Daily Archives: 04/09/2014
No charges filed in killing
PICKENS — In a news conference at the Pickens County Law Enforcement Center on Tuesday, 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins said no charges will be filed in the March 25 shooting death of Travis Scott Whitman.
Although the investigation determined that Whitman’s wife, Katherine Ann Henderson, had fired the shot that killed him from a .22 caliber rifle, Wilkins said the shooting was in self-defense.
According to Wilkins, Whitman had pleaded guilty earlier in the day to second-degree criminal domestic violence in a case in which Henderson was the victim.
Pickens County Chief Deputy Creed Hashe said officers had responded to the couple’s home
Pew leaving school district
Superintendent accepts new job in Rock Hill
COUNTY — After weeks of speculation, School District of Pickens County superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew announced Friday that she has accepted a new position in Rock Hill, contingent upon her release from her current three-year contract with the SDPC.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to become a part of the Rock Hill public school system, and I look forward to working with the students, faculty, parents and community members there to continue Rock Hill’s excellent reputation,” Pew said. “I’ll miss the wonderful people who live
Blaze burns more than 100 acres near Six Mile
Firefighters from five county departments joined forces with the South Carolina Forestry Commission to battle a blaze that consumed more than 100 acres last week near Six Mile. The fire started Wednesday afternoon when a power line fell on Brown Bottom Road, about five miles outside Six Mile. Although more than a dozen homes were in danger from the fire, firefighters had the blaze mostly contained by Wednesday evening before putting out remaining hot spots Thursday. Firefighters from Six Mile, Pickens, Keowee Springs, Central and Liberty responded, in addition to S.C. Forestry Commission officials.
Police: Man fled with kids in vehicle
EASLEY — A Liberty man faces multiple charges after police say he led them on a car chase Thursday that ended with a crash.
Officers claim the driver, identified as Shaquille Vonte Lay, 21, of 116 Circle A St., led them on a chase after an attempted stop for traffic violations.
The chase ended shortly after 8 p.m. on Old Easley Bridge Road, when the vehicle went off the road and hit a guard rail. Police said the three passengers in the vehicle — a 25-year-old woman and two children, ages 2 years and 3 weeks — were uninjured.
Lay fled the crash on foot, according to police, and officers from the Easley Police Department, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and S.C. Highway Patrol attempted to locate him unsuccessfully.
Wings and Wheels set for this weekend
LIBERTY — The fifth annual Wings and Wheels for Meals event is scheduled for this Saturday at the Pickens County Airport.
Wings and Wheels for Meals is a signature fundraising event for Pickens County Meals on Wheels. The event is held each April at the Pickens County Airport, and is hosted by the Pickens County Pilot’s Association.
This year’s event will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, and organizers expect thousands in attendance, as the event has grown in popularity each year.
Admission is free, but a $10 donation at the entrance to the airport gives each vehicle an
Clemson police make second arrest in thefts
CLEMSON — Clemson police made a second arrest last week in a recent string of vehicle break-ins.
Durham
According to a release from Clemson Police Chief Jimmy Dixon, the city has been experiencing a rash of break-ins throughout the city, primarily on unlocked vehicles.
Last Wednesday, Dixon announced that James Anthony Durham, 36, of Seneca, had been charged in relation to the break-ins. Durham faces charges of breaking into a motor vehicle, malicious damage to personal property and petit larceny, while Dixon said the investigation could lead to more charges being filed.
Officers had earlier arrested Bradley Troyell Williams Jr., 19, charging him with with one count each of grand larceny and petit larceny, as well as 17 counts of breaking into a motor vehicle.
Pickens council votes to support festival
By Ben Robinson, Courier Staff
PICKENS — Pickens City Council had a request for $5,000 in funding for this year’s Azalea Festival, but city administrator Katherine Hendricks adjusted the amount to $4,400 before council voted on the issue.
The other $600 would be used by the city to pay any city employees who have to work during the festival.
Council approved the amount with a 7-0 vote.
Pickens has 374 children signed up to play baseball or softball, according to Councilman Carlton
Brock’s is Chamber Member of the Month
The April Pickens Chamber Member of the month is Brock’s Department Store. Located at 219 East Main St., Brock’s Department Store has been in continuous operation by the Brock family since 1957. Owner Glenn Brock, pictured, has been with the store since 1957, and the store offers a wide selection of items.
Service planned to honor Friends of Guardian ad Litem
PICKENS — The public is invited to the recognition of service to Pickens County by the Friends of Pickens County Guardian ad Litem for their service to the abused and neglected children of Pickens County.
Senator Larry Martin and Rep. Davey Hiott will be presenting the recognition on Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church in Pickens.
There will be a reception following the presentation. Current and past Guardian ad Litem of Pickens County and past board of directors are invited to join the special recognition during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Area hospitals lift flu visitors’ restrictions
UPSTATE — Hospitals in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Laurens counties lift temporary flu visitation restrictions
Hospitals in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Laurens counties announced last week that they have lifted the temporary request that children refrain from visiting hospitalized patients.
Hospitals include AnMed Health, Baptist Easley, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Greenville Health System, which includes Laurens County
