Category: News

An early-morning fire in Westminster sent firefighters from two states to the scene.  Dispatchers said the call came in just after 5am about flames at a home on Cleveland Pike Road, near Unity Church Road in Westminster.  Officials said 50 to 60 firefighters from five departments, one from as far away as Stephens County, Georgia, responded to the scene to […]

Throughout the state of South Carolina, teachers are actively preparing for another school year.  In the School District of Oconee County, students return to the classroom on August 20.  Therefore, teachers and administrators will use the remaining time this summer preparing to implement more of the Common Core of State Standards.  Oconee County Schools Assistant Superintendent Steve Hanvey explains. “We […]

The Town of Pendleton is now accepting grant applications from non-profit or government agencies for 2013/14 funding of projects that enhance tourism in Pendleton.  The program will provide grants to events, activities, programs and capital investments that are sustainable and support and enhance the Town’s tourism infrastructure, as well as enhance the positive image of Pendleton as a destination.  The […]

Early storm damage estimates are between $125,000 and $175,000 for the Town of Pendleton after last weekend’s heavy rain.  The majority of that money will be spent repairing damage done to the Town’s pump stations.  Officials said the Village Hill pump station received the most damage and needs new pump replacements.  The Town of Pendleton received nine inches of rain […]

Most of the South Carolina Botanical Garden has reopened and is seeking volunteers to help clean up the garden after weekend flooding caused heavy damage.  Volunteers are being sought to help clean up the garden from 9am to noon weekdays until July 26. Volunteers will meet each morning at 9am at the Hayden Conference Center and will be assigned to work […]

Are you sick and tired of the rain?  Well, you are not alone.  Several Upstate residents are voicing their frustrations about the wet summer we are experiencing this year.  Seneca Mayor Dan Alexander encourages everyone to take advantage of the sunshine when it comes. “It has been an unusual summer that is for sure.  If you get a few minutes […]

The heavy rains may have stopped but they left behind standing water, which can attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like the West Nile Virus. Last year the Upstate saw 16 cases of West Nile.  So far, there have been no confirmed cases in South Carolina, but there has been one person diagnosed in Georgia. The South Carolina Department of […]

West Nile Virus remains an important public health concern, since appearing in the United States back in 1999. A new study examined whether certain factors could help guide future interventions, education and prevention associated with West Nile Virus infections. “Part of the challenge of West Nile is that it’s very unpredictable in causing very focal and intense outbreaks throughout the United […]

The Chattooga River community will gather August 3 to hold a benefit for the four surviving children of a Tampa, Florida rafter who died in a commercial rafting adventure on June 19. Tom Hill, regional sales manager for Sherwin Williams, drowned on the river and his body was removed from the river on July 5 after more than 500 rescuers from two […]

What is the bigger picture when it comes to the state of health in America?  What are the chronic disabilities and risk factors that contribute to poor health and dying prematurely in this country? A new study examined America’s overall health picture. “It turns out we’re living longer but we will spend more years with chronic disabilities of that extra […]