Daily Archives: 02/25/2025
One dead in Easley fire
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — Multiple agencies are investigating after an elderly man was found dead following a fire at his home in Easley.
In a release issued Friday, Feb. 22, Pickens County Coroner Andrew Wilson identified the victim as
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Scouts 5th annual can food drive is March 6
PICKENS — The 5th Annual Pickens Community Food Drive is set for Saturday, March 6 at the Pickens 
Amphitheater. Items will be collected between 10 a.m. – noon.
Individuals, Organizations, Businesses and Churches are invited to participate in the important community event by donating canned goods and nonperishable items. Financial contributions will also be accepted. All items and financial contributions will be donated to the Gleaning House Food Pantry in Pickens.
The organization donating the most cans will receive the coveted Golden Can Award.
The annual event is sponsored by Scout Troop 51 and Cub Scout Pack 51
Any questions, please contact pickenstroop51@gmail.com
Clemson 8 challenge set for March 8
The fifth annual Clemson 8 challenge to honor to honor Colonel Ben Skardon and his fellow Clemson POWs, who along with himself, survived the Bataan Death March in 1942 is set for March 8 in Clemson. Participants can run/walk/bike/hike/swim some or all of eight miles on campus or wherever you want to over an eight-day period (March 8-15). All proceeds are placed in an endowment to send Clemson students to compete in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. This year, the Clemson 8 is sponsoring two teams to compete in the rugged 26.2-mile desert marathon. For more information, contact retired Clemson Assistant Athletic Director John Seketa at 864-903-1487 or via email at johnseketa@gmail.com.
Upstate Forever completes two Pickens County projects
COUNTY — Local conservation nonprofit Upstate Forever announced that the organization’s nationally accredited land trust finalized permanent conservation easements on a total of 1,130 acres across the region last year.
The conserved properties include forests, farmlands, waterways, and green space in Abbeville,
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Jackson sends Liberty to round 3
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
CHESNEE — Down one point with 6.7 seconds left against Chesnee in round two of the Class 2A playoffs, Liberty High School head boys’ basketball coach Brenden Marcell called a timeout.
The Red Devils had practiced for this specific late-game moment, and everyone knew the ball was going into the hands of leading scorer Kendrick Jackson.
Jackson took the ball at the top of the key, facing pressure from Chesnee defenders. The junior guard
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Liberty wrestlers win state titles
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
FLORENCE — The Liberty High School wrestling team finished another strong season on the mats over the weekend with three Red Devil wrestlers bringing home Class 2A state championships.
J.T. Spence finished his illustrious career at Liberty with his third consecutive state championship in the 190-pound division. Spence pinned both Bryan Charles of Marion and Brody Tonon of Phillip
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Daniel girls race past Flora to advance
By Ian Taylor
Courtesy The Journal
itaylor@upstatetoday.com
CENTRAL — Seeded third in the Upper State in the Class 4A playoffs, the Daniel High School girls’ 
basketball team was playing at home in the second round on Friday night.
And while they were leading at halftime against sixth-seeded A.C. Flora, the 23-19 advantage was not the level
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Courier Letters to the Editor 2-26-25
What is going on?
Dear Editor,
The indiscriminant removal of essential employees from key government agencies without considering function is inexplicable.
The unauthorized collection of personal Social Security information is shocking. Firing nuclear safety specialists, eliminating IRS workers before tax season and breaking farmers’ grain contracts benefits no one. Congress is the only body that can legally create government agencies and create oversight
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New VA Sec. Doug Collins
Changes are coming fast and furious at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since these impact many of us, we need to pay attention to what’s going on — and who’s now in charge.
The VA has a new secretary, Douglas A. Collins, the 12th in the position since the VA was started in 1988. Collins is an Air Force veteran, served as chaplain, has been a
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Courier Obituaries 2-26-25
PATRICIA ANNE ROBERTS RUTLEDGE
EASLEY — Patricia Anne Roberts Rutledge, 87, died peacefully at The Foothills of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina in Easley.
“Pat” was born May 18, 1937, at the University of Virginia Hospital inCharlottesville, Va. She was raised in Schuyler, Va., by parents Emmett Samuel Roberts and Myrtle Saunders Roberts.
She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Broaddus L. Rutledge II.
She is survived by her dear sister, Brenda Roberts Graham.
She was the mother of Cynthia O’Donoghue (Martin), John Rutledge (Betty Starr) and Scott Rutledge (Nancy). Pat was the proud grandmother to Taylor, Peyton, Kathryn (Jack), Matthew and William (Valentina). Pat had one great-grandchild, Gisele.
Pat graduated as valedictorian from Schuyler High School in 1954. She attended Mary Washington University for her prerequisite nursing credentials prior to entering the School of Nursing at the University of Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Science in nursing in May 1959. Pat maintained a strong bond with her college nursing friends, affectionately named “The Pearls.” Pat worked at the University of Virginia Hospital, where she also served as an instructor in the School of Nursing. One of Pat’s proud achievements was her 2009 recognition as a 50-year member of the Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni.
When the Rutledge family relocated to Clemson in 1979, Pat continued her nursing career as director of
