Yearly Archives: 2020
Rep. Clary joins GOP effort to beat Trump
By Greg Oliver
Courtesy The Journal
goliver@upstatetoday.com
CLEMSON — Outgoing Republican state Rep. Gary Clary has been named to a committee of fellow Republicans looking to defeat President Donalda Trump this year.
“When you have someone who is just a demagogue who wants to attack — whether it’s women, the 
press, minorities, the disabled — it’s just not something I believe that a president should be doing,” Clary said Thursday of his decision to serve as legislative outreach chairman for National Republicans.
Clary said he didn’t support Trump’s initial presidential bid in 2016, backing Ohio Gov. John Kasich instead. But when Trump received the Republican nomination and was eventually elected president, Clary said he tried to be supportive.
“Just like every other president I voted for or against, I have always
DAR names Bob Nash annual outstanding veteran volunteer
By Lynda Abegg
Special to The Courier
news@thepccourier.com
CENTRAL — Lover of bugs and biology, soldier, teacher, county councilman and builder of monuments.
What one man in South Carolina has all these characteristics in common? Robert Nash, Ph.D., professor emeritus of biology at Southern Wesleyan University, better known as Bob.
Nash was awarded the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The award is presented to a veteran in recognition of outstanding achievement in personal, professional and family life and for significant contributions of leadership and patriotism,
Nonprofit collects cards for elderly
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped a local nonprofit from assisting the elderly.
Tammy Ferguson is co-chair of Warmth and Comfort for the Elderly – Upstate, SC.
Ferguson said the nonprofit combined its collections for March, April and May due to the pandemic.
The group collected large-print Bibles, coloring books, colored pencils, Kleenex, bed bags, masks, lotions, canned drinks and sketch pads during those months, she said.
“Activities directors asked for things they could use during bingo, and large-print Bibles were requested as something they needed during devotions,” Ferguson said. “We collected 60 Bibles, 36 masks, 40 sets of colored pencils, 96 packages of
Courier Obituaries 5-27-20
ANNETTE FINLEY PORTER
PICKENS — Annette Finley Porter, 75, of 120 Terrapin Crossing Road, Pickens, died on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at St. Francis Regency Hospital.
A native of Pickens, Ms. Porter was the daughter of the late Wallace and Geneva (Chapman) Finley. She was a graduate of Daniel High School and Draughon’s Business College, and a retiree of Perry Ellis, formerly Jantzen, after 37 years of service. She was a faithful member of Mountain View Baptist Church and the Open Door Sunday School Class.
Ms. Porter is survived by daughters, Carol Sloan and husband Tony of Piedmont, and Elizabeth Brownell and husband Alan of Troutman, N.C.; grandchildren, Tori Brownell Happ and husband Justin of Dayton, Ohio, Codie Sloan of Piedmont and Alexa Brownell and Aaron Brownell of Troutman; and sister, Elaine Adams and husband Joe of Pickens.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Porter was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Lewis and Carrie Chapman of Salem,
Plenty of good eatin’ to be done
While restaurants across America are struggling to survive in this pandemic, Easley’s dining-out scene is continuing to grow: A Chipotle Mexican Grill is in the works.
That’s what’s going to be in half of the new building going up in front of the Town ‘n Country 
shopping center, according to Easley building official Tommy Holcombe.
What’s going in the other half of the building has yet to be determined.
So let me be among the first to say to Chipotle, welcome to Easley! Next to Southern food, Mexican is my favorite.
It’s clear to me that the company, which operates more than 2,600 restaurants, did its research: Folks around Easley eat out a lot.
During this stretch of time when eateries have been
Courier Letters to the Editor 5-27-20
A trip down memory lane
Dear Editor,
Lot of stress going on now. How about we go down that precious lane called “memory lane,” to happier times? To a time when we older people were young.
Anyone remember soft drinks when they were in glass bottles and cost only a dime? Remember they had to be opened with a bottle opener? Cork, not plastic, lined the cap. Three swallows and you had to stop, because they would burn like fire!
Ever put salted peanuts in your drink? Remember when potato chips were in wax paper? Remember
The victorious spiritual life
If our mind is filled with a world of thoughts that are contrary or even dishonorable to God, how can there be room for us to concentrate on His goodness, peace and hope?
When Mary was about to give birth and there was no room at the inn, God was also allowing us to see that many people in this world have no room in their life for Jesus. Their heart and mind is filled with carnality, selfishness, arrogance and negative influences. This is why the enemy of our soul has created many obstacles and diversions for the purpose of redirecting our attention away from our Lord.
Secular reading material, video games, movies, cellphones and television are only a few distractions
Stressed? There’s an app for that
These are stressful days. Some of us were living under tough circumstances in the best of times, and nowadays the daily news just ratchets it up.
There are two Department of Veterans Affairs smartphone apps that might be of help to you.
Tactical Breathing Trainer, or Tactical Breather: Created by the National Center for Telehealth & Technology, the phone app can teach you to get control over your responses to stress, both psychological or physiological. While initially created
Decision 2020
PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF
Seeking his third term in office, incumbent Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark is facing opposition from Upstate law enforcement veteran David Harrison in the June 9 primary.
Rick Clark
- I began my law enforcement career in 1994 at the sheriff’s office, working in the detention center
before transferring to uniform patrol to become a K-9 handler. In 2000, I started with Clemson University PD, where I was promoted to sergeant and became responsible for training and accreditation. In 2010, I became the director of public safety at Tri-County Technical College, where I was responsible for all law enforcement and public safety matters over three campuses. I was elected sheriff and took office in January of 2013, where I am responsible for 188 employees and a multi-million-dollar budget.
2. I am seeking re-election to continue our current progressive path forward. One of our biggest
Bricks on sale to help enclose the Hagood Mill’s Heritage Pavilion
PICKENS — The Hagood Mill Historic Site has a new fundraiser that people in area can participate in.
The Hagood Mill foundation has partnered with “That’s My Brick” to raise money through the sale 
of customized bricks where supporters can leave a long-lasting mark at the site. The money raised will go to enclosing the Heritage Pavilion. The Heritage Pavilion is a space that the site has for expanded programming like dance performances and workshops, concerts, lectures and other special events.
In July 2019, the day-to-day management of the Hagood Mill Historic Site was transferred to the Hagood Mill Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The Foundation is seeking ways to expand revenue. One of those ways is to rent out the facility for special events. To
