Daily Archives: 12/06/2016
Courier Letters to the editor 12-7-16
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What your shoes can tell you
When is the last time you looked at the bottom of your shoes? If it’s been more than a year, you might be surprised. You could discover uneven wear or spots that are nearly worn through. Both of those can cause balance problems and lead to slips or falls.
The fix, however, isn’t as simple as going out to buy another pair of whatever you’re currently wearing. If, like some of us, you haven’t bought new shoes in many years, you’ll be surprised at how your feet have changed and what’s available now.
If you have any problems with your feet or don’t know what type of shoe to buy, your first step should be to ask your doctor for a referral to a podiatrist. There, you’ll be examined and have a shoe type suggested.
If you have your doctor or podiatrist recommend a shoe type, you’ll know that you’re getting something that will help, as opposed to hurt you. At the same time, there are shoes that Medicare may pay for if you have diabetes. If it turns out that you need a little arch support, a podiatrist will be able to advise you on what will work best.
One walking shoe that comes to mind is the New Balance 577. It comes in all sizes and three widths. Not only are they a popular walking shoe for all ages, but they come with both laces and tab closures.
When you go to buy shoes, shop at a regular shoe store where trained clerks will know how to measure and fit you for the right shoe. This is not the time to try to grab a bargain at a big-box store.
(c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
VA podcasts get thumbs up
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a weekly podcast titled “This Week at VA” that includes benefit information and interviews with veterans. So far it’s pretty good.
One episode features a blind Navy vet who’s a Paralympic Gold Medalist. Bradley Snyder is currently the world record holder for the 100-meter freestyle swim event. His description of 
how he’s adapted to his blind life (he lost his vision in an IED explosion) is inspirational. He’s also written a book, “Fire in My Eyes.” While a podcast is speech and sound only (no video), check out the picture of this veteran’s most excellent dog. What a beauty.
Another podcast is about Haley Carter, a female Marine veteran and graduate of the Naval Academy. She is a former goalkeeper for the Houston women’s soccer team and currently is the assistant coach for the Afghanistan women’s national soccer team. (Try to wrap your mind around that: Afghan women playing soccer?) Carter also talks about claiming the VA benefits she’s entitled to — education, buying a house, health — and what it was like to transition out of the Marine Corps.
Yet another podcast is an interview with the Massachusetts secretary of veterans’ services, Francisco Urena. He talks about VA benefits, why he joined the military, serving in Syria and Kyrgyzstan, and more.
Granted, you’re not going to hear from veterans who’ve been waiting years for disability benefits or who’ve had their paperwork lost five times, but chances are you’ll get something good out of listening to the stories of these other veterans.
To access the podcasts on your computer, go to www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/ and scroll down the list on the right to This Week at VA Podcast. Click that. You also can sign up on iTunes and get weekly updates when a new one is put up.
(c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
Courier Obituaries 12-7-16
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After ACC title, Tigers advance to playoff again
By Alex Maminakis
Courtesy The Journal
alex@upstatetoday.com
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Clemson Tigers are ACC Champions for the second straight year, and College Football Playoff-bound once again.
Clemson defeated Virginia Tech 42-35 on Saturday night at Camping World Stadium for the conference crown — the first time in 28 years that the Tigers (12-1, 7-1 ACC) have won back-to-back conference championships. And, like last year against North Carolina, Saturday’s conference title didn’t come easy.
The Hokies (9-4, 6-2) continued to answer the bell, keeping pace with Clemson’s offense after going down 14-0 early, but they could never close the gap. Virginia Tech came closest with 1:11 left in the game and the ball on Clemson’s 23-yard line, but Jerod Evans threw an interception to Cordrea Tankersley on fourth and six.
One more first-down run by Deshaun Watson, who was named the game’s MVP, sealed the victory.
“This is special,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said after the win. “They’re all special — every one of them has kind of its own story, its own journey — but this one here, back-to-back, 28 years, there’s a reason why it’s been that long, it’s hard to do. These guys set out to do that at the beginning of the year, and they were all brought here for this moment.”
Watson finished 23-of-34 passing for 288 yards, three passing touchdowns, 89 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Eight different Clemson receivers caught a pass from Watson, led by Artavis Scott with seven catches for 48 yards, Jordan Leggett with four catches — two for touchdowns — and 49 yards, and Deon Cain with two catches for a team-high 69 yards.
With Heisman favorite Lamar Jackson in attendance, Watson made his own final push for the award. After the win, Swinney made his case for his quarterback.
“This guy right here (Watson) is the best player in the country, and it ain’t close,” Swinney said. “I’ve seen it the last two years, and proof’s in the pudding — we’re 12-1 this year, 13-0 last year in our regular seasons — there’s just nobody better, and he was on display tonight.”
Two of Watson’s biggest throws came with the Tigers up 35-28 in the fourth quarter — a 31-yard completion to Hunter Renfrow on second and 19 from his own 16-yard line, followed by a 30-yard completion to Cain on third and 14 later on the same drive. Renfrow scored a touchdown to cap off the drive, giving Clemson 42 points.
