Monthly Archives: September 2015
Community Calendar 9-30-15
• Lewis reunion is planned for Oct. 4
The Anthony B. and Evelyn Ellenburg Lewis reunion is set to be held Oct. 4 at the Mt. Sinai Church fellowship building. Bring a basket filled with lunch.
• Gillespie reunion will be held Oct. 4
The 67th annual Gillespie reunion will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. It will be held in the same location as last year, the Balsam Grove Community Center, 7935 Parkway Road, Balsam Grove, NC 28708. Each family is asked to bring a well-filled basket, along with tea, lemonade or soft drinks. For more information, contact Ed Watson at (864) 506-0458.
• Silent action 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 will begin at 11 a.m. Auction will begin at 1 p.m. at the church, located at 1014 Dalton Road in Marietta.
Courier Legals 9-30-15
SUMMONS AND NOTICE
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE FAMILY COURT
THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
C.A. No.: 2015-DR-39-449
[cointent_lockedcontent]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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ORDER OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CASE No. 2015-CP-39-845
GALE GALLOWAY Plaintiff, vs. Kevin Howard and Catherine Howard, Defendants.
___________________________________
Upon reading the attached Affidavit, it appears to my satisfaction that this is a proper case in which service may be had upon Defendants by publication as authorized by 15-9-730 and 15-9-720 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina (1976).
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, that the Lis Pendens, Summons and Notice and Service by Publication shall be published in Pickens County Courier, a newspaper having general circulation in the County of Pickens, South Carolina, once a week, on the same day of each week, for a period of three consecutive weeks, said publication being hereby designated as the one most likely to give notice to said Defendants. Any Defendants having a last known address shall be mailed a copy of the Summons and Complaint certified mail\restricted delivery.
AND IT IS SO ORDERED.
/S/ Perry H. Gravely
JUDGE, THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OR
CLERK OF COURT FOR PICKENS COUNTY
PICKENS, SOUTH CAROLINA
September 18, 2015
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
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LIS PENDENS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CASE # 2015-CP-39-845
Gale Galloway Plaintiff, vs- Kevin Howard and Catherine Howard Defendants.
________________________
YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an action will be commenced in this Court for the foreclosure of a Loan Agreement and Bond for Title given by KEVIN HOWARD AND CATHERINE HOWARD unto Gale C. Galloway as follows: (1) BOND FOR TITLE dated April 13, 2010. The premises covered and affected by said Bond for Title dated April 13, 2010 and by the foreclosure thereof were, at the time of the making thereof and at the time of the filing of this notice, described as follows:
201 Chaparral Way, Easley, SC (Lot#111Mt. Carmel Subdivision)Being more fully described on a plat made by C.E. Shehan, Surveyor, dated July 19, 1990 recorded in Plat Book 43 at 168, Pickens County Records and subject to the restrictions recorded in Book 106at Page 331.
TMS# 5131-02-75-6268
__/s/_____________________________
R. MURRAY HUGHES
Attorney for Plaintiffs
4606 Moorefield Memorial Highway
Suite 3
P. O. Box 1389
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-2124
June 9, 2015
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
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SUMMONS AND NOTICE
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CASE # 2015-CP-39-845
Gale Galloway Plaintiff, vs- Kevin Howard and Catherine Howard
_________________________
TO: THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE-NAMED:
YOU ARE HEREBY summoned and required to answer the Complaint in this action which was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County, South Carolina, and to serve a copy of your Answer upon the subscriber at 4606 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Suite 3, Post Office Box 1389, Pickens, South Carolina, within THIRTY (30) DAYS after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service. If you fail to answer the Complaint within that time, the relief requested in the Complaint will be granted.
_/s/________________________
R. MURRAY HUGHES
Attorney for Plaintiff
4606 Moorefield Memorial
Highway, Suite 3
P. O. Box 1389
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-2124
June 9, 2015
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
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ORDER OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CASE No. 2015-CP-39-712
William Jack Crowe, Plaintiff, vs. Richard McCullough and Casey McCullough, Defendants.
