Courthouse loses power temporarily

An electric power surge is said to have disrupted part of the Duke Energy service area in Walhalla.  The surge apparently caused a power outage at the Oconee Courthouse and vicinity around 5:30 this morning.  The flip of a few switches a couple of hours later restored the lights in the courthouse offices, but Clerk of Court Beverly Whitfield requests patience on the part of those doing business with the courthouse as the surge affected offices telephones and internet service. A school district spokesman says both Walhalla Middle School and the adjacent Oconee Academy lost power, but only briefly.