About Oconee County, SC

This weekend we were able to visit Aunt Pam, Uncle Scott and Natalie at Lake Keowee in Oconee County. The really scary part was the swimsuit is a 12 month size and she is only 4 months!!!

Kim Peasley-Parker, AgentOwned Realty, 803-840-7519

Check out the interesting article in the Independent. I usually moan and groan about the government and politicians but if this article is correct, it sounds like it could be a good thing. The zoning ordinance sets a height restriction within the 750-foot protective overlay around Lakes Keowee and Jocassee. The overlays also restrict density of development to no more than four housing units per acre. In other words, it will prevent high-rises from spoiling the natural beauty of Lakes Keowee and Jocassee.

I think we have been blessed with so much natural beauty that it would be a shame to turn it into nothing but row after row of high-rises. Part of the beauty of Oconee county is it remains natural and not over developed. I am sure there will be some that want to see more development. But if it is done in a manner that preserves the look and feel of our beloved mountain lakes I am all for it.

Upstate Today has an interesting articleabout Oconee county looking at possibly closing Tamassee-Salem Middle and High schools. Now remember the money saved will be offset a little by the additional transportation costs. But more importantly is the loss of the sense of community that will come about if these schools are closed.

There is a logical argument because of the amount of money spent per student. But I can remember Miller Perry Elementary, the school I attended many years ago. I am sure it might have made more sense to close it because of operating costs. But my old school is so popular that it even has it's own Facebook group. Many many students have passed thru it halls. And I am sure the same can be said for the schools in Tamassee and Salem.

With the current budget battles going on in SC and the economic mess we are in, it is understandable that the budget needs to be looked at. But is this truly the best thing to do for both the students or the Tamassee/Salem area? What will become of the facilities? Will they become run down, potentially detracting from the beauty of this wonderfual area?

I know we have all heard about Chrysler closing dealerships, and I was surprised to see an article in one of my favorite business sites for SC talk about how the Upstate was spared. Sorry but just because only one dealership, the one in Walhalla, is being closed is not exactly what I would call the Upstate being spared. Sure it could have been worse, but this means someone is worrying today about their job.

It has been several years since I owned a Chrysler but I want a new Jeep so bad it is about to kill me. One of the new 4 door Wranglers. I had a 84 CJ7 and it was a great vehicle. Not a luxury sport utility by any means but if I loved it anyways. Fun dependable,

I hate that Walhalla is losing a great local dealership. But I guess they can always drive to nearby Seneca.

In case you hadn't made plans or have not heard, Seneca is having a HUGE Memorial Day weekend shindig on May 22nd &23rd called Meet and 3. With Arts on the Alley at Historic Ram Cat Alley on Friday and Saturday, a Classic Cruise In at Norton Thompson Park on Friday from 3pm to 10pm, and the Education Foundation Barbeque Cook Off on Saturday at Norton Thompson Park from 1230 to 6pm. The Bellamy Brothers are scheduled to also appear on the 23rd. For more information check out Meet and 3