____________________________
Upon reading the attached Affidavit, it appears to my satisfaction that this is a proper case in which service may be had upon Defendants by publication as authorized by 15-9-730 and 15-9-720 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina (1976).
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, that the Lis Pendens, Summons and Notice and Service by Publication shall be published in Pickens County Courier, a newspaper having general circulation in the County of Pickens, South Carolina, once a week, on the same day of each week, for a period of three consecutive weeks, said publication being hereby designated as the one most likely to give notice to said Defendants. Any Defendant having a last known address shall be mailed a copy of the Summons and Complaint certified mail\restricted delivery.
AND IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Perry H. Gravely
JUDGE, THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OR
CLERK OF COURT FOR PICKENS COUNTY
PICKENS, SOUTH CAROLINA
September18, 2015
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
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LIS PENDENS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CASE #2015-CP-39-712
William Jack Crowe, Plaintiff, vs- Richard McCullough and Casey McCulough Defendants.
________________________
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced and is now pending before this Court upon Complaint of the above named Plaintiff against the above named Defendants for foreclosure of the following described mortgage:
1. Mortgage from Richard McCullough and Casey McCullough to William Jack Crowe dated August 29, 2013, and recorded August 30, 2013, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County in Mortgage Book 4689 at Page 273, in the amount of $40,500.
The real estate which is the subject of this action is described as follows:
“ALL that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, with the improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in the State of South Carolina, County of Pickens, in the Woodside Mills Village Plant No. 2 in the Town of Liberty; and being more particularly described as Lot No. 1, as shown on a plat entitled “A Subdivision of Woodside Mills, Liberty Plant No. 2, Liberty, S.C.”, made by Piedmont Engineering Service, Greenville, S.C., December, 1951, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Court (now Register of Deeds) for Pickens County, S.C., in Plat Book 1920, at Page 158. According to said plat, the within described lot is also known as No. 309 Maplecroft Street, and fronts thereon 89.3 feet.”
Pickens County Parcel #4087-12-95-1807/Property Address: 309 Maplecroft Street, Liberty, SC 29657
This being the identical property conveyed unto Richard McCullough and Casey McCullough by deed of Estate of Deanie S. Crowe by Personal Representative, William Jack Crowe, dated August 30, 2013, and recorded August 30, 2013, in Deed Book 1549 at Page 240, Pickens County records.
___________________________
R. MURRAY HUGHES
Attorney for Plaintiff
P. O. Box 1389
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-2124
SC Bar #2800
May 29, 2015
Pickens, South Carolina
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
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SUMMONS FOR RELIEF
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
William Jack Crowe, Plaintiff, vs- Richard McCullough and Casey McCullough. Defendants.
________________________
)
TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE NAMED:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to answer the Complaint in this matter, a copy of which was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County, and to serve a copy of your Answer thereto upon the subscriber, R. Murray Hughes,III, at his office located at 4606 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Suite 3, (P.O. Box 1389) Pickens, South Carolina, 29671, within thirty (30) days from the date of service hereof upon you. If you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court, above named, for judgment by default to be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the within Complaint.
YOU WILL FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff will move for a general Order of Reference in this case to the Special Referee for this Court, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the Referee is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this case and any appeal from the final judgment entered herein to be made directly to the South Carolina Supreme Court or Court of Appeals as appropriate.
R. Murray Hughes, III
Attorney for Plaintiff
P.O. Box 1389
Pickens, SC 29671
(864)878-2124
S. C. Bar #2800
May 29, 2015
Pickens, South Carolina
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
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Courier Notice to Creditors 9-30-15
The publisher shall only be liable for an amount less than or equal to the charge for the space of the item in error in the case of errors in or omissions from any advertisement, and only for the first incorrect insertion.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES
All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on Form #371ES with the Probate Court of PICKENS COUNTY, the address of which is 222 MCDANIEL AVE., B-16 PICKENS, SC 29671, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.
