Monthly Archives: January 2013
South Carolinians urged to avoid all scammers
STATE — Whether it’s a caller saying you’ve won a prize, an inheritance or an email with an authentic-looking check, there are those out there who want your money or identity.
“An elderly woman in Barnwell recently received a call from a person claiming to be a representative of Medicaid,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “The caller then tried to get her personal information saying that she would get a new Medicaid card. Thankfully, the woman didn’t provide any information. Sadly however, there are numerous other examples throughout the country.”
Keel said South Carolinians should be wary of anyone calling, texting or emailing with an opportunity of money or prizes. He said there are many tips available to resist scammers.
“Never give out your personal information such as Social Security number, driver’s license or any financial information,” he said. “Also, warn your family and friends.”
Keel said tips to avoid scammers are available from a number of reputable organizations and agencies including the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs at www.consumer.sc.gov, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud.
Pew to speak at PCTA meeting
PICKENS — Pickens County Taxpayers Association will hold a members meeting on Jan. 24 starting at 7 p.m. featuring Pickens County School District Superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew.
In addition to matters of importance when it comes to school district spending of taxpayers’ money, also to be discussed is practical protection for school children.
Beyond all the frantic rhetoric in the wake of recent mass shootings, there are practical things that can be done to protect school children.
Those in attendance will be able to learn more about what the School District of Pickens County is doing about current situations and planning for the future.
Title IX changed the game
On The Way
By Olivia Fowler
In 1972 President Richard Nixon signed into law Title IX, the law that compels our society to make available to girls and women those opportunities enjoyed by boys and men.
The law states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
That was 41 years. Nobody could have imagined the changes that were coming. The bill was introduced by two Congresswomen, Patsy Mink of Hawaii and Edith Green of Oregon. Mink was the first woman of color to be elected to congress.
She entered politics because doors to other careers were slammed in her face. She was turned down by 20 medical schools because she was both female and a person of color, a common practice at that time. She shifted her focus to law. After earning her law degree, she discovered that no law firm would give her a job. That’s when she entered the political arena, fought for changes and won.
If I won the lottery
Life As I Know It
By Nicole Daughhetee
Lottery tickets: I don’t buy them on a regular basis, but only because I know that statistically speaking I have a greater chance of being hit by lightning than I do winning the lottery. When there are ginormous jackpots, I might try my luck, figuring I really have nothing to lose but a dollar.
On those occasions, I find myself bargaining with God, even though I know He isn’t a wheeler-dealer. Given the opportunity for great creative license, my mind can certainly construct an elaborate “what I would do if I won the lottery” fantasy. I know I am not alone in this regard.
I would like to think that if I were to ever win the lottery and become a millionaire that I would remain grounded. This is always part of my prayerful pitch to God: not only will I remain level-headed, but I would be a most philanthropic person because, even with what little I have to offer financially, I already am.
My plan for the winning lottery money is quite simple actually, perhaps even bordering on methodically boring: Ten percent of my winnings would go directly to God for all of the blessings in my life. I adamantly believe in tithing and giving back to God what He has so generously given to me.
Snoozing & losing
All about Ben
By Ben Robinson
I know I’m unemployed, so getting sleep should not be a a problem.
It’s tough to be late for a job I don’t have.
But lately I have been giving my nephew Kevin a ride to work. That’s no problem. I don’t mind, because I’m hoping I can somehow convince my car that I’m going to my job, not Kevin’s, just so it doesn’t get discouraged like I do.
And when I pick Kevin up, he usually has five or six places he needs to stop on the way home, which never are actually on the way home. But I drive him around anyhow, because it’s not like I have any other place I need to go.
Between Kevin’s work schedule and the time we waste after his working hours, I’m not getting as much sleep as I had been. Kevin’s 20 years younger than I am, so he doesn’t require as much sleep.
Courier Obituaries 1-23-13
ELLEN YESTER
LIBERTY — Ellen Elizabeth Greene Yester, 88, died Jan. 13, 2013 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Mrs. Yester was born in Liberty and graduated from Liberty High School and Draughon’s Business College. She was the daughter of the late Alfred and Rosa Pressley Greene and was the last surviving member of 11 children. Before her retirement, she had a career in the electronics industry. She was known to all as a caring lady who always put the needs of family, friends, and strangers above her own.
