Caleb Gilbert

Seneca

News Editor at The Journal - Upstate Today

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Articles

Top earners identified for Salem, West Union

1 week ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

SENECA — The Journal is offering a closer look into how the towns of West Union and Salem manage public salaries. While modest in size, both towns maintain operations that rely on a dedicated staff — and recent figures provide insight into how those roles are compensated. West UnionClocking in as West Union’s top earner is Police Chief Ben Hailey, who earns a base salary of $57,096 as of Feb. 20, according to records from the town.
OCSO introduces new policy

2 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

WALHALLA — The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has a new policy in place dealing with employees of the office buying county-owned or seized property, according to officials. A policy document sent to The Journal reads that employees “shall not be able to purchase” county-owned or seized property “as an individual” without written permission from Sheriff Mike Crenshaw or his designee.
Oconee Sheriff’s command team serves burgers to deputies

2 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

WALHALLA — Top leaders in the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office were out on the department’s property Thursday afternoon, but they weren’t taking a break. They were serving meals to a group of fellow deputies, a way of showing appreciation. “We’ve had cookouts for our 911 center, detention center, bureaus,” said Capt. Tommy Crompton, who was among those serving the meals. We hadn’t done any cookouts for the Class One officers yet. That’s what we’re doing today (Thursday).
Oconee talks conservation board changes

2 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

WALHALLA — Amendments to Oconee County’s Conservation Bank ordinance — which would open the criteria wider for projects — has drawn the attention of multiple Oconee County residents who disagree with the potential changes. The Journal previously reported the conservation bank began in 2011 and grew substantially in 2016 with a $618,000 gift from Duke Energy.
Ripple of One hosts fourth annual Star Chefs event

2 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

SENECA — Ripple of One hosted its fourth annual Star Chefs fundraising event Wednesday at Lakeside Lodge near Seneca with more than 15 local restaurants donating time and food, and the nonprofit explaining its mission. Stephanie Enders, executive director and founder of Ripple of One, shared about what the program does and how it creates long-term success for its recipients. “It was created for families that are stuck living paycheck to paycheck,” Enders said.
Oconee provides one-time relief to Walhalla

2 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

WALHALLA — Oconee County Council approved the second reading of the county’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget, as well as other budgets associated with the county at its meeting Tuesday, with a few amendments, including one that provides the city of Walhalla with a $70,000 grant for firefighters. A public hearing was held for all budget discussions but no members of the public spoke.
Better than indicated

2 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

I’ve said it a few times in this column — probably more times than you care to hear — but I spent the majority of my childhood in a less-than-800-populated unincorporated area named Kinards. Most can’t point to it on a map. Most don’t care to. Before then, I spent time in cities such as Belton and Pelzer — not exactly huge populations there either. I spent my four college years in Columbia, the second largest city in the state.
Oconee County to address second hurdle of budget

2 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

WALHALLA — Oconee County Council will have a few items to address at its meeting tonight, including the second hurdle of the county’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget, as well as other budgets associated with the county, including the school district and local fire departments. A public hearing is scheduled for all budget discussions.
YMCA in Seneca breaks ground on Phase 2 expansion

4 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

SENECA — Friday marked a significant day for the Foothills Area YMCA in Seneca, as it broke ground on its Phase 2 expansion. The groundbreaking ceremony was held after the YMCA reached its community campaign of raising $3 million dollars. Christle Ross, chief executive officer, spoke about the impact the new phase will create, how it originated and what the future holds. “It is such an honor to be here,” Ross said.
Happy Mother’s Day

4 weeks ago | upstatetoday.com | Caleb Gilbert

Sunday is a holiday just as meaningful as any other — Mother’s Day. No matter what you call her — mom, mama, mother, ma or anything in between — make sure she feels the love and the impact that she has had on your life. And that doesn’t extend just to your biological mother. Many other motherly figures out there deserve the love and praise this holiday is intended for. Whether that be the mother of your children, your sister who is a mother, a mother-in-law, a grandmother — they all deserve praise.