Category Archives: Local News
Library board votes to reinstate collection policy
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — Two weeks after pausing the library system’s controversial collection policy in order to finish the process of hiring an interim director, the Pickens County Library 
Board of Trustees voted to reinstate the policy during a meeting on Thursday night at the Capt. Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library in Easley.
The motion to continue with the implementation of the policy passed 5-2, with chairman Danny Parton and trustees Brian Aiken, Mark Kilburn, Nancy Miller and Alesia Pinkerton
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Pickens man charged after police standoff
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A Pickens man is charged with kidnapping after a standoff with sheriff’s 
deputies early Saturday morning.
Pickens County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call at 1:59 a.m. Saturday, March 21, about a domestic violence situation in the 100 block of Province Lane in Pickens, Chief Deputy
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Linvill announces run for SC State House District 3
CLEMSON — Pickens County Council member Claiborne Linvill has officially filed to 
run for S.C. House District 3. The district encompasses Clemson, Central, Six Mile and part of Norris.
“I’m running to create positive change in South Carolina politics,” Linvill said. “I hope to shift focus away from issues that divide and distract so we can do real work on issues that actually improve peoples’ lives: making life more affordable,
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SWU receives largest gift in school’s history
CENTRAL — Southern Wesleyan University has received the largest gift in its history, marking a significant moment of transformational support for the institution’s future.
The gift came through the sale of a Christian camp property in North Carolina that had been donated to Southern Wesleyan University in 2025. Following prayerful consideration, the property was sold for $2.125 million to a Christian organization that will continue using the property to advance the cause of Christ.
“We give thanks to God for His remarkable
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O’Reilly now open!
Pickens’ new O’Reilly Auto Parts held its formal grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, drawing a large crowd for the celebration. The new auto parts store, located at 103 Aspen Way, is now fully geared up to serve the community with top quality parts and service. Pictured in back are assistant manager, Daniel Wilhelm, regional manager, Donnie Ford, The Rev. Dr. Nath Bailey of Family Promise of Pickens—an organization O’Reilly’s is supporting through donations—and O’Reilly’s delivery driver, Randall Hayes. In front are store manager, Lara Sanford, Mickey Koziorynsky, commercial sales specialist, Gabby King, ribbon cutter and district manager Matt Groce, City of Pickens Mayor, Isaiah Scipio and Pickens city administrator, Tim O’Bryant. O’Reilly Auto Parts is open Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m and Sundays 9 a.m. to 8 p,m. You can reach the store via telephone at (864) 897-7000.
Work on next phase of Six Mile nature walk to begin soon
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
SIX MILE — Work on one portion of the Bryson Children’s Nature Walk in Six Mile was 
recently completed, and another phase of work will begin soon.
Six Mile Mayor James Atkinson discussed work at the nature park during a ceremony in honor of late naturalist, writer and historian Dennis Chastain on March 11.
“This has been a 10-year project,” Atkinson said of the park’s development.
Following planning, work has been going on
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PHS class of 1976 to hold 50th class reunion
PICKENS — PICKENS — The Pickens High School Class of 1976 will host its 50th class reunion on May 9 at the Hagood Mill Pavilion from noon until 5 p.m. The Hagood Mill 
Pavilion is located at 129 Hagood Mill Rd., Pickens, SC 29671.
Barbecue, macaroni and cheese, and slaw will be provided. Those
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Courier Community Calendar 3-25-26
• WHM singing is set for on March 29
Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry will host a special gospel singing celebration in honor of Women’s History Month on Sunday, March 29. The event will begin at 4 p.m., with doors opening at 3 p.m., at Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry, located at 103 West C Ave. in Easley. Tim Sutton serves as pastor.
The program will feature gospel music from several groups and singers, including Charmain Madison, Sister Orrie Burdine, Faith Inspiration, The Gospel Raiders, The Gospel Messengers, the New Mt. Pisgah Praise Team and the Bethel Impact Church Praise Team.
Praise and worship will be led by Sacajawea “Tweet” Blassingame, and Minister Barbara Blake will serve as mistress of ceremonies.
Admission is free, though a love offering will be taken. The community is invited to attend for an afternoon of gospel music, praise and celebration.
• Event to remember set for Vietnam vets
The public is invited to the Semper Fi Barn, located at 314 Smith Memorial Highway in Central, for a National Vietnam Veterans remembrance event from 2-4 p.m. Sunday,
Earnhardt plugs effort to save local speedway
By Mike Pulley
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced on social media Thursday that he would bring his zMAX CARS Tour, a NASCAR short-track series, to the historic Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Easley if it’s saved.
Earnhardt’s post on X (formerly Twitter) was the second major boost in less than a week in the effort to save and reopen the racetrack. On March 9, the Pickens County
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Cassidy set to take over as LES principal
COUNTY — Liberty Elementary School will have a new principal for the 2026-2027 school year, and it is set to be a familiar face in the Liberty community.
The School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees approved Dr. Lisa Cassidy as the next principal of the school at a called board meeting on March 16. Her appointment will take effect July 1.
Dr. Cassidy currently serves as principal of Liberty Middle School, a position she has held since 2017. Her transition to Liberty Elementary comes at her request, reflecting both her background in elementary education and her desire to continue serving students and families in the Liberty
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