David Williams

Oconee County Bureau Reporter

Call David at 864-260-1341.

Recent stories:

• Limehouse, mayor pick Apple Festival to announce funds
  September 5, 2008
• Hare takes top prize at South Carolina Apple Festival
  September 4, 2008
• Anderson, Oconee and surrounding counties ready for storm evacuees
  September 3, 2008
• Covington named Seneca police chief
  September 3, 2008
• Oconee officials caution Chattooga boaters
  September 3, 2008
• South Carolina Apple Festival Schedule
  September 2, 2008
• Westminster polishes up for S.C. Apple Festival
  September 2, 2008
• South Carolina Apple Festival kicks off in Westminster
  September 2, 2008
• Oconee school officials hold briefing for candidates
  September 1, 2008
• Oconee council sets tax discussion with school officials
  September 1, 2008
• See full list of stories by David Williams...

Recent photos by David Williams:

Cecil Sandifer, right, a founder of the South Carolina Apple Festival in 1961, leads more than 160 guests Friday at the Westminster Rotary Club Apple Festival lunch in the traditional singing of “God Bless America.” From left are state Rep. Bill Whitmire, R-Walhalla, state Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, and South Carolina Secretary of Transportation H.B. Buck Limehouse Jr. The South Carolina Apple Festival, now in its 48th year, is the longest continuously running festival in South Carolina.


Westminster City Administrator David Smith stands next to an architectural rendering of plans for renovation of the Westminster Depot. Mayor Derek Hodgin said Friday at the annual Westminster Rotary Club Apple Festival lunch that the city would receive a second round of money from the South Carolina Department of Transportation to complete the renovation project.


Crystal Hare shows off her Easy Creme Dutch Apple Dessert which took first place in the 48th annual South Carolina Apple Festival Baking Contest Thursday at Westminster Baptist Church. Hare, a 1991 graduate of West-Oak High School, said she enjoys cooking for her two sons, Colton, 12 and Chance 7. This was Hare's first time to enter the contest and the first time she prepared her award-winning dessert.


Westminster Mayor Derek Hodgin, right, enjoys a taste during the 48th South Carolina Apple Festival Baking Contest Thursday at Westminster Baptist Church. Hodgin and Wayne Morton, left, with WGOG 96.3 FM radio, were among the judges. Back is Sandra Powell, director of the Westminster Chamber of Commerce which helped coordinate the annual event.


Bill Butts who operates his family's orchard, Gnat's Hill Orchard, said this drought has made for smaller apples this year, but the good news is they are sweeter. Butts said the Golden Delicious are now being harvested and several more varieties will be ready as the weather turns cooler.

• See full list of photos by David Williams