Category Archives: Local News
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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Waffle Fest returns to Liberty
LIBERTY — The City of Liberty is set to host the second annual SC Waffle Fest on
Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in downtown Liberty. The festival is sponsored by US Waffle Company.
The festival will take place along W. Front Street and S. Commerce Street and admission is free for everyone.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun including a kids’ zone sponsored by Potter’s
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WHM gospel singing planned for Easley
EASLEY — 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
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PC libraries to resume kid’s programs
COUNTY — Weeks after firing director Stephanie Howard, the Pickens County Library Board convened for a special-called meeting voting to resume previously cancelled 
children’s programs, while also pausing its controversial collection policy and recommending an interim director.
According to library officials last month, the cancellations were necessary due to the need to reallocate staff time to implement recent changes to the system’s collection development policy adopted
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Easley man to serve one day in jail after plea
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — An Easley man was sentenced to just one day in jail after pleading guilty to 
assault.
Emmanuel Jahu Gilstrap was initially charged in 2023 with committing or attempting lewd act upon a child under 16, a charge stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred between Jan 1, 1991 and Dec 31, 1993, according to an Easley Police Department warrant.
The case was disposed last month.
Gilstrap pleaded guilty to assault and battery second degree. He entered an Alford plea. According to the
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Woman found guilty in 2022 Easley shooting
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — A Greenville woman has been sentenced to two decades behind bars after 
being convicted last month in connection with a 2022 shooting near Easley.
On Feb. 26, a Pickens County jury convicted 58-year-old Renee Lavonne Simon of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, 13th Circuit Solicitor
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SDPC announces leadership changes
PICKENS — The School District of Pickens County has announced leadership changes that will take effect July 1, 2026, including a new district-level role and an interim 
principal appointment at McKissick Academy of Science and Technology (MAST).
Mrs. Heather Touchberry has been named Director of Innovative Services for the district, transitioning from her current role as principal of MAST at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year. In conjunction with this transition, the district’s Board of Trustees approved the superintendent’s recommendation on February 23, 2026, to appoint Dr. Danny Hall, currently assistant principal at MAST, as
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SME named model school
SIX MILE — Six Mile Elementary has been named a 2026 Model School and will be recognized at the prestigious Model Schools Conference, hosted by the Center for 
Model Schools.
Six Mile Elementary was selected as one of only 10 elementary schools nationwide to
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Now open in Pickens
Big things are happening in the Upstate, and Noah’s Ark Plumbing’s ribbon cutting was just the beginning. The company is already setting the tone for what it wants the business to represent, bringing ambitious energy and a strong commitment to the Pickens community. On Feb. 27, the company celebrated its official ribbon cutting, surrounded by community members, friends, family and the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce. At the event, Noah’s Ark Plumbing spotlighted a special dog available for adoption and organized a supply drive benefiting not just one, but three local organizations — the Pickens County Animal Shelter, the Pickens County Humane Society and Roxie’s Thrifty Paws. Guests were also treated to a complimentary lunch catered by new chamber member Fatsos BBQ and Catering. This Christian, faith-based residential plumbing company was founded and is owned by Noah Kerlin. Proudly serving the Upstate, Noah’s Ark Plumbing strives to reflect protection, purpose and compassion, just like its namesake. Pictured are Noah Kerlin (owner), Sara Beth Kerlin (his wife), David Michel (chamber president), Ivy Michel (chamber ambassador), Melisa Sedler (chamber board member) and Meechi Green (chamber board member), along with other family members and friends.
