January, 2016 |

Monthly Archives: January 2016

01/12/2016 Lifestyles

Soapstone set to host fundraiser at church

PICKENS — Soapstone Church invites everyone to a special fundraiser at the church, located at 296 Liberia Road in Pickens, this Saturday, Jan. 16.

The event will feature fine cooking and will be held from noon-8 p.m.

Visitors will enjoy true Southern cooking, including a fish fry, barbecue and fried chicken with all the fixings right from Mrs. Mabel’s kitchen.

For more information, call (864) 414-8470.

01/12/2016 Obituaries

Courier Obituaries 1-13-16

obits8-6 Page 5A.indd

JERRY SMITH

Liberty — Jerry Ernest Smith Sr., 69, of 450 Roanoke Road, died Wednesday at his residence.

Born in Liberty, he was a son of the late Colie and Mary Smith.

He was a self-employed brick mason and loved to hunt and read. He was a member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Judy Gillespie Smith of the home; a daughter, Bridget Smith of the home; two sons, Ernie Smith of Easley and Lance Smith (Shannon) of Easley; a sister, Shelby Riggins of Six Mile; three brothers, Dee Smith of Central, Frank Smith of Clemson and Tommy Smith of Easley; seven grandchildren, Tiffany Smith, Brooklyn Pilgrim, Colie, Carter, Emery and Marley Smith and Chevana Anderson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jay Harold and Jim Smith.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Smith were held Jan. 8 at Jones Avenue Baptist Church, with burial following at Westview Cemetery in Easley.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

GARY E. BOLT

Central — Gary Eugene Bolt, 74, of 3854 Six Mile Highway, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville.

Born in Townville, he was a son of the late L E and Amy Lee Thrasher Bolt. Gary was a former employee with Pratt-Read Company and was a retired supervisor with West Point Stevens.

Surviving are sons, Franklin (Dianna) Bolt of Central and Jimmy (Shelley) Bolt of Travelers Rest; brother, Don (Mary Anne) Bolt of Westminster; sisters, Brenda (Marshall) Brown of Iva, and Patsy (Marc) Mitchell of Margate, Fla.; grandchildren, Nicholas Bolt, Chris Bolt, Melanie (Jake) Oliver and Kaiti Bolt; and a soon to be great-granddaughter, Kinley Grace Oliver.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Willie Grace Moore Bolt; brother, Julius Oscar Bolt; and sisters, Betsy Bolt and Cathy Owen.

Funeral services were held Jan. 12 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial following in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.

LIZ CRAWFORD

Sunset — Mrs. Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Morgan Crawford, 79, wife of Raymond “Ray” Mays Crawford, passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at AnMed Health Medical Center following a brief illness.

Born in Lavonia, Ga., the only daughter of the late James Ralph Winston and Annie Blanche Cox Morgan, Mrs. Crawford was a graduate of Georgia Southern University and taught school for more than 20 years including several years at Pickens Junior High School. From 1989 to 2014, she worked in the library of Southern Wesleyan University, where she mentored hundreds of students. She was named Staff Member of the Year for 1992-1993. Liz was a devoted Christian and a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 57 years, are a son, Chris Crawford (Sherrell) of Anderson; three daughters, Cassie Abernathy (Brad) of Cleveland, Ga., Cindy Holmes (Mike) of Peachtree City, Ga., and Katherine Sudduth (Todd) of Pickens; a brother, Wilton “Punk” Morgan of Lavonia, Ga.; and 12 grandchildren, Andrew Crawford; Bryson Crawford, Faith and Josiah Abernathy; Skyler, Sierra, Savannah and Sicily Holmes; Annabelle, Ivy, and Gracie Kate Sudduth. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Crawford was predeceased by two brothers, Winston and Howard Morgan

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 16, at Holly Springs Baptist Church, 3450 Table Rock Road, Pickens, SC 29671. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from noon until 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the church prior to the service.

Family members are at their respective homes.