Estate: Ann Marlene Medlock Young
Date of Death: 08/23/2015
Case Number: 2015ES3900587
Personal Representative: Michelle Leigh Young Galloway
Address: 102 South 7th St.
Easley, SC 29640
Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7
Estate: James Arthur Dodson
Date of Death: 08/19/2015
Case Number: 2015ES3900572
Personal Representative: Wilma C. Burkett
Address: 2214 Liberty Hwy.
Six Mile, SC 29682
Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7
Estate: Steve Clayton Brewer
Date of Death: 09/01/2015
Case Number: 2015ES3900601
Personal Representative: Hardy King
Address: 408 Hoopers Creek Rd.
Fletcher, NC 28732
Attorney: Adam B. Lambert
Address: Post Office Box 9
Pickens, SC 29671
Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7
Estate: James Michael Moreland
Date of Death: 06/05/2015
Case Number: 2015ES3900614
Personal Representative: Mike Moreland
Address: 310 McAbee Ave.
Easley, SC 29640
Attorney: Adam B. Lambert
Address: Post Office Box 9
Pickens, SC 29671
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
Estate: Louise Durham Finley
Date of Death: 12/28/2014
Case Number: 2015ES3900610
Personal Representative: Mary F. Arnette
Address: 2316 Trails End Ct.
Seneca, SC 29672
Attorney: Kenneth D. Acker
Address: P.O. Box 9
Pickens, SC 29671
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
Estate: Elbert Leslie Watson, Jr.
Date of Death: 09/13/2015
Case Number: 2015ES3900605
Personal Representative:
Rodney Leslie Watson
Address: 3212 Constellation Drive
Melbourne, FL 32940
Attorney: James M. Robinson
Address: P.O. Box 738
Easley, SC 29641
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14
Courier Trespass Notices 9-30-15
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code.
Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing.
All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the lands of the undersigned:
Lola S. Lusk and Deborah Lusk Young Oct. 2015
Judy E. McJunkin Oct. 2015
Jean C. Watson Oct. 2015
Allen and Nancy Hess Nov. 2015
Charles M. Smith Jr. Nov. 2015
Robert Q. Finley and
June C. Finley Nov. 2015
Peggy Noblett Dec. 2015
James Dan Winchester and Avenelle S. Winchester Dec. 2015
Dana and Donna Wolfe Dec. 2015
Betty McGrew Hill Jan. 2016
Jessica Anderson Faus Jan. 2016
Barry and Rhonda Herd Feb. 2016
Harold Caddell Feb. 2016
Pamela Wilson Feb. 2016
Danny McCall March 2016
L.C. Russell March 2016
Joshua Daughety and
Sue Mittelstadt March 2016
Jim D. Kelly April 2016
The Echo Valley Land Trust June 2016
Frank M. and Marie M. Crane June 2016
Jimmy McGrew June 2016
Dwight C. and Thelma P. Thrift June 2016
Melvin Lamar and Catherine Gilstrap July 2016
Artistic Builders Inc. July 2016
Larry Gibson July2016
Greg M. Cadell and
Mary E. Caddell. July 2016
John F. Hendricks July 2016
Doris and Waymon Aikens July 2016
Cecil and Ruby Reid Aug. 2016
Jerry Galbreath Aug. 2016
Carl W. Porter Nov. 2016
Dolly Morris Dec. 2016
John T. M. Tompkins Dec. 2016
Sarah Rampy Jan. 2017
Tredwell and Erica Zeigler Feb. 2017
Edward and Evinne Elrod July 2017
Randy and Lynn Griffin Aug. 2017
Jeffery D. and Sandra Couch Aug. 2017
Courier Classifieds 9-30-15
Yard Sale
YARD SALE: Saturday October 3 at 1217 Allgood Bridge Road, Pickens. Lot to choose from. Don’t miss it. 9/30
Announcements
Sell your structured settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1-800-446-9734. SW
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MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online Training gets you job ready! HS diploma/GED & PC/internet needed! 1-888-512-7118.
SW
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AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Get started by training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-367-2513.
