Category Archives: Opinions
Protecting our precious resources
Every Earth Day, we are reminded to reflect on the natural resources that define our 
communities and the responsibility we share in protecting them.
In Pickens County, we are especially fortunate. From our mountains and woodlands to our lakes and scenic corridors, our natural environment is not just a backdrop to our lives. It is central to who we are as a people and as a community.
Over the past seven years, Pickens County has taken deliberate steps to renew and strengthen its commitment to preserving our natural heritage. These efforts reflect a shared vision among county council, staff and engaged citizens who understand that
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The universality of God’s love
Through the power of his creative spirit God creates and sustains all things; this all-
powerful Holy Spirit animates and vivifies creation; a creation and humanity that is one and whole.
In Psalm 36:5-7 we read, “Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths… All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings.” and in Matthew 5:45 we read, “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that
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Courier Letters to the Editor 4-22-26
Speedway deserves recognition
Dear Editor,
The Greenville-Pickens Speedway has a long and storied history from its very first race on July 4, 1946, attended by over 17,000 enthusiastic fans. Almost all of racing’s most famous names raised the dust of the early half-mile dirt track — Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, David Pearson, Fireball Roberts, Darrell Waltrip and Curtis Turner, among many others. The local drivers like Butch Lindley, Donny Bishop, Maurice “The
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Seven puppies
Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it 
unto me.”
Have you ever heard a sound you could not place? You did not know where it came from or what it was, so you dismissed it and went your way. Then the next day you heard it again. This time, you make a decision to determine the great mystery.
When I was teaching, I would get home from work and go for a run or a bicycle ride. On a ride one warm spring day about ten miles from
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A time to speak and a time to be silent
As Christians, we have been given spiritual insight about the power of words and how critical it is to be careful and watch what we say.
In the third chapter of James, we read about the potential dangers of the tongue. It discusses how we can use bits in the mouths of horses to control them and how a rudder on a ship is used to manage direction, but controlling the tongue is different
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Courier Letters to the Editor 4-15-26
Evette: The leader SC needs
Dear Editor,
After years of serving in the South Carolina House, I’ve been blessed to work alongside many leaders and true public servants. Few bring the same level of bold, business-minded leadership as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
As I prepare to retire from public service, I’ve spent time reflecting on what matters most for the future of our state: strong families, a thriving business climate, and a government that works efficiently for the people, not against them.
That’s a mission Pamela Evette and I have long shared.
She understands that South Carolina’s success depends on keeping our economy competitive. Her push to eliminate the state income tax would put more money back into the pockets of hardworking families and make our state even more attractive for businesses looking to grow and invest.
At the same time, she has been a strong advocate for cutting red tape that burdens small businesses and entrepreneurs.
As someone who has worked closely with job creators across South Carolina, I know how important it is to remove unnecessary barriers so they can succeed.
Pamela also recognizes government must live within its means. Her commitment to cutting wasteful spending and focusing on core responsibilities ensures that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, she has championed meaningful reforms to make state government more efficient, accountable, and responsive. That kind of leadership improves policies and people’s lives.
Together, these efforts help create an environment where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and future generations choose to stay right here in South Carolina because it remains a great place to live, work, and play.
Pamela Evette is a bold conservative leader with a clear vision for our future. That’s why I’m proud to support her as our next governor.
Rep. Davey Hiott
Pickens
Where will you draw the line?
Dear Editor,
On Easter Sunday, as Christians around the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F—kin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
On Monday, Donald Trump posted a picture of himself AS Jesus Christ dressed in a white robe with a red sash — the symbol of blood and atonement. As he lays hands on a dying man, a holy light radiates from his palms. Men and women gaze up at Trump in wonder and amazement as he performs this holy miracle.
If Joe Biden had done this, you would have rightly thought he was mentally impaired. If
Avoiding cognitive decline
Scroll around the internet to look for ideas about avoiding cognitive decline, and you’ll find a wide variety of suggestions and studies. One thing many of them agree on, however, is the value of playing 
games.
UCLA has it narrowed down to four types in particular. Brain training games came in at the top of their list after they did a
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Extra education benefits for vets
Have you been using your veterans’ educational benefits? Are you running out of time because you’re 
coming to the end of the standard 36 months of benefits you received? Because of two new rulings, you might be one of a million veterans who are eligible for an additional 12 months.
The rulings in question (Rudisill v. McDonough and Perkins v. Collins) say that certain veterans could get more education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI
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