At the request of Liz, please omit flowers and make memorials to Orphans in Honduras through Identity Mission, P.O. Box 411691, Charlotte, NC 28241.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

EDNA A. SWEET

Liberty— Edna A. Sweet, 99, widow of Furman Earl Sweet, passed away Jan. 3, 2016.

Surviving are two children, Kenneth E. Sweet Sr. of Belton and Joe Earl Sweet (Linda) of Easley; four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by three grandchildren, three brothers, and six sisters.

Services were held Jan. 7 at Cremation Society of SC-Westville Funeral Home. The family requests to omit flowers, with memorials made instead to Interim Hospice.

01/12/2016 Classifieds

Courier Legals 1-13-16

SUMMONS

IN THE PROBATE COURT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF PICKENS

IN THE MATTER OF

ESTATE OF NELLIE BAGWELL

CASE NO. 1987ES3900103

TO: Possible unknown heirs of Nellie Bagwell

YOU ARE HERE SUMMONED and required to answer the Petition for Sale of Real Property in this action, a copy of which was filed in the Pickens County Probate Court on September 12, 2015, and is hereby served upon you by Publication, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Petition on the subscriber at his office at 859 Pendleton Street, Pickens, South Carolina, 29671, within thirty (30) days after the date of service; hereof upon you, exclusive of the day of such service; an if you fail to answer the said Petition within the time aforesaid, the Petitioner in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in said Petition and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

ACKER LAMBERT HINTON, P.A.

Adam B. Lambert

Attorney for Petitioner

Pickens, South Carolina

Dated: December 30, 2015

Jan. 6, 13, 20

———————————————————————–

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 February 1, 2016 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

Jan. 13, 20, 27

———————————————————————–

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF PICKENS

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

CASE No. 2015-CP-39-0872

Billie Jane Pressley, Plaintiff, vs- Teresa D. Fowler, Leslie C. Pressley, Curtis Blake Pressley AND John Doe and Richard Roe representing possible unknownparties, 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

Date: January 4, 2016

Jan. 13, 20, 27

———————————————————————–

LIS PENDENS

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF PICKENS

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

CASE # 2015-CP-39-872

Billie Jane Pressley, Plaintiff, vs- Teresa D. Fowler, Leslie C. PressleyCurtis Blake Pressley, and all Persons unknown claiming thru William A. Pressley deceased,anyright,title, estate, interestin orlien on the realestate described in the Complaint; being as a class designated as John Doe, and any such unknowninfants or persons under disability or in the military service being as a classdesignated as Richard Roe, 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 partition and sale of the following described real estate which is the subject of this action:

ALL that certain piece, parcel or lot of land with the improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in the Woodside Mills Village Plat #2, in the Town of Liberty, State of South Carolina, County of Pickens, and being more particularly describedas Lot 38 as shown on a plat entitled “A Subdivision of Woodside Mills, Liberty, Plat No. 2, Liberty, S.C.” made by Piedmont Engineering service, Greenville, S. C., dated December, 1951, and having the courses, distances, metes and bounds as will be shown by reference to said survey recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County in Plat Book 1920 at Page 138. According to said plat, the within described lot is also known as No. 4 Tillman Street and fronts thereon 126 feet.

The interest of the Plaintiff is the one-third (1/3) interest in the above property conveyed to the Estate of William A. Pressley by Deed of Distribution of the Estate of Curtis W. Pressley dated December 23, 2010 and recorded January 24, 2011 in Deed Book 1366 at page 48. The Estate of William A. Pressley is being probated in the Pickens County Probate Court in case file #2010-ES-39-509 (See Deed of Distribution dated March 7, 2014 and recorded March 7, 2014 in Deed Book 1587 at Page 329). Billie Jane Pressley and William Lee Pressley are the two children of William A. Pressley and the sole heirs of William A. Pressley as to his real property. William Lee Pressley conveyed all his right, title and interest in and to this property unto Billie Jane Pressley by deed dated February 19, 2014 and recorded February 28, 2014 in Deed Book 1586 at Page 114, Pickens County records.

