Daily Archives: 12/03/2025
Ethics board fines former Easley mayor
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
STATE — The S.C. Ethics Commission has found that former Easley Mayor Butch 
Womack violated portions of the Ethics Act while serving as mayor.
The Ethics Commission’s panel issued a public reprimand and ordered Womack to pay to the commission a reduced civil penalty of $2,000 ($1,000 for each count) and an administrative fee of $1,500 for a total of $3,500, according to a demand and order signed Nov. 11.
Womack was also ordered to reimburse the city of Easley $2,247.17 and to provide to the commission proof that payment has been made.
During an Oct. 16 hearing on the matter, the commission’s general counsel, Courtney Laster, said the claim centered on the contention that Womack, while mayor, used city resources to
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Liberty swears in new mayor, council members
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — The city of Liberty’s new mayor and four new city council members were officially sworn in Monday night.
Deputy administrator Bailee Locke administered the oaths of office to Mayor Andrea Wagner, Councilwoman Mikail Cantley, Councilman Gerald Wilson, Councilman Jon
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PC Municipal Association award winners named
CENTRAL — More than two dozen public safety workers across Pickens County were honored last month for their dedication and service to the community during the 
Pickens County Municipal Association’s annual banquet
The event, sponsored by Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, was held Nov. 17 at Southern Wesleyan University. Association President and Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre served as emcee, and South Carolina House Majority Leader Davey Hiott delivered the
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Family of late Easley Fire Captain named Easley Parade Grand Marshal
EASLEY — The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce announced last month that the family of retired Easley Fire Department Captain Barry Bridges has been selected as the 
Grand Marshals for the 2025 Easley Christmas Parade.
The honor was announced at the Easley Chamber of Commerce State of the County luncheon.
“Captain Bridges’ gave many years of dedicated service to the Easley community as a fireman” stated Dr. Brian Swords, Easley Chamber of Commerce President, but many never realized that Capt. Bridges also volunteered as Santa Claus for countless Easley Christmas parades
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UWPC receives Angel Award
EASLEY — South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond honored United Way of Pickens County as one of ten Angel charities of 2025 in a ceremony at the Edgar Brown 
Building on the Capitol Complex.
“Since 1998, the recognition of ‘Angel’ charities has been a holiday tradition in South Carolina,” said Secretary Hammond. “The contributions of nonprofits to the well-being of our communities cannot be overstated, and I always enjoy this opportunity to highlight those organizations that have given so much to our great state.”
The Angels honored are charities that have significantly impacted communities in South Carolina, and that have demonstrated good stewardship of charitable resources. Representatives from all Angel charities were in attendance to receive a certificate and personal recognition from Secretary Hammond.
“We are truly honored to be recognized as an Angel charity,” said United Way of Pickens County President Julie Capaldi. “This award is a meaningful affirmation of the confidence our donors place in United Way of Pickens County and our steadfast commitment to using their gifts wisely and transparently. We are proud to serve this community and to ensure that every investment drives real, lasting impact for our Pickens County neighbors.”
The Angels were selected by a review of financial reports submitted annually to the Secretary of State’s Office, as well as through nominations from the public. To be selected as an Angel, the charity must devote 80percent or more of its total expenditures to charitable programs; have been in existence for three or more years; make good use of volunteer services; not rely heavily on government grants; have a significant presence in South Carolina; and be in compliance with the
South Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act. Secretary Hammond recognizes organizations with diverse missions that benefit communities throughout the state.
Donors can research charities through the free mobile app Give Smart SC, and use the app to determine if a charity is properly registered to solicit in South Carolina.
