Daily Archives: 12/10/2025
Man charged in Easley killing
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — An Easley man is charged with murder after a woman was stabbed to death over the weekend.
Brandon Wayne Hopkins, 35, also faces a charge of possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with the stabbing death of 41-year-old Crystal Lynn Pace of Easley.
Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Brett Barwick said in a release issued Saturday, Dec. 6, that the PCSO Communications Center received a call at 8:19 a.m. that morning about a possible stabbing in
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Easley man charged with exploitation
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — An Easley man faces nearly a dozen charges connected to the sexual 
exploitation of minors, S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson said last week.
Benjamin Hoyt Graham, 48, was arrested on Nov. 21, Wilson said in a release issued Dec. 2.
Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Graham, he said.
Wilson said Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigators with the
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Pickens woman charged in alleged Medicaid scam
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A Pickens woman is one of two people facing charges for alleged Medicaid 
fraud, according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
In a release issued Dec. 2, Wilson said his office’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) arrested Tami Ferguson Stewart, 65, of Simpsonville, and Sydney R.
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Clemson president announces retirement
CLEMSON — After 12 years of service, Clemson University president Jim Clements has announced his decision to retire, effective Dec. 31.
He shared the news with the Clemson community Tuesday afternoon in a heartfelt letter.
“After much consideration and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to step aside and allow the University to begin its next chapter. I have shared with the Board of Trustees my decision to retire as President of Clemson University, effective Wednesday, Dec. 31,” Clements said. “Serving as
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Clemson Tiger time
The long‑standing tradition of changing the weather vane atop Dillard Funeral Home to honor the winner of the annual Clemson–Carolina football game called for the Clemson Tiger to take its place once again. Following this year’s Tiger victory at Williams‑Brice Stadium over the South Carolina Gamecocks, the switch was made with pride. Dillard employees Marion and Hamp Summey were all smiles as the brothers had the chance to take part in the change, continuing a beloved community ritual that celebrates the rivalry and its outcome each year.
Fourth annual Shop with a Hero held in Pickens
PICKENS — Fostering Love, a local nonprofit, hosted its fourth annual Shop With a 
Hero event on Dec. 1, bringing together first responders from across Pickens County to help provide children with a positive and memorable Christmas experience.
Children are recommended for the program by family liaisons with the Pickens County School District. Each selected child is paired with a first responder — including law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs — for a shopping trip at Walmart, where
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PHS grad Lucas earn All-Region recognition
FLORENCE — Francis Marion University senior middleblocker Caroline Lucas and junior outside hitter Madilyn Gartner have been named to the Division II Conference 
Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Volleyball All-Southeast Region Team for 2025, with both earning first-team accolades. Lucas was also tabbed as a first-team selection for the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Southeast Region squad, while Gartner was an honorable mention pick. Both teams were announced on Wednesday
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