Houston named EHS football coach
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com EASLEY — Just one month removed from Jordan Durrah stepping down as the head More »
Azalea Festival returns to Pickens next week
PICKENS — The Pickens Azalea Festival, one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, returns to downtown More »
Green Wave shutout Pickens for fourth straight region win
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com EASLEY — After some early season struggles to put goals on the board, the More »
Whitaker honored at Senior Day
Hannah Whitaker, a Liberty High School graduate, celebrated her senior day at Anderson University during the Trojan’s Saturday double-header against More »
Houston named EHS football coach
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — Just one month removed from Jordan Durrah stepping down as the head football coach at Easley High School, the school has turned to a familiar face for his replacement.
The Easley High School Athletic Department announced Interim head coach/defensive
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Azalea Festival returns to Pickens next week
PICKENS — The Pickens Azalea Festival, one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, returns to downtown Pickens, SC, to commemorate 40 years of tradition. After a record-breaking attendance of over 55,000 in 2023, this year’s festival promises an exhilarating 
weekend filled with family fun.
Sponsored by Quality Granite, Cabinets, and Flooring, the festivities will take place on April 26-27. The event will feature an annual cruise-in and street festival boasting over 350 artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, rides, and games. Saturday’s schedule is brimming with live entertainment, including a pie contest, pet pageant, and husband-calling contest.
The festival, organized by the Pickens Azalea Festival 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a testament to community spirit and support for local non-profits. This year’s celebration aims to showcase the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Pickens County.
Friday’s Annual Cruise In will feature a record-breaking array of hot rods, muscle cars, jeeps, and classic vehicles from all eras. Festivities kick off with live music from Jack Roper and The Weatherman Band at 5:30 along with rides, games, and food trucks for the whole family to enjoy. The evening culminates with a sunset performance by Randomonium.
Saturday’s street festival will be a bustling hub of activity, with over 300 artisan vendors lining the streets, offering one-of-a-kind crafts and creations. Live entertainment throughout the day will include performances by local talents such as Chris Vita, Trey Duncan, Leah Seawright Band with Mark Herndon from Alabama, Benton Blount, and Ryan Perry.
In addition to the vibrant atmosphere and unique offerings, the festival will host engaging contests for attendees to participate in. The Pet Pageant invites all pet owners to showcase their furry or exotic companions, while the Pie Baking Competition will determine Carolina’s premier pie for home and professional bakers. Not to be missed is the Husband Calling Contest, where contestants will vie for attention in the most dramatic fashion.
The Pickens Azalea Festival is not only a celebration of Spring tradition in Pickens, but also a platform for over 50 local non-profits to connect with the community. Proceeds from the festival support these initiatives, ensuring the continued enrichment of Pickens County.
As the festival continues to thrive, volunteers are essential for its success. Motivated individuals passionate about their community are encouraged to join the committee and contribute to the ongoing legacy of the Pickens Azalea Festival.
For more information and to get involved, see the festival schedule, or contest registration, visit www.pickensazaleafestival.com or on any social media platform @pickensazaleafestival
Pickens man killed in mowing accident
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A Pickens man died Friday after his lawnmower overturned last week at his home, according to officials.
Pickens County chief deputy coroner Andrew Wilson identified the victim as Jimmy Freeman, 76,
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DHS to honor past athletes
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
CENTRAL — Daniel High School will be honoring its prep-to-pro athletes in a big way at a ceremony at the school next month.
The D.W. Daniel High School athletic department announced the upcoming 2024 Lion Pride Jersey
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Retirement Celebration, honoring the outstanding achievements of its esteemed athletes on Monday. The banquet, set to take place on May 18, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the D.W. Daniel High School Gymnasium, promises to be an evening of celebration and recognition.
The event will pay tribute to multiple athletes in the Athletic Hall of Fame who have distinguished themselves by representing Daniel Athletics at the collegiate and professional levels. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate the careers and contributions of these exceptional individuals.
Confirmed athletes scheduled to attend (subject to change) include Kevin Breedlove, Marq Cerqua, DeAndre Hopkins, Jarvis Jenkins, members of Kent Lawrence’s family, Shaq Lawson, Jim Sutherland, and DeShawn Williams. Although unable to attend, Carley Hoover’s family will be present to honor her in absentia.
Tommy Plumblee, athletic director at Daniel High School, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “Daniel High School has a proud tradition of athletes who have represented the school at the collegiate and professional level. The banquet will honor all Hall of Fame members who have participated in professional sports in their respective sport.”
In addition to the main program, a silent auction will be held during the event, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on exclusive items and experiences.
Tickets are now available on the athletic website at https://dhs.pickens.k12.sc.us/o/dhs/page/tickets. For inquiries or information about business sponsorships, please contact the Daniel High School Athletic Department office at 864-397-2917 or 864-397-2918.
Woman dies after Clemson accident
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
CLEMSON — A Mt. Pleasant woman died a day after her car overturneda wreck in Clemson on Saturday.
Pickens County chief deputy coroner Andrew Wilson identified the victim as 20-year-old Caroline
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DSS names new County director
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — The new director of the Pickens County Department of Social Services is a familiar face at the agency and in Pickens County.
Last week, the South Carolina Department of Social Services announced Cindy Wolthius as the new Pickens County DSS director.
Wolthuis began her social services career at the
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Sundling receives Liberty Small Business Scholarship
LIBERTY — The Liberty Community Small Business Scholarship is awarded to aspiring students who demonstrate business potential and a strong drive to create and execute innovative business 
ideas. Liberty High School senior Tristen Sundling is the 2024 recipient who impressed the selection committee in the in-person interviews with her drive and determination. About her startup, Sundling said,
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Honoring his service
First responders from around the area came together last week for the funeral procession of Sergeant Brian Atkins of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office following his death on April 8. Sgt. Atkins began his career with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 when he joined the detention center. Brian later transitioned to the Uniform Patrol Division, where he most recently served as the Sergeant of the Charlie Team. Pictured are members of South Carolina state troopers, the City of Pickens police department, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Clemson police department,the City of Liberty police department, the Greenville Countys Sheriff’s Office, the Pickens Rural fire department and the Pickens City fire department.
Photos courtesy Ed Leese
Hub Clemson passes council
CLEMSON — Despite hundreds of opposed residents showing up to the Clemson City Council chambers — and spilling out into the lobby — Hub Clemson passed its final reading on Monday. 
Clemson City Councilmen Bob Brookover, John Ducworth and John Fulmer joined Mayor Robert Halfacre in once again voting for the planned
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Inmate dies at detention center
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — State officials are investigating the death of a Pickens County Detention Center 
inmate found hanging from a bedsheet last week.
Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chuck James said in a release issued April 9 that an inmate had been found
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