AdvertiseHereH

Monthly Archives: March 2016

Courier staff receives statewide recognition

From left, DAR Andrew Pickens Chapter corresponding secretary Darlene Dowdy, state regent Dianne Culbertson, Pickens County Courier Publisher Rocky Nimmons and his wife, Marty, Andrew Pickens Chapter regent Mari Noorai, and DAR state chair for public relations and media Deanna Cochran. Right, Pickens County Courier Editor Zack Mauldin.

COLUMBIA — The Pickens County Courier received statewide honors twice in one day earlier this month, as publisher Rocky Nimmons was named as the S.C. Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s State Outstanding Media Award winner and editor Zack Mauldin earned two S.C. Press Association awards.

[cointent_lockedcontent]

Nimmons was honored at the 120th annual conference of the S.C. Society of the DAR, while Mauldin received recognition at the annual SCPA meeting, both held in Columbia on March 19.

Mauldin earned a first-place award for photo page design and a third-place honor for sports page design in the weekly over 4,500 category, competing against the largest weekly newspapers from across the state.

untitledMauldin’s first-place recognition came for a page published following Pickens County’s honoring of its four Medal of Honor winners with memorial dedications for each across the county.

Judges praised the page’s “simple but elegant” design, commending its “impressive variety of images that speak to the emotion of the event.” Nimmons traveled around the county on the day of the event, capturing poignant moments at each of the four dedication ceremonies.

Mauldin was also honored for the design of a page from the Dec. 3, 2014, edition, about the Clemson Tigers’ 35-17 victory over rival South Carolina, ending the Gamecocks’ five-year win streak in the series.

“I am so proud that Zack was recognized for his outstanding work,” Nimmons said. “The awards he won this year for pages are only a small example of the many amazing pages he has designed over the past years.

“He just has that certain knack for leading our readers on a journey through our pages with his style of storytelling through layout. It seems like only yesterday he was learning the art of layout, and today he is one of the most dynamic page designers and editors in the newspaper business. His work designing pages complements that of our award-winning graphic artist Emily Wright and her amazing ads. The Courier and our loyal readers are blessed to have this duo bringing them their news each and every week.”

Nimmons’ honor came after the Andrew Pickens Chapter of the DAR in Clemson recognized him for outstanding work that promotes historic preservation, education or patriotism. From among state honorees, Nimmons was selected by the S.C. DAR Public Relations and Media Committee as the statewide winner.

“Mr. Nimmons’ weekly publication’s positive impact on the Pickens County community and beyond is immeasurable, wholeheartedly supporting the DAR motto of ‘God, Home and Country,’” read a letter written to nominate Nimmons by Andrew Pickens Chapter regent Mari R. Noorai. ” Pickens County is made up of nine cities and includes the Clemson University, Southern Wesleyan Universit, and Tri-County Technical College communities in its readership. As the publisher of the Pickens County Courier, Mr. Nimmons promotes news stories that cover areas of education, historic preservation and patriotism throughout its sections. Mr. Nimmons’ reputation for publishing outstanding news stories in the community is well known by many.

“Mr. Nimmons cares deeply for the Pickens County community, which is conveyed on every page of this publication, and this publication is the only locally owned and operated newspaper in Pickens County. When a tragedy occurs, the coverage of the Pickens County Courier is respectful to all sides, and, when needed, grieves with the community.”

Noorai expressed her admiration and gratitude for Nimmons for “his dedication to the Pickens County community and what we hold dear.”

“The news coverage of the Pickens County Courier makes education, historic preservation and patriotism a part of all of our lives,” she said. “Our community is better connected and more involved because of the publication under Mr. Nimmons’ capable and loving leadership.”

Nimmons, who founded the Courier along with a handful of staff members in 2007, was awestruck at being named the statewide honoree.

“It is a great honor and very humbling that I can accept this incredible award,” Nimmons said. “I have been blessed with a 32-year career in the newspaper industry here in Pickens County and see no end in sight.”

