Daily Archives: 09/22/2015
Lions get shutout win at West-Oak
By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
WESTMINSTER — The Daniel Lions were hungry for a victory, and it was painfully obvious the winless West-Oak Warriors were the unlucky team on the menu.
[cointent_lockedcontent]The Lions finally off the snide with an overwhelmingly lopsided 42-0
Rocky Nimmons/Courier
Daniel’s Dante Gilliard fights for yardage during the Lions’ 42-0 road win over West-Oak on Friday night.
win Friday night at Warrior Stadium. The Lions came close to 500 yards of offense and recorded a goose egg with a tough defense to give them their first victory of the season.
“We finally have put some football together,” Daniel coach Randy Robinson said after the game. “Offensively I still think we came out a little slow and a little tentative. Once we got rolling a little bit, we showed that was how we need to be playing football.”
Sophomore quarterback Ben Batson had the best game of his career, passing for 247 yards on an 11-of-20 effort through the air.
“We gave Batson time to make the right reads and get some throws,” Robinson said. “We did a much better job up front.”
The offensive line play also benefited the running game, as the running back corps mounted 204 yards on the ground.
“We rotated backs to maximize what we have got in the back field,” Robinson said. “They are giving us all they have got, and that is all you can ask for.”
But what got Robinson’s attention most was the play of his defense.
“I think I am most proud of that zero on defense,” he said. “The defense played together. The key to defense — and I have coached defense my whole career — is you have to get 11 guys that care enough about each other to do it right. Some guys are getting double-teamed, so somebody else can make a tackle. Sometimes you just have to stay back in coverage when other people are making plays. I saw some evidence of togetherness tonight.”
The Lions came in ready to play from the opening whistle. Taking the opening kickoff and putting the ball in play at the West-Oak 46, Batson went right to the air, finding Jacob Wichelns for 18 yards. Two plays later, Batson showed his legs, picking up 11 yards and a first down. Batson then picked up the Lions’ next set of downs, hitting Dante Gilliard for 10 yards. The touchdown was the result of a five yard blast by runner Marnielius Cobb to cap the eight-play drive. Rivers Sherrill added the extra point, and with 9:37 left in the first, the Lions were up 7-0.
The Lions’ defense was on fire from the start, pounding the Warriors on their opening series and forcing a punt without allowing a first down.
Daniel’s offense was slowed by miscues and penalties on its next two possessions, but on the third, the Lions again took the ball to the house on a five-play drive that covered 64 yards.
Batson was the man as he aired it out with two great passes on the series. The first was a 21-yard toss to Wichelns, and the second a 43-yard rainbow to Carter Groomes for the touchdown with 10:35 left to play in the half. Robinson elected to go for a two-point conversion, but the attempt failed, leaving Daniel with a 13-0 lead.
The Lions’ defense was not about to be overshadowed by the Daniel offense and went to work on pushing the West-Oak offense around on the next series.
The Warriors put the ball into play at their own 27-yard line following Daniel’s ensuing kickoff. There would be no opportunity for positive yardage, as Daniel defensive coordinator Jeff Fruster had his unit dialed in from the start. The Warriors were flagged for holding on first down, then on second down, West-Oak quarterback Brandon Smith was engulfed and sacked for a seven-yard loss back to his own 10-yard line. Smith was in a deep hole and again rolled out to pass on second and 27, but Fruster called a blitz and several Lions were in hot pursuit. Smith scrambled back into his own end zone and had nothing to do but get rid of the ball. The pass didn’t even come close to one of his receivers, and he was flagged for grounding, which resulted in a safety for the Columbia blue and gold with 9:55 left in the half, making the score 15-0 in favor of the visitors.
The Warriors had to kick the ball back to Daniel following the safety, and the Lions went for the jugular on their next series. On second down from the West-Oak 47, Batson once again aired the ball out, hitting Wichelns for a beautiful touchdown. Sherrill tacked on the extra point with 9:01 to play in the first half to push the Lion lead to 21-0.
The big blue machine was firing on all cylinders and added two more touchdowns before intermission. The first was on a 93-yard drive that was again capped with a long touchdown strike. This time Batson hit a wide-open Groomes for a 55-yard touchdown with 3:38 to play in the half. Sherrill again was true on the PAT, and the Lions were up 28-0.
The last score of the half came with just 38 second left. The Warriors didn’t have any answer for Batson’s arm, and the sophomore again used the West-Oak secondary, completing two passes on a six-play, 75-yard drive. Batson hit Gilliard for 18 yards on the second snap of the series, and three plays later he laid a ball out for Will Swinney. Swinney picked up 24 yards and pushed the ball down to the West-Oak 6-yard line. Robinson decided to use the power of his offensive line and gave running back Stephon Kirksey the ball, and the speedster found a hole and went in for the score. Sherrill’s kick made it 35-0 Daniel at the half.
