Daily Archives: 06/24/2025
Finding peace in avoiding the news
One month ago I wrote here about having avoided the television news for seven days. During that time, I didn’t have the stress from constant bombardment and media 
hysteria about all the problems and chronic chaos in the world. I felt better for it, both physically and mentally, but I knew I couldn’t keep it up forever.
At some point I figured I would have to rejoin the
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Childs named new Pickens County’s emergency management director
By Evan Smoak
Courtesy The Journal
evan@upstatetoday.com
PICKENS — Pickens County named a new emergency management director earlier this week.
Andy Childs, former deputy emergency management director, was promoted to the top position, according to a county social media post Thursday.
The post said Childs began his career in public service as a volunteer firefighter with Pickens County before moving on to full-time service in Greenville County and later,
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Taking steps to stay cool
By Marlon Morgan
Clemson University
news@thepccourier.com
CLEMSON — With the Summer season officially underway, high temperatures are in the forecast for the next few days, with highs expected in the upper 90s along with highhumidity. It’s important to take steps to keep yourself and your family cool and check in on older adults anytime periods of extreme heat are expected.
Consider the following when spending time outdoors when temperatures are high: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and wear a hat to protect your
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Safe Summer Fun in the Sun
Summer is the season of sun-kissed memories – backyard barbecues, sandy beaches, bike rides and late-night stargazing. However, the warmer months bring unique safety challenges that can catch active families off guard if they’re not prepared.
From sunburns to scraped knees and dehydration to bug bites, summer’s surprises don’t have to slow you down. With a few simple precautions and the right tools on hand – like reliable first-aid essentials – you can make safety second nature and keep your focus where it belongs: on making the most of every sunny moment.
Here are a few smart, easy tips from the experts at CURAD to help your family stay protected from the sun, heat, water hazards and the inevitable bumps and bruises from outdoor play.
Shield Your Skin from Harmful Rays
The summer sun can be harsh, making it important to take steps to prevent sunburn,
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Courier Obituaries 6-25-25
GARY OWEN
PICKENS — Gary Owen, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Born on July 7, 1947, Gary was the beloved son of the late Inez Galloway Owen and Will 
Owen.
A gifted musician, Gary had a natural talent for music and was proficient in playing multiple instruments. His curiosity and creativity extended beyond music, as he also found great joy in tinkering with electronics. In his earlier years, Gary held a deep appreciation for the outdoors, where he found both inspiration and peace. Gary was deeply devoted to his family, whose love and presence brought him endless joy.
Gary is survived by his son, Gary Dale Owen of Pickens; his daughter, Denise Holliday of Pickens; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ophelia Ashe, and his brother, Stanley Owen of Pickens.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his siblings, Vera Bowie, Jaroll Owen, Caroll Owen, Faroll Owen, Denver Owen and A.B. Owen.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
JOSEPH DANIEL ‘DAN’ GILLESPIE SR.
EASLEY — Joseph Daniel “Dan” Gillespie Sr., 80, loving husband to the late Sandra Gail Freeman Gillespie, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at AnMed Medical
Building your summer scrape kit
A summer first-aid scrape kit can be a lifesaver for those inevitable bumps, bruises and blisters.
Keep your family’s kit in a waterproof case and in an easily accessible place, such as your car, pool bag or home first-aid cabinet. Make sure to keep it stocked with essentials such as:
• Antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds
• Antibiotic or antimicrobial ointment to help prevent buildup of bacteria
• Bandages like CURAD Naturals Hydrocolloids with Aloe Vera to treat minor cuts,
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Clemson Sunrise Rotary uplifts community
CLEMSON — On the morning of June 6, at the breakfast meeting at Sole on the Green in Clemson, the Clemson Sunrise Rotary gathered not just to celebrate service, but toput it into action — disbursing $8,900 in support of local 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions touch lives across the Upstate.
In an inspiring show of generosity and civic spirit, the Rotary awarded donations to 13 deserving charities. These included Wild Hearts Equine Therapy, Refugee Hope Partners, Old Stone Church Preservation, Helping Hands of Clemson, Clemson Community Care (CCC), Chapman Cultural Center, Blue Ridge Community Center, Upstate Warrior Solution, Friends of Internationals, Keese Barn/Semper Fi Barn, Clemson Free Clinic, Humane Society of Pickens County and Red Hill Baptist Food Mission.
Each of these organizations addresses unique and pressing needs — from serving veterans, children and refugees, to offering cultural enrichment, health care, shelter and compassion to the most vulnerable among us.
“We believe in service above self,” said a Clemson Sunrise Rotary representative. “This is more than a donation — this is a commitment to our neighbors, to hope, and to the values that strengthen our community.”
One of the local charity beneficiaries said the donation “fills an gap to help the underserved, especially in the summer, when donations are down due to school holidays and vacations.”
According to a news release, in a time when challenges can feel overwhelming, this act of giving serves as a powerful reminder — when people come together with purpose, kindness can ripple far and wide. The Clemson Sunrise Rotary continues to lead with heart, inspiring others to do the same, the release said. “Clemson Sunrise Rotary Club is a voluntary member-focused, service-driven organization that creates lasting, positive change in the world, our community and within ourselves,” the release said. “Bring your passion to our club!”
For more information about joining the club, call 561-512-3032 or email clemsonsunriserotary@gmail.com.
Courier Community Calendar 6-25-25
• Legion Post 67 seeks members
American Legion Post 67 in Liberty is accepting applications for membership from all U.S. military wartime veterans. For more information, call (864) 787-2322.
• H.O.P.E. meetings scheduled monthly
Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park have announced the renewal of the H.O.P.E Ministries program. The program, which helps others through programs and the exchange of ideas and information, will host its next meeting on July 22.
“We are pleased to offer this as a support system for families in our community and