Pickens County Tax Map Parcel #4087 12-95-9512

Property address: 4 Tillman St., Liberty, SC 29657

_/s/_______________________

R. MURRAY HUGHES, III

Attorney for Plaintiff

P. O. Box 1389

Pickens, SC 29671

(864) 878-2124

SC Bar #2800

July15, 2015

Pickens, South Carolina

Jan. 13, 20, 27

———————————————————————–

SUMMONS

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF PICKENS

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

CASE # 2015-CP-39-872

(Non-jury Partition Action)

Billie Jane Pressley, Plaintiff, vs- Teresa D. Fowler, Leslie C. Pressley, Curtis Blake Pressley, and all Persons unknown claiming thru William A. Pressley deceased, anyright,title, estate, interestin orlien on the realestate described in the Complaint; beingas a class designated as John Doe, and any such unknowninfants or persons under disability or in the military service being as a classdesignated as Richard Roe, 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.

TO: MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS:

YOU ARE HEREBY summoned and notified to apply for appointment of Guardian ad Litem to represent said infant under eighteen years of age within thirty days after the service of this Summons. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by Plaintiff herein.

TO: INFANT(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEAR OF AGE AND IMPRISONED PERSON(S):

YOU ARE HEREBY summoned and notified to apply for the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem to represent you in this action within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, and if you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff herein.

TO: INFANT(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE (INCOMPETENT OR INSANE) AND TO THE GENERAL OR TESTAMENTARY GUARDIAN, COMMITTEE WITH WHOM (S)HE (THEY) RESIDE(S):

YOU ARE HEREBY summoned and notified to apply for appointment of a Guardian ad Litem to represent said infant(s) under fourteen years (said incompetent or insane person) within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, and if you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff herein.

/s/_______

R. Murray Hughes, III

Attorney for Plaintiff

P.O. Box 1389

Pickens, SC 29671

(864)878-2124

S. C. Bar #2800

July15, 2015

Pickens, South Carolina

Jan. 13, 20, 27

———————————————————————–

PETITION for DETERMINATION OF HEIRS

PETITIONER: Charlena Elizabeth Blake

DECEASED: William Turner Gowens

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

DATE OF BIRTH: 09/21/1913

DATE OF DEATH: 05/26/2002

NAMES OF POSSIBLE KNOWN HEIRS AND RELATIONSHIPS:

REASON FOR PETITION: To establish the heirs of the deceased dated on date of death.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: February 16, 2016

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Place: Pickens County Probate Court

222 McDaniel Avenue

Pickens, SC 29671

PURPOSE: Hearing upon the Petition of Charlena Elizabeth Blakein the Estate of William Turner Gowens.

DESCRIPTION OF PLEADING: Petition for Determination of Heirs under South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended.

A full copy of the Summons and Petition is available from the undersigned attorney. If you do not appear at the hearing or file and Answer, the relief requested will be granted.

Executed: Tuesday, January 12, 2016.

_________________________

BY: Adam B. Lambert

P.O. Box 9

Pickens, SC 29671

(864) 878-1184

Jan. 13, 20, 27

01/12/2016 Opinions

Letters to the Editor 1-13-16

Duncan’s obstruction

Dear Editor,

Congressman Jeff Duncan’s recent email to supporters regarding passage of the Omnibus spending bill makes it abundantly clear that Duncan continues to be more interested in obstructing the operation of our government and cheap political grandstanding than in taking part in the governance of our country.

Duncan referred to the recently-passed bill as “tyranny, incompetence and corruption.” No, Congressman, the bill is one of the few recent examples of the coming together of people with very different political views to produce compromise legislation that accomplishes the purpose for which they (and you) were sent to Washington — running our country. And no, the bill does not, as you said, “completely ignore the concerns of the American people.” The current dysfunction in Washington is consistently at or near the top of the people’s concerns in the polls. This bill is a rare bipartisan effort to effectively conduct the country‘s affairs.

