuana; […]

At their meeting tomorrow, Oconee County Council will be asked to award Thrift Development of Seneca a contract worth in excess of $400 thousand for new turn lanes and an eastern entrance road to the Heritage Farm Center on the 123/the Sandifer Boulevard.  Another staff recommendation to the council is the award of $44 thousand to Trehel Corporation to handle […]

Effective today, South Carolina establishments licensed to sell beer, wine, and liquor for on-premises consumption may resume normal alcohol sales (pre-pandemic) as licensed by the state Department of Revenue.  Governor McMaster has terminated COVID-19 related safety measures related to the sale of alcohol.  McMaster’s previous executive order had prohibited sales of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption after 11 […]