Daily Archives: 04/17/2013
Clemson president Barker steps down
1970 CU graduate plans
to return to classroom
CLEMSON — After nearly 14 years serving as the 14th president of his alma mater, Clemson University President James F. Barker has announced plans to retire from that position and return to the classroom.
“Last week, I asked the board of trustees to begin a search for the 15th president of Clemson University,” said Barker, who recently returned to the post after having heart surgery. “I have pledged to remain until the new president is on board. I will then begin preparing myself for my next career as a faculty member in the School of Architecture.
Kicking off Azalea Fest
WSPA News Channel 7
Local residents are invited to come out Friday morning at 10 a.m. for the WSPA News Channel 7 “Your Carolina” Show live, featuring Jack Roper and Kimberly Kelly, from the Azalea Festival main stage and Pickens County Courthouse.
New Walmart opens
After months of anticipation, Walmart opened its doors in Pickens last Wednesday morning, April 10, following a 7:30 a.m. grand opening celebration. Above, Pickens Mayor David Owens and wife Jenny make the first purchase at the store, assisted by Walmart employee Leah Mathis. The store is located at 2637 Gentry Memorial Hwy in Pickens and open 24 hours.
SDPC invites input
COUNTY — The School District of Pickens County is inviting the public to offer input regarding its 2013-2014 federal projects.
A public meeting is scheduled at The Curtis Sidden Administrative Building at 1348 Griffin Mill Road, Easley on May 7, from 5-6 p.m.
The meeting will focus on the Title II project on Teacher Quality, the Title III project regarding English Speakers of Other Languages and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Act and the McKinney-Vento legislation regarding homeless children.
Beautifying Pickens
Pickens Rotary Club and the Pickens Revitalization Association recently received Palmetto Pride Grants to beautify a portion of Hwy. 8. Marty Gantt of Gantt Grading and Doug Hannah of Midway Materials donated their time for the project, while Sam Cox and Midway gave the boulders. Also hard at work are Rotarians Tim Crocker and John McKenzie. This Thursday, April 18, is National Cleanup Day. Pickens Rotary and PRA will gratefully accept volunteer help to complete the project. Shovels, work gloves, short-tooth rakes and mulch forks would be in order.
Lineup announced for annual Blue Ridge Fest
PICKENS — The days are winding down in anticipation of Blue Ridge Fest 2013.
The annual Upstate event is in its 16th year, and 13 area charitable organizations are looking to benefit from its proceeds. All activities will take place at the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative office and grounds at 734 West Main Street in Pickens on Friday, May 10.
Four well-known musical groups will perform at the beach night show and dance.
The headline act will be The Drifters with Charlie Thomas, known for such hits as There Goes My Baby, Save the Last Dance for Me and Up on the Roof.
Clemson police arrest Seneca woman in carjacking incident
NAKESHA MARQUITA HOLDEN
CLEMSON — Clemson police acted quickly to make an arrest after a carjacking at the Bilo on S.C. 93 on April 8.
That night, according to officers, a woman was returning to her home in Clemson after working in Greenville when she stopped at Bilo at around 10:25 p.m.
When she returned to her vehicle, a black female opened the passenger door, got in and told the victim to drive, according to a report.
Wings and Wheels a success for PCMOW
Miss Pickens County Kendyl Chapman and Miss Pickens County Teen Allison Hale pictured with Eddie White, who won “Best in Show” with his 1937 Ford Wild Rod 3-w Roadster.
LIBERTY — Pickens County Meals on Wheels held its fourth annual Wings and Wheels for Meals on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The event is held each April at the Pickens County Airport and hosted by the Pickens County Pilot’s Association. A proven community favorite, thousands come out in support of Pickens County Meals on Wheels. This year’s event raised just more than $8,163 for the organization.
“Anchor attractions include airplane and helicopter rides as well as a classic and custom car show,” said Skeets Cooper, eirector of Pickens County Airport. “Every year, we are encouraged by the support of the community.”
Parents invited to ‘Red Zone Rally’ against prescription drug abuse
COUNTY — A report by the South Carolina Inspector General has prompted educators and doctors to rally together against prescription drug abuse.
The Pickens County School District, the Pickens County Drug Abuse Alliance, and the Step it Up Coalition of Behavioral Health have teamed up to present the Red Zone Rally against prescription drug abuse on April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Pickens High School Auditorium.
In a recent report Patrick J. Maley, the Inspector General for South Carolina noted that Pickens County has an unusually high number of deaths associated with prescription drug overdoses. In 2011 South Carolina had a total of 225 deaths as a result of prescription drug overdoses; Pickens County accounted for 18.05 percent of that total, which is what puts the county in a “red zone.” The Red Zone Rally will give parents information on how to protect their children from falling victim to prescription drug abuse and how to spot the warning signs.
Harding receives Mitchell Award
Southern Wesleyan University President Todd Voss, left, and Religion Professor Bob Black, right, presented Rev. Tom Harding with the Virgil A. Mitchell Excellence in Pastoral Ministry award during Trustees chapel April 10 at the university’s campus in Central. Harding is senior pastor of ALIVE Wesleyan Church in Central.
CENTRAL — Rev. Tom Harding, senior pastor of ALIVE Wesleyan Church in Central and a 1991 Southern Wesleyan University graduate, received the Virgil A. Mitchell Excellence in Pastoral Ministry award during Trustees chapel April 10 at the university’s Central campus.
Harding recalled the encouragement he received from Dr. Virgil Mitchell over the years.
“He was my chaplain when I attended this university. He was a constant source of encouragement and prayer as we began this ministry that’s now known as ALIVE,” Harding said, adding that Mitchell was on the board that ordained him into ministry.
