Monthly Archives: May 2020
Dining in again
Authorities issue guidelines for restaurants
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
STATE — As restaurants reopen their dining rooms, state authorities have issued guidelines intended to keep customers and employees safe and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Last week, Gov. Henry McMaster announced that restaurants throughout the state would be allowed to reopen for limited dine-in services beginning on Monday. His announcement followed 
two weeks of meetings by accelerateSC, the group tasked with developing a coordinated economic revitalization plan.
McMaster announced Monday that some close contact businesses such as barbershops and gyms will be able to reopen next week.
“As we gradually and methodically lift restrictions
High school graduation dates set
PICKENS — The School District of Pickens County announced Thursday that graduation 
ceremonies for its four high schools will take place at 8:30 a.m. May 29 at each school’s football stadium.
In the event of rain, ceremonies may be moved to 8:30 a.m. May 30.
To allow for social distancing procedures to be followed at the ceremonies, each senior will receive a limit of two free tickets for family members to attend. All ceremonies will be live-streamed so that those who cannot attend can watch.
Parking, safety, ticket distribution and other details for graduation will be communicated by each high school.
County up to more than 70 virus cases
COLUMBIA — After a weekend that saw 10 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county reported over a three-day period, Pickens County was up to 73 confirmed positive cases of the virus according 
to the latest figures released by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday.
No new cases were reported on Monday in the county, but there were five new cases Sunday and four Saturday to go with one announced on Friday.
As of Monday afternoon, 7,792 confirmed positive tests for the virus were reported statewide, with 346 deaths. One person died in
New election director hired
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Following a tumultuous couple of months, the Pickens County Board of Voter Registration and Elections has hired a new executive director heading into June’s primaries.
Travis Alexander, who has been a Greenville county poll worker and elections official for nearly 12 years, was selected by the board to replace former director Rodney Allen.
“We are excited to have Travis join the county in this leadership role,” board chairman Jim Liddle said. “I look forward to him moving us through this busy election year with confidence. His
Local couple delivering meals, kindness to Cannon staff
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The staff of AnMed Health Cannon wish to recognize a local couple for a weekly act of kindness and comfort.
Lorraine and Ernie Dandeneau “have really gone above and beyond,” registered nurse Karen Keane said.
Since March, the Dandeneaus have been delivering homemade meals to hospital staff, Keane said.
“In March, Lorraine brought some soup for the staff in the ER,” she said. “It was so well received that Ernie said ‘Why don’t we just feed everybody?’ One meal would have been great, but to continue? It’s become a mission for them. They wanted to feed us, to show that they care for us and appreciate what we do.”
Each week, the Dandeneaus make meals for both the day shift and the night shift.
Keane herself works on the night shift and said those
County’s state of emergency declaration expires
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The county is no longer in a state of emergency as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and officials work through the Kickstart Pickens County process.
When county council met on May 4, the emergency declaration was set to expire at midnight that evening. The declaration gave acting county administrator Ken Roper flexibility to make decisions
Actions always speak louder than words
A very long time ago, we went to see a movie that scared us all to death. That movie was Jaws, the story of a great white shark that terrorized beachgoers along the New England coast. Shortly after 
seeing this movie, we went on our scheduled beach vacation. That’s when I realized this movie had altered my confidence in how safe my children were in the ocean.
We all became more vigilant. The adults rotated, one always on duty when the children were in the water.
The ocean hadn’t changed, but our perception of possible danger in the ocean had.
In the movie, there is a scene where town leaders are
Courier Letters the Editor 5-13-20
Backing Gravely in council race
Dear Editor,
We need more people who want to make a difference in Pickens working on behalf of Pickens, its past, present and future.
We need more people like Debbie Gravely in public office. I am not interested in who people from Easley or Liberty or Greenville or anywhere else are supporting for our District 3 seat on county council.
I am interested in a candidate whose goals are to support Pickens County in a positive manner; who
Improvements continuing at Hagood Mill Historic Site
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Hagood Mill Historic Site is weathering the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the damage caused by weather.
Hagood Mill Foundation chairman Robert Sams gave county council an update on the mill during its May 4 meeting.
“I think you’ll be pleased with what they’re presenting us tonight,” Councilman Wes Hendricks said. “It looks good.”
Last July, a new agreement went into effect for the operations of the Hagood Mill. The county
Pickens Rec holding signups for football, cheerleading season
PICKENS — The city of Pickens Recreation Department and Pickens Youth Athletic Corporation are currently registering youth for the fall 2020 cheerleading and football season.
The deadline for registration is June 10. Parents can register their children at the Pickens Recreation Center on Sangamo Road in Pickens or find the registration form online at cityofpickens.com.
The following age divisions are offered: 6 years old/100 pounds; 7-8 years old/120 pounds; 9-10
