Monthly Archives: September 2025
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
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
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
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
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
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
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
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
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.
Courier Classifieds 9-24-25
Announcements
STOCK YOUR POND EVENT – Coming to a store near you! Grass Carp, Coppse Bluegill & Redbreast 1”-3”, Channel Cats 3”-5” & Mosquitofish. Must Pre-Order by the Friday before the event. Southland Fisheries 803-776-4923. SW
————————————-
MobileHelp, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-877-559-0545. SW
———————————
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-397-7030 www.dental50plus.com/60 #6258. SW
————————————
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 833-230-8692. SW
Help Wanted
DUMP TRUCK DRIVER WANTED. Must have clear MVR. Class A or B. 864-230-4162. TFC
————————————
ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.1 million readers. Call Alanna Ritchie at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
For Sale
Auctions
————————————-
Online Real Estate Auction! 815-Acre Hunting Paradise in Franklin County, VA. Own prime land for whitetail, turkey, bear, & more. A rustic cabin offers essential comforts for extended stays. With woods, fields, trails, streams, & secluded spots, this land is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, a private getaway and was previously used as a hunting club/outfitter. Bidding starts October 1 and ends October 29. See woltz.com for more information! 5% Buyer’s Premium. Woltz & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers (VA #321). Call 800-551-3588 SW
————————————-
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in more than 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Services
————————————
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-900-1261. SW
For Rent
Homes For Sale
————————————-
We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-704-3381. SW
Wanted
————————————
IN SEARCH OF VINTAGE VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS AND GAMES! Two longtime video game fans looking for old consoles and video games to add to their collection. Looking for NES, Sega Genesis, SNES, Playstation and more. If you have some you are looking to get rid of, call us at (864) 508-2117 or (864) 637-8062. If no answer, please leave a message. TFC
Courier Notice to Creditors 9-24-25
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
OF ESTATES
All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on Form #371ES with the Probate Court of PICKENS COUNTY, the address of which is 222 MCDANIEL AVE., B-16 PICKENS, SC 29671, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.
Estate: Kevin Jan Teutsch
Date of Death: 05/11/2025
Case Number: 2025ES3900393
Personal Representative:
Robert Conner
Address: 208 Georgewood Way, Easley, SC 29640
