Monthly Archives: December 2012
Explaining proposed Lake Keowee water levels
By Steven Jester
Duke Energy
Guest Editorial
Lake Keowee has been a central force in the Upstate since Duke Power constructed it in the late 1960s. Its turquoise waters support regional economic development, electricity production, municipal water supplies and downstream water needs, and provide a beautiful place to live, work and play.
Those who have lived in the Upstate for some time might recall that Lake Keowee used to fluctuate much more than it does today. Through the 1970s and 1980s, it fluctuated by as much as 16 feet, and the current federal hydro operating license allows Duke Energy to operate the lake as much as 25 feet below full pond.
Much has changed at Lake Keowee since the original license was issued in 1966. One of these key changes has been Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements for Oconee Nuclear Station. Though the station was originally designed and constructed to operate with Lake Keowee at a 25-foot drawdown, requirements have evolved since the 1990s so that’s no longer the case. Duke Energy currently operates the lake within a narrower range of 5.4 feet below full pond or higher except during planned maintenance periods.
Forget your troubles, come on get happy
On The Way
By Olivia Fowler
Our state is dealing with the consequences of allowing all its citizens’ information to fall into the hands of those who do not wish us well.
What can we do? Sign up for the year of protection. Was it preventable? Yes. Who allowed this to happen? Whether through ignorance, incompetency or negligence, all who should have acted did not. They’ll continue to pass the buck on this, but it doesn’t really matter, because it won’t change anything.
It’s a fact, let’s get over it and move on. Forget our troubles, etc.
An encouraging lunch
All About Ben
by Ben Robinson
Monday was a long day.
I got up, did a few chores, washed some clothes, showered and got ready for my day.
I looked around the kitchen for something that was suitable for lunch.
I started to make myself some toast, unbuttered to fit the specifications of the “diet” I’m supposedly not on.
According to my reading material, “diet” is a dirty word with negative connotations, and should not be used. I’m just making “healthier choices.”
Calling unbuttered toast a choice makes people question my sanity, instead of my “healthy lifestyle.” No, I just couldn’t go for the unbuttered toast again this morning.
Courier Obituaries for 12-12-12
Dennis Harold Hawkins
Liberty — Dennis Harold Hawkins, 58, of 19 Park Plaza, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at his residence.
Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Dennis H. and Ruby L. Richards Hawkins. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are a sister, Ruby Jean Isler of Liberty; a brother, Buddy O. Tipton of Easley; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Van Doren Tipton.
A memorial service for Mr. Hawkins was held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Eastside Baptist Church.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
Happy Chanukah
Origins of the Holiday
Hanukkah (sometimes transliterated Chanukkah) began on December 8 and will continue for eight days and nights this week, ending on December 16, 2012.
Hanukkah falls on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. Since the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, every year the first day of Hanukkah falls on a different day — usually sometime between late November and late December.
According to Jewish law, Hanukkah is one of the less important Jewish holidays — compared to other holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, or Purim. Hanukkah has become much more popular in modern practice because of its proximity to Christmas.
Courier Classifieds 12-12-12
Announcements
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Boil Water Advisory Lifted in Pickens
PICKENS, S.C. (Friday December 7, 2012, 11:00 A.M ) On Thursday, December 6, 2012, a boil water advisory was issued by the City of Pickens at 4:45PM. A break to a 8 inch water main caused the precautionary advisory to be issued. The break took crews approximately 7 hours to repair.
Following morning tests, the boil water advisory is now lifted. The area that was affected was the area at and around the highway 183 and 8 intersection in the City of Pickens. Customers to the East of this intersection were also advised to boil their water.
Upstate School Spirit holds grand opening
EASLEY — Upstate cheerleaders from all over the area celebrated the grand opening of Easley’s newest business, Upstate School Spirit, recently.
Upstate School Spirit offers spirit and sports wear for six local school areas: Easley, Daniel, Liberty, Pickens, Powdersville and Wren. Visitors can even find some middle and elementary school spirit wear, too. Cheerleaders from each of the six areas came to Upstate School Spirit’s grand opening to show their support for the new venture.
Boil Water Advisory; Main Water Line Break In Pickens
PICKENS — The City of Pickens Water Department advises the water customers East of the Highway 183 and Highway 8 intersection in the City of Pickens, to vigorously boil their water for at least one (1) full minute prior to drinking or cooking. Also, any residents near the affected area who have lost water and/or water pressure are also advised to vigorously boil their water for at least one (1) full minute prior to drinking or cooking. The City of Pickens has experienced a 8” eight inch water main break.
This could possibly result in bacterial contamination of the water in. Water customers should continue to vigorously boil their water for at least one (1) full minute prior to drinking or cooking until otherwise notified by the City of Pickens. Also, any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking purposes. The City of Pickens is presently working to correct the problem.
Woman charged with making threat against Gov. Haley
LIBERTY — A Liberty woman has been arrested and charged with making a threat against South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Prior to Haley’s scheduled visit to Liberty Elementary School on Tuesday morning, a parent-volunteer at the school made a remark to a staff member about harming the governor, according to School District of Pickens County public information specialist John Eby.
“The staff member contacted the principal, who contacted Liberty Police,” Eby said. “The parent was taken from the school by police before the governor arrived.”
The action was taken out of an abundance of caution, Eby said.
“The staff member and the principal made a tough decision in contacting the police, but it was the right one,” he said. “We hope the comment was not meant seriously, but we had to take it seriously nonetheless.”
Eby said the incident did not have an impact on Haley’s visit with the students
“The students were unaware of what had happened earlier in the morning and had a delightful time with the governor,” he said.