Nimmons is the only person to have ever acted as publisher at every newspaper in Pickens County during his career, but knows that with his success, one thing has always been a constant.

“I owe so much to the many men and women who I have worked with and learned from over the years,” he said. “I have had so many great staff members, but none can compare to the current group that brings you the Pickens County Courier each and every week. I am just a small part of what makes the Courier great. It is people like Zack Mauldin, Iva Stratton, Emily Wright, Mignonne Matheson, Jason Evans and Pamela Dodson who deserve so much of the credit. From our ladies who insert the paper on Wednesdays to the folks who deliver the paper to the stores near you every week, all make the Courier possible, and without them, Pickens County would not get its paper every Wednesday.”

[/cointent_lockedcontent]

He is Risen

As Christians around the world celebrated Christianity’s most important holiday, Secona Baptist Church youth pastor James Lawson led an Easter sunrise service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens at 7 a.m. on Sunday. A Pickens County tradition since 1960, the event was co-sponsored by Hillcrest and the Pickens Ministerial Association. In addition to Lawson’s messages of worship, the service featured live music from the Secona Youth Praise Team.

heisrisenRocky Nimmons / Courier

 

Election field taking shape

Sheriff, county council races headline local contests

COUNTY — With so much attention on the circus surrounding this year’s presidential contest, it’s easy to forget about the local and state offices that are up for election this year as well.

Pickens County voters will be casting their ballots in many contested races at the local level this year.

Filing will close today, March 30, at noon.

All candidates listed have filed to run as Republican candidates, unless otherwise noted. The Pickens County Republican primary is set for June 14, while the general election is scheduled for Nov. 8.

Pickens County sheriff Rick Clark has filed for re-election. He’ll face former assistant sheriff Tim Morgan, who he defeated in 2012 to replace longtime sheriff David Stone.

Several county council districts are up for election this year.

Incumbent councilman Randy Crenshaw is seeking another term representing District 3. He will face opposition from Jimmy Davis and Alex Saitta.

Roy Costner is running for county council District 4. As of press time Tuesday, incumbent Neil Smith had not filed for re-election.

Chris Bowers, Robert Sams and Jeffrey Willis have filed for the District 5 county council seat. As of press time, incumbent Jennifer Willis had not filed for re-election.

Carl Hudson and Daniel Lee are seeking the District 6 county council seat. As of press time, incumbent Tom Ponder had not filed for re-election.

The district 1 and 2 seats are not up for election this cycle.

Three people have filed to challenge for the State Senate District 2 seat long held by incumbent Larry Martin. Don Joslyn, Allen Quinn and Rex Rice will face Martin.

Incumbent Gary Clary will face Libertarian candidate Travis McCurry in the race for the State House of Representatives District 3 seat.

Rep. Davey Hiott is seeking re-election to the State House of Representatives District 4 seat. He’ll face opposition from Libertarian candidate Joey Lum.

Rick Tate is seeking to unseat Rep. Neal Collins for the State House of Representatives District 5 seat. Collins has filed for re-election.

Both U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan and U.S. Senator Tim Scott face opposition in this year’s race. Democrat Hosea Cleveland of Seneca will run against Duncan for the District 3 seat. Bill Bledsoe of Spartanburg seeks to unseat Scott for the District 2 seat. According to county election records, Bledsoe has filed as both a Constitution Party and Libertarian Party candidate. Democrat Thomas Dixon of North Charleston is also running against Scott.

Sen. Thomas Alexander had no opposition for his District 1 seat as of press time. Rep. Joshua Putnam faced no opposition for his District 10 seat as of press time.

Several elected officials at the county level were also running unopposed as of press time:

Brent Suddeth is running for re-election as county auditor, Kandy Kelley seeks re-election as county coroner, Pat Welborn is running for re-election as county clerk of court, and Dale Looper seeks another term as county treasurer.

