Local residents, businesses provide aid to neighbors, WNC after Helene
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com COUNTY — Following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, many people in the Pickens More »
This WEEK in FOOTBALL FRENZY
Swinney becomes ACC’s winningest coach in road victory over FSU; Wave announce 2024 Hall of Fame class and Red Devils More »
SCHSL approves changes to prep sports calendar
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com COLUMBIA — With high school sports around the state thrown into disarray over the More »
Courier Letters to the Editor 10-9-24
Hurricane help from local citizens Dear Editor, Since early last Friday morning, I have seen some of the best from More »
This Week In FOOTBALL FRENZY!
Tigers take care of business against Stanford; Daniel still waiting for region opener; Wave looking to turn things around; Liberty More »
Registration open for Pickens Rec summer day camp
PICKENS — Registration is now open for the Pickens Recreation Department’s 2023 summer day camps.
The camps will be held in six one-week sessions during the following dates: June 5-9, 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30, and July 10-14 and 17-21. There will be no day camp from July 3-7.
The summer day camps are held from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Pickens Recreation Center at 545 Sangamo Road in Pickens. The camps are for children ages 5-13.
Breakfast and lunch will be furnished through the S.C. Department of Education’s Summer Feeding Program.
The cost of the camp is $100 per child per week, but price adjustments may be made for additional siblings. There is a $50 registration fee that is nonrefundable and is due by May 19, including a camp T-shirt. Late registration fees will be $60.
For more information, contact the Pickens Recreation Department at (864) 878-2296.
And the winners are…
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet Friday night at Smithfields Country Club in Easley. The event brought chamber members together to recognize 2022 award winners. Nearly 100 chamber members were on hand for great food, dancing and fellowship. Above, Hal Singleton accepts the prestigious Duke Energy Citizenship Award from Duke Energy’s Trent Acker on behalf of his father, Billy Singleton, who was unable to attend. Below left, Melisa Sedler, owner of Southern Home Liquidators, is presented the 2022 Chamber Business of the Year Award from chamber director Bryan Owens. Below right, Coyote Coffee Café owner Tunckie LeCroy accepts the chamber’s award for 2022 Best Restoration from Ascend Pickens’ Norman Rentz for her new Main Street Pickens location.
Telling fact from fiction is getting harder
I once made a video in which the Starship Enterprise flew into downtown Greenville, paused for a moment, then swooshed away.
Or so it seemed.
Another time, while waiting for the Greenville County School Board to come out from a marathon “executive session,” I made a video in which it appeared that a gigantic boulder came crashing through the ceiling, smashed the empty podium and left it a smoking ruin.
I was bored.
Both of those, I made with an app on my phone.
They looked pretty realistic, but everyone knew they were faked.
My friends on Facebook got a laugh out of them.
Digital trickery, though, has made a quantum leap since then.
We have entered the era of “deepfakes.”
Have you heard about this? It is now possible — through the magic of artificial intelligence — to
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Dogs of kings
The coronation did not disappoint. The pomp and circumstance was supplied by a full orchestra and glorious choirs. There were gold and 
crown jewels and princes and princesses — and the happily-ever-after-ending as the king and queen exited historic Westminster Abbey, whisked away in a golden coach pulled by six beautiful horses. It was straight out of a fairy tale. Everyone rejoiced. The King Charles spaniels, named after King Charles I, celebrated the newly crowned King Charles III by marching in a
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A divided heart lives in deception
I’m reminded again of the quote from Scott Fitzgerald, “You do not write because you want to say something; you write because you have something to say.”
I can relate to those who are called to express the burdens within their hearts and thankful for the opportunity to share mine. These freedoms may not always be with us, as the world is becoming aggressively opposed to God and His disciples. I write for several secular publications
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Courier Letters to the Editor 5-17-23
Leveling the playing field
Dear Editor,
I want to comment on the article “County council retains special library millage.”
The county administration recommended the library be taken off its very own millage or tax rate. The council, in a 4-2 vote, ignored that recommendation and chose to keep the library on its own tax rate.
I supported the administration. It is about fairness. No one is looking to close any library, nor cut hours, nor cut their budget. In fact, their
Courier Obituaries 5-17-23
JOHNNY PARRIS
PICKENS — Johnny Parris, 63, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, at his home.
Born on Aug. 20, 1959, in Lancaster, Calif., Johnny was the son of the late Martin McCall and Priscilla Mae Waters Parris. Mr. Parris earned his Merchant Mariner Certificate and was employed by Edison Chouest Offshore and later Cornell Dubilier. He enjoyed riding his Harley, boating with friends on the lake and large gatherings with bonfires. He never thought twice about helping those he loved. He was loved and
Mountain Roots Herb Festival featuring Taste the Upcountry set for Hagood Mill
PICKENS — The Mountain Roots Herb Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. this Saturday, May 20, at the Hagood Mill Historic Site.
This year, the festival will also feature a new component, Taste the Upcountry.
The Hagood Mill Historic Site will be active all day. Workshops including foraging, growing
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SHL opens 2nd location
On Saturday, May 6, Southern Home Liqudators owner Melisa Sedler was surrounded by family, friends and employees as she cut the ribbon at her new, larger second store in Pickens. The new store, located at 502 Ann St., will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. The business has new merchandise put out
daily. During the festivities, Sedler named the store’s first-ever Employee of the Year award recipient, Charles Griffin, pictured at right, as general manager of the Ann Street location. Also on hand were Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce ambassadors Lisa and John Neel of Keller Williams, Hugh Latimer of Foothills Community Health Care and Pickens City Councilwoman Lois Porter.
Member of the Month
Pickens Village Branch Library has been named the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month for May. Summer reading at the library starts June 5 and runs until July 28. Visit pcls.fyi for more information about programs and the prizes children and adults can win. The library is at 124 N. Catherine St. in Pickens and is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pictured are Elizabeth Smith, Audrey Hyde and Margaret Holder.
