Tag: News

Forty-four-year-old Joe Navarro III was arrested by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office on August 17 on multiple warrants, including armed robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, third-or-subsequent offense methamphetamine distribution, and driving under suspension. Judge Pollock set a $50,000 surety bond for the drug distribution charge, while Judge Alexander issued a $2,100 surety […]

During its meeting, four-fifths of the Oconee County Council voted to pass the first reading of Ordinance 2026-26, aimed at curbing prohibited mass surveillance systems—such as Flock license plate readers—on county property and road rights-of-way. District Four Councilman Tommy James spoke in favor of the measure, sharing research on how automated license plate recognition can infringe on citizen privacy and […]

During its Tuesday, August 18 meeting, the Oconee County Council addressed ongoing concerns regarding the Corinth-Shiloh special tax district, with Chairman Matthew Durham stating he will await legal review to determine whether the district can be abolished. Responding to audience member Dave Crockett—who expressed frustration over the cancellation of popular elections for tax district commissioners… Durham noted that his primary […]

The recently passed state budget bill includes funding to establish a new 10th Circuit judgeship, with the Judicial Merit Selection Commission confirming the creation of the seat. Candidates applying for the position must reside in Oconee County, joining current 10th Circuit judges Scott Sprouse of Walhalla and Lawton McIntosh of Anderson. Completed application packets must be submitted to the JMS […]

The West Union Town Council unanimously voted 4-0 this week to grant final approval for a three-mill property tax increase, raising the rate from 60 to 63 mills. Mayor Oliver expects the rate hike to generate at least $10,000 annually for the town’s treasury. Despite the adjustment, West Union maintains the second-lowest property tax rate among the five municipalities in […]

The City of Walhalla has announced that Britteny Martin will take over as Finance Director on August 31st. Martin joins the city after a 10-year tenure with Oconee County, where she most recently served as County Grants Administrator overseeing grant administration and funding acquisition. In her new role, she will manage city financial transactions, internal auditing, and overall financial administration. […]

Although the town’s initial Boil Water Advisory has been lifted, the Walhalla Water Department has placed customers along Rocky Knoll Road, Playground Road, Lake Jemiki Road, and surrounding areas under an additional 24-hour Boil Water Advisory following a storm-related service disruption. As a precaution, affected residents are advised to boil water for at least three minutes prior to drinking, cooking, […]

The Anderson County Office of the Coroner and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on East West Parkway in Anderson on August 11, 2026, just after 10:00 AM. According to a preliminary investigation, 57-year-old Karri Whitman of Townville, SC, was traveling along the parkway when another vehicle turned in front of her […]

The Anderson County Office of the Coroner, alongside the Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, is investigating the accidental drowning of a 17-year-old high school senior on Lake Hartwell. First responders were dispatched to the River Forks Boat Ramp in Townville just after 6:00 p.m. Monday after witnesses reported that Abraham Canela Vasquez, a Westside High […]

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced line-item vetoes for the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 state budget, which incorporates 92% of his executive proposals. Key provisions in the approved spending plan include an individual income tax rate reduction to 5.21%, an expanded homestead exemption of $75,000 for qualifying seniors and disabled residents, a $50,500 minimum starting teacher salary, and a seventh consecutive […]