 

Countywide health fair set for Easley

By Jason Evans

Staff Reporter

jevans@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — For some time now, seven area churches have been coming together each year for a countywide revival in April.

From that focus on spiritual health, a fair focusing on physical and mental wellbeing was born.

The Oolenoy River Countywide Health Fair has been going on for more than 20 years, according to health promoter Annette Blake.

“We want to help some people in the community,” Blake said.

This year’s fair will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. next Wednesday, April 6, at the Easley Union Missionary Baptist Church, located at 200 N. Pendleton St. in Easley.

Fifteen vendors will be present at the fair, including representatives from the fire and police departments and behavioral health services.

Attendees can get their eyes and hearing checked. Information about prostate health and mammograms will also be available.

“Everything is free,” Blake said.

Stressed out? Enjoy a massage while you’re at the health fair.

Lunch will be served at the fair at no cost to attendees.

A blood drive is being held in connection with the health fair, so stop by The Blood Mobile and give the gift of life.

Blood drive donors will receive TBC Rewards points, which can be redeemed for gift cards to area businesses.

There will be a chance for some shopping at the fair, though. Blake is bringing in a woman who sells jewelry.

“Some ladies like to look good at all times,” Blake said.

For more information on the health fair, call Annette Blake at (864) 349-9225.

 

Azalea Festival approaching

PICKENS — With less than a month remaining before the Pickens Azalea Festival kicks off its 32nd year, the committee responsible for the planning, organizing and ensuring the two-day event runs smoothly continues to bring in new arts and crafts, food vendors and a variety of activities in hopes that each of the more than 20,000 people expected to attend enjoy every moment they spend touring the fun-filled city streets.

3-30 Page 1A.inddAccording to festival executive director Russ Gantt, the family event will again branch out this year to offer visitors a unique opportunity to see another popular and historical site in Pickens County.

“Grace United Methodist Church and Bowers Transportation Services will again be offering free shuttle bus tours to Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center for anyone wanting to visit the site and participate in the activities occurring there,” Gantt said. “It will be a great opportunity to see Hagood Mill and to get a feel on how folks lived before electricity and other modern conveniences.”

Hagood Mill, an operating gristmill that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in around 1825 and is one of the oldest working mills in South Carolina. Visitors can experience varying arts and crafts of that period, as well as folk life and living history demonstrations, including blacksmithing, cotton ginning, moonshining and open-hearth cooking, in addition to a myriad of traditions native to that century.

The mill’s 20-foot waterwheel is not only the largest in the state, it is also the only one made of wood. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds, cabins, home, activities and then enjoy a musical performance, held each third Saturday of the month.

Shuttles to the Hagood Mill Historic Site will leave the Azalea Festival grounds at the corner of Main Street and Ann Street from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. during the festival, Gantt said.

“We hope that everyone takes advantage of this chance to see this site that carries so much importance to the history of Pickens County,” Gantt said.

The Azalea Festival will begin Friday evening, April 15, with the annual Classic Car Cruise-In on Main Street. Area streets will be shut down to regular traffic while vehicles of all makes and models line the roadway.

“The Car Cruise-In is a fun way to introduce our kids to the cars we once drove when we ourselves were younger — a lot younger,” Gantt said. “Owners of these classics have put a lot of effort into returning their vehicles to their original grandeur.”

To kick the musical offerings off on Friday night will be the group New Dixie Storm at 6 p.m. on the main stage, located next to the Pickens County Courthouse.

Headlining Friday night’s main stage will be the group Jukebox 45. Billed as Greenville’s No. 1 oldies band, the group brings memories of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s to the stage.

Beginning at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies on Saturday will present a different venue to the Azalea Festival, as the main thoroughfare in Pickens remains closed to vehicular traffic so artists and craftsmen, a variety of food and refreshment vendors and many scheduled entertainment events, including music, comedy and a pet pageant, replace the classic cars of the night before, Gantt said.