There is no evidence that, as Duncan says, “The White House is creating a national disaster through its refugee and visa program.” We are a nation of immigrants. The White House’s proposal that we accept 10,000 refugees (one for every 32,000 Americans) is little enough as this country’s part in dealing with the worst refugee crisis since World War II.

It is ironic that Duncan complains about the amount of spending by a Republican-controlled Senate. Maybe he has forgotten that each of the last three Republican administrations has set new records for deficit spending.

A “missed opportunity,” Congressman? The real missed opportunity was when your district failed to elect as their Representative someone who would regard their job in Washington to be the effective governance of our country, rather than cheap political grandstanding, obstructionism and misguided ideology.

John Landers

Liberty

A good year

Dear Editor,

As the new year begins, a backward glance is reasonable, but a plan for the future is critical. Recollection of the past is wise, I agree, but our responsibility for the future is more important.

My first year on the Pickens County School Board has been rewarding. Many longstanding issues were resolved. Teacher and staff pay issues were addressed, and facilities and technology upgraded. The dark cloud over AdvancED accreditation has passed. Taxes were not raised, and student performance is among the best in the state. The board worked aggressively to meet the needs of our most precious resource and America’s future — our children — while being mindful of the taxpayer as well. Regardless of what a few unkind people say about board members, we made tremendous progress last year after almost a decade of anxiety and conflict on the board.

It’s unfortunate that some call board members hateful names, attack our character and make false accusations to discredit us when we oppose tax hikes. But that’s fine — politics is not for the fainthearted. I can deal with a little spitefulness, because most days really were good. And based on the progress I’ve seen this first year on the board, I predict a very bright future for Pickens County and will disregard pessimists who say otherwise. So as the new year begins, I’m thankful for the opportunities. In an age when Washington and Columbia fail to produce results, it’s an honor to serve on a board that gets things done.

So much for 2015. It’s done. Time to move on.

We have work to do this year and beyond, and I’ll get right to the point — our school district has too much stuff. We own more than 50 buildings, 3,314,641 square feet of floor space, 1,200 acres of land, more than 5000 heating and air conditioning units and more than 70 acres of roofing. These facilities must be maintained to preserve the taxpayer investment and provide safe and comfortable learning environments. Facilities do not have to be extravagant, but must be safe and comfortable.

Space here won’t allow every detail, but elementary schools are an example. We have space for more than 11,000 students in our 16 elementary schools, but we only have about 7,500 students. It’s like having 10 milk cows but only milking six; you still have to feed and take care of all 10, but four aren’t producing. Good managers wouldn’t allow that to continue. That is where we are with school facilities; we’re maintaining too much unnecessary property.

So why the excess space? I don’t know all the reasons, but previous boards obviously made bad decisions years ago, because our student population isn’t really growing that much. Some will say facilities can’t be combined due to location, but that’s generally not the case. Many are within a few miles of another and could easily be combined to increase educational opportunities at reduced costs. A successful future depends on good planning, and we urgently need a long-range plan based on what we know today. It won’t be perfect because there’s no crystal ball, but better than no long-range plan at all, which is basically how the district has operated for years. I look forward to helping plan a future providing the best education possible for our children while being considerate of the taxpayer as well.

Phillip Bowers

Trustee, School District of Pickens County

Chairman, Pickens County Republican Party

Are you angry enough yet?

Dear Editor,

Have our S.C. Republican leaders ever read, “The Platform of the S.C. Republican Party?” which can be found here: https://www.scgop.com/resources/platform/.

If so, the majority aren’t following it. “they” should be following it as it has everything “they” need to know about what we the people who elected them want them to do while in Columbia!

Franklin Graham has resigned from the Republican Party? Why is that?

Donald Trump is supported by the majority of the voters to be our next Republican president. Why is that?

We the people are angry with career politicians who say one thing to get elected and betray us when they go to Columbia.

Our grievances against S.C. legislators and our governor:

They are allowing our state tax dollars to flow to Planned Parenthood so they can sell baby parts and murder babies in the womb. But if it were animal control officers selling baby dog parts and aborting baby dogs, I bet they would defund them.