SW
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Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-815-6016. SW
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Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 866-604-6857. SW
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CPAP/BIPAP supplies at little or no cost from Allied Medical Supply Network! Fresh supplies delivered right to your door. Insurance may cover all costs. 800-764-8051. SW
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015 is the last day to redeem winning tickets in the following South Carolina Education Lottery Instant Game: (SC685) PLATINUM PAYOUT SW
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Tuesday, October 6, 2015 is the last day to redeem winning tickets in the following South Carolina Education Lottery Instant Games: (SC719) MAD MONEY; (SC733) BLACK/WHITE. SW
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Help Wanted
Christian woman 55 years of age needs position caring for handicap person flexible hours, reasonable rates. Call (864) 395-5239. 9/30, 10/7
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Aides Needed: Looking for loving, caring dependable people to care for clients in their home. Must be able to pass background check and drug test. Contact Susan or Sandy at 864-859-1949 for more info. TFC
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DUMP TRUCK DRIVER WANTED: Must have Class “A” driver’s license with good record. Call 878-9502. TFC
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Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497. SW
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HIGH-TECH CAREER with U.S. Navy. Elite tech training w/great pay, benefits, vacation, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800-662-7419. SW
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Experienced OTR Flatbed Drivers earn 50 up to 55 cpm loaded. $1000 sign on to Qualified drivers. Good home time. Call: 843-266-3731 / www.bulldoghiway.com EOE.
SW
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Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to deliver Semis and Buses. 23 pick-up locations across the US and Canada, no forced dispatch, 574-642-2023 or QualityDriveAway.com.
SW
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Join our Team! Guaranteed pay for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers. Regional and OTR. Great pay /benefits /401k match. CALL TODAY 864.299.9645 www.jgr-inc.com. SW
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ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 107 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.3 million readers. Call Alanna Ritchie at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
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For Sale
For Sale: .85 acres. Water and septic on Cove Creek Road, Pickens, 864-373-4206. 9/30
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FOR SALE: Fresh large brown eggs for sale Six Mile area call Israel 864-481-9128. TFC
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DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $34.99 Call Today and Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 844-250-6595. SW
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DIRECTV Starting at $19.99/mo. FREE Installation. FREE 3 months of HBO SHOWTIME CINEMAX, STARZ. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included (Select Packages) New Customers Only. CALL 1-800-291-6954. SW
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Dish Network – Get MORE for LESS! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.) PLUS Bundle & SAVE (Fast Internet for $15 more/month.) CALL Now 1-800-635-0278 SW
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Auctions
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 107 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.6 million readers. Call Donna Yount at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
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Services
JC & Family Landscaping: Tree-trimming, landscape maintenance, irrigation, free quotes. 15 years experience contact (864)207-6046 Joey Ward owner/operator. SW
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Homes For Sale
Blue Ridge Mtns of NC Handcrafted 2/2 log cabin on three acres $159,900. Huge trees, bold stream, new appliances, screened porch, fireplace. (866) 738-5522. SW
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For Rent
SANTEE – Lake Marion, 4BR waterfront home, 2 acres, boat ramp, pier, sandy beach, screened porch, sleeps 14. Sept/Oct Special: $1200/wk, 3 day weekend $500. www.lakehousevacations.com/page-4383.html. (843) 442-8069. SW
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ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.6 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 107 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Alanna Ritchie at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
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Remembering ‘Coach’ Hundreds turn out for Bruce Field memorial service to honor Isaacs
Rocky Nimmons/Courier
From left, Bob Allison, Mike Isaacs, Andy Virgil and Hamp Summey lead a procession of former Pickens High School players and coaches down the hill at Bruce Field during a memorial service for legendary Pickens coach Bill Isaacs on Saturday.
By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A sea of blue filled Bruce Field on Saturday, as hundreds of former players, friends, fans and family gathered to pay homage to the winningest football coach in Pickens High School history on Saturday morning.
Rocky Nimmons/Courier
Bill Isaacs’ wife, Peggy, is pictured with their children, Mike and Crystal, during a memorial service held in his honor Saturday at Bruce Field in Pickens.
