Monthly Archives: February 2013
Adult Learning Center unveils computer-based Ged testing
COUNTY — The Pickens County Adult Learning Center is now offering computer-based GED tests, making the ALC the first computer-based testing site in its region.
The two next-closest computer-based testing sites are in Columbia and Rock Hill.
According to the GED Testing Service, the failure rate of students taking the test on a computer is about half that of those taking the test on paper. Also, students are typically able to complete the exam about an hour and a half more quickly on a computer than on paper.
“It takes longer to fill out bubbles on a paper and pencil test than to click the right answer on a computerized test,” said ALC director Dr. Mary Gaston. “Also, the writing portion of the test goes faster when students can type their answers instead of hand-writing them.”
Easley man dies in single-car accident
EASLEY — An Easley man was killed early Sunday morning when his vehicle struck a tree.
Michael Carroll Burton, 21, of 148 Griffwood Lynn Drive, lost control of his vehicle, overcorrected and hit a tree at around 1:10 a.m. on Cherokee Trail in Easley, according to Pickens County Deputy Coroner Gary Duncan.
Duncan said Burton was not wearing a seatbelt, but was not ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident from blunt force trauma.
The incident is still being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The future is now, sadly
Nicole Daughhetee
Life As I Know It
by Nicole Daughhetee
I am an avid fan of The Big Bang Theory. If you’ve not seen this show, I highly suggest it — especially if you like to laugh. Older episodes are syndicated on TBS, so if you’ve never seen it, you can “catch-up” and pick up the premise — all of which, in my humble opinion, makes the show even funnier.
As much as I enjoy this show, my piece this week is not about The Big Bang Theory. My idea was sparked by creator Chuck Lorre’s “Vanity Cards,” which are quickly displayed after each episode. They remain on the screen long enough for me to read the first line or two and have my interest piqued, and then they are gone.
Say no to snow
Ben Robinson
All About Ben
By Ben Robinson
People are crazy, you know.
Last week, the girl on the Weather Channel came onto the screen. She smiled and said, “It looks like you folks in South Carolina are going to be getting some snow.”
Shame. I was considering making this girl the next Mrs. Robinson, but that one moment ruined that. The babies just wouldn’t work out, probably inheriting her brains and my looks. The poor child would probably be walking around, scaring people, and wondering why everyone was running from him.
Now what’s that password again?
Olivia Fowler
On The Way
By Olivia Fowler
How many passwords do you have and where do you keep them? This can be a troubling issue. We need passwords to order on eBay, listen to voicemail, access Facebook, our bank accounts, our tax records, my high school website, medical records, email, other online services and on and on.
We are advised not to use our birthdates, pet’s name, anniversary dates or children’s names or birthdates. Some passwords must be numerical. Some must be a combination of letters and numbers. There are various combinations required. For instance, 12 characters with at least two numbers. Some letters may have to be upper case and some lower case.
What is Presidents’ Day, and why do we celebrate?
Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government.
Traditionally celebrated on February 22 — Washington’s actual day of birth — the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers.
While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.
The story of Presidents’ Day begins in 1800. Following President George Washington’s death in 1799, his February 22 birthday became a perennial day of remembrance. At the time, Washington was venerated as the most important figure in American history, and events like the 1832 centennial of his birth and the start of construction of the Washington Monument in 1848 were cause for national celebration.
While Washington’s Birthday was an unofficial observance for most of the 1800s, it was not until the late 1870s that it became a federal holiday.
Courier Obits 2-20-13
Linda Glasscock
Easley — Linda Gail Glasscock, 60, of Easley, wife of the late George Glasscock died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in West Virginia, Mrs. Glasscock was a daughter of the late Frank Dalton and Mabel Louise Crookshank Dalton. She worked in childcare and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are two sons, Lewis Edward Vance Jr. and Joseph Vance; one brother, Jesse Dalton (Ellen); two sisters, Kathy Galloway (Rick) and Brenda Riddle (Melvin), 25 nieces and nephews; and many great- nephews and nieces.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Glasscock was predeceased by a brother, Edward G. Dalton Jr.; three sisters, Wilda Stout, Barbara Shirley and Lena Maggard.
A memorial service was 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Donna C. Clark
Easley — Mrs. Donna Center Clark, 62, wife of James Anderson “Andy” Clark, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 at her home.
Born in Greer, a daughter of the late Carlos Raymond and Helen Chapman Center, Mrs. Clark was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
Surviving, in addition to her husband of the home, are two sons, Shane David Clark of Easley, and Raymond Scott Clark and his fiancee’ Jennifer Nicholson of Easley; and a sister, Dixie C. Senkiw of Easley.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Matt Turner officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Courier Classifieds 2-20-13
Announcements
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Pickens Azalea Fest partners with TV stations
City of Pickens and Azalea Festival officials pose with Jack Roper and Kimberly Kelly on the set of “Your Carolina.” Pictured, from left, are Jeff Hogan, Pat Mulkey, Roper, Kelly, Pickens mayor David Owens, Russ Gantt and Pickens administrator Katherine Brackett.
PICKENS — Organizers of the Pickens Azalea Festival announced recently that WSPA-TV Channel 7 and WYCW-TV Channel 62 will be the title sponsors for the 2013 event, scheduled to take place April 19-20.
WSPA will be broadcasting live throughout the event, spotlighting Pickens County and the city of Pickens in a huge promotion that will start more than two weeks prior to the festival.
Pickens County’s own Kimberly Kelly and Jack Roper will be featured at the Azalea Festival and will broadcast live at 7 p.m. on Friday evening.
Headlining Friday night’s musical offerings at the festival will be the Tams, with special guest Avery as an opening act. On Saturday night, celebrated country music group Little Texas will take to the Azalea Festival’s main stage.
The partnership with WSPA has been in the works for almost a year, according to event organizers, after Roper brought his magic show to last year’s event and was overwhelmed by the turnout.
‘Deep Winter Blues’ set for mill site on Saturday
PICKENS — The Hagood Mill will host a special “Deep Winter Blues” concert this Saturday as part of the Music in the Mountains 2013 series.
The concert, starting at noon and running until 3 p.m. in the mill’s visitor building, will feature folk blues sounds from S.C. Folk Heritage Award winning guitarist Steve McGaha and Laurens musician Hunter Holmes.
Both artists reach into the past for their sounds, playing a variety of piedmont blues and old-time medicine show tunes.
Seating is limited and first come-first serve. Mill regulars Rocky Bottom Bluegrass will also be jamming at the mill.
The old gristmill and other demonstrations will also run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Music in the Mountains 2013 is sponsored by a private benefactor. For additional information please contact the Hagood Mill at (864) 898-2936 or the Pickens County Museum at (864) 898-5963.