They removed our heritage the Confederate Flag from the grounds of the capitol in Columbia in the name of political correctness and now the national GOP has rewarded Nikki Haley for advancing Obama’s agenda of destroying Southern history.

They are not immediately defunding state funds to the influx of Muslim refugees which places S.C. lives in jeopardy and violates their oath to protect us from all enemies. Rep. Neal Collins doesn’t believe in transparency as he has deleted his pro-Muslim statements on his Facebook. I guess he is following Hillary Clinton’s lead in deleting emails.

They investigate each other on ethics issues and have backroom deals with Democrats and lobbyist that betray our values and beliefs.

They have done very little to fix transparency with DOT or fix pot holes in our roads; however they give certain Senators’ counties plenty of funds to repair their roads.

They ignore their own passed legislation repealing Common Core and allow 90 percent mirrored standards, which are still child abusive and indoctrinate children in liberal thinking.

They ignore parents’ wishes for more school choice and the ability to opt their children out of data collecting stress producing tests. And continue to allow the federal government to have control over states’ rights to direct education.

They do very little to strengthen our property rights and leave us open to Socialism.

They are under-funding our schools which force our counties to over collect and raise taxes.

They are allowing illegal immigrants and probable terrorist refugees to receive our hard earned tax dollars to buy homes, cars and food at our expense and take our American born children’s jobs.

They do very little to help veterans and senior citizens receive a cost of living increase while illegals and refugees get freebies with our tax dollars

They are allowing open primaries where Democrats can pick our leaders.

They do very little to protect our religious freedoms which forces our clergy to perform homosexual marriages and business owners to sell flowers and cakes to celebrate an abomination against God’s law.

They do very little to protect our second, fourth, and 10th amendment.

They do nothing about limiting legislator and judge term limits.

They haven’t fixed the problems with the flawed judicial system which promotes cronyism and nepotism. We need elected judges who are held accountable to we the people for the wrongful decisions on cases.

Let’s show them how angry we the people are and tell them what Donald Trump would say, “You’re fired!”

Their betrayal to Southern Christian conservative pride, values and beliefs is overthrowing states’ rights and freedom in America. They are no better than our enemies who seek to destroy American from within. Vote them out 2016!

Johnnelle Raines

Pickens

01/12/2016 Lifestyles, Local News

Hagood Mill to celebrate new year in music Saturday

PICKENS — Traditional musicians from the area will gather on Jan. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate a new year with music old and new from the mountain culture that surrounds our beloved Hagood Mill.

The Blue Ridge Mountains begin right here in South Carolina at Hagood Mill. When you leave Pickens on U.S. Highway 178 west and cross the beginnings of the Twelve Mile River, you approach Hagood Mill, and you’re in the very first mountain community of the historic Blue Ridge.

The event at Hagood Mill will feature Three Creeks Over, a homegrown bluegrass/gospel band of three friends who have been playing music together in Pickens since 2012.

Heartstrings will lead off the event around 11:30 a.m. with its traditional roots, gospel and bluegrass music. Listeners will be delighted by the unique sounds created by instruments such as the autoharp, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, stand-up bass, guitar and mandolin.

There will be lots of other things to see on Saturday as Hagood Mill hosts a variety of folk life and traditional arts demonstrations. There will be blacksmithing, bowl-digging, flint knapping, chair-caning, moonshining, broom-making, basket-making, pottery, quilting, spinning, knitting, weaving, woodcarving, metal-smithing, bee keeping, leather-working and more. You can ask questions of the artists and make a purchase of their Traditional Arts to take home.

The centerpiece of the Hagood Mill historic site is the water-powered 1845 gristmill. It is one of the finest examples of 19th-century technology in the Upcountry and operates just as it has for the last century-and-a-half. The mill will be running throughout the day. In the old mill, fresh stone-ground corn meal, grits, and wheat flour will be available. In addition, rye flour, Basmati rice flour, oat flour, oatmeal, popping corn meal, and grits, organic yellow corn meal and grits, and buckwheat flour are produced and may be available. Hagood Mill cookbooks and a variety of other mill related items are also available.

