Category Archives: Local News
Tri-County freezes in-county tuition
PENDLETON — The Tri-County Technical College Commission voted unanimously in April to freeze in-county tuition for a fifth consecutive year.
The in-county tuition freeze applies to the 2024-25 academic year.
“The decision to freeze in-county tuition for a fifth year aligns with our mission to provide students an exceptional and affordable learning experience that improves their quality of
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Pickens speakeasy holds grand opening
PICKENS — After a soft launch, The Downlow is licensed to serve.
On Friday night, owner, Tiffany Orcena cut the ribbon on Pickens only speakeasy vibe bar. The Downlow serves local wine, beer and moonshine along with small bites and is located at 205 E. Main Street. Pickens.
The speakeasy is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m. and Sundays from 12-4 p.m.
City of Pickens thanks employees
The City of Pickens held an employee appreciation lunch last week to thank its employees for the hard work they do in serving the Pickens community and to kick off the new budget year.
Courtesy City of Pickens
Poole honored among Veteran Champions of the Year
By Philip Sikes
Courtesy Clemson News
news@thepccourier.com
CLEMSON — Kimberly Poole, Ph.D., has been named as one of the 2024 Veteran Champions of the Year in Higher Education by the Military Friendly® program. The award recognizes individuals who passionately 
advocate for veterans in higher education. This year’s recipients will be published in the October issue of G.I. Jobs, a global publication that connects service members, veterans and their families to civilian career, education and business
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Member of the Month
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce’s July Member of the Month is Foothills Family Optical. The Pickens buisness is family-owned and operated and aims to meet the needs of the community through quality optical services and caring customer service. Foothills Family Optical takes pride in being one of the few optical shops that is set up to offer same-day service for many prescriptions. Foothills Family Optical values each customer as an individual, strives for healthy vision and has worked to create a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere to shop for new glasses. Pictured are chamber ambassadors Meechi Green, Hugh Latimer and Brittany Chapman, owner Ben Cade, and chamber board members Trish Morgan, Debbie Gravely, Bryan Owens and Jessica Callahan. Foothills Family Optical is located at 404 Johnson St. in Pickens and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (864) 301-8440.
Courier Community Calendar
• Hee Haw plans a return to Hagood
The Hagood Community Center is planning an all-new presentation of the community’s favorite comedy/musical show, “Hee Haw.”
The center has a new cast, some new songs and plenty of new jokes that will send visitors home with a smile on their face. There will be two showings on Saturday, Aug. 3, with the first show at 4 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. A full house is expected for both presentations, so showgoers are urged to get their tickets early at the
Man dies in officer-involved shooting
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a 
man dead Monday in Easley.
Officers received a call around 10:50 a.m. Monday, July 8, about a person making threats of physical harm to a manager of the Tractor Supply Company store at 339 Rolling Hills Circle in
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Body found in Liberty
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — A death investigation is underway after a body was found in a wooded area of Liberty last week.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the Pickens County Coroner’s Office are investigating, PCSO Capt. Brett 
Barwick said in a release issued Saturday.
Deputies responded to the 100 block of Shivers Lane in Liberty at 10:03
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Duke Energy set to raise power rates
GREENVILLE — The Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) has approved new customer rates based on a settlement agreement with almost all parties in the Duke Energy Carolinas rate review request filed with the 
commission in January of this year.
The changes in customer rates – which remain below the national average – come after a lengthy and very public process evaluating
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Former Clemson professor accused of murder
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
ANDERSON — A former Clemson University professor was charged with the murder of his wife last week at their 
home in Anderson.
Edwin Brainerd Jr., 79, of Anderson, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after allegedly shooting and killing his wife, 74-year-old Sally Brainerd.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and detectives responded to Harpers Way in Anderson early this
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