Daily Archives: 10/29/2014
School board tables prayer
By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter
brobinson@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — After passing first reading of a new policy allowing school board meetings to feature an opening prayer last month, the Pickens County School Board reversed course Monday night, tabling the matter for the foreseeable future.
The board voted 4-2 — with chairman Alex Saitta and Jimmy Gillespie opposed — to table the motion until more information on the action’s legal status is available.
Board member Brian Swords suggested the motion be tabled based on legal advice.
“They cited they wanted to hear more from the attorney general, and while our attorney said our policy was legal, our attorney said why change what you are doing (a non-sectarian prayer) which has no risk?” Saitta said after the meeting.
Saitta had motioned to add a request to superintendent Dr. Danny Merck to go ahead and invite clergy members to
Gillespie: ‘Whole system is broken’
By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter
brobinson@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — In his last meeting, Jimmy Gillespie was rushed in his final remarks as a member of the Pickens County School Board on Monday night.
Council member Judy Edwards tried to motion that Gillespie’s speech be cut off after several minutes, but the motion
Election set for Tuesday
By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter
brobinson@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — A handful of local seats will be decided Tuesday when voters go to the polls for the general election.
Three seats on the Pickens County School Board are up for grabs, with one race set to feature four challengers.
In District 4, Brian Swords is running unopposed in his bid for reelection to a full term after winning a special election to fill the unexpired term of Ben Trotter earlier this year.
In District 6, incumbent Jim Shelton will face the challenge of Henry Wilson.
The District 2 race could be the mostly hotly contested, however, as Phillip Bowers, Kevin McKenzie, Tony
Clemson students struck by vehicle
CLEMSON — Two Clemson students were hit by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 123 Thursday night.
According to Clemson police chief Jimmy Dixon, his department received a 911 call at around 10 p.m. that two people had been hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Highway 123 and S.C. Highway 133.
The male and female were crossing the intersection headed toward the downtown area when the vehicle struck them,
Fall for Liberty
The city of Liberty hosted its third annual Fall for Liberty Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, featuring vendors, music, fun for kids, a chili cook-off and more. At right, children enjoy a hayride through townl;. Above, members of Tiger Junction perform at the event.
Rocky Nimmons/Courier
Grace United to host annual holiday bazaar
PICKENS — Grace United Methodist Church will hold its fall bazaar and luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 13. The event will start at 7 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend the bazaar.
A turkey and dressing lunch will be available for $10 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The plates will be available dine-in or carry-out, and the church will offer delivery for five or more plates within a
Oyster roast planned to benefit Guardian ad Litem program
EASLEY — Community sponsors and supporters will come together Saturday for the Friends of Pickens County Guardian ad Litem’s first-ever Clusters for Kids oyster roast and silent auction.
The event is planned for 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Arran Farm, at 820 Lenhardt Road in Easley.
Ticket prices are $50 individually and $90 per couple, with a limited number of tickets available at the door for $75 each, and may be purchased online at www.friendspcgal.org or at several local businesses in Easley, Liberty, Pickens
Local elected officials set to meet on Nov. 10
EASLEY — The Pickens County Legislative Delegation will hold a meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. in the conference room of the delegation office, located at West End Hall, Room 205, 201 S. 5th Street, Easley.
The purpose of the meeting is to administer the oath of office for the next legislative term.
Senator Larry A. Martin will perform the swearing in of the delegation members. Call the delegation office at (864) 850-7070 with any questions.
Tulips bloom in our dreams
It’s time to plant bulbs. This is a wonderful time in the gardening season in that the slate is wiped clean. There are no weeds screaming to be pulled or invasive pests devouring leaves… It’s over. Yes, there are a few scraggly petunias hanging on, and the roses are blooming again, but we know their cycle is almost done.
This year’s garden will soon be last year’s garden, and the time is right to forgive ourselves for things left undone in August and September and to plan anew.
Each fall brings a vision of what could bloom next spring. In mind’s eye are thick clumps of heathy tulips, untouched by ground squirrels and other vermin. Daffodils are nodding their bright heads in sunlight. The smiling faces of pansies greet us