Bill Isaacs, who served as head coach at PHS from 1965-93, was gunned down near his home Sept. 14 along with his neighbor, Dickie Stewart. Another neighbor, 64-year-old Albert Leon Bowen, has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Isaacs’ family opted for his memorial service to take place on the field where many remember him leading the Blue Flame for 28 seasons.
Many took seats in the historic stadium near downtown Pickens, while a mass of former players walked down the hill leading into the stadium Isaacs made famous, many hand-in-hand just as they had been during their playing days for the Blue Flame.
Exhibits of Isaacs’ life history and awards were placed around the field, which featured a freshly painted Blue Flame logo in the center, just as it did for fall Friday nights during Isaacs’ tenure.
Wreaths of every class during Isaacs’ tenure adorned the front entrance of the stadium. It was just as if a Blue Flame game was about to start at any time, with everyone in attendance donning their Pickens gear in celebration of the life of the man who led their beloved team through some of its most successful years.
The families of Isaacs and Stewart took places of honor on the field, as did many set to speak at the event. A special area was also set aside for members of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, who have supported fellow DNR officer Mike Isaacs and his family during the last week as they coped with the loss.
Many recalled their favorite memories of Isaacs during the memorial, including several of his former assistants, players and family members. Although the event was wrought with emotions, those in attendance had chances to smile and laugh as the memories flowed freely.
The events of Isaacs’ death were only briefly mentioned at the end of the service, when Isaacs’ son-in-law, Harvey Gantt, spoke on behalf of the family.
“This entire sequence of events that brings us here today is tragic for two families directly, and the community as well,” Gantt said. “Much has been written in the press, released in statements and said on TV, including the fact of an ongoing dispute. Let me make this perfectly clear — there is no ongoing dispute, nor was there ever.
“For over a year, this neighborhood has been intimidated with behavior that was taking place that should not have been accepted in any town. Let me reiterate — there was no dispute. This should have been prevented, and in my opinion it could have been.”
Gantt also talked of the incredible act of valor of Stewart, his father-in law’s neighbor of more than 30 years.
“I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the Stewart family,” Gantt said. “When I think of Dickie, I think of him as a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend that was strong in his faith to God and country and an unquestionable devotion to his church. He was exceptionally intelligent and very laid back and level at all times.
“Dickie has always been a friend to Bill. Every instance when Bill was sick, you never had to ask — Dickie was there to take care of the fish or the garden and helped in any way he could. (Isaacs’ wife) Peggy best described Bill and Dickie’s relationship as one that started out as friends, but became more like brothers as time passed.”
Gantt described Stewart, who was on the phone with 911 dispatchers and attempting to help Isaacs as he was shot, as “a hero.”
“Not just in his service in the armed forces or filling in for Santa at the church, inspiring the youth of the community, but always being there for a friend in need,” Gantt said. “Wikipedia defines ‘hero’ as a person of character in the face of danger or adversity or who in a position of weakness shows courage, bravery or self sacrifice. Dickie Stewart was a hero, not taking consideration for his own safety and went to the side of his comrade to render aid and unfortunately made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you, Dickie Stewart — you are our hero.”
Isaacs was also honored by his longtime friend and assistant coach Andy Virgil, who said he first met Isaacs in 1960, when the two both played football at Appalachian State.
“I knew him for 55 years,” Virgil said.
He said after graduation, the coaching bug bit Isaacs, who got a job at Mullins High School. When Virgil graduated, he said Isaacs came back to Boone, N.C., and offered him a job, because he had just been hired “at a little school in Pickens, South Carolina.”
“Back in those days, high school teams had only two coaches — a head coach and an assistant coach,” he said. “Bill and I, being young and full of spirit, where coming into a program that had won one game in the last 22. We thought we were going to turn the program around right away. It didn’t quite work out that way. We only won one game that year, but it was homecoming right here on this field.”
Virgil said the Blue Flame “got better and better” under Isaacs’ leadership.
