As Third Congressional District U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan trotted off a baseball field in Virginia on Wednesday, he gave House Majority Whip Steve Scalise a fist bump.

Oconee County is appealing a decision by the state Department of Revenue to begin taxing the cash cow that is the county’s rock quarry, which is expected to net nearly $5 million next year.

Former state Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum is a lifelong Democrat.

Playwright Ron Osborne was on his way to the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre in Mars Hill, N.C., when he spotted a small church in a valley.

Despite assurances from school district officials this week that they are not seeking a millage increase in this year’s budget, some members of Oconee County Council remained critical of the district’s spending plan.

As families across the area prepare to go on summer vacations with the school year now finished, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is offering a number of safety tips to help area residents protect their homes and property while they’re out of town.

Two men with outstanding drug warrants against them from the Oconee County Sherriff’s Office have been arrested this week thanks to the work of multiple agencies.

The Oconee County School Board has awarded district superintendent Michael Thorsland with a one-year contract extension and 3 percent salary increase as a result of his annual evaluation.

Oconee County officials say a building permit has been approved for a proposed Zaxby’s restaurant with a drive-thru on Blue Ridge Boulevard, and county staff has confirmed that a grading permit has also been issued.

The Oconee County School Board approved third and final reading this week of the proposed fiscal year 2018 budget representing an increase of nearly $3.3 million that includes salary increases for employees.