Category Archives: Local News
Scouts 5th annual can food drive is March 8
PICKENS — The 5th Annual Pickens Community Food Drive is set for Saturday, March 8 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,
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Women Build 2025 is March 8
EASLEY — Pickens County Habitat for Humanity (PCHFH) is thrilled to invite the community to take part in Women Build 2025, an inspiring event that unites women from all walks of life to create lasting 
change through affordable housing. Taking place on March 8, International Women’s Day, at 517 Habersham Lane in Easley, this event is part of Habitat for Humanity’s global Women Build movement, which empowers women through hands-on learning and meaningful action.
Women Build 2025 is more than just a construction event—it’s a movement. By working together to build safe and affordable homes, participants help create stability for families in Pickens County while raising awareness of the housing challenges many face.
“Women Build isn’t just about putting up walls—it’s about strengthening families and creating stability,” said Tamara Dourney, Executive Director of Pickens County Habitat for Humanity. “When women have the opportunity to learn new skills and take an active role in building homes, they’re also building a stronger foundation for their families and their future. Whether you’re on-site with us or supporting from afar, every effort makes a real difference.”
How to Get Involved
Volunteer: No construction experience? No problem! Women Build 2025 provides on-site training and tools.
Fundraise: Can’t attend in person? Join our peer-to-peer fundraising challenge to help raise critical funds for affordable housing.
Sponsor: Businesses and individuals can support Women Build by sponsoring this event or providing materials.
Donate: Every contribution helps us reach our goal of creating safe, affordable housing for families in need.
To learn more, sign up, or donate, visit https://pickenshabitat.org/womenbuild.
Together, we can empower women, strengthen families, and transform communities.
Since 1981, Pickens County Habitat for Humanity has built or renovated more than 100 homes, serving over 325 individuals. As the second-oldest Habitat affiliate in South Carolina, PCHFH remains committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing through community partnerships and volunteer-driven efforts.
For more information, visit pickenshabitat.org.
Easley’s Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library Celebrating 20th Anniversary
EASLEY — The Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library, located at 304 Biltmore Road is Easley, is excited to invite the community to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Thursday, February 27 from 1 – 5 
p.m. This special event will reflect on two decades of service to the residents of Easley and Pickens County and commemorate the library’s enduring role in promoting
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
KidsFest and YAMs coming to Hagood Mill on March 15
PICKENS — KidsFest is coming to Hagood Mill Historic Site on Saturday, March 15.
The event, held in partnership with the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAMs), is a family-friendly event featuring performances from local YAMs students, a traditional
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Courier Community Calendar 2-26-25
• SMEC set to host annual oyster roast
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church will host its annual oyster roast from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at 1200 Powdersville Road in Easley.
Proceeds from the event benefit multiple charitable organizations in Pickens County. Attendees will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, Brunswick stew, sides, and beverages (photo ID required).
If oysters aren’t your favorite, the event offers many additional food options. Tickets are $45 for adults, $10 for children 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. Rain or shine, oyster-shucking takes place
For the arts
The Sweet Potato Pie Kids, the YAM performing band, were invited by SC Arts Alliance to perform on the steps of the Statehouse in Columbia for SC Arts Day on Feb 13. State legislators, along with the general public, were set to be in attendance at this day of arts advocacy. Sadly, the Kids were not able to perform due to rain storms, but 18 kids, parents and grandparents went with Co-Director Betty McDaniel and Co-Assistant Director Logan Redding to the Statehouse anyway. Pictured above: Members of the Sweet Potato Kids and McDaniel meet with S.C. House Rep. Hiott and State Senator Rex Rice in the Speaker of the House’s beautiful office.
Roper set to lead Gettys Middle School
EASLEY — School District of Pickens County officials announced Monday that Dacusville Middle School principal Nate Roper has been hired as the next principal of Gettys Middle School.
Roper’s hiring, which was approved by school board trustees on Monday evening, will be effective July 1, following the transition of current Gettys principal Jacob Nelson to a new role as the district’s director of administrative support and non-traditional pathways. Nelson’s move was approved by the school board in January, and he will continue to lead
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Pick up a Pickens County Courier to vote in the Pickens County Courier’s Readers’ Choice Awards
Get this Week’s Courier and vote best that Pickens County has to offer, and you could win $50 in Pickens County Courier’s Readers’ Choice Awards!!
Ballot must come from a Newspaper printed copy of the Pickens County Courier and 15 categories must be selected. The Courier is available at over 100 locations county wide at most Convenient, Drug and Grocery Stores in Pickens County or simply come by our office at 109 Garvin Street in Pickens or any of the fine business with ads on the Ballot Pages below to cast you ballot free of charge.
Call us for more information 864-878-6391
Deadline for entries is March 7, 2025
