Yearly Archives: 2020
After taking sixth ACC title in a row, Tigers set to clash with Buckeyes in playoff yet again
By Eric Sprott
Courtesy The Journal
esprott@upstatetoday.com
For the third time in five years, it’s Ohio State standing
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Counting on better days to come
Thanksgiving is usually the time of year we seriously give some thought to counting our blessings. We did that this year. But now that 2021 is almost here, we can rejoice and be thankful that we got 
through 2020 and have survived it.
And eventually, we will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against the deadly virus that’s changed our lives so drastically.
Never before has one tank of gas lasted forever. It’s been a deliberate decision, staying at home. But one brought about by circumstances. For where on Earth could we go? Nowhere is safe from the virus, so we can’t go out to eat, shop or to the movies.
The delivery truck is such a familiar sight in our
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Embracing hope for the New Year
I hope that everyone had an enjoyable holiday, but I must admit that it did not seem like a normal Christmas. Yes, we sent out cards and decorated the tree, but there was something strange about the 
atmosphere.
The signs of the virus are everywhere, and I cannot help but think about how many families have been impacted by it. Some of you may have missed seeing your loved ones because it was not safe for them to
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Courier’s Letters to the Editor
Let’s hang together
Dear Editor,
2020 is a year that will be remembered for decades to come. 300,000 lives lost to coronavirus, which was proclaimed to be nothing but a hoax by some. Pray for the people who lost family and friends to this so-called hoax and for those who stubbornly refuse to believe it exists.
The elections are over, and I for one am glad. If these politicians are even half as bad as their
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Courier Obituaries 12-30-20
AILEEN L. GILBERT
EASLEY — Aileen L. Gilbert, 86, wife of the late Weldon Gilbert Jr., passed away on Monday, Dec. 
21, 2020, at West End Retirement Center.
Mrs. Gilbert is survived by her children, Ricky Gilbert, Dwayne Gilbert, Karon Hickey (Johnny) and Sharon Whitworth (Victor); grandchildren, Michelle Gilstrap (Steve), Logan Hickey, Gil Whitworth (Colby) and Luke Whitworth (Kelsey); great-grandchildren, Bo and Colt Gilstrap and Judah Whitworth; and honorary family, which includes her wonderful caregivers at West End Retirement Center in Easley.
Aileen was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family and above all loved the Lord.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may
County recycles for Santa
Above, Pickens County Councilman Wes Hendricks, along with county staff, deliver restored bicycles to Country Santa Buddy Cox prior to the holidays to be gifted to families in need this Christmas. Throughout the year, bicycles in good condition are recovered from Pickens County recycle centers, and county employees work to restore them to like-new condition. Hendricks got the idea for a bicycle restoration program to benefit the community after seeing so many bikes in usable condition being discarded. Since 2017, Hendricks has delivered dozens of bicycles to Country Santa and says he hopes the program will continue as he finishes his term on council. Country Santa typically delivers gifts to more than 1,000 households each Christmas, but because of the pandemic, the organization is operating with limited volunteers and has been forced to scale back to serving only Pickens County residents this year. Country Santa officials expected to serve around 550 households this year. For more information about Country Santa and how to get involved, visit countrysanta.org.
Pickens High teacher renews National Board Certification
PICKENS — Angela Smith Lucas Ed.D., an English teacher at Pickens High School, is one of 
thousands of teachers across the United States who recently renewed their certification as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT).
According to a news release, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is excited to celebrate these teachers, along with the more than 20,000 teachers currently pursuing board certification — seen as the profession’s mark
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Duke Energy and local officials to test sirens around nuclear station
UPSTATE — The outdoor warning sirens around Oconee Nuclear Station will be tested between 11 
a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
The 65 sirens within 10 miles of Oconee Nuclear Station will sound for three minutes. To ensure they are functioning properly, it may be necessary to test some sirens more than once. Testing is
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Courier Classifieds 12-30-20
Announcements
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OXYGEN – Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is
