Daily Archives: 08/06/2019
House on the farm
The year was 1943, some two years before I showed my pretty little mischievous face in this world, when George and Dessie O’Shield bought and moved to a farm in northern Pickens County. They carried their 
brood of eight children with them to this farm called the Old Looper Place.
It was a rather large farm consisting of 111 acres. The farm had a couple of branches running through it and was bordered on the eastern side by Twelve Mile River. It was traversed by three roads. Shady Grove Road, the highway to Pickens, was the main highway, and it was paved. Meece Mill Road, bordering on the north and west, was also paved. Red Hill Road ran between the house and river, and it was unpaved.
I remember helping my older brothers wash their cars in the small branch that ran across Red Hill Road. The property extended across a hill to encompass what is now the county
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A loss of darkness
We are losing our dark skies! It won’t be long before only the moon will be visible in the Upstate night sky.
Excessive and inappropriate artificial light has been documented to have numerous negative effects. It is 
harmful to wildlife and the ecosystem.
Artificial light also negatively affects humans’ circadian rhythm. It wastes energy and thus indirectly is a contributor to global warning. Everywhere humans go, we install lights.
Some argue that lights prevent crime. There have been numerous studies that indicate the contrary. Yes, there are times to appropriately illuminate an area for safety and security.
It is time to preserve our night skies before they are lost forever. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through
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When a veteran dies without family
When a veteran dies and there is no family to tend to the details, the cremated remains will sometimes stay in storage for years. They’re called Unclaimed Veterans. If the eventual burial takes place in a Department 
of Veterans Affairs cemetery, it’s called an Unattended Interment.
Sometimes these veterans are homeless; sometimes they’re in a care facility. Sometimes no one knows the whole truth unless VA paperwork is found in the veteran’s belongings.
I know of three situations in the past six months where veterans with no relatives were buried — yet hundreds and thousands showed up at their funerals. In
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Courier Obituaries 8-7-19
SHAKYRA IMARI JAMIA YOUNG
PICKENS — Shakyra Imari Jamia Young, 11, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, in 
Greenville.
Born in Easley, she was the daughter of Latisha Wilson and Benjamin Young. Shakyra fully enjoyed life. She enjoyed dancing, singing, pranking, entertaining and bringing joy to all those around her. She was thoughtful and always concerned about others. Shakyra loved her sister, Shamari, and all her other siblings. She enjoyed her daily visits from Mr. Jim Little, who always made her laugh and smile. He was a very special part of her life. Shakyra lived out her remaining days through memorable experiences with Brian Forcier through the nonprofit organization skylastrong.org, which the family would like to give a special thanks. She took helicopter rides, went to Carowinds and Big Air, partying like a rock star “diva” complete with glitter.
Survivors include her parents; a brother, Shaquan Radcliff; three sisters, Shaniqua Aaliyah Martin, Sha-mari L’yon Young and Brianna; her grandmother, Ernestine Wilson; one uncle; four aunts; one special cousin, Jeemell; many other loving
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PHS gets underway with annual alumni volleyball match on Friday
PICKENS — The annual Pickens High School alumni volleyball match will be held from 6-8 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 9, at the Peggy Harden Anthony Gymnasium at Pickens High School, signaling the start of volleyball season.
Admission is free for the alumni scrimmage.
All former Pickens High players are encouraged to put on their spandex, lace up their shoes and show up to scrimmage the current Pickens High 2019 Lady Blue Flame, which will be named this week after tryouts Monday and Tuesday. Those who can’t play are still urged to show up to support the team.
“I always look forward to seeing everyone come together to support the program, meet the team and have fun,” Lady Blue Flame coach Rikki Owens said.
Pickens finished as Class 4A Upper State champions in 2017 and 2018. The team’s goal for 2019 is to win it
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Grand opening
The Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce and 4:13 Design Studio recently held the formal grand opening of the business’ new location at 141 W. Front St. in Liberty. On July 18, the business held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new facility and a chamber-sponsored Business After Hours event. 4:13 Design Studio opened its first location on Nov. 24, 2017, as a longtime dream of the owner, Debbie Chapman. Since then, she has both felt and seen the blessings of God as the business grew. Now, after a strong calling, she has expanded the company to a larger facility that includes a full-service coffee shop, Solid Grounds, with specialty coffees and coolers, espresso, pastries, ice cream and gifts, including a Liberty souvenir line. The studio side of the house highlights an expanded display of furniture, home décor, gifts and fashion items. 4:13 Design Studio is open from 7 a.m-8 p.m. each day Monday through Saturday, except Wednesday, when it closes at 6 p.m. Chapman expects to stay open late for Friday night football and other special occasions. Learn more about 4:13 Design studio at facebook.com/413designstudio or 413designstudio.com. Pictured above are family, staff, and customers of 4:13 Design Studio and Solid Grounds celebrating the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Bob Bate Insurance and Financial Services opens new office in Easley
EASLEY — Bob Bate Insurance and Financial Services LLC of Seneca has announced the opening of a new office in Easley.
Located at 5190 Calhoun Memorial Highway behind Arby’s and Papa John’s, the new office will focus on the Medicare markets, as well as health and life insurance for individuals and families.
“Opening an office in Easley will make it more convenient for the residents of Pickens County to get the
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Outback teams up with The Blood Connection
UPSTATE — For the month of August, The Blood Connection (TBC) and Outback Steakhouse are teaming up to encourage blood donation in their shared communities.
Outback Steakhouse’s enthusiasm to partner with TBC will allow the community blood center to reach new donors and save more lives. The Outback Give Back Promotion started Aug. 1 and ends Aug. 29.
Donors who give blood at any TBC Center on a Thursday in August will receive an Outback gift card and a
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‘Where my heart is’
Easley artist’s new show at county museum gives glimpse into life in local mill villages
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS —
A local native who has been called “the Grandma Moses of the mill village” has a new show at the Pickens County Museum of Art and History.
Easley resident Judy Young has been an artist for more than 40 years, but for the past 25 years or so she
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SWU alumna receives presidential award
White House honors Lemons for STEM leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House recently presented Dr. Paula Preusz Lemons with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.
Lemons was nominated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to receive the award, which acknowledges contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and to community service as demonstrated by scientific leadership, public education and community outreach.
This award, first established in 1996, is presented by The
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