Category: News

The March 1 deadline of the impending massive federal budget cuts known as sequestration is fast approaching. The shortfall in funds would adversely affect thousands of people who are federal employees and those who rely on federal funding for educational programs and social services. According to figures released by the White House, approximately 11,000 civilian Department of Defense employees in South Carolina would […]

The debate continues in Washington, D.C. between the White House and Congress over the federal budget, this time in a new attempt to avert the looming sequestration process.  This is a series of automatic, across-the-board cuts to government agencies, totaling $1.2 trillion over 10 years. The cuts would be split 50-50 between defense and domestic discretionary spending. It is all […]

Clemson University’s annual United Way employee fundraising campaign earned more than $95,000 in 2012, surpassing the original goal of $85,000. It was the largest amount raised at Clemson University since 2006. Chief Diversity officer Leon Wiles, who oversaw the campaign, has worked with the United Way campaign for five years. He created a committee with representatives from every department and […]

On April 1, Oconee Medical Center will launch its new information technology system for medical records.  The new system is called Paragon and it uses one single-base data system, so there is one patient record.  This allows information to be shared much more quickly between medical personnel.  Privacy rules are in place to prevent anyone unauthorized to look at a […]

Oconee Medical Center reports a positive bottom line in January. It is the fourth straight month of positive finances for the hospital. Expenses fell below budget in January and that, according to hospital officials, helped produce a positive January margin of $1.4 million. Year-end fiscal numbers are not as positive though.  Oconee Medical Center ended 2011-2012 in the hole by […]

A report from the Governors Highway Safety Association finds the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers killed in car accidents increased dramatically in the first half of last year. The Association’s Kendell Poole gives details.  “The trend is going back up.” Poole gives the latest figures. “16 and 17-year-old driver deaths have increased 19%.” The Governors Highway Safety Association would […]

Six people were killed on South Carolina highways over the weekend.  The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that the deadly accidents occurred between Friday, February 22, at 6pm until Sunday, February 24, at midnight.  As of February 24, 82 people have died on South Carolina highways, compared to 114 highway deaths in this same time period in 2012. Oconee County […]

Oconee County was the only place in the Upstate that saw employment growth with a net addition of 50 jobs between 2008-12.  Much of that positive job growth news can be attributed to the good relationship being formed between the cities and the county.  Seneca Mayor Dan Alexander feels that positive relationship will continue to produce jobs in the coming […]

One factor used in determining health care coverage is the number of emergency room visits.  The thought being that people with access to doctors will not go to the emergency room when they are sick, instead they will see their primary care physician.  A new program at Oconee Medical Center is aimed at helping the uninsured and cut down on […]

The Oconee Nuclear Station turns 40 this year and Duke Energy is planning a big celebration.  Oconee Nuclear Station is located on Lake Keowee in Oconee County, eight miles north of Seneca. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1973, followed by units 2 and 3 in 1974. Since it began operating, Oconee Nuclear Station has generated more than 500 million […]