Pickens to host 41st Azalea Festival
PICKENS — The beloved Pickens Azalea Festival is back for its 41st year, welcoming visitors to downtown Pickens next weekend. More »
Tetter named new Liberty police chief
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com LIBERTY — The officer who has been serving as the city of Liberty’s police More »
Veterans to help pick VA officer in advisory election
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com COUNTY — Beginning later this month, the county’s veterans will help select a department More »
Symbols of Easter
Icons complement most sacred holiday Tradition plays an important role in Easter celebrations for many families. Cherished traditions and symbols More »
Old-Time Weekend Jam Fest this weekend
Celebration of old-time music, Appalachian culture scheduled at Hagood Mill PICKENS — Dust off your banjo, pack your tent and More »
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,
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Jackson sends Liberty to round 3
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
CHESNEE — Down one point with 6.7 seconds left against Chesnee in round two of the Class 2A playoffs, Liberty High School head boys’ basketball coach Brenden Marcell called a timeout.
The Red Devils had practiced for this specific late-game moment, and everyone knew the ball was going into the hands of leading scorer Kendrick Jackson.
Jackson took the ball at the top of the key, facing pressure from Chesnee defenders. The junior guard
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Liberty wrestlers win state titles
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
FLORENCE — The Liberty High School wrestling team finished another strong season on the mats over the weekend with three Red Devil wrestlers bringing home Class 2A state championships.
J.T. Spence finished his illustrious career at Liberty with his third consecutive state championship in the 190-pound division. Spence pinned both Bryan Charles of Marion and Brody Tonon of Phillip
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Daniel girls race past Flora to advance
By Ian Taylor
Courtesy The Journal
itaylor@upstatetoday.com
CENTRAL — Seeded third in the Upper State in the Class 4A playoffs, the Daniel High School girls’ 
basketball team was playing at home in the second round on Friday night.
And while they were leading at halftime against sixth-seeded A.C. Flora, the 23-19 advantage was not the level
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Staff Sgt. Reckless — no greater love
This is a true story about a war hero named Reckless who served in numerous combat operations during the Korean War.
What’s unusual about this? Reckless was a horse who carried supplies and ammunition and was also used to evacuate the wounded. We often do not consider the intelligence of God’s creation and how loving and loyal they can be. She was chestnut colored with a blaze and three white stockings. Her bloodline is unconfirmed, but she was thought to be primarily Mongolian. However, she did have some features, particularly the shape of her head, that were similar to horses of Thoroughbred lineage. She
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Courier Letters to the Editor 2-26-25
What is going on?
Dear Editor,
The indiscriminant removal of essential employees from key government agencies without considering function is inexplicable.
The unauthorized collection of personal Social Security information is shocking. Firing nuclear safety specialists, eliminating IRS workers before tax season and breaking farmers’ grain contracts benefits no one. Congress is the only body that can legally create government agencies and create oversight
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Don’t fall for Medicare scams
Medicare card scams are on the rise. During one calendar year, Medicare had over $100 billion in fraudulent claims, and the damage cost goes up when identity theft and stolen financial information are 
added in.
What the Medicare thieves want is your card number, and they’ll try any number of tricks to get you to reveal it.
Scammers might contact you to offer you a “cheaper” Medicare but will need your personal information to sign you
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New VA Sec. Doug Collins
Changes are coming fast and furious at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since these impact many of us, we need to pay attention to what’s going on — and who’s now in charge.
The VA has a new secretary, Douglas A. Collins, the 12th in the position since the VA was started in 1988. Collins is an Air Force veteran, served as chaplain, has been a
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Courier Obituaries 2-26-25
PATRICIA ANNE ROBERTS RUTLEDGE
EASLEY — Patricia Anne Roberts Rutledge, 87, died peacefully at The Foothills of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina in Easley.
“Pat” was born May 18, 1937, at the University of Virginia Hospital inCharlottesville, Va. She was raised in Schuyler, Va., by parents Emmett Samuel Roberts and Myrtle Saunders Roberts.
She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Broaddus L. Rutledge II.
She is survived by her dear sister, Brenda Roberts Graham.
She was the mother of Cynthia O’Donoghue (Martin), John Rutledge (Betty Starr) and Scott Rutledge (Nancy). Pat was the proud grandmother to Taylor, Peyton, Kathryn (Jack), Matthew and William (Valentina). Pat had one great-grandchild, Gisele.
Pat graduated as valedictorian from Schuyler High School in 1954. She attended Mary Washington University for her prerequisite nursing credentials prior to entering the School of Nursing at the University of Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Science in nursing in May 1959. Pat maintained a strong bond with her college nursing friends, affectionately named “The Pearls.” Pat worked at the University of Virginia Hospital, where she also served as an instructor in the School of Nursing. One of Pat’s proud achievements was her 2009 recognition as a 50-year member of the Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni.
When the Rutledge family relocated to Clemson in 1979, Pat continued her nursing career as director of
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.