“I always tell my receivers, whether we have man or any situation, I’m gonna give y’all guys a shot, y’all go be special and make the play,” Watson said. “Really, it’s an honor, it’s a blessing to have those guys on my team and to make me look good.”
With the conference title and a 12-1 season, the Tigers are poised to head back to the College Football Playoff and make another run at the national championship that slipped through their fingers last year. A Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl showdown against third-seeded Ohio State is all that stands between second-seeded Clemson and the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the winner of No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washingto
n in the Peach Bowl.
This week, though, the Tigers w
ill sav
or Saturday’s win, another big one for their program.
“Both were pretty sweet,” Watson said of Clemson’s back-to-back conference titles, “but I think this one was just a little bit sweeter.”
Red Devils fall in third round
By Jimmy Kirby
Courier Sports
jkirby@thepccourier.com
SALUDA — What a difference a week made in the life of Liberty High School football, as Saluda turned the tables on Red Devils with a 35-5 win in the third round of the Class 2A state playoffs on Friday night.
A week after Liberty manhandled Blacksburg in a 35-7 round two victory, Saluda returned to favor on Friday, dominating on both lines of scrimmage to shut down the Red Devils.
Liberty managed only 62 yards of offense in the game and averaged just a yard per play as the Devils totaled 62 offensive plays.
The Tigers, meanwhile, relied on the big play in scoring their 35 points and will head to Abbeville to take on the Panthers in the upper state finals this week.
Liberty started the game with an onside kick and recovered the kickoff at the Saluda 45-yard line. The first drive was a glimpse of things to come, as the Red Devils managed only five yards on the drive and were forced to punt.
The Devils caught another early break as Tyrell Abney could not handle the punt, and Cole Murphy recovered the ball at the Saluda 11-yard line. Again the Red Devils couldn’t move the ball and settled for a 28-yard Austin Kemp field goal for the their only offensive points of the night.
The Tigers got a huge 45-yard run by Malik Brooks after the Devils took the early lead, putting Saluda deep in Liberty territory at the 14-yard line. Brooks scored four plays later, and the Tigers were off and running.
Abney made up for his fumbled punt with a 53-yard run on the Tigers’ next series of downs, giving his team a 14-3 lead after the first quarter.
Two series later, the Tigers were in business again as Brooks went around right end for an 81-yard scamper and a 21-3 lead.
Saluda closed out the scoring in the first half with a beautifully executed screen pass from Noah Bell to Ty Bell from 47 yards out for a 
28-3 lead.
The only touchdown of the second half came on Noah Bell’s pass for 61 yards into tight double coverage to Raquon Hartley. Hartley tipped the ball to himself over the two Red Devil defenders and waltzed into the end zone for the final score of the night for the Tigers.
Liberty’s Aaron Bates made a tackle for a safety in the game’s final minute to make up the final score.
It was one of those games where the Red Devils just couldn’t get into sync offensively and the Liberty defense had no answer for Brooks, who led all rushers with 137 yards on 17 carries. Abney followed with 75 yards on five carries.
Cavaugio Butler led the way for the Red Devils with just 21 yards on 13 carries. Garrett Fricks was the second leading rusher with 18 yards on five carries late in the game.
The Red Devils couldn’t make up any ground through the air as Nick Reeves was pressured into just three completions in 21 attempts and 27 yards passing.
The Red Devils complete the season at 8-5 and will savor the program’s first-ever home playoff win and a second-round road victory at Blacksburg.
Coach Kyle Stewart was disappointed in the loss, but spoke highly about this year’s team.
“It has been a historic season for our program,” he said. “I am so proud of what this group of young men have accomplished this year.”
He gave high praise to the dominant performance by Saluda.
“Although we came up short tonight, our team should hold their heads high,” he said.
Stewart said at the beginning of the season that his senior group of players would make a difference in the outcome of the season, and he was correct.
“I believe they have set the standard for those that will follow in their footsteps,” he said.
Stewart had time to put the whole season into perspective.
“Thinking back to the total season, from spring ball, the summer, fall camp, and now the regular season, this group as a whole has been incredibly dedicated and focused,” he said. “We have certainly had bumps in the road, but our resiliency showed.”
He said that the credit for the year goes to the players.
“They play the games,” he said.
Stewart also had good things to say about his coaching staff.
“My assistant coaches have done a great job also,” he said. “I am very thankful for the sacrifices they have made for these young men. Preparation takes a lot of time. That is time away from family. I am proud to have these men working with our players.”
The Devils will now wait to see what crop of young men will step up for the 2017 season. With a little improvement, just maybe the Red Devils can continue to take those last two steps and complete the ultimate task of a state title.
Courier Legals 12-7-16
The publisher shall only be liable for an amount less than or equal to the charge for the space of the item in error in the case of errors in or omissions from any advertisement, and only for the first incorrect insertion
Courier Notice of Creditors 12-7-16
The publisher shall only be liable for an amount less than or equal to the charge for the space of the item in error in the case of errors in or omissions from any advertisement, and only for the first incorrect insertion.
Courier Trespass Notices 12-7-16
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code. Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the lands of the undersigned:
Courier Classifieds 12-7-16
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