“In 1969, we went 5-5-1, but that team was the one that started the 57-game winning streak, which is still a state record,” Virgil said. “In the decade of the 1970s, we were able to win 89 games, lose 10 and tied one.”
“It is a sad time, and we have a tendency to grieve and cry, but we are not doing what Bill wants,” Virgil later said. “Bill wants us to remember him in joy and happiness and all the good relationships that were had with him.”
Former assistant Hamp Summey also addressed the gathering and said not only did he play for Isaacs, but he was honored to coach with him.
“He was not only my coach and my mentor, he was also my friend,” Summey said. “Coach Isaacs was tough on us, but we knew he cared. Coach always believed in doing things the right way — he never cut corners.”
Bob Allison, another of Isaacs’ assistants who started coaching at PHS in 1970, said he didn’t at the time know how fortunate he was to be stepping into one of the winningest high school programs in S.C. history.
“Those were truly the glory years of Pickens High School football,” Allison said. “Coach Isaacs literally put Pickens on the map. I was always thankful to be a small part of that. Coach was an excellent teacher of the game and a leader. He exuded confidence.”
Charlie Hendrix, Pickens’ first black football player, recalled Isaacs coaching during integration.
“He recruited me as the first African-American to come to Pickens High,” he said. “He was straight to the point. He told me what was about to happen and said if I chose to come to Pickens High, that he would make me productive. He said it is a different time now — we want you to play football.
“He was a fisher of men,” Hendrix added. “All my brothers played for Coach, and my cousin and sons played for him.”
Former Pickens County assistant sheriff Tim Morgan also played for Isaacs and said his greatest memory of Isaacs was the day when he told all the players he wanted to meet with each one individually in 1969 when the team was on a losing streak.
“I had put off meeting with Coach Isaacs as long as I could, because I just knew it couldn’t be good,” Morgan said. “But he said to me: ‘You’ve got a lot of heart. And for someone your size, you hit harder than anybody. How do you think we can turn this around?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, Coach. But I’ll try harder.’”
Morgan said Isaacs changed his life.
“When I was 17, I had very little self-confidence, very little self-esteem and then, suddenly, the greatest mentor of my life told me how good I was,” he said. “It changed me.”
Twins Bart and Brett Turner told the gathering they dreamed of playing for Isaacs from a young age and would go to the games every Friday night. The following Saturday morning, they would recreate every play. The duo got their chance to play for Isaacs when they made it to high school and said Isaacs was a father figure to them while they were on the field and praise God for him and his family being such an impact on their lives.
Bart Turner is now an assistant coach for the Blue Flame, coaching under first-year coach John Boggs, who also played for Isaacs at Pickens. Brett Turner is a former Pickens head coach who is in his first season leading the Seneca High School program.
The gathering ended with those in the stands coming to the field and seeing the many tables filled with memorabilia, as well as consoling the families of both Isaacs and Stewart on their devastating loss.
A photo album from the Memorial is on our Facebook page. Click the link below to view: Facebook.com/IsaacMemorialAlbum
Police: Woman bought hundreds of computers with university money
CLEMSON — A former Clemson University employee was charged last week with using university funds to buy more than $215,000 worth of computer devices over a three-year period.
Shana Lashay Grant, 34, of Central, is charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent with a value more than $10,000, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The felony carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison or a fine upon conviction.
An arrest warrant claims Grant was an administrative assistant in the university’s office of communications studies when she began buying Apple computer devices with school money and keeping them for her own use or selling them.
According to SLED, Grant bought more than 230 devices from July 2012 to March 2015.
Grant was arrested last Wednesday and released later the same day from the Pickens County Detention Center on a $20,000 surety bond.
Outdoor theater comes to Pickens
PICKENS — Hundreds were in attendance as history was made over the weekend with three nights of live outdoor theatre in downtown Pickens.
Russell Brinson/Photo
Actors perform in a production of “Our Town” over the weekend at Enrapt, a new artistic concept at the Bradley-Boggs House in downtown Pickens.