After intermission, the Lions picked up right where they left off, with their bruising defense slamming the door on the Warrior offense and Batson and company mounting yet another scoring drive. Robinson looked like he was ready to ground-and-pound the Warriors and called five running plays on the 71-yard, seven-play drive. Just as West-Oak hunkered down to stop the run, Batson caught a glimpse of Swinney open and tossed him a pass, and off to the races he went, going 37 yards with 7:46 to play in the third quarter for a score. Sherrill was automatic, giving his team a 42-0 lead.
The coaching staffs agreed to let the clock run from there on out, and the Lions substituted freely on offense.
Fruster looked to preserve his shut-out and kept his main unit on the field the remainder of the way. Defenders Avery Conrad, Chris Barnes, Jake Venables and C.J. Scott made impressive plays as time wound down, giving the Lions their first victory of the season, 42-0
“I think we as a team got closer together tonight,” Robinson said. “If we keep building more unity, we can get this thing rolling in the right direction.”
This Friday, night the Lions will finally return to the friendly confines of Singleton Field following three straight weeks on the road, as the Palmetto Mustangs will come calling for another Western AAA matchup.
The Mustangs are 3-1, with wins over Powdersville (23-19), Crescent (40-20) and Dixie (42-13). Their only loss came last week in region play, when they fell to Belton-Honea Path 44-9.
“I told everybody before the season, I thought Palmetto would be the surprise team in the region,” Robinson said. “They have a quality quarterback who is the coach’s son. He is a good player. They have a running back that at times looks unstoppable. We will have our hands full.”
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Patriots roll Devils in region opener
By Jimmy Kirby
Courier Sports
jkirby@thepccourier.com
POWDERSVILLE — Powdersville used a balanced offensive attack to decisively handle the Liberty Red Devils on Friday night, rolling to a
John Bolton/BoltonPhoto.com
Liberty quarterback Austin Hughey, seen here preparing to hand the ball off to Tyler Renaud during the Devils’ game against Pickens earlier this month, will look to lead the Red Devils to a win at home over Landrum this Friday after last week’s loss at Powdersville.
35-7 victory in the first region game of the season for both teams.
[cointent_lockedcontent]The Patriots gained 209 yards on the ground and amassed 211 yards through the air to produce results any coach would be proud of.
Jakobe Bufford scored on runs of one, 12 and seven yards to lead the Patriots’ ground game. He was the leading rusher in the game, as he gained 105 yards on 18 carries. Running mate E.J. Humphrey added 96 yards on only five carries, including a 67-yard run with 8:29 remaining in the contest to prove the final margin of victory for Powdersville.
The Red Devils were decent moving the ball on the ground, gaining 181 yards on 46 carries, but remained one-dimensional. Austin Hughey was just 2-of-6 for 15 yards through the air. Nick Reeves, who returned from injury, saw his first action of the season as well and was 0-for-2 passing on the night.
The first two Red Devil drives of the game started deep in their own territory. They started at their own 19-yard line on their first drive and their own 10-yard line on the second drive of the game. Following a 15-yard punt by Hughey on the Red Devils’ second drive, the Patriots took only two plays to score as Bufford ran for 20 yards on the first play of the series and then scored from one yard out for a 7-0 lead.
The Patriots came right back to score once more after they stopped the Red Devil offense again. This time, quarterback Emery Williams found J.J. Gentile across the middle for a 52-yard strike to put the Patriots up 14-0 to close out the first quarter.
Liberty blew an opportunity to score on its next drive. Eddy Mathis returned the ensuing kickoff 71 yards to the Powdersville 26-yard line. Four plays later, the Red Devils’ drive was going in the wrong direction and stalled at the Patriot 30-yard line.
Powdersville went straight to work and extended its lead to 21-0 with an eight-play, 74-yard drive. Bufford scored from 12 yards out this time. Williams completed key passes to Jack Birchfield for 22 yards and Humphrey for 20 yards on the drive.
The Red Devils finally managed a good drive on their next possession to get on the board with just 25 seconds remaining in the half. Mathis scored from four yards out for the Red Devils. The drive was good for 70 yards and took 16 plays. Tyler Renaud and Hughey had the longest gains on the drive, good for 11 yards each. Hughey also connected with Mathis to move the ball to the 4-yard line before Mathis scored on the next play.
The Red Devils almost missed out on their opportunity, as an errant snap from the shotgun at the 2-yard line cost them a 21-yard loss, but they recovered and were able to put the ball into the end zone anyway.
The Patriots extended their lead to 28-7 on Bufford’s third touchdown run of the night, from seven yards out.
The Red Devils turned the ball over on downs at the Powdersville 12-yard line with a third-quarter drive of their own thanks to a 42-yard run by Cole Murphy.
Renaud led the Red Devils’ rushing attack with 79 yards on 12 carries. Mathis added 72 yards on 18 carries. Murphy added 59 yards on just four carries.
