This WEEK in FOOTBALL FRENZY
Green Wave lose homecoming heartbreaker to Mauldin; Daniel shuts out Travelers Rest; Devils to open region play; Pickens to return More »
Soup kitchen celebrates two decades of service
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com EASLEY — For more than two decades, an organization in Easley has provided hot More »
Lions win county golf tournament
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com PICKENS — For the first time in more than 10 years, The Rock Golf More »
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 »
Avian influenza confirmed in SC
STATE — A wild duck harvested by a hunter in Colleton County has become the first wild bird since 2016 to be found infected in the United States with the Eurasian H5 type of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), officials announced this month.
The bird, an American wigeon, was tested by the Clemson University Veterinary Diagnostic Center in Columbia, and the diagnosis was confirmed by the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS).
This type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to people, but it can be a danger to the poultry
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Easley girls come back to beat Flame
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Falling in a 9-0 hole from the opening tip, the Easley High School girls’ basketball team appeared to have their work cut out for them against 
county rival Pickens on Thursday night.
The Green Wave cut into the lead as the first half wore on, but still trailed 21-16 going into halftime, before a huge third quarter run gave them a lead heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter, the Blue Flame fought hard to come back, but missed opportunities at the free
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
SCFCA honors trio of Daniel High seniors
QB, DE, K earn awards
CENTRAL — More than a month after winning its second straight Class 3A state championship, the honors continue to roll in for the Daniel High School football team.
Last Tuesday, the South Carolina Football Coaches Association unveiled its 2021 Palmetto Champions All-Star Football Team, and three senior Lions were recognized for their roles in helping Daniel win back-to-back state titles for just the
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Beware, they’re out to get us
Sometimes an email appears in your inbox from someone you do not know.
I’d advise not opening it. It may appear to be a legitimate message, but looks can be deceiving. It could very well be a hacker who does not wish you well.
This is why in recent months I’ve been contacted by my financial institution to verify an unusual request for fund withdrawal, by an alleged government agency advising that I’m now on a government watch list and by various friends letting me know they have been contacted with requests for money as I’m stranded in a foreign country and have lost my passport.
There’s also been another problem with email legitimately sent by me that mysteriously displays a false return
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Resisting temptation to be discouraged
Recently, I had an opportunity to chat with a wonderful lady as she shared with me about her health issues and other concerns.
Suddenly she stopped and wanted to know if she could ask me a serious question. I said of course, and she proceeded to relay that she felt silly asking me about 
salvation, especially with her being a church member since she was a child.
She wanted to know how she can know that she is going to heaven. I do not believe this is anything to be embarrassed about — in fact, it’s rather common as I examine my own heart and soul often.
I could sense the heaviness of doubt was stealing her spiritual joy, and this stress can escalate into fear and
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Looking behind rising food costs
It’s not over yet. Rising food prices, that is.
The best guess of experts is that food prices are likely to rise 5 percent in the first half of 2022. This is on top of the average 6.8 percent rise for all items, as reported by the Consumer Price Index in November for the previous 12 months. That report cited increases for foods such as eggs, meat, poultry and fish topping the list at 12.8 percent, the highest since 1982.
Which food items do experts point to as likely to see additional price increases? Nearly everything. And what are the reasons for all the increases? That depends on
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
The VA vs. COVID
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs has been battling COVID-19 from the very beginning of the pandemic. The recently released Coronavirus Disease 2019 Response Report Annex B tells just how they’ve done. The facts are impressive.
So far they’ve vaccinated 4.3 million people.
The VA was the first federal agency to issue a mandate requiring all VA employees who work in health care to be vaccinated. They beefed up telehealth for veterans at home and those who live in rural areas. This resulted in 2,500 percent increase of telehealth care visits.
The VA carried out 43 Fourth Mission assignments, improving preparedness on the
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Courier Obituaries 1-26-22
JAMES ALVIN BYERS
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — On Jan. 21, 2022, Al Byers was able to see and walk again as he entered Heaven to be with Jesus.
James Alvin Byers was born in Pickens on March 11, 1928, the oldest son of James Earl and Esther (Cannon) Byers.
He graduated from Pickens High School in 1946. After working for Singer Sewing Machine in Pickens, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. Al fought in Korea as a member of the Thunderbirds, the 45th Infantry Division, whose motto fittingly is semper anticus — always forward. He was a combat engineer, and his company was tasked with building roads and bridges, laying minefields and constructing barracks and bunkers on both sides of the 38th Parallel. He was promoted several times during his two-year term and ended his military career as a staff sergeant.
After his release from military service, Al enrolled at Bob Jones University in Greenville, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1956 and a master’s degree in
Winter Bluegrass Jubilee rescheduled to March 5
PICKENS — To avoid a potential winter storm, Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) has moved the date of its annual indoor music festival, the Winter Bluegrass Jubilee, to March 5 at Pickens High School.
“The lineup and activities will be the same,” said Russ Hennessee, who coordinates the jubilee along with his wife, Sondra. “Only the date has been changed. This year’s jubilee promises to be the best ever.”
The March 5 Winter Bluegrass Jubilee at Pickens High School will feature a full day of performances, food
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Pickens scholar-athletes
Pickens High School’s Scholar-Athletes of the Week for the week of Jan. 18 were recognized at the Pickens vs. Easley game on Thursday. The female Scholar-Athlete is Frenchesca Looney. She is a sophomore member of the JV cheer team and was nominated by her honors chemistry teacher, Dr. Sarah Miller. Looney is the granddaughter of Lee Grubbs. The male Scholar-Athlete is Wyatt Reeves. Reeves is a junior and member of the varsity basketball team. He is the son of Corey and Brittani Reeves and was also nominated by Dr. Miller. PHS Scholar-Athletes are nominated by their teachers for demonstrating academic excellence, a stellar work ethic and impressive leadership in the classroom.