“Our goal is to grow the festival, and this year will prove to be the biggest and best yet,” he said. “Folks can visit the many arts and crafts booths, maybe discovering that unique item for their home or a gift, try an ice cream cone, cotton candy and funnel cake, and enjoy a good lunch or early dinner. And all the while they can listen to music on the main stage next to the Pickens County Courthouse.”

The men and women of the Pickens Fire Department will be bringing back grilled hamburger plates during the festival, Gantt said.

Legacy Square will be home to amusement rides during the two-day event.

The Extraordinaires will headline Saturday night’s entertainment on the main stage.

“April 15 and 16 is going to be a great time to be in Pickens,” Gantt said. “The Azalea Festival will prove to be the best festival now in its 32nd year.”

For more information and a schedule of events, visit pickensazaleafestival.com.

 

Holcombe signs with Spartanburg Methodist

By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter

jevans@thepccourier.com

PICKENS — An outstanding Pickens High School volleyball stalwart made the next step of her athletic and educational career official Friday morning.

Haley Holcombe signed with Spartanburg Methodist College in the Pickens High School gymnasium as friends, family and coaches looked on.

Holcombe said the Spartanburg Methodist team has really welcomed her in.

“The coach was super sweet,” Holcombe said. “It’s just all like a family over there.”

Holcombe has been playing volleyball since she was in the second grade.

“I played middle from seventh to eighth, then I made varsity and started as a freshman here,” Holcombe said.

Haley Holcombe accepted a volleyball scholarship from Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday morning. Front row, from left: Rex Holcombe, Haley Holcombe, Hannah Holcombe and Rae Holcombe. Back row: Spartanburg Methodist coach Megan Aiello, Pickens coach Jennifer Gravely and Pickens assistant coach Lauren Carlisle.

Haley Holcombe accepted a volleyball scholarship from Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday morning. Front row, from left: Rex Holcombe, Haley Holcombe, Hannah Holcombe and Rae Holcombe. Back row: Spartanburg Methodist coach Megan Aiello, Pickens coach Jennifer Gravely and Pickens assistant coach Lauren Carlisle.

“It’s been great,” Holcombe said of playing for Pickens. “We’ve always made it to the end of the playoffs, so we’ve always been really good.”

Holcombe hopes to help Spartanburg Methodist win a conference championship.

Spartanburg Methodist College head coach Megan Aiello said Holcombe’s leadership on the court made her stand out.

“Her playing ability speaks for itself,” she said. “I like her leadership, her experience. She’s going to have the ability to come in as a freshman and be a starting setter and contribute immediately for us, so we’re excited for that.”

Aiello has seen Holcombe play on many occasions.

“We’ve had our eye on her for the past several years,” she said. “We’re pretty excited to be able to get her there at Spartanburg Methodist.”

Pickens coach Jennifer Gravely has coached Holcombe for four years on varsity.

“She has been a wonderful addition to our program,” Gravely said. “She has been the reason that we kind of got back on track after a few years of not going far in the playoffs.

During Holcombe’s freshman year, the team made it to the finals, losing to North Myrtle Beach, Gravely said.

“The next two years, we won back-to-back state championships,” Gravely said. “We lost in the Upper State finals last year.”

Holcombe has been a starter for four years, she said.

“She’s played all the way around,” Gravely said. “She’s been a terrific leader.”

Holcombe was a co-captain this season.

It’s rare for a freshman to be a starter, Gravely said.

“I don’t always keep freshmen — it just kind of depends on if they’re going to get to play or not play,” she said. “She had the talent and the skills. She’s just a tremendous blocker, a great setter. I think she’s played the same position in the starting rotation for four years. It’s going to be very different next year.

“It’s just going to be hard to replace her. I’m super excited for her and this opportunity that she has.”