Saturday’s event at Hagood Mill will feature Three Creeks Over, a homegrown bluegrass/gospel band.

There is a $5 parking fee for the day, but admission is free to the Hagood Mill Site ,as well as the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site. All proceeds from parking will go to help the Hagood Mill.

Food from the GateHouse Restaurant in Pickens will also be available.

The Hagood Mill historic site is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. all year long. The mill operates, rain or shine, for a special festival the third Saturday of every month.

The Hagood Mill is located just three miles north of Pickens off U.S. Highway 178 or 5.5 miles south of Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11 just off Highway 178 at 138 Hagood Mill Road.

“Music in the Mountains 2016” is sponsored by a private benefactor. For additional information, contact the Hagood Mill at (864) 898-2936 or visit visitpickenscounty.com/calendar.

01/12/2016 Lifestyles, Local News

Member of the Month

The Pickens Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month for January is SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA Southern Appalachian Outdoors. Located at 506 W. Main St. in Pickens, Southern Appalachian Outdoors offers a wide range of sporting goods. from hiking and fishing equipment to kayaks and boating equipment. Marty Fields, pictured above, invites everyone to come by and see what Pickens’ newest business has to offer.

01/12/2016 Opinions

First impressions can be misleading

I was in the field pulling corn when the new preacher came to call. We’d had torrential rain, and it was the first dry day that week. The rows were so muddy I couldn’t wear shoes in the field, because they would have been sucked down into the gumbo.

olivia6-25 Page 4A.indd The wheelbarrow was parked at the end of a row, and as I pulled ears I’d throw them overhead toward the wheelbarrow. At the end of the row when I was too far away, I’d put them in my T-shirt and pull the hem up to form a pouch to carry them out in.

I’d gather up all the corn pulled and load it into the wheelbarrow to roll back to the house, where I’d dump it on the grass in the shade of a tree. Then I’d go back to get another load.

We were planning to get it all into the freezer that afternoon, so this was the beginning of a long day.

The children were playing in the gully, which is in the woods behind the garden. They loved going down there and sliding down the clay banks to the bottom. Of course, on a muddy day it was even better than usual, as the wet clay would become slick as glass.

It was hard on their clothes and usually gave them both a nice coating of mud from head to toe.

I’d just rolled my wheelbarrow of corn into the yard when an unfamiliar car drove up. I dropped the muddy handles of the wheelbarrow and watched as the new preacher stepped out into the driveway.

As he walked toward me, I went out to greet him. From his expression, as he surveyed me, it was obvious he wasn’t accustomed to being welcomed by women with mud up to their knees and elbows dressed in filthy cutoff jeans and ragged T-shirts. He was a city slicker.

Before I thought, I held out my hand to shake his then watched him cringe and draw his own hand back.

So then I said it was good to see him and offered him a seat in the yard while I hosed off.

He kept looking at my feet in horror as I squished over to the spigot and turned on the water, blasting my feet and legs and then arms until most of the mud washed off. I then dried my hands on my pants and shook hands, although he still seemed somewhat reluctant.

I’d just offered him a glass of tea when the children came running up from the gully. They did not look their best. It was hard to tell they were human, as about the only recognizable features were eyes and teeth.

The preacher declined my offer of tea. I guess he wasn’t thirsty. Or something. It was pretty clear he thought he’d come into a land of barbaric heathens who lived in squalor.

He made polite but somewhat stilted conversation, stayed about five minutes and then departed. Although he said before leaving that he looked forward to seeing us at church, he didn’t seem too sincere.

Then I stood the children out by the hose and squirted them off until the water ran clear before stripping them down to their underwear and taking them into the house to shower.

Their clothes went into a bucket of cold water outside to soak before going through the wash cycle.