She is survived by one son, James C. Yester, Jr., and former daughter-in-law, Betty Yester; two grandchildren, Elizabeth McClary (Anson), and James C. Yester III (Mary); and eight great-grandchildren, Toney Barrett, Jessica Yester, Anson McClary, Jr., Alex McClary, David Yester, Cassandra Yester, Savannah Yester, and Cheyenne Yester. Special acknowledgment is given to close and helpful family members, Randall Harrison (Linda), Jo Harrison, and many other family members, friends, and neighbors.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhome.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS 1-23-13
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Do you own an antique or modern U.S. or foreign military vehicle? If so, “I WANT YOU” to join our veterans club, USMTM, please email for info: us.mtm66@yahoo.com. TFC
—————————————-
AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-367-2513. SW
—————————————-
MEDICAL CAREERS begin here – Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-220-3872 www.CenturaOnline.com. SW
—————————————-
SODA/SNACK VENDING ROUTE Machines & Prime $$ Locations 9K-35K Investment 100% Tax Deductible Guaranteed Cash Flow 1-800-367-6709 ext 16 Reg #333. SW
—————————————-
DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT CHILDREN $125.00. Includes name change and property settlement agreement. SAVE hundreds. Fast and easy. Call 1-888-733-7165, 24/7. SW
—————————————–
Tuesday, January 29, 2013, is the last day to redeem winning tickets in the following South Carolina Education Lottery Instant Games: (529) Big Bonus Crossword. SW
—————————————–
Considering Bariatric or Cosmetic Surgery? Participate in our studies and save 50-70% of normal cost. Limited space, call (803) 250-6129 to see if you qualify. SW
United Way looks for public’s help
By Nicole Daughhetee
Courier Staff
COUNTY — The United Way of Pickens County needs community assistance as officials embark on the 2013 Point-In-Time (PIT) homeless count scheduled to take place on January 24.
Coordinated by the South Carolina Homeless Coalition (SCHC), the United Way is helping to conduct a thorough and accurate count of the homeless in Pickens County, which is essential if the SCHC is going to receive funding for the programs and resources designed to combat homeless and provide relief for those in need.
Steven Lambright, Manager of Initiatives and Programs for the United Way of Pickens County, said the PIT homeless count is crucial because it provides the basis for the flow of money into the state through the three Homeless Coalitions into Pickens County.
“There isn’t a lot of money coming into Pickens County, and our resources are limited,” said Lambright. “Programs like SHARE need funding because they are precious resources for the homeless in Pickens County.”
Prayer session scheduled prior to Jan. 28 school board meeting
By Karen Brewer
Special to the Courier
COUNTY — All community members who wish to express their support for the Pickens County school board to continue student-led prayer before the beginning of school board meetings are invited to meet for a time of prayer at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28 outside the school district administration building.
The meeting comes in response to a recent complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation over the school board’s student-led invocations at scheduled meetings.
During this time of prayer, set to begin one hour before the 7 p.m. school board meeting, students representing all four high schools in Pickens County will pray, as will pastors representing several different denominations of the Christian faith, including representatives from the Piedmont Baptist Association, the Pickens-Twelve Mile Baptist Association, the Pickens Ministerial Association and the Liberty Ministerial Association.
Central resident turns 102
By Nicole Daughhetee
Courier Staff
CENTRAL — Born on January 11, 1911, Joseph Elias celebrated his birthday last Friday with all the pomp and circumstance befitting a man who has lived 102 years.
Drue Yates, longtime resident of Central and friend of Elias, coordinated a birthday celebration to rival that of any celebrity last Friday morning.
“When I was at the Pickens Senior Center, I heard about Joe and worked my way to Central to meet him,” Yates said. “Spending time with him is something I didn’t get to do with my own grandfather, so I am taking advantage of it now.”
The out-pouring of love and celebration of Elias was abundantly clear: Elias arrived at the Central Senior Center in a white stretch limousine, where he was greeted with a surprise Happy Birthday shout from approximately 50 friends, including Senator Larry Martin, County Councilman Trey Whitehurst, Central Mayor Mac Martin and new Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark.
