Category: News

The tri-county of Upstate South Carolina experienced a slight drop in unemployment to end 2014. According to the latest figures from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, Oconee County’s jobless rate fell to 6.2% in December, which is down from 6.4% in November of 2014. The state agency lists 2,000 people, out of Oconee County’s labor force of […]

A Westminster wrestler competes this season on Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge, which is the toughest physical competition on national TV. Jake James takes his chance during the episode that premieres at 8pm, Feb. 8 on CMT. James competes in the challenge to determine the last one standing. To win the $10,000 grand prize, James must be the fastest through […]

The third early release day for the School District of Oconee County is this Wednesday, explains Oconee County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Operations Steve Hanvey. “This is an opportunity for our entire school staff to get to work together on some school based initiatives and activities. Usually when we have work days and in-service days, a lot of our instructional […]

Officers from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and community members come together Wednesday morning in a relaxed setting to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. The 8am event takes place at the Westminster Depot, explains Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt. “Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions […]

A suspicious fire is under investigation in the City of Seneca, explains Firefighter Chris Cartee. “On Monday morning around 2am, we received a call about a structure fire on Evelyn Drive. Upon arrival, crews found the structure to be about 50% involved. There were five occupants that lived in the residence; everyone was able to get out safe. Fire crews […]

A Seneca man sits behind bars of the Oconee County Detention Center for allegedly chocking a woman. According to reports from the Seneca Police Department, 49-year-old Derrick Rochell Berkley stands charged with criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. He was arrested Sunday after the victim told police that Berkley came home from drinking, threatened her, grabbed her […]

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office seeks help locating a missing Walhalla woman. Deputies received notification Monday that 69-year-old Lorraine Anne Leiss-Lee is missing. Her last known address is 417 Snead Road but deputies believe that she has not been at that address for the last three weeks and there have been no recent sightings of her. Deputies believe that she […]

John Boggs returns to his Alma Mater as the new Head Football Coach. On Monday, Pickens High School Principal Marion Lawson announced that Boggs, who is a math teacher at the school and served as an assistant coach last season, had been promoted to head coach. Boggs formerly served as head football coach at Westside High School and Walhalla High […]

January is School Board Recognition Month, which is a time to focus on the crucial role an elected board of trustees plays in our communities and schools. Oconee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland encourages residents to thank those that serve the community on the five-member board. “I think the main thing is just to tell them thank you. Jerry […]

Seneca High School band students recently participated in All-State and All-Region try outs. Tenth grader Brendan Williams was selected for All-State Band Percussion Alternate and Region Band 3rd chair. Ninth grader Furman Wilson was selected for Region Band Trumpet 4th chair. Eleventh grader Cali Harbin was selected for Region Band Clarinet 16th chair, and eleventh grader Josh Lasky was selected […]