Murphy also had a fine game for the Red Devils on defense as he led the team with nine tackles and one tackle for loss.
The Red Devils will be at home this Friday night to take on the Landrum Cardinals. Liberty coach Kyle Stewart and company will have to see if they can take a page out of the Powdersville handbook and find a balanced offense to take the pressure off of the offensive rushing attack.
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Golden Hurricanes outlast Blue Flame
By Eugene Jolley
Courier Sports
ejolley@thepccourier.com
PIEDMONT — It was a case of one step forward and two back for the Pickens Blue Flame during their Western AAA opener Friday night at Wren.[cointent_lockedcontent]
Tommy McGaha/Courier
Pickens’ Adam Thomas stiff-arms Wren’s Trey McGowens during their game Friday night.
Playing with heavy hearts after the shooting death of long-time coach Bill Isaacs, the Blue Flame were hoping to honor him with a win.
Both teams entered with 1-2 records, but it was the Golden Hurricanes who struck first quickly, held off a Pickens rally, and then pulled away for a 42-12 win.
“I thought we battled back from that pretty good early,” Pickens coach John Boggs said. “I felt like we just didn’t answer the bell in the second half. I think we looked unorganized. We looked out of focus. I think we had every opportunity to come out and win this ball game in the second half.
“We had a couple of short-yardage situations, and they capitalized on that, where we were trying to seize the momentum. I feel like we are a better football team than what we played out here tonight. That’s what is disappointing. I think we can play better than this. I expected us to play better than this. It’s a little disheartening to play this way and lose that way in a region game.”
Wren took the first two possessions of the game for touchdowns. The first one covered 80 yards in just six plays, as quarterback Jay Urich kept it the final seven with 10:16 left in the first quarter.
The Hurricanes went 65 yards in three plays next, scoring when Urich hit Furman commitment Bailey Rogers on a slip-screen for 37 yards with 8:30 left in the first quarter. Trevor Perry’s kick made it 14-0.
Wren won the battle of big plays, with 12 plays of 20 yards or more to just two for the Blue Flame.
Pickens settled down defensively and forced a punt. The snap sailed over Perry’s head for a safety with 1:12 left in the first, making it 14-2.
The Blue Flame defense then came up with another big play as Adam Martin made a leaping interception of Urich at the 47. The drive eventually stalled, and Matt Gravely kicked a 45-yard field goal with 10:31 left in the half.
Wren answered with a three-play, 62-yard scoring drive, with tailback Nathaniel Ekwere taking it the final four with 9:43 left in the half. The kick hit the right bar, making it 20-5.
The Blue Flame offense then got on track. Quarterback Tanner Stegall had several big runs and hit Sam Lawson on a nine-yard curl in the middle of the end zone for the score with 6:18 left in the half, making it 20-12.
The defense came up big again. Renny Croley knocked down a pass, and Tyler Gravely sacked Urich on fourth down after the Hurricanes had reached the Blue Flame 12.
Gunner Covey then ripped off a 36-yard run to the Wren 26, and after Stegall ran for two more, he tried to pass, but it was picked off by Owen Wilson.
Again, it appeared the Blue Flame defense had stymied Wren, as Tyler Gravely again provided the pressure, forcing a third and long in the waning seconds of the half. This time, Urich rolled right and found Rogers, who had gotten behind Martin, for a 71-yard touchdown strike with 55 seconds left in the half, making it 27-12 on Perry’s kick.
“We had them backed up third and long and they hit the big pass,” Boggs said. “That was a big momentum swing for them. Even still at that point, 27-12 at halftime, I felt that if we came out and executed we would be able to move the ball and punch one in and get right back in it. We never did it — credit them.
“They made big plays when they needed to. I thought their quarterback made some big plays. Their running back — I was worried about him all week long — I thought he was the most dangerous guy on the field. He proved that tonight. And (Rogers) had a pretty good game, too.”
The Blue Flame, in the first half, had been stopped on fourth and one at the Wren 20, and on the first drive of the second half, Wren again stymied the Blue Flame on fourth and one, this time at the 49, as Stegall was stopped for no gain.
“Shooting ourselves in the foot with penalites, not executing, running in the wrong hole — it was just bad. We’ve got to get better at that,” Boggs said. “Short-yardage needs to be something we can be good at, but we were terrible at it tonight.”
That started an odd second half, as for every step forward Pickens took, two steps went back. Pickens had 14 penalties in the game.
Wren took advantage of the stop and a missed holding call on a Urich scramble and scored when Ekwere ran in from eight yards out with 7:45 left. A high snap on the kick kept it 33-12.
Wren scored again on the next possession, as Ekwere went in from a yard out. Trevor Gillespie blocked the extra point, keeping it 39-12 with 1:49 left in the third.
Stegall was picked off on the next two possessions and Wren added a 41-yard field goal with 2:32 left to close out the scoring.
The game was part of an emotional week for Boggs, who played for Isaacs, and the Blue Flame.
