Daily Archives: 12/31/2024
Clemson native holds final Turkey Drive
By Evan Smoak
Courtesy The Journal
evan@upstatetoday.com
CLEMSON — As people enjoy their Christmas leftovers today, families from the Clemson area can do the same thanks to the generosity of one man and his staff.
This past Sunday, Jaquial Durham, a native of Clemson and current doctoral student at Clemson University, held the 12th and final Jaquial and Community Turkey Drive at Littlejohn Community Center through his nonprofit, “for the love of community.”
“It’s funny for this to be the last one,” Durham told The Journal. “This is probably like the easiest one that we put
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Coach, players celebrate anniversary of Central Wesleyan’s 1984 tourney title
By Greg Oliver
Courtesy The Journal
sports@upstatetoday.com
CENTRAL — Whether it was the 1987 movie “Hoosiers” about an Indiana high school team’s improbable run at a state championship, or the 1983 N.C. State or 1985 Villanova NCAA Tournament titles, basketball has produced its share of Cinderella stories through the years.
Locally, Central Wesleyan College — whose name was changed to Southern Wesleyan University in the mid-1990s — earned that magical status twice within a five-year span. In 1979 and again in 1984, the Warriors won the District 6 basketball
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Courier Obituaries 1-1-25
ROGER RAY HAYES
PICKENS — Roger Ray Hayes, 78, of Pickens, passed away at home on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
Roger was born in Middlesboro, Ky., to the late Virgil Thomas and Gloria Ann Hayes. He was a member of Secona Baptist Church. Roger retired from Spinx as a District Supervisor and later worked at the North Bend Campground in Virginia. He had a strong work ethic which he instilled in his family. He enjoyed camping but more than anything loved spending time with his family.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Annette Hayes; daughters, Angela Wood (Jeff), Thelma Vandergriff,
10 New Year’s Superstitions
Stock Up: You should stock up on food and money. Cupboards and refrigerators should be full of food, so you won’t go hungry in the New Year. Additionally, every person should have money on their person, whether in a wallet or pocket. This 
is obviously to ensure you have some paper for the rest of the year.
Resolve Debts: Similarly, all household debt and personal debts should be paid off before January 1. If not, you’ll be paying back debts all year long.
But Not On New Year’s Day: We all have bills to pay, but don’t pay back loans or bills on New Year’s Day. And don’t lend money or other precious items either because, if you do, you’ll be paying out all year long.
The First Footer: The first person to enter your home after the stroke of
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Bizarre New Year traditions from around the world
Scarecrow burning — Ecuador
To banish any ill fortune or bad things that happened in the past year, Ecuadorians set fire to scarecrows filled with paper at midnight on New Year’s Eve. They also burn photographs of things that represent the past year, which leads us to believe 
that New Year is just a thinly veiled excuse for Ecuadorian pyromaniacs to set things on fire.
Round things — Philippines
In the Philippines New Year is about one thing and one thing only — cold hard cash. Hoping to bring prosperity and wealth for the
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Happy New Year
By Catherine Pulsifer
Happiness depends upon your outlook on life. — Find the good in all situations
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Pickens native Gantt plays the Grand Ole Opry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Local musician and singer Jake Gantt of Pickens got to live a dream once again on Dec. 9 when he took the stage at the Mecca of county music, the Grand Ole Opry.
The appearance marked the fourth time that Gantt was asked to perform on the most prestigious stage in country music.
Gantt plays lead guitar and band leader as well as sings vocal harmonies for Country Music Association international
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Spirit of Christmas
Congratulations to The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce 2024 Best Christmas Decorated Storefront winner Finders Keepers Antiques and Collectibles. The store is located at 127 W. Main Street in Pickens. Finders Keepers specializing in the hard to find antiques, oddities, vintage, primitives and more. The are open on Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., on Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Pictured are Nathan and Amanda Gamble, Brent Fisher, Dakota Gamble and Jacquelyn Gamble.
Courier Community Calendar 1-1-25
• Sertoma Club invites locals to meet
The Clemson Sertoma Club invites all local residents to attend its meetings. The club meets at noon the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Occasions at Wedgefield, located at 1551 Eighteen Mile Road in Central. New visitors are always welcome.
• Pickens Rotary meets Wednesdays
The Rotary Club of Pickens meets at 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Pickens County Museum. Guests are invited to the
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