Monthly Archives: August 2019
2 arrested after late-night chase
CLEMSON — Two men were arrested last week after police said they ran from officers on foot after speeding through downtown Clemson.
At 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Clemson police noticed a car being driven at a “high rate of speed through the downtown area of Clemson” and officers tried to stop the vehicle before the driver evaded a traffic stop, Clemson Police Chief Jimmy Dixon said in a news release.
Dixon said the vehicle was driven to a dead-end street, and one man was found “trying to swim from the shore within
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Reviving a ranch with rock and roll history
I know a lot of you old hippie types out there have been celebrating the 50th anniversary this month of a certain famous three-day festival of “peace and music” up on Max Yasgur’s farm in New York state. But how many of you remember that we had our own little Woodstock right here in Upstate South Carolina back in the mid-70s?
It was at a venue called Charlie B’s Ranch Arena, just across the river in Oconee County, and it drew thousands upon thousands of “longhairs” from across the region for daylong events featuring the likes of Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top and the Marshall Tucker Band.
I have some very special memories of those events (although they are, admittedly, a little fuzzy), because the band I was playing with at the time, Sashay, was the warmup act for two or three of them, and it was one of the highlights of my career.
Now, the reason I’m telling y’all about this is that after a lapse of more than 40 years, the festival has been revived — sort of. Charlie B is in rock and roll heaven now, but his grandson, Nick Crenshaw, who now owns the ranch out in the country south of Seneca, has consented to let some
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County administrator to explore Fort Prince George site options
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Acting Pickens County administrator Ken Roper will be exploring ways the county can assist with the reconstruction of Fort Prince George, a colonial-era fort and trading post along the Cherokee Path.
The original fort site now lies beneath the waters of Lake Keowee.
During county council’s Committee of the Whole meeting Monday evening, Roper asked for guidance from council on the project.
“I think Fort Prince George is one of the largest untapped historical and cultural ideas that we have in this county, but I need direction from you all,” he said.
Moving forward on Fort Prince George is on the county’s list of goals for the coming year, Roper said. But it has remained on the committee of the whole’s log.
“What I would like to do … is go out and gather
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If only that old pot could talk
A very time the pot is brought in, it brings with it the memories of Grandmama in the big old kitchen at Sycamore Hill. The pot was a huge Mirro-Matic pressure cooker and was in almost constant use for the duration of each 
summer.
Because Grandmama and Uncle Walter had lived through the Great Depression, they worked hard to can enough produce to carry us through the lean times.
Everything humans could grow was planted and harvested and carefully processed.
It supplied us through the winter.
And just as important as the amount put up was the quality of the food.
Not only did the old cooker process hundreds of jars of everything you can imagine, it was also the pot of
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Catching a case of TB
If my best friend Joe and I had not met each other in our early teens, we most likely would have succumbed to a most dangerous and contagious disease called “Teen Boredom” or T.B. for short. When this affliction gets into a teenager’s 
system, it’s pretty much incurable. At least until he or she gets into their middle-aged years, if at all.
Here is just one example of teenage boredom. Joe and I were sitting at his house one day in March with nothing in particular to do. Now, if we had several assigned jobs to accomplish, we would not have to “think” for ourselves. This is definitely bordering on boredom when a teenager has to think.
After a 30-second planning meeting, we decided to go on a road hike. This type of hike is easy to plan. The only requirement for me was to make sure we returned home in time for me to milk the cow(s), slop the chickens, feed the hogs, carry in the firewood, do my homework and eat
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Paul O’Shield is a local native who enjoys writing about his time as a youngster growing up in Pickens County.
Canadian drugs in our future?
If you watch the news, you might have seen there’s a proposal underway that would allow states to import prescription drugs from Canada, where costs are lower. Drugs are cheaper in other countries because their 
governments control the prices.
As it now stands, we can go across the border and bring back a three-month supply of our medications for personal use, but there are pitfalls. Technically it’s illegal, but it’s often overlooked at the border. Going to Canada for your drugs can be inconvenient, and travel costs can
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‘Hee Haw’ to have final performance
PICKENS — The Hagood Community Center will present the final presentation of “Hee Haw” with local talent providing the laughs and “old time” country music for entertainment at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.
The show will be held in the Hagood Community Center auditorium at 129 Schoolhouse St. in Pickens. Tickets will be $5 at the door, and the doors will open at 6 p.m. No outiside food or drinks are allowed. There will be a spaghetti meal before the show from 4:45-6:45 p.m. The cost of the meal is also $5 at the door. All proceeds from the dinner and show will benefit the center.
Jimmy Davis seeking seat on Pickens City Council
PICKENS — Jimmy Davis has announced his candidacy for Pickens City Council. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Davis, a lifelong resident of Pickens, said he believes the primary issue every councilman must be aware of is the economic situation all citizens are facing with stagnant wages and rising prices for everything like food, medical and electricity.
“While most are working, everyone is being squeezed,” Davis said. “We don’t need the government making it any worse for residents and businesses. If elected, I’ll fight to make city government more efficient, end any wasteful spending and fight to keep taxes down. We all need to live within our means, and that includes government.”
Davis said he realizes the town is growing, but he doesn’t want to see it turn
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Hayes honored for 40 years of Lions service
The Pickens Lions Club celebrated one of its own at its July meeting. President Brian Siwicki presented Furman “Gabby” Hayes with an award honoring him for 40 years of service and dedication to the Pickens Lions Club. Hayes also received his 40-Year chevron pin from Lions Club International.
Courier Obituaries 8-21-19
RONNIE BURL RAMEY
EASLEY — Ronnie Burl Ramey, 71, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019.
Born in Pickens, he was the son of the late Cracker Jack and Nannie Mae Ramey, and husband of Linda Ramey.
Ronnie was a member of Rock Springs Baptist church and loved restoring old cars, working in his yard and spending time with his amazing grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Linda, of 51 years; two daughters, Kimberly Dickard (Russell) and Stephanie Owens (Ryan), both of Easley; and three grandchildren, McKayla Dickard, Grayson Owens and Garrison Owens.
In addition to his parents, Ronnie was predeceased by a brother and two sisters.
A funeral service was held on Aug. 20 at Dillard