“It is what it is,” Boggs said of the week off the field. “It’s disappointing. With everything that has transpired, it has been a difficult week off the field. On the field, I feel the kids had a good week of practice and had good focus. We’ll pay our respects Saturday, and that will be a tough day. It will be tough emotionally on me with the ties there. It’s a shame. It’s a tragedy. Our hearts go out to both of those families.”
Pickens will host West-Oak on Friday night, while Wren will entertain unbeaten Seneca.
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Tigers survive against Cardinals on the road
By Philip Sikes
Clemson Athletic Comm.
news@thepccourier.com
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Clemson outlasted Louisville, 20-17, in front of 55,396 fans, the third-largest crowd in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium history, last Thursday. [cointent_lockedcontent]
Rex Brown/Courtesy The Journal
From left, Clemson’s Stanton Seckinger, Jordan Leggett and Ray-Ray McCloud celebrate after Leggett scored a touchdown during the Tigers’ 20-17 win at Louisville last Thursday.
The win improved Clemson to 3-0 on the season and was the program’s 30th straight victory over an unranked opponent.
Clemson’s defense was outstanding all night, allowing just 272 yards of total offense to Louisville. The other story of the game was running back Wayne Gallman, who carried 24 times for 139 yards on the evening. He helped offset a pair of interceptions thrown by Deshaun Watson, who ended the night 21-30 passing for 199 yards. He added a season-best 54 on the ground.
The defensive struggle was uncorked momentarily after the completion of the first quarter, when Watson found a streaking Hunter Renfrow wide open for his first career touchdown. The redshirt freshman caught the 32-yard strike to put the Tigers ahead, 7-0. The Cards cut the deficit just before the break when John Wallace connected on a 26-yard field goal.
Louisville took its first lead on a Jeremy Smith one-yard plunge in the third quarter, which was set up by Watson’s second interception of the evening — his first career game with multiple picks thrown.
The Tigers responded, posting 13 consecutive points that included Watson’s 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Leggett. His fourth career score combined with two Greg Huegel field goals to make it 20-10.
Seemingly in control, the Tigers allowed a 100-yard kickoff return that gave the Cardinals life with 9:41 to play. Louisville marched into Clemson territory on its next drive, but John Wallace missed a 38-yard field goal. The Cards had another chance late, but Kevin Dodd’s eight-yard sack erased it and Louisville’s final throw was intercepted by Jadar Johnson.
Clemson will have an off week this Saturday before returning home to host Notre Dame on Oct. 3. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. and be televised by ABC, it was announced Monday.
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Spearman and the state of SC schools
Recently at the College of Charleston, State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman delivered what was billed as The State of the Schools Speech.
What I heard was the single most encouraging speech I’ve heard about education in South Carolina in a long, long time.
It was not a traditional ‘state of…’ speech — full of facts, figures and overblown political claims and promises. Instead, what I saw was a committed caring school teacher from rural Saluda County (who just happens to be in charge of our state’s public education) talking with folks about our children, what’s good and what’s bad about our schools and what we need to do to fix them.
After listening to her talk about her genuine love for our state and our children, I decided that Molly Spearman may be the distilled essence of positive, traditional South Carolina values.
Her life story sounds like something that would make John Boy Walton jealous: she grew up on a farm in rural Saluda County. In addition to her farm chores, at age 12 she began playing the piano and organ at her small country church. She and her family still go to that same church and she is the music director and organist.
She went to the local college (Lander) where she was student body president (of course) and then went ‘off’ to get an advanced degree at a big time school (George Washington University). On a blind date, she met her future husband, a Clemson student from the next county over.
After her education, she taught music for 18 years and was named Teacher of the Year (naturally) and then became a state legislator where she was known as a fierce advocate for children. She later worked in the Department of Education and then became head of the S.C. Association of School Administrators, a professional organization of over 3,600 principals, superintendents and school leaders.
She is probably the best prepared Superintendent of Education that we have had in generations.
But what was most striking in her speech was not her academic smarts (which she has) or her command of policy issues, fact and figures (which she demonstrated) but the genuine warmth and affection — even love — that she showed for our state and its children.
What did she say was the most important thing for teachers to do? “Love your students.” And she means it; it didn’t come across as hokey or canned. She is genuine.
And after four years of her predecessor, who seemed far more interested in extremist ideology than in education, her reception among classroom teachers and the boost in their morale has been palpable. As one teacher from Summerville told me, “When Molly was elected, teachers thought they had died and gone to heaven.”
Before continuing on with my gushing, it’s time for full disclosure. I did not support Spearman when she ran for State Superintendent. She is a Republican and I’m a Democrat so… And, as of late, I have been working with her and her staff on an innovative education project called World Class Scholars and they have been nothing but terrific. As is obvious, I have what my preacher father called ‘the zeal of a convert.’
