Category Archives: News
County schools placed on lockdown
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Three Pickens County schools were placed into lockdowns or holds over the past week as tensions surrounding safety in schools continue to run high.
The first of the issues arose on Friday afternoon, when two people target practicing near Pickens High School inadvertently led to a lockdown at the school.
According to a media release from the Pickens Police Department, PHS school resource officer Allen
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
This Week In FOOTBALL FRENZY!
Karim scores three touch downs as Sutherland picks up his 150th career win, Lions look to rebound against Clinton, Easley faces tough task with J.L. Mann, Missed opportunities haunt Pickens, all this in this week’s FOOTBALL FRENZY, sponsored by Mountain View Funerals and Cremations
available only in the Pickens County Courier.
Do not miss a single issue by grabbing a copy at a convenience, grocery or drug store near you. You can also subscribe and have your Pickens County Courier delivered each week right to your mailbox for only $36 per year (in Pickens County).
Call us today at 864-878-6391 and get your subscription started and never miss any of the action in South Carolina’s best sports section!
CLICK LINK BELOW TO SEE THE COMPLETE FOOTBALL FRENZY
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Roper: Many radio towers see upgrade
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Work continues on a radio system that aims to allow the county’s first responders to better communicate between agencies and reduce response time in emergencies.
County administrator Ken Roper gave updates related to first responder issues during county council’s Sept. 9 meeting.
“You all have invested a great deal of time, energy and taxpayer dollars in upgrading our emergency services
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
SDPC announces Teacher, Support Employee of the Year
COUNTY — The School District of Pickens County named its 2024-25 Teacher of the Year and Support 
Employee of the Year at a banquet on Monday.
At the event, which recognized support employees and teachers of the year for each of the district’s 23 schools and the Pickens County Career and Technology Center, Pickens High School teacher Ashley Butler and Daniel High School bookkeeper and secretary Mou Rangaraju took the top countywide honors.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Butler, an English teacher at Pickens High School, was named the 2024 School District of Pickens County Teacher of the Year.
Butler has dedicated 27 years to teaching in the district, working with students across a variety of subjects, including Advanced Placement and honors english. She currently serves as the English department chair at Pickens High and has made a tremendous impact through her roles as graduation coach, assistant athletic director for academics and advisor for the school newspaper, The Sapphire.
Her students and colleagues consistently praise her dedication to building relationships and creating a supportive learning environment.
“It is my belief that today’s students have the ability to change the future of our world with proper direction, encouragement and support,” Butler said. “As a teacher, I want my students to feel valued, understood and challenged in my classroom.”
Butler’s influence extends beyond the classroom.
“Dr. Butler’s resolve and passion to provide successful
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Merck, SDPC put out statement after viral social media ‘threats’
By Zack Mauldin
Editor
zmauldin@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — After viral social media posts and rumors about potential school violence put a scare into many local students 
and parents over the weekend, School District of Pickens County superintendent Danny Merck sent out a message to families Monday afternoon to provide information about school safety measures and help prevent the spread of misinformation.
“Over the past several days, our community has been impacted by the circulation of
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Read all about how the Blue Flame gash Liberty on the ground to move to 2-1 in this week’s FOOTBALL FRENZY
Blue Flame gash Liberty on the ground to move to 2-1; Lions see streak end against J.L. Mann; Easley Picks up first win; Devils fall in close loss to Pickens and Clemson Tigers get back on track. All this and so much more in this week’s Football Frenzy available only in the Pickens County Courier.
Do not miss a single issue by grabbing a copy at a convenience, grocery or drug store near you. You can also subscribe and have your Pickens County Courier delivered each week right to your mailbox for only $36 per year (in Pickens County).
Call us today at 864-878-6391 and get your subscription started and never miss any of the action in South Carolina’s best sports section!
CLICK LINK BELOW TO SEE THE COMPLETE FOOTBALL FRENZY
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
S.C. Highway 183 bridge closures set to produce yearlong detours
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Local commuters will have to do some extra planning for the next year if their routes take them between Six Mile and Pickens on S.C. Highway 183.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will soon begin work on two bridges along S.C. 183 in Pickens that will
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Local WWII veteran honored with France’s highest honor
By Evan Smoak
Courtesy The Journal
evan@upstatetoday.com
SIX MILE — A local World War II veteran was honored with France’s highest decoration at a ceremony held Wednesday at 
the Semper Fi Barn in Six Mile.
U.S. Army Cpl. Ralph Conte was awarded a medal and the title of a Knight of the Legion of Honor. The honor dates back to
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Flame burn Blue Ridge
By Zander Clarkson
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
GREER — Blue Flame volleyball travelled to Blue Ridge High School on last Tuesday night to take on the Tigers in their first Region 2-4A matchup. In set one, the Blue Flame were quickly down four points, but rallied back to tie the set at 10 
apiece. Pickens took a 16 to 10 advantage that was quickly erased by Blue Ridge, who then took a 24-20 advantage and went on to
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
