Monthly Archives: January 2022
Safe at home
Free rapid home COVID tests now available at state health departments, via US Postal Service
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
STATE — As the federal government rolls out its system to distribute millions of at-home rapid COVID-19 tests to residents around the country, the free tests are also now available at South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control public health departments statewide.
According to a DHEC release, the agency is distributing the first shipments of the at-home rapid COVID-19 antigen tests to increase access to timely testing
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County negotiating deal to finally end coal ash dispute
By Ron Barnett
Staff Reporter
rbarnett@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Pickens County is negotiating to settle its six-year legal dispute with MRR Pickens LLC, a company that planned to dispose of coal ash at a landfill near Liberty.
Courtesy Photo
Local legislators and manufacturers have expressed their opposition to a project that could bring a coal ash dump to Pickens County.
The county’s abrupt departure from its longstanding strategy of seeking to take the case to a jury comes after the state Supreme Court reversed a ruling from the Court of Appeals that had been favorable to the
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SWU names Barker to lead school
CENTRAL — Southern Wesleyan University has named Dr. William D. Barker as its 19th president, following Dr. William C. Crothers, who has served as 
interim president since Dr. Todd Voss retired in June 2021.
Southern Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve Barker, who will begin his presidency on July 25.
“We are grateful to be able to welcome Dr. Barker as president of SWU,” search committee chairman Rev. Jerry Lumston said. “We were blessed with a strong slate of candidates, but his broad gift set and endearing spirit provide a clear mission fit for us at this key juncture in the SWU story.”
“We are thrilled to offer the presidency of Southern Wesleyan University to Dr.
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Federal money helps county forgive $103K loan
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Pickens County Council is using a portion of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist a local nonprofit that has done “extraordinary things” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month, county council voted to approve using ARPA funds to forgive the loan that Pickens County Meals on Wheels has with the county.
Council members discussed the matter during their Dec. 6 meeting.
“This is a unique one, out of all the ARPA funding requests that we’ve received,” county council chairman
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Jocassee Gorges roads reopen after winter weather
COUNTY — Most year-round roads within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges in northern Pickens County have been reopened by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
The year-round roads include Horsepasture Road from the Laurel Valley entrance on U.S. Highway 178 to Jumping Off Rock. Shooting-Tree Ridge Road, from
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Agencies warn against tax scams
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
STATE — With the Internal Revenue Service and the S.C. Department of Revenue now accepting tax returns, state agencies are warning residents to guard against tax-related identity theft.
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and the South Carolina Department of Revenue issued a release this week about identity theft.
The IRS began accepting returns on Monday, and the W-2 tax form deadline is Jan. 31.
“Scammers know that tax time is around the corner,” the release said. “Tax fraud was the number
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Avian influenza confirmed in SC
STATE — A wild duck harvested by a hunter in Colleton County has become the first wild bird since 2016 to be found infected in the United States with the Eurasian H5 type of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), officials announced this month.
The bird, an American wigeon, was tested by the Clemson University Veterinary Diagnostic Center in Columbia, and the diagnosis was confirmed by the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS).
This type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to people, but it can be a danger to the poultry
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Easley girls come back to beat Flame
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Falling in a 9-0 hole from the opening tip, the Easley High School girls’ basketball team appeared to have their work cut out for them against 
county rival Pickens on Thursday night.
The Green Wave cut into the lead as the first half wore on, but still trailed 21-16 going into halftime, before a huge third quarter run gave them a lead heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter, the Blue Flame fought hard to come back, but missed opportunities at the free
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SCFCA honors trio of Daniel High seniors
QB, DE, K earn awards
CENTRAL — More than a month after winning its second straight Class 3A state championship, the honors continue to roll in for the Daniel High School football team.
Last Tuesday, the South Carolina Football Coaches Association unveiled its 2021 Palmetto Champions All-Star Football Team, and three senior Lions were recognized for their roles in helping Daniel win back-to-back state titles for just the
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Beware, they’re out to get us
Sometimes an email appears in your inbox from someone you do not know.
I’d advise not opening it. It may appear to be a legitimate message, but looks can be deceiving. It could very well be a hacker who does not wish you well.
This is why in recent months I’ve been contacted by my financial institution to verify an unusual request for fund withdrawal, by an alleged government agency advising that I’m now on a government watch list and by various friends letting me know they have been contacted with requests for money as I’m stranded in a foreign country and have lost my passport.
There’s also been another problem with email legitimately sent by me that mysteriously displays a false return
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