Daily Archives: 04/08/2025
Stone named DWD football coach
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
CENTRAL — One day after sources indicated to the Courier that Walhalla High School head football coach Chris Stone was set to take the head coaching job at Daniel High 
School, the School District of Pickens County made the hire official Wednesday morning.
In a quick turnaround, Stone had his first chance to meet with the public Wednesday night in the school’s gym. There, he laid out his vision for Daniel football after two successful seasons leading the Razorbacks.
“I truly believe that the things that are about
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Area educator advocates for children at State House
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A local woman has been traveling to Columbia and to the nation’s capital to advocate for the future of early childhood education and other childcare issues.
Chasity Lesley is the director of the Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center.
“I’ve been in early childhood education for 18 years,” she said. “In Columbia, I’m on the
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EPD: Man fired gun at officer
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — An Easley man is charged with attempted murder after authorities said he 
fired a gun at Easley police officers during a pursuit last week.
Timothy Lee Samples is charged with attempted murder, violation of a court order of protection, stalking, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, violation of a restraining order, failure to stop for a blue
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Roper speaks on county’s animal shelter
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Pickens County administrator Ken Roper took to Facebook Live on Friday 
to discuss the work of the Pickens County Animal Shelter.
“Several years ago, the animal shelter here was more just a dog pound — a dog pound and a cat pound,” he said. “It was where animals came and it was where animals never left.”
If Animal Control seized an animal somewhere in the
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Azalea Fesitval returns to Pickens later this month
PICKENS — The return of the Pickens Azalea Festival is just a few short weeks away.
The festival returns on April 25 and 26 for its 41st year, bringing with it the charm, community and creativity that have made it a beloved Upstate tradition. Held in downtown Pickens, the two-day event offers a weekend packed with artisan vendors, live music, food trucks and family fun—all while supporting local nonprofits and community causes.
This year’s festival is partnered with the South
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More volunteers needed for The Wall That Heals
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — Additional volunteers are still needed for the Wall That Heals, a replica of 
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that will be stopping in Liberty next month.
Nearly 30 years ago, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) unveiled a replica
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Festive Easter Fun In Pickens County
• Easter Bunny to be at Market at the Mill
Come see the Easter Bunny on April 12 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The Market at the Mill, free to take your own pictures. They will also be having the Golden Egg Scavenger Hunt starting at 11 a.m. meet at Front Office for the first clue. The first one to find the Golden Egg WINS $100 Market Bucks (spends like cash).
• East Side Baptist to host Spring Fest
Join East Side Baptist Church, 920 Anderson Drive, Liberty, for a fun-filled time of family-friendly activities at their Spring Festival! Come celebrate the season with them as we reflect on the true meaning of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings, while enjoying fun activities for everyone such as Easter story, Easter and spring crafts, BBQ plates for sale, petting zoo and much more! The festival will take place on April 12 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine! Bring your loved ones and invite your neighbors! Let’s celebrate this season of hope and joy together.
• Church Picnic set at FCC in Liberty
Fellowship Community Church – Liberty invites you to a Church Picnic, Norris Park 608 Norris Hwy, Central, SC 29630. Fun for the entire family there will be egg hunt, ball game for the adults/older kids, games, food, and inflatables and much more including prizes /Easter basket giveaways.Come, have fun with them on April 13 at 11:45 a.m.
• Hop over for egg hunt in Central
Hop on over to the Central Heritage Museum garden April 13 for their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Garden Party! They will have music, activities, pictures with the Easter Bunny, treat options, and 2,000 eggs to find, hunting begins at 2:00. Get eggcited for an afternoon of spring fun in Central!
• Rice’s Creek to host Easter Egg Hunt
Join Rice’s Creek Baptist Church, 504 Rices Creek Church Rd, Liberty, for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Family Park on April 16 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. There will plenty of eggs to hunt, prizes, sandwiches and dessert, and the Easter Bunny may hop in.
• Easter fun planned at Roller Time Center
Looking for something to do on Easter Weekend? Roll into Easter fun at our Egg-citing Skate and Hunt, Roller Time Family Skate Center Easley, 719 Ross Ave, Easley. Special visit from the Easter Bunny! Come roll with them on April 19 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Lace up your skates, hunt for hidden eggs, and enjoy a wheely awesome time with friends and family!
Don’t miss out on the ultimate Easter adventure on wheels.
• Easter Egg Hunt to be at Elljean Baptist
Kids (preschool to 5th grade) are invited to join Elljean Baptist Church, 605 Elljean Rd, Easley, for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! April 12 at 10 a.m.
• Hunt’s Memorial to host Easter events
Please join Hunt’s Memorial Baptist Church, 501 Alex Drive, Easley, for their annual youth sponsored Easter Egg Hunt for babies through fifth grade on April 19 at 10 a.m. and Easter Worship Service on April 20 at 10 a.m.
Easley Spring Fling provides family fun
The city of Easley hosted its annual Spring Fling over the weekend. Featuring live music, a bustling marketplace, delicious food from local food trucks and a lively kids-zone for the whole family to enjoy, the event drew a large crowd into downtown Easley.
Kerry Gilstrap/photos
Our eternal existence is a reality
We spoke last week about the holy city of God coming down to sit on the earth often referred to as Zion or Mount Zion, Bride of Christ, Tabernacle of God, City of God, City 
of the Great King, Celestial City, City Foursquare and Heavenly Jerusalem.
After the millennium, many believe this will be the eternal home of believers called heaven. A realm beyond the imagination where God as The eternal Lord and King literally dwells and rules from His
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Courier Letters to the Editor 4-9-25
Sheriff endorses Counts for District 4
Dear Editor,
As the sheriff of Pickens County, my top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. That mission requires strong leadership at every level of government — leaders who don’t just talk about supporting law enforcement but demonstrate it through their actions. That’s why I am proud to endorse Clay Counts for South Carolina
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