Category: News

Oconee County Council Chairman Matthew Durham sat down with County Administrator Stewart Jones for an update on his first 100 days in the role. The discussion covers what Jones found upon taking office, the changes already underway in county government, why additional financial review became necessary, and the steps being taken to strengthen accountability and transparency moving forward… The conversation […]

Oconee County Council Chairman Matthew Durham is urging residents to oppose H.5071, a transportation reform bill currently moving through the South Carolina General Assembly. While the legislation includes changes to SCDOT operations and project prioritization, Durham warns that a key provision would allow the state to transfer existing state roads — many with significant maintenance backlogs — to counties and […]

On Saturday, April 11, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Oconee 911 Communications received a report of a vehicle fire on Park Avenue near the Salem Town Hall. Salem Fire-Rescue personnel extinguished the blaze and discovered the body of a man inside. Cpl. Nick Pye with the SCHP has more… Through vehicle VIN and undamaged mail, authorities tentatively identified the deceased, and […]

The City of Walhalla Water Department is pleased to announce the start of water line improvements today along Poplar Springs Road, Dickard Road, and Alberts Road as part of its ongoing commitment to enhance system reliability, water pressure, and long-term service sustainability. Customers in these areas may experience temporary low water pressure or brief service interruptions during construction. Following a […]

A 62-year-old Anderson man accused of driving under the influence and fatally striking a 14-month-old toddler was granted a $60,000 bond on Tuesday and ordered to wear GPS monitoring while having no contact with the victim’s family or the nearby restaurant. David Ronald Metz faces a felony DUI involving death charge after the crash on South Murray Avenue near El […]

Seneca City Council unanimously denied developer Tyler Cox’s request for a zoning change to Planned Development-Mixed Use (PD-MU) during its first reading Tuesday night, effectively halting the proposed mixed-use project near Lake Keowee that included a hotel as part of a large single-family home development off Indian Oaks and South Cove roads—unless significant concessions are made. The decision pleased numerous […]

Westminster City Administrator Kevin Bronson reported to Mayor Brian Ramey and the Council on Tuesday that the railroad has approved the design for the Gray Street underpass project, allowing pedestrian-only access… The railroad maintains protected areas adjacent to its tracks, including its property and right-of-way, each requiring separate approvals for construction. The contractor is currently awaiting a Right of Entry […]

Roads in Pendleton will be closed to all through traffic and residential traffic from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for the PRA 5K event. Impacted roads include Burrell St., Cherry St., Church St., E. Blue Ridge St., Maple St., McGee St., Park Dr., S. Elm St., and W. Blue Ridge St. Residents and drivers are […]

At its regularly scheduled board meeting held on April 13, 2026, the School District of Oconee County Board of Trustees approved three administrative hires for the 2026-2027 school year.  Mr. Smith, Superintendent, said of the hires, “We are fortunate to have strong, talented leaders within our district, and I am proud to share that these outstanding individuals will step into […]