NORRIS — A five-hour standoff with an armed man in Norris ended peacefully on Monday.

According to Pickens County chief deputy Creed Hashe, deputies arrived within four minutes of receiving a call about a man outside a home on Old Schoolhouse Road armed with a handgun. Upon arrival deputies found the man, a Seneca resident, standing beside a vehicle with a semi-automatic pistol pointed at his chest.

Deputies began to talk with the man in an effort to persuade him to put the weapon down.

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was deployed, and negotiators from the crisis intervention team made contact with the man via cellphone, quickly learning that the situation stemmed from a domestic dispute and the man was contemplating taking his own life.

PICKENS — The anticipation is nearly over for Blue Ridge Fest 2013.

The annual Upstate event is in its 16th year, and 13 area charitable organizations are looking to benefit from its proceeds. All activities will take place at the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative office and grounds at 734 West Main Street in Pickens this Friday.

Four well-known musical groups will perform at the beach night show and dance.

The headline act will be The Drifters with Charlie Thomas, known for such hits as There Goes My Baby, Save the Last Dance for Me and Up on the Roof.

NORRIS — The town of Norris is planning its second annual Fun Festival.

The festival will be held at the Norris Recreational Park, located on S.C. 137, just off of S.C. 93 in Norris, this Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

There will be free parking and a shuttle from Norris First Baptist Church off of S.C. 93, as well as from Cateechee Baptist Church off of S.C. 137.

The event will include live entertainment all day, games with prizes, inflatables, a hula hoop contest for adults and children, door prizes, magic shows, animal balloons and train rides. There will also be a Smoke House on site teaching children fire safety.

Pictured are nurses Vivian Lyons, Cindy Gilstrap, Kami Thrasher, Carol Floriani, Sabrina Rackley and Madison Estes.

COUNTY — Every year, National Nurses Week shines light on America’s 3.1 million registered nurses who work to save lives and improve the health of millions of individuals.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected “Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care” as the theme for 2013. Beginning on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, the week-long celebration includes programs and events across the country.

In honor of the dedication and commitment of registered nurses to promote and maintain the health of this nation, Hospice Care of South Carolina (HCSC) proudly recognizes nurses everywhere for their tireless efforts in delivering quality and innovative patient care.

Two long-time City of Pickens employees were honored during Monday night’s monthly city council meeting. Former Fire Chief David Porter was presented with a glass etching as a symbol of appreciation for his 35 years with the city’s fire department. Porter retired April 30. Pickens Recreation Director Cheri Anthony was also honored for 15 years leading the department. Above, Pickens Mayor David Owens presents each with their awards.

SIX MILE — The 2013 Issaqueena Festival will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in downtown Six Mile. 

Main Street will be closed from Liberty Highway to Six Mile Baptist Church during the festival.

There will be free entertainment provided by Providence Quartet, Mile Marker 0, Y.A.M.S./Sweet Potato Pie Kids, Mtn. View Baptist Quartet and the Daniel HS Band Ensemble. There will also be performances by The Hotfoot Cloggers and the Blue Ridge Mountain Cloggers. The Critter Keeper will also be on stage that morning with all kinds of creepers and crawlers. There will be plenty of room to sit down and enjoy the entertainment under canopies at both ends of Main Street.