Breann Griffin-Nicholson directed the production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” at Enrapt, a new concept calling the historic Bradley-Boggs House home.
“Our Town,” a three-act play by Wilder, could not have been a more perfect selection to open the arts concept of Enrapt, officials said. The familiar story of the small town of Grover’s Corners captured the audience and brought to life the aspects of daily life, love and marriage, and death.
“The simplicity and the message of the show helped the audience realize how beautiful life is and that we, often, do not appreciate it,” Griffin-Nicholson said.
Drawing crowds of more than 200 each night to the Main Street location with the rich history of the Bradley-Boggs House in the backdrop, Enrapt has begun a transformation to bring live arts and a theater to downtown Pickens.
Griffin Nicholson announced at the completion of the shows the next future production of “The Crucible,” a 1953 play by American playwright Arthur Miller. “The Crucible” is a dramatized story of the Salem witch trials that took place in the province of Massachusetts Bay during 1692-93.
“We hope to see many people in the community audition and experience the beauty of theater,” Griffin-Nicholson said. “Auditions and show dates will be announced soon as we approach spring of 2016. Stay engaged through Enrapt’s website, enrapt.org, for information on auditions, show dates and future events.”
Ending each play, the audience participated in question-and-answer sessions with the director and cast, many of whom were acting in their first role.
“The enthusiasm from the cast and the audience was exhilarating as we celebrated an outstanding beginning as Pickens is opened to a future of outstanding shows from Enrapt,” Griffin-Nicholson said.
A theater production company is currently being formed. For more information, visit enrapt.org or call (864) 419-0046.
County students’ test scores rise again
COUNTY — Pickens County students improved their scores on both the SAT and Advanced Placement exams in 2015, school district officials announced recently.
SAT scores for students in the School District of Pickens County in 2015 beat national averages and rose from the previous year, while county students improved their performance on AP exams even as the district expanded the number of test takers.
On the SAT, SDPC’s mean composite score was 1501, an improvement from its previous score of 1489, above the national mean score of 1490, and well above the South Carolina public school mean score of 1428. The score places SDPC in the top five school districts in the state on the SAT, and at the top of all county-wide school districts in South Carolina in SAT performance.
“Our goal is to be a top-five district in the state academically,” SDPC superintendent Dr. Danny Merck said. “We hit that mark on the ACT, and I’m happy to see us get there on the SAT as well. Those two tests are a very good indicator of how well our schools are preparing students for college.”
In the three tested areas of critical reading, math and writing, SDPC’s mean scores were 507, 510, and 485, respectively. Students improved in all three areas from 2014, and Pickens County’s greatest strength continues to be critical reading, with a score that was 12 points above the national score. However, SDPC’s score in math remained just one point below the national mean score of 511.
“One of the things we strive for continuous improvement, and that’s what we achieved this year,” assistant superintendent of instructional services Sharon Huff said. “It’s encouraging to see our scores rising in each tested area, and I think we can continue that trend until we stand above the national average in math as well.”
In addition to improving scores, SDPC also expanded the percentage of seniors tested to 48 percent, up from 45 percent the previous year.
On AP exams, 721 SDPC students were tested, up from 694 the year before. The percentage of students with a passing score of 3 or higher rose to 68.1 from 65 the prior year.
“Our instructional model is based on rigor, relevance and relationships, and AP performance is one of the best indicators of rigor,” Huff said. “Raising the number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses has a domino effect on academic performance. As students strive to meet the high expectations of AP, they gain the abilities they need to surpass other benchmarks as well.”
SDPC remained above the state average of 57 percent of students with a passing score of 3 or higher.
“Expanding the circle of students included in SAT, ACT and AP testing is an important part of our philosophy,” Merck said. “Getting more students motivated and prepared to succeed on these tests translates to getting more students ready for college.
“Participation in Advanced Placement courses is very important for students to be prepared for college. About 65 percent of our students go on to two- and four-year colleges after graduating, and we intend to increase that number.”
