***ONLINE EXCLUSIVE *** Blue Flame head to Columbia in quest for 17th State Championship
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com PICKENS — For the first time since 2021, the Pickens High School volleyball team More »
Prisma to build hospital in Easley
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com EASLEY — Prisma Health plans to build a new $138 million inpatient behavioral health More »
Blue Flame roll past rival Daniel to advance in Class 4A playoffs
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com CENTRAL — After dropping two five set battles to rival Daniel in the regular More »
Swearing in
Members of the Pickens County’s Legislative Delegation take the oath of office on the Pickens County Courthouse steps in Pickens More »
This week in FOOTBALL FRENZY only in PICKENES COUNTY COURIER
LIONS OVERCOME SLOW START AGAINST SENECA TO WIN SIXTH STRAIGHT REGION TITLE; EASLEY DROPS FINALE TO GREENVILLE; RED DEVILS FALL More »
Selugadu set for this weekend at mill
PICKENS — Every November, the Hagood Mill Historic Site observes Native American Heritage Month by holding the Native American Celebration. More »
Officials worry about COVID-19 impact on student census count
By Greg Oliver
Courtesy The Journal
goliver@upstatetoday.com
CLEMSON — Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced university students to go to online learning, many have returned home.
As a result, Central and Clemson officials recently expressed concern about how the absence of students will impact the census count that impacts funding.
“We’re going to get hurt depending on how they count people,” Central town administrator Phillip Mishoe said. “When the college kids left, they’re gone. We’ve put fliers on trashcans, and if we can get the permanent residents
AnMed reinstates no inpatient visitor policy due to surge in COVID-19 cases
PICKENS — In light of the surge in COVID-19 cases, AnMed Health has reinstated no visitation for any inpatient areas at its facilities — including AnMed Health Cannon in Pickens — with the exception of end-of-life and special circumstances “for the safety of our patients, community and staff.”
Effective this week, visitation will be limited to only one support person for end-of-life, labor and
Courier Obituaries 7-8-20
WILLIAM JAMES ABLES
SENECA — William James Ables, born on July 29, 1940, to the late Olen Grandbery Ables and 
Keifer Whitfield Ables of Oconee County, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 26, 2020.
Mr. Ables was retired from Duke Energy after 29 years.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Ables; a daughter, Sheri Ables; two sons, Jamie Ables and Wesley Ables (Zephlin Griffin); a sister, Dot Macijewski; a brother, Lane Ables; and a grandson, Grayson Levi.
A graveside service was held at Oconee Memorial Park on June 30.
The family is at the home of Sheri Ables.
Keowee Funeral Services is assisting the family.
JAMES COLIE STANCIL
PICKENS — Colie Stancil, 86, loving father, and loving husband of Ella Mae Hunter Stancil, passed
Run-ins with the dangerous creatures of the Jocassee Gorges
My children and grandchildren always loved the classic children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak.
The Jocassee Gorges here in our county are full of wild things. While these wild animals may not be as bad as imagined by the main character, Max, in Sendak’s classic, there are still some dangers.
My ancestors and my immediate family have spent many wonderful hours collectively camping, picnicking, exploring, fishing, hunting and photographing in Jocassee and other wilderness areas in
Dooley receives service to Sherman College award
PICKENS — Brian Dooley, D.C., A.C.P., of Pickens, recently received the Service to Sherman College 
Award from Sherman College of Chiropractic in appreciation of his contributions, time and commitment to growing the chiropractic profession. The Service to Sherman College Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary, unselfish and noteworthy service to Sherman College.
Dr. Brian Dooley is a 2005 summa cum laude graduate of Sherman College and has been in private practice in Pickens, since 2007. In 2013, Dooley joined the faculty of Sherman College, where he has served in numerous capacities as an assistant floor doctor in the Health Center, faculty member, and currently as chair of the Business Education Department. Dooley also serves as the Master of Ceremonies for Sherman College’s
Courier Community Calendar 7-8-20
• Pickens Lions plan meetings each month
The Pickens Lions Club is in need of new members. The club meets the first and third Thursday of every month at Pizza Inn in Pickens. Dinner begins at 6:40 p.m., and the meeting starts at 7 p.m.
Meetings are open to anyone interested in joining the club or simply finding out more about the club and how it serves Pickens. The club will not meet the week of July 4. The next meeting is set for July 16.
Tom Mullikin receives two Senate resolutions
By W. Thomas Smith, Jr.
for the Courier
news@upstatetoday.com
Less than a week before global expedition leader Tom Mullikin began the first leg of his month-long 
500-mile trek across South Carolina, the chairman of the S.C. Floodwater Commission received two Senate resolutions: One for his forthcoming South Carolina Seven (SC7) expedition and the other for Mullikin himself, commending his career and life’s work overall.
Both resolutions were introduced and adopted on the floor of the Senate at the S.C. State House on Tuesday, June 23.
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Alexander (District 1 – Oconee and Pickens counties), a portion of the first bill reads: “To commend and honor the S.C. Floodwater Commission and its partners for establishing the SC7 expedition and for facilitating its exploration of the seven wonders of South Carolina and its support and
Families cooking together as they confront COVID-19
Families are spending more time at home than ever before. Stay-at-home guidelines have led many parents to expand their culinary horizons, and time in the kitchen can be made more enjoyable by getting the whole family involved.
As stay-at-home measures continued throughout spring, boredom was a common complaint among people of all ages. Families sticking out social distancing together can confront that boredom by working together to prepare delicious, homecooked meals. The following are some simple ways to get the whole family involved when the time comes to get dinner on the table.
• Include young children. Younger children may not be able to cut, dice or chop, but that does not
Follow these take-out tips when dining at home
Although takeout has long been a convenience enjoyed by people around the world, in recent months takeout became a key way for many restaurants to stay afloat when the novel coronavirus 
COVID-19 forced many to close their facilities to customers.
Restaurants have been allowed to remain open, though they have been forced to change their business models. In a matter of weeks, establishments that were not accustomed to offering takeout quickly reimagined their operations to offer curbside pickup or delivery options. In turn, many communities promoted movements to help keep restaurants afloat, with some encouraging residents to participate in Takeout Thursdays to patronize struggling bars,