What was most exciting to me was her enthusiasm for what might happen with education reform. After a 21-year lawsuit by the 39 poorest school district (the Abbeville Case) the State Supreme Court has mandated that the Legislature seriously do something to fix these schools in the Corridor of Shame. Spearman believes that for the first time in a generation, the stars are aligned to get real reform in education. Let’s all hope so.
Clearly she knows what needs to be done and is not shying away from the tough issues, even the most controversial of issues such as race.
On teacher pay — “It’s ridiculous that an early teacher has to work two to three jobs…Our teacher salary schedule is so messed up, it’s beyond repair.”
On early intervention whatever the cost — “We have to get to children quickly — in year one.”
On going beyond the Three Rs — “The soft skills are just as important to overall success and have been neglected. Children who learn how to solve problems develop grit and a commitment to something that builds character and life skills. They are successful in life, not just successful on test scores.”
On too many school districts — “Consolidation — some don’t want to talk about this, but there are some very small districts that are too small and very inefficient and I think we have to come up with some incentives.”
On segregation — “I think there are some conversations that need to take place in these very, very small (school) districts, which are, quite honestly, still segregated by race and socioeconomics. …It’s time for the adults to do the right thing.”
So, can we all relax now and let Spearman fix education in South Carolina?’ Hardly.
We still have a Legislature that seems more interested in posturing and postponing than in actually doing anything. We still have too many parents that won’t (or don’t know how) to get involved to help their children. And, we still have too many of us who may not have kids in public school so we simply don’t do our part to fix the schools.
But this I do know, we have a terrific Superintendent who says the stars are aligning (Abbeville Case) for a once in a lifetime opportunity to get serious education reform.
Will it happen? I don’t know, but I’m betting on the country girl from Saluda.
Phil Noble is a businessman in Charleston and president of the S.C. New Democrats, an independent reform group founded by former Gov. Richard Riley to bring change and reform. He can be reached at phil@scnewdemocrats.org.
Into every life a leaf must fall
Every beautiful morning we’ve had is a reminder of how nice fall can be. Everything about the season is special. The temperatures are so mild everyone wants to go outside and work in their yards. 
We don’t see people raking as much as we used to, but we do see a lot of people out with their leaf blowers. Years ago, we put oak trees out in the front yard. They’ve grown for 30 years and now offer protection from hot summer days and branches for birds to rest upon.
I love trees and am constantly amazed by the intricate and beautifully balanced system they possess.
But there is one minor flaw with trees. And maybe it’s not really accurate to call it a flaw. Maybe it’s a trait.
In fall, when it is cooling down, trees undress. I always think of summer as the appropriate time to dress lightly but trees apparently have a different view appropriate behavior.
At the first uninterrupted week of crisp, cool weather they begin to remove their clothes. And it’s at a time when their clothes are absolutely beautiful.
The yard is blanketed and the fountain is filled with oak leaves. And not only have they produced an exceptionally large crop of leaves, they also have provided a bounty of acorns.
We are bombarded with them, and even the dogs are a little nervous about walking under the oak trees.
A direct hit with an acorn can really hurt.
It may be the shape of the acorn with the pointed end. They make ideal ammunition. There are sections in the yard that now have such a thick blanket of thee little nuts that you have to exercise extreme caution when walking across them.
If it rains, the acorns grow even more treacherous.
The only creatures to enjoy this fall tradition are the squirrels.
And although the dogs really are wary of falling acorns they have joyously thrown themselves into the sport of squirrel chasing.
They can be lying in the sunshine in a pile of brown leaves giving a pretty good performance of sleeping dogs oblivious to the world around them. But this is just an act.
If even one squirrel ventures into the yard to gather acorns or count them or whatever else squirrels do with acorns, every dog on the place becomes instantly alert.
They can spring into action from a sound sleep and in a flash force the squirrel up into the tree.
There is no way any dog on the place is going to be fast enough to get the prize, but they can play this game for hours on end, confident that eventually a squirrel will make a mistake and be theirs.
Despite the annual chores related to piling up and removing leaves and attempting to remove acorns I’m still glad we have trees. A little work and yard maintenance is the price we pay for enjoying the beauty trees provide all year round.
Blue Ridge Electric announces ‘Bolts Of Brightness’ recipients
Recipients honored at anniversary event
PICKENS — Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative Inc., a member-owned, not-for-profit electric distribution utility that serves more than 64,000 customers in the Upstate, recently celebrated their 75th anniversary by naming 75 members of the local community as “Bolts of Brightness.”
[cointent_lockedcontent]The recipients were honored on Sept. 10 at the Madren Center in Clemson.
“Bolts of Brightness” was established to recognize members in the local community that embody the spirit of the cooperative’s mission. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative opened nominations to Blue Ridge members and selected 75 individuals who have volunteered personal time to serve others in the community. In addition to being recognized with an award at the 75th Anniversary event, honorees were given $500 to be donated to a charitable organization of their choice.