 

Thanking vets for service

tyvetsClemson mayor J.C. Cook recently signed a proclamation proclaiming March 29 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” Pictured the day of the signing are Andrew Pickens Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution regent Mari Nooria and Cook. The proclamation is a way for the area DAR and the City of Clemson say thank you to Vietnam veterans for their service.

 

Number One Volleyball Camp dates scheduled for summer

EASLEY — Dates have been set for the 2016 Number One Volleyball Camp.

The first two sessions will be held at the Larry Bagwell Gymnasium at 111 Walkers Way in Easley. The final three sessions will be held at the Pickens Recreation gymnasium at 545 Sangamo Road in Pickens.

Session one, for rising second through fourth graders, will be held June 13-16 from 9 a.m.-noon. Session two, for rising fifth through eighth graders, will be held June 13-16 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Session three, for rising second through fourth graders, will be held July 25-28 from 9 a.m.-noon. Session four, for rising fifth through eighth graders will be Aug. 1-4 from 9 a.m.-noon.

The fifth and final session, for rising seventh and eighth graders, will be Aug. 1-4 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

This year marks the 22nd year that former Pickens High School head volleyball coach Peggy Anthony has directed a camp in Pickens County.

Brochures will be available in the coming months in Easley at the Larry Bagwell Gymnasium (Easley Rec), in Pickens at the Pickens Rec and JD Sports, in Liberty at the Liberty Rec and in Dacusville at the Dacusville Rec.

Brochures may also be obtained by contacting Anthony at peggyanthony@rocketmail.com or (864) 878-3981. Those interested may also follow the camp on Facebook at facebook.com/NumberOneVolleyballCamp for updates.

 

Steppin’ It Up Coalition to meet April 11

PICKENS — The mission of the Steppin’ It Up Coalition is to strengthen a generation of youth in Pickens County who are armed with the knowledge, motivation, and support to combat the temptations of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The April Steppin’ It Up Coalition Meeting will be held            Monday, April 11, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Pickens Recreation Center, located at 545 Sangamo Road in Pickens.

Meetings are open to anyone interested in educating youth on the dangers and health implications of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure and use.  The Steppin’ It Up Coalition of Pickens County targets youth, parents and other adults who impact where youth get access to drugs and alcohol, and how, why and when they choose to use.

For more information, contact Cathy Breazeale at (864) 898-5800, visit steppinituppickens.org/ or find the group on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Baptist Easley achieves excellence recognition

EASLEY — For the third year in a row, Baptist Easley Hospital was recognized by the South Carolina Hospital Association’s (SCHA) Working Well initiative and Prevention Partners for achieving the excellence recognition.

The excellence recognition is awarded for reaching the highest standards in workplace health and prevention. Baptist Easley Hospital sustained this recognition by earning straight As in four modules of WorkHealthy America, a Prevention Partners initiative addressing tobacco use, physical activity, nutrition, and the overall culture around health and wellness.

The excellence recognition honors Baptist Easley Hospital’s commitment to employee health as demonstrated by its policies, programs and benefits to support employee health, optimize employee productivity and integrate wellness into daily operations.

“Baptist Easley Hospital sets a high bar in establishing and sustaining a workplace where employees can make healthy choices,” said Lindsey Bickers Bock, strategic coaching senior manager at Prevention Partners. “I applaud this great effort and the commitment of their leadership to create a culture of wellness.”

“We are excited to be recognized for the third year in a row for providing the highest level of quality in standards in worksite health and prevention,” hospital CEO Michael Batchelor said. “We believe that before we can promote health and wellness, we must live it. Baptist Easley strives to be an example of health and wellness to the community we serve by serving compassionately, inspiring others, personalizing the experience in order to be the best in community healthcare.”

Prevention Partners works with the SCHA’s Working Well initiative to engage corporate leaders and staff throughout South Carolina to enhance and sustain employee wellness efforts. These efforts are generously funded through the Duke Endowment.