Pickens Rec Report
By Cheri Anthony
Pickens Rec Director
canthony@pickenscity.com
I want to begin by thanking our football and cheerleading participants who came to Rec. Night at the Pickens High School vs Liberty game on
Winners, from left: Princesses Katie-Ann Acuff, Alli Morgan and Kayleigh Seaborn, Spririt Queen Hannah Chapman, Princesses Aelina Williams and Alli Morgan. Back row: 2014 Spirit Queen Isabelle Caroline Harris.
Friday, September 4. The kids who attended received a miniature football as a thank youJ Parents, thank you for bringing your children and supporting our events!
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made Super Saturday so successful! The weather was perfect which made the festivities fun for all! Also, thanks to all the parents who were so supportive of the children and to our neighbors from Anderson who came to play football!
I apologize for the scheduling changes.
I would like to commend the Spirit Queen participants. The combined efforts of these 12 young ladies raised $768.49 which will go towards our scholarship program. Way to go ladies!!! The Spirit Queen contestants and their escorts were as follows: Abbigail Porter was escorted by Ryan Ford; Ella Grace Boynton was escorted by Bryson Harris; Natalie Boggs was escorted by Chann Gray; Alli Morgan was escorted by her father, Micky Morgan; Kaydence Bell was escorted by Griffin Duncan; Hannah Chapman was escorted by Trevor McAlister; Ally Gilstrap was escorted by her brothers, Elijah Taylor and Alex Gilstrap; Aelina Williams was escorted by her father, Sam Williams; Gracie Lusk was escorted by her brother, Gradie Lusk; Kayleigh Seaborn and Katie Ann Acuff were escorted by their brother Zachary Seaborn-Acuff; Amber Saitta was escorted by Drew Freeman; and Ashlyn Knight was escorted by her brother, Xander Knight. Congratulations ladies on a job well done!!!
Princess winners this year were Miss Alli Morgan, Aelina Williams, Ally Gilstrap, Katie Ann Acuff and Kayleigh Seaborn.
Our 2015 Pickens Recreation Spirit Queen was Miss Hannah Chapman! Crowning our winner this year was our reigning 2014 Spirit Queen, Miss Isabelle Caroline Harris.
Sponsoring a day-long event of this magnitude requires the support of many volunteers. We would like to thank the following individuals for helping to make Super Saturday a success. We will try and acknowledge those who were so instrumental, but please forgive us in advance for any oversights! A tremendous thank you to our concession gang: Crystal and Caitlin Miller, Scott and Lori Hanson, Kayla Underwood, Chad, Lydia and Ansley Trotter, Jane Tinsley, Laura Pace, Stephanie Ramey and Rick Chappell; press box duties: Marty Harris and Dewayne Bennett; clock operator: Robert Patterson; Spirit Queen Pageant helpers: Patti Roach and Nancy Ford; and a special thank you to all those who stayed to help with trash detail. Thanks to Lowes of Easley for the beautiful mums that were used in our Spirit Queen presentation. Finally, last but not least, thanks to Stan Butler, John Boggs and Pickens High School for the use of the stadium. As always, thank you parents for being such a great support group! We appreciate you allowing us to “have fun with” and know your beautiful children!
Following Super Saturday, the Rec. Dept. hosted a community NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition. Boys and girls between the ages of 6 to 15 were welcome to compete. Winners in each age division were as follows: 8/9 boys-1st-Carter McCollum; 12/13 girls 1st-Ally Niles; 14/15 girls 1st-Alexis Holliday. The 1st place winners in each division will now advance to the sectional competition on Oct. 24 at Greenville High School. Congratulations to all participants and good luck to those who advanced! A big thank you to Scott Kelley who stayed and helped with the competition.
Come visit our booth this year at the 2015 Pumpkin Festival. We will again be serving hotdogs, nachos, sno-cones and pickles with all proceeds going towards Rec. Dept. projects. This year’s festival is planned for Saturday, October 10. See you there!
Mark your calendars now, basketball registration begins in October.
Until next time…