“There was not a better way for Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative to celebrate our 75th Anniversary than to honor our local heroes for their service in our community,” said Charles Dalton, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Inc. “We were thrilled to be able to recognize these individuals with a special event and celebrate their work in the Upstate.”
Award recipients listed by area:
Anderson:
Blake Berry, Manella Calhoun, Lee Halleck and Mr. and Mrs. Doug Palmer.
Cleveland:
Mr. Avery Leroy Ashe, In Memory of Alice Hall Lawton and Anna White.
Easley:
Philip Owens, Patricia Underwood, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hamilton, Shay Hardin, Meg Leatherwood and Anita Richardson.
Fair Play:
Larry Wilkerson.
Landrum:
Dave Schaub, Billy Lee Herman and Jeanne Moore.
Liberty:
Chuck Baker, Deanna Counts and David Moody.
Marietta:
Kenneth Curtis and Rollan Green.
Mountain Rest:
Joseph Jones.
Pickens:
Esther Corn, In Memory of Theron Crenshaw, Sam C. Dunn, Sharon Durham, Teresa Johnson, Betty McDaniel, Gary Monroe, Butch Morris, Kevin Nicholson, Judy Rackley, In Memory of Regina Reece, Bart Turner and Justin Anderson.
Salem:
Marti Jennings.
Seneca:
Jenna Black, Dwaine Eubanks, Sam Thrift, Tom Thrift, Helen Westmoreland, Cheryl Brewer, Toni Brewer, Donald Gilstrap, Gwen McPhail and Ronnie Williams.
Six Mile:
Jimmie Haynes.
Tigerville:
Patty Snyder.
Townville:
David Blizzard, Albert Steven Hartsell, Jr. and Debbie Ann Sloan.
Travelers Rest:
Ann Trammell.
Walhalla:
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Arve.
West Union:
Martha Frady and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McMahan.
Westminster:
Olivia Adams, Brian Allen, Vernon Bacher, Jean Carter, Darragh Geist, Paul Graber, In Memory of Shirley Hawkins, Jason Moore, Tim Nix, Lynn Owen, Evelyn Phillips, Kim Richardson, Mildred Spearman, Linda Stone and Mr. and Mrs. L.J. Jones.
Williamston: Chris and Jim Wilson.
To learn more about Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Inc. and the communities it services, visit blueridge.coop/.
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Hospitals participate in pill take-back day
COUNTY — Cannon Memorial and Baptist Easley Hospitals will be drop-off sites during the National Pill Take-Back Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This is an opportunity for the public to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Medicines left in cabinets of area homes are subject to misuse and abuse and even theft. The day’s service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. The drugs will be disposed of safely without harm to the environment.
National Pill Take-Back Day is sponsored by the Pickens County Sherriff’s Office, the Easley Police Department, the Clemson Police Department, Steppin’ It Up Coalition, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Cannon Memorial Hospital, along with Baptist Easley.
Drop off your unwanted pills at either Baptist Easley or Cannon Memorial Hospital’s Outpatient entrances.
Community Calender9-23-15
• Gillespie reunion will be held Oct. 4
The 67th annual Gillespie reunion will be held at 11:30 a.m., Sunday Oct. 4, 2015. It will be held in the same location as last year, The Balsam Grove Community Center, 7935 Parkway Rd, Balsam Grove, NC 28708. Each family is asked to bring a well filled basket along with tea, lemonade, or soft drinks. For more info contact Ed Watson at 864-506-0458.
• Children’s Fall Festival set in Easley
The city of Easley and Gilstrap Family Dealerships will host a Children’s Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4-8 p.m. The event will be held around the downtown merchants and at Old Market Square in Easley. Children can trick or treat with the downtown merchants and then join a fun-filled festival with games, music, costume contests and more. The festival is free. For more, visit easleyevents.com or call (864) 423-4344.
• Silent auction to be held at Jones Hill
Jones Hill Church of God will hold a silent auction Saturday Oct. 3. Hot dogs, bake sale, and ticket sales begin at 11a.m. Auction begins at 1p.m. at the church located at 1014 Dalton Rd. Marietta, SC 29661 Dacusville Community
• Crow Creek Church of God yard sale set
Crow Creek Church of God will host a church-wide yard sale on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 26, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The church is located at 128 Crow Creek Church Road in Six Mile. There will something for everyone.
• Lewis reunion is planned for Oct. 4
Anthony B. and Evelyn Ellenburg Lewis reunion is set to be held Oct. 4, at Mt. Sinia Church Fellowship Building. Bring a basket filled with lunch.
Courier Legals 9-23-15
SUMMONS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE PROBATE COURT
CASE NUMBER 2015-ES-39-574
IN THE MATTER OF: ESTATE OF
JAMES WILLIAM HALL
[cointent_lockedcontent]YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Petition in this action, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Petition on the Petitioners or their attorney within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Petition within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for relief demanded in the Petition.
