Pickens parting ways with O’Briant
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com PICKENS — Pickens city administrator Tim O’Briant was suspended indefinitely last week, and city More »
This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS
MIDNIGHT MADNESS Blue Fame gash Easley in lightning plagued contest, set team scoring record in rivalry series Blue Flame gash More »
AnMed CEO: Cyberattack ‘attack on all of us’
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com ANDERSON — The head of AnMed recently spoke about the fallout of last month’s More »
Tugalo Holler to play amphitheater
PICKENS — Bluegrass will return to the Pickens Amphitheater this Friday, Aug. 28, when Tugalo Holler takes the stage at More »
The enduring story of POW Bob Fant and his wife Becky
By Tom von Kaene Special to the Courier news@thepccourier.com CLEMSON — In the quiet of her Clemson apartment, Becky Fant More »
Victorious living includes praying for discernment
As I awakened this morning and opened the shades, the sun was shining and the sky was clear.
I’m very blessed that I could stand and walk without pain. We seldom think about how often we take the basic functions of life for granted. I walked around outside and looked at the temperature on my watch: 70 degrees. I enjoyed the gentle breeze as I took a deep breath. Being able to breathe is another amazing gift that God gives.
I went to the donut shop and enjoyed a chocolate-covered selection and a small coffee. More thoughts came to me. I can see; I have a vehicle and can drive; I have enough money to buy a donut; I can taste, chew, swallow, and appreciate the entire process of digestion. I can go on, but you get the point of just slowing down and concentrating on
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Courier Letters to the Editor 8-26-26
Dear Editor,
Recently, Donald Trump shared a ridiculous, embarrassing, AI-generated picture of himself. No, I’m not talking about that time he dressed up as Jesus healing the sick. This time, he plays a broad-chested, square-jawed, four-star general, flanked on either
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Getting ready for winter
We might be having heat waves now, but before we know it, the weather will turn and winter will be on its way. There are several steps we can take to get ahead and be ready 
before cold weather arrives.
Take care of draft control. Not only will we be more comfortable without cold air creeping into our homes, but our heating bills will be lower if the furnace isn’t working so hard. Windows can have caulking or window stripping applied, or you can
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The enduring story of POW Bob Fant and his wife Becky
By Tom von Kaene
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
CLEMSON — In the quiet of her Clemson apartment, Becky Fant still keeps the photographs that tell the story best. There is the one she and Bob always called “the toothpaste ad”—the two of them beaming at his homecoming, smiles so bright they seemed to light the room. There is the wedding portrait taken just a few weeks later. And there are the modest tokens of a community that never forgot: the melted remains 
of countless POW bracelets once worn by strangers who prayed for a young Navy lieutenant from Anderson.
Commander Robert St. Clair “Bob” Fant Jr., Clemson Class of 1960, died June 1, 2026, at 87. He and Becky had made their home in the Upstate for more than a quarter-century. Theirs was a love story forged in the longest of separations and sustained by faith, patience, and an entire town’s quiet determination that he would come home.
Bob and Rebecca “Becky” Otts of
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‘Pickin’ in Pickens’ bluegrass jam set for Friday, Sept. 11
PICKENS — Downtown Pickens will come alive with the sound of strings on Friday, 
September 11, 2026, as Pickin’ in Pickens at 6:00 p.m. The downtown bluegrass jam invites musicians of varying experience levels to bring an instrument, join a circle and share in an evening of traditional music and community fellowship.
Pickin’ in Pickens was created as a welcoming place for musicians and listeners to connect through the bluegrass and old-time traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Rather than a formal concert, the event centers on participation, spontaneous collaboration and the simple enjoyment of making music together.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stroll downtown, listen to the jam sessions and support nearby shops and restaurants. Musicians should bring their own instruments, and spectators may wish to bring a chair. The event reflects the City of Pickens’ continuing commitment to live music, community gathering and the preservation of local cultural traditions.
Additional information and any weather-related updates will be available at VisitPickens.org and through Explore Pickens social media channels.
Veterans town hall planned for Aug. 31
LIBERTY — The Columbia VA Health Care System will host an Anderson Area Veterans Town Hall at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Pickens County Performing Arts Center.
The town hall will provide information about VA programs, services and resources available to veterans throughout the Upstate. The event covers veterans in Pickens,
Courier Obituaries 8-26-26
CALEB OWENS
LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Samuel Caleb Owens on Aug. 15, 2026.
Born on May 20, 1974, in Greenville, he was a dedicated father, a loving son, a supportive brother a motorcycle enthusiast. He grew up in Liberty and was a 1993 graduate of Liberty High School. He later furthered his education in megatronics at Greenville Technical College.
Caleb spent many years working at Shaw Industries in Central before transitioning to First Quality in Anderson, where he worked the past decade, and most recently served as an operations maintenance coordinator. His work ethic and commitment were admired by colleagues and friends alike. Outside of work, Caleb’s true joy came from the adventures he shared with his family. He cherished every moment spent exploring new places, whether alone or with loved ones. Most importantly, Caleb cared for his