The new preacher didn’t stay in the area too long. The last I heard, he relocated to a large city and is selling insurance. I’ve sometimes wondered if his visit to our home drove him out of the ministry. But perhaps not. Anyway, we put up enough corn to easily last through the winter. Every cloud has a silver lining.

01/12/2016 Lifestyles

Courier Community Calendar 1-13-16

• Classes offered at Hagood Center

New Fiber Room Center activities at the Hagood Center in Pickens have been scheduled for January and February.

There will be additional new activities scheduled throughout the next few months. Pre-registration and lists of the supplies are not available. In January, the center will offer self-binding receiving blankets with Sara. Cost is a $5 donation for the center.

On Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 and 8, enjoy an introductory painting on silk three-day class with Cheryl. All supplies will be provided at the cost of a $10 donation to the center.

A new weaving class will be held each Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This class will continue each Tuesday for approximately three months. During the class the participants will complete three weaving projects: a teacher orientation practice project, a teacher directed color-scamp project, and a student designed project. At the completion of the class, the participants should be able to weave “on your own.” The participants will be expected to purchase a book and minimal supplies for a total cost of approximately $20.

On Jan. 14, a “one-day special event” will be the “self-binding receiving blanket” with Sara. It is an “all-day” participation class beginning at 9 a.m. and lasting until 2:30 p.m. with a break for lunch around 11:30 a.m. The cost for the class is a $5 donation to the Pickens Community Center. Please have your squares of flannel cut before class. Supplies you will need include one 40″ square of flannel, one 30″ square of contrasting flannel and thread to match.

The center does have a few sewing machines which have been donated, but you may prefer to bring your own.

There will be no activities on Jan. 18.

Below is a list of the center’s regular activities:

Monday: 10-11:30 a.m. — cathedral window quilts with Jacquie

Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — weaving with Pat; 9-11:30 a.m. — doll clothes with Jacquie; 10-11:30 a.m. — yo-yos with Irene and prayer shawls and cancer caps with Sharon (in the library). Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. — weaving with Pat (in the heritage room); 10-11:30 a.m. — knitting with Tally.

Thursday: 10-11:30 a.m. quilting with Sara; 1:30-3:30 p.m. — rug hooking with Cheryl.

• Hot dog fundraiser date to be announced

The hot dog plate fundraiser planned at the Hagood Community Center in Pickens on Jan. 15 has been postponed. Watch the Pickens County Courier for the next scheduled date.

• Grace UMC plans 5th Sunday Singing

The community is invited to Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens as it will host a 5th Sunday Singing in its fellowship hall at 6 p.m. on Jan. 31. Each “5th Sunday Singing” at Grace will include special music and your favorite songs to sing along to.

• Pickens Church of God schedules breakfast

Pickens Church of God’s community breakfast will resume this month from 8-10 a.m. on Jan. 23. The church will also host a car wash during the breakfast to raise funds to take the youth to WinterJam next month.

• Camp Creek moves Sunday services

Camp Creek Baptist Church will move its Sunday service to the Rosewood Center in Liberty for the next few weeks. The move is temporary due to the remodeling of the church’s sanctuary. AWANA clubs will still be held at the church in Central as usual, in the fellowship hall on Wednesday nights.

01/12/2016 Food

Dutch oven meals- big on flavors, easy on you

By Olivia Fowler
For the Courier

ofowler@thepccourier.com

Dutch oven cooking maximizes meat flavor and minimizes labor.

Once the Dutch oven is filled with the meat of choice, plus other ingredients, it’s simply a matter of throwing it into a slow oven and forgetting about it until the timer goes off.

These dishes are a great way to battle the chill evenings of winter. One of the best things about them is the scent that fills the kitchen while they’re cooking.

I use a cast-iron Dutch oven, but there are several highly rated Dutch ovens on the market made from other materials that produce excellent results.