GLENN, HAIGLER & STATHAKIS, LLP
By:_________________________ John J. Stathakis
121 West Benson Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 226-1885
Attorney for Petitioners
August 19, 2015
Sept. 9, 16, 23
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PETITION FOR DETERMINATION
OF HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF
JAMES WILLIAM HALL
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
CASE NUMBER 2015-ES-39-574
IN THE MATTER OF: ESTATE OF
JAMES WILLIAM HALL
1. Petitioners John Hall and Melissa Stafford (hereinafter referred to as “Petitioners”), hereby move before the Probate Court in the County of Pickens, State of South Carolina for an order determining the heirs and administering the estate of James William Hall.
2. Petitioners are the sole surviving heirs of the decedent and are citizens and residents of Pickens County, South Carolina.
3. The decedent died on April 19, 1999 in Pickens County, South Carolina without a Will. A copy of the decedent’s death certificate is attached hereto.
4. The decedent’s parents, brothers and sisters all predeceased the decedent. At the time of the decedent’s death, his sole surviving heirs were Petitioners, who are his children, and his wife, who has subsequently died.
5. The decedent’s wife, Linda Fay Morrison Hall, died on May 14, 2015 leaving as her sole heirs the Petitioners.
6. Linda Fay Morrison Hall lived in Pickens County, South Carolina following the death of the decedent until the time of her death.
7. At the time of the decedent’s death, both the decedent and his wife were joint titleholders of Lot number 21 in Pine Grove Subdivision bearing a street address of 100 Revis Drive, Central, Pickens County, South Carolina, tax map number # F18-00-418H.
8. Additionally, at the time of the decedent’s death, both the decedent and his wife were joint titleholders to a 1978 Fiesta mobile home.
9. After the death of the decedent, his wife paid all the property taxes and all the expenses arising out of the above referenced properties. After the death of Linda Fay Morrison Hall, Petitioners have paid all the property taxes and all the expenses arising out of the above property.
10. At the time of the decedent’s death, the decedent’s wife, now deceased, was unaware of the necessity to probate her husband’s estate as she was co-owner of the decedent’s assets. Petitioners, children of the decedent and his wife, have sought to probate their deceased mother’s estate now only to realize that their father’s estate must also be probated to pass title to the assets.
11. Petitioners have undertaken a review of the decedent’s family records and confirm that they – along with their mother (now deceased) – are the sole surviving heirs of the decedent.
12. Petitioners possess no knowledge or belief as to the existence of any other possible heirs of the decedent or interested parties.
WHEREFORE, Petitioners pray that this Court issue an order finding that Petitioners, along with their mother, Linda Fay Morrison Hall (now deceased), are the sole surviving heirs of the decedent and granting and releasing the above referenced property to Petitioners along with their mother, Linda Fay Morrison Hall (now deceased).
GLENN, HAIGLER & STATHAKIS, LLP
By:_________________________ John J. Stathakis
121 West Benson Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 226-1885
Attorney for Petitioners
August 19, 2015
Sept. 9, 16, 23
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NOTICE OF HEARING
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE PROBATE COURT
CASE NUMBER 2015-ES-39-574
IN THE MATTER OF: ESTATE OF
JAMES WILLIAM HALL
TO ALL HEIRS AND INTERESTED PARTIES:
YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above-captioned action was filed on August 31, 2015 in the Probate Court for Pickens County, South Carolina. This action seeks the determination of heirs of the estate of James William Hall.
A hearing has been scheduled in connection with this matter on the 14th day of October, 2015 at 10:45 o’clock a.m. in the Probate Court for Pickens County located at 222 McDaniel Avenue, Pickens, South Carolina.
Please be present at said hearing if you are an heir or interested party in the aforementioned estate of James William Hall if so minded.
GLENN, HAIGLER & STATHAKIS, LLP
By:_________________________ John J. Stathakis
121 West Benson Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 226-1885
Attorney for Petitioners
August 19, 2015
Sept. 9, 16, 23
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NOTICE OF SALE
2015-CP-39-589
BY VIRTUE OF A DECREE of the Court of Common Pleas for Pickens County, heretofore granted in the case of United States of America, acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture vs. Christa L. Moss, I, the undersigned Master In Equity appointed under Order of said Court, will sell on October 5, 2015 at 11:00 o’clock, a.m., at the Pickens County Courthouse, Pickens, South Carolina, to the highest bidder, the following described property, to wit:
ALL that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, situate, lying and being in the State of South Carolina, County of Pickens, located 2.5 miles North, Northeast of Pickens, being shown and designated a a portion of Lot No. 7 of Blue Ridge Estates on plat prepared by C. E. Shehan Surveying, dated November 9, 1983 and according to said plat, having the following courses and distances, to wit: BEGINNING at iron pin at axle on edge of Blue Ridge Circle; and running along common line of portion of Lot No. 7 herein conveyed and Lot 8 N 75-15 West 179.01 feet to old iron pin; running thence along line of McJunkin North 03-48 East 149.05 feet to old iron pin; running thence along line of McJunkin North 03-48 East 149.05 feet to old iron pin; continuing along line of land of McJunkin North 83-26 East 38.00 feet to new iron pin; running thence along line of portion of Lot No. 6 and a portion of Lot No. 7 (as shown on plat) South 44-17 East 219.40 feet to new iron pin on Blue Ridge Circle; running thence along edge of Blue Ridge Circle South 33-41 West 49.85 feet to the beginning corner.
