Daily Archives: 09/23/2025
My friends, let’s choose joy today
I’m honored to have the opportunity to share my heart each week. The messages lately have given us some things to think about, as God’s word brings us into a reverential fear 
and awareness of His presence.
Many different types of people read faith columns, including some who are not openly religious, but are curious spectators. I respect your caution and where you are in your journey, and hope you will consider the Bible passages. For those who confess Christ as their Lord, our walks are at different levels of passion as the spiritual fires burn at various degrees within us. Some of you watch the news and browse the internet to see what’s happening in the world, while others have
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Were Adam and Eve the first?
John 21:25 “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the 
books that should be written. Amen.”
In many cases we must consider not only what the Bible says but also what it does not say. The Bible teaches that God created man in His image (Genesis 1:27).
The Bible very clearly tells us that God created Adam and Eve in His image but it does not say they were the first to
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Courier Letters to the Editor 9-24-25
County tax millage and more
Dear Editor,
In 2021, you may remember, the county council passed a 9.9-mil tax hike for roads. The state law capped the increase at 5.3 mils. The council majority at the time created a loophole or “dummy” road reserve to get around the state cap. I voted “No,” as it was a record tax hike and my oath was to follow the law, not concoct schemes to get around it.
Three months ago, I made a motion to lower the tax from 9.9 mils to the legal limit of 5.3 mils, putting the county back on the right side of the law without any doubt. It passed 4 to 2, with councilors Chris Lollis, Scott Lang and Dale Holloway voting for the tax cut.
The law allowed the 5.3-mil cap to be breached in emergency situations like an adverse
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Seniors and social media
The list of scams against seniors keeps getting longer and longer. Just when we have a 
handle on the various types of fraud, here come new ones. But there’s one area where we do have some control: social media.
One place I’ve always been concerned about (and therefore have never joined) is the small neighborhood social media chat groups. So much gets talked about, and people generally feel safe because, after all, they’re chatting with their neighbors. But you never
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Courier Obituaries 9-24-25
THOMAS EDWARD ‘TOM ED’ BREAZEALE
SIX MILE — Thomas Edward “Tom Ed” Breazeale, 81, loving husband of 61 years to Conice Mauldin Breazeale, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at Oconee Memorial Hospital.
Born on Feb. 7, 1944, in Pickens, Tom Ed was the cherished son of the late Waddy Breazeale and Esther Steele Breazeale. He was a faithful member of Secona Baptist Church in Pickens.
Tom Ed had a love for traveling, camping and cooking, and he especially enjoyed his weekly trips to Rosman, N.C., to pick up fresh produce. He was honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Six Mile Water District, contributing to his community with dedication.
Above all, Tom Ed treasured his family, loving them deeply and wholeheartedly.
Survivors include his wife, Conice Breazeale of the home; daughter, Monica Paige Stevens (Scotty) of Greer; son, Chris Breazeale (Molly) of Boxford, Mass.; grandchildren, Aaron Banks, Joshua Banks, Cooper Joy Breazeale and Tommy Breazeale; siblings, David Brezeale (Rachel), Lynn Breazeale (Terri) and Kathy McDonald (Sam); as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Breazeale was predeceased by a sister, Nellie Jo Brewer.
Funeral services were held on Sept. 19 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations in Tom Ed’s memory may be made to Secona Baptist Church, 234 Secona Road, Pickens, SC 29671.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Breazeale family.
DAVID R. HINKLE
SUNSET — David R. Hinkle, 64, loving husband to Cindy Hinkle, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family.
Born Feb. 26, 1961, David was the beloved son of the late Thomas “Buck” Hinkle and
Fresh updates welcome seniors back to Hagood
PICKENS — The Hagood Center (Pickens Senior) held its grand re-opening Wednesday. In attendance were city officials and Pickens County Council.
Renovations to the cafeteria and kitchen, which were make possible through recreation
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Free Easley Fair offers pathways to brighter futures
EASLEY — Students, parents, and community members are invited to attend the Future Forward College and Career Resource Fair on Saturday, September 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Dream Center of Easley, located at 111 Hillcrest Drive in Easley.
This free community event is designed to connect students and families with opportunities for higher education, military service, career pathways, and community
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Courier Community Calendar 9-24-25
• Authors to gather at the Village Library
The Village Library in Pickens will be hosting a gathering of local authors on Thursday, September 15. from noon – 2 p.m.
The event will be a meet and greet with local authors Jessica Khoury, Carolyn Newton, Sara Ramachandran, Brittney Morgan, Carla Marie Blake, Toni Armstrong Sample, Jim Melvin, Jeanne Malmgren, M.S. Spearman, Beth Decarbo and JB Cook.
All are invited to enjoy the event at 124 North Catherine Street in Pickens.
• Dacusville Lions to host monthy bingo
The Dacusville Lions Club will be hosting Bingo night on the second Thursday of eachmonth at the Lions Building in Dacusville, located at 1384 Thomas Mill Road. The next Bingo session will be Thursday, Oct. 9.
There are set to be 10 games beginning at 7 p.m., and proceeds will go toward funding community events and other community needs.
The games should conclude around 9 p.m. Bingo night will be a family-friendly event
Blue Ridge Bank opens permanent office in Pickens
PICKENS — Blue Ridge Bank is proud to announce the grand opening of its new permanent office located at 628 Ann Street in Pickens.
Blue Ridge Bank’s Pickens branch first opened in November 2024, operating out of a temporary location while construction was completed on the new 3,239 square foot facility.
The new office, built on the same lot, reflects Blue Ridge Bank’s dedication to providing long-term service for the Pickens community.
A grand opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 1st at 11:30am to officially open the doors to the new permanent office.
Headquartered in Walhalla, SC, Blue Ridge Bank has proudly served the local communities since 1957. Blue Ridge Bank now serves Oconee and Pickens County with six convenient branch locations in Walhalla, Seneca, Westminster, Easley, and Pickens. Blue Ridge Bank has a five-star security rating by Bauer Financial.
Blue Ridge Bank is excited to have the following staff members in Pickens:
Bart Turner is the Senior Vice President and Pickens Market Executive. Bart is a lifelong Pickens resident and will focus on both commercial and residential lending. He has been with Blue Ridge Bank since 2022 and has over 33 years of community banking experience.
Tracy Batson is the Vice President, Branch Manager, and Loan Officer. Tracy lives in Pickens and has 25 years of banking experience, including the past 15 years in Pickens. Lisa Faneytte is the Customer Service Representative/Teller. Lisa has 17 years banking experience.
Jessica Anderson is the Vault Teller. Jessica has 15 years of banking experience in Pickens.
Jean Venesky is the Administrative Assistant and has over 35 years of community banking experience. Jean has been with Blue Ridge Bank since 2022.