Beef Burgundy

4 lbs. beef stew meat
4 c. French Burgundy wine
1/3 c. olive oil divided
8 slices lean bacon, chopped
1 c. flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lbs. white mushrooms, halved
2 fresh bay leaves
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
4 ribs celery, sliced
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
4 c. beef broth
2 boxes frozen pearl onions (10 oz. each)
1/2 c. parsley, chopped

Pre-heat oven to 325°F

Combine the beef and the wine in a re-sealable plastic bag or in a container with a lid. Marinate the beef for 3-8 hours. Strain wine and reserve. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat with two tablespoons of olive oil Add the bacon and cook until all the fat has rendered out and it is crispy. Remove bacon and let drain on paper towels.

Spread flour onto a plate and season with salt and pepper. Coat the beef by dredging it in the flour. Shake extra flour off beef and drop pieces in, a handful at a time to brown in the oil, adding more olive oil as needed. After the meat is browned remove and set aside.

Add the mushrooms and bay leaves, and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and garlic, and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Deglaze the pan with the reserved wine from marinating the beef, scraping up all the browned bits.

Add the beef stock, bring to a boil and cook for five minutes.

Add the browned beef back to the pan with the pearl onions and bring the pot up to a simmer. Put the Dutch oven into the oven for 1/1/2 to 2 hours.

The beef should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork. To thicken the sauce, cook until it’s the thickness you prefer. Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning. Top with chopped bacon bits.

Dutch Oven Pork Roast

6 lb. pork roast
3 cloves garlic
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tbsp. pepper
3 bay leaves
1/2 c. cider vinegar
1 tsp. dried thyme

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Peel and slice the garlic cloves.

With a small knife, pierce the top of the roast and force garlic slices into the cuts. Rub the roast with salt and pepper.

Place bay leaves in the bottom of a cast-iron Dutch oven. Set the roast on top of the bay leaves, fat side up.

Mix the vinegar and thyme in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour over the top of the roast.

Bake the roast for three hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150 to 155 degrees F. Baste the roast with the drippings frequently during cooking.

Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Caramelized Pork Loin

1 stick butter
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and 1-inch diced
1 (5-lb.) center cut, bone-out pork loin, butterflied
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 c. apple cider

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon and diced apples and toss to coat. Sauté three minutes, without stirring to let the apples caramelize on one side. Toss and sauté another three minutes. Remove from the heat and cool completely.

Butterfly the tenderloin by cutting the beef lengthwise down the center to within 1/2-inch of the other side. Flatten with a meat mallet.

When the caramel apples have cooled spread the mixture down the center flap of pork. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the pork roast. Bring the two sides of the tenderloin up around filling to meet. Use butcher string and tie around the roll at one-inch intervals.

Season the stuffed and tied pork loin with salt and pepper. Sear the pork loin in vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, turning to get all the sides. Pour the apple cider over the pork. Roast uncovered for about one hour and 20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the roast registers 155 degrees F.

Remove from the oven and let rest, tented with foil, for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan juices.

Dutch Oven Chicken in White Wine

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 (4 lb.) chicken
1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large onion, diced
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 c. dry white wine
1 (10.5 oz.) can chicken broth

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder, and brown on both sides. Remove chicken to paper towels.

Spoon off chicken fat, and return pan to stove. Stir in mushrooms and onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft. Remove to a medium bowl.

In a separate bowl, mix together basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Season with garlic salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stir in wine, and add to onion and mushrooms.

Return chicken to Dutch oven. Pour mushroom mixture and broth over chicken; cover, and cook over low heat until meat begins to fall off the bone, about 1 1/2 hours.

01/12/2016 Classifieds

Notice to Creditors 1-13-16

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.

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: Irene Lewis Brezeale

AKA: Parrie Irene Brezeale

Date of Death: 03/28/2015

Case Number: 2015ES3900280-2

Personal Representative:

Parrie Jean Brezeale Hatley

Address: 209 Pebble Creek Drive

Taylors, SC 29687

Co-Personal Representative: Dale Brezeale

Address: 1721 Belle Shoals Road

Pickens, SC 29671

Dec. 30 Jan. 6, 13