This being the identical property conveyed unto Beverly E. Widener by deed of the United States of America recorded December 10, 1987 in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County in Record Book 26 at Page 55.
This being the identical property conveyed unto Christa L. Moss by deed of Beverly E. Widener recorded November 22, 1993 in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County in Record Book 222 at Page 122.
TMS #4192-09-26-1622
Property Address: 134 North Blue Ridge Circle, Pickens, SC 29671
TERMS OF SALE: For Cash, the Master In Equity will require a deposit of 5% of the amount of the bid (in cash or equivalent) by 4:00 p.m., on the sales date, the same to be applied on the purchase price in case of compliance, but in case of noncompliance within Twenty (20) days, the same to be forfeited and applied to the costs and Plaintiff’s debt and the property shall be resold at the risk and expense of the former purchaser. Purchaser shall pay for the deed and necessary revenue stamps for the deed. Purchaser to be responsible for payment of taxes and assessments not past due at the time of sale.
No personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will not remain
open after the sale but compliance with the bid may be made immediately.
The sale shall be subject to taxes and assessments, existing easements, and restrictions and easements and restrictions of record, and any other senior encumbrances.
Interest on the balance of the bid shall be paid to the day of compliance at the rate of 6.5% per day.
The sale will not be held unless the Plaintiff or its attorney is present at the sale or has advised the Master’s office of its bidding instructions. This sale is subject to all matters of record and any interested party should perform an independent title examination of the subject property as no warranty is given.
___________________________
R. Murray Hughes
Special Referee
Gary P. Rish, PC
Attorney for Plaintiff
P. O. Box 508
Irmo, SC 29063
(803) 749-1764
Sept. 16, 23, 30
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SUMMONS AND NOTICE
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE FAMILY COURT
THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
C.A. No.: 2015-DR-39-449
South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff, vs. Angel Pelfrey, Gregory Townsend, Steven Rholetter, John Doe Defendants. In the Interest of:
D. Townsend, 10/27/2011
C. Pelfrey, 02/23/2007
Minors Under the Age of 18
TO: ANGEL PELFREY, STEVEN RHOLETTER, GREGORY TOWNSEND & JOHN DOE:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint for Termination of Parental Rights for the minor child in this action filed against you, the original of which has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County on May 14, 2015, copies of which will be delivered to you upon your request, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the undersigned attorney for the Plaintiff to Patti Brady, Pickens County Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 158, Pickens, S.C. 29671 within thirty (30) days following the date of service upon you, exclusive of the date of service, and if you fail to answer said Complaint within the time stated, Plaintiff will apply for a Judgment by Default against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
A Final hearing on this matter has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pickens County Courthouse, located at 214 E. Main Street, Pickens, South Carolina.
Patti Brady
Staff Attorney, South Carolina
Department of Social Services
Post Office Box 158,
Pickens, South Carolina 29671
(864) 898-5288
Sept. 16, 23, 30
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LEGAL NOTICE
The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet in a work session on Monday, October 12, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Pickens County Administration Facility, 222 McDaniel Avenue, Pickens, SC.
After the work session, the monthly Planning Commission meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the same location. The following items will have a public hearing at this meeting:
1. SD-15-002 Table Rock View Estates, 19 Lot Residential Development located on SC HWY 11, Pumpkintown. Project is located on approximately 42.3 acres.
TMS# 5106-00-29-7069
2. SDV-15-002 Robert Pierson requesting variances from the subdivision requirements as they relate to the division of property via a non-conforming residential access defined as a “Common Drive”, minimum lot sizes for lots with access (2) via a “Common Drive”, and number of lots allowed to have access via a “Common Drive”. Property is located at 512 Old Shallowford Bridge Road, W.E. Ellenburg S/D, Sunset.
TMS# 4122-02-95-8130
3. SDV-15-003 Scott Holder requesting variances from the subdivision requirements as they relate to the division of property via a non-conforming residential access defined as a “Common Drive” and minimum lot sizes for lots with access (5) via a “Common Drive”. Property is located at 134 Northfield Drive, Pickens.
TMS# 4192-14-34-0370
More information for each item is available in the Planning office in the Department of Community Development and is open for public inspection during regular business hours. If any member of the public requires special assistance please call 864-898-5956.
Sept. 23
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