Daily Archives: 12/22/2025
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
Editor’s Note: In 1897, 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York Sun, and 
the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages. We offer the letter and editorial response to you in this week’s issue. Merry Christmas.
Dear Editor:
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as
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Letters to the Editor
Action needed on SC 183
Dear Editor,
Anyone who travels Farrs Bridge Road (S.C. Highway 183) frequently knows that accidents occur frequently. Many drivers treat this road as a stock car race. Speeding, passing and tailgating is the rule, not the exception. Rarely have I seen Highway Patrol on 183.
The eastern intersection of Farrs Bridge and Jameson is an extremely dangerous. For drivers traveling on Jameson, either turning left onto 183 or continuing across can be a frustrating then a risky experience. I have witnessed two T-bone accidents while waiting at the stop sign on Jameson. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in either accident. However, on Dec. 11, two people were killed trying to turn onto 183.
I obtained a Freedom of Information document from the Department of Transportation, and this
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Why Christmas
Luke 2:11-14 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
Interesting is inadequate to describe the phenomenon of Christmas celebrations around the world. Over 160 of the 195 countries in the world celebrate the birth of our precious Savior. Dates and types of observances vary but consistently, the celebrations do happen.
Of all the world religions, only Christ is celebrated this
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Courier Obituaries 12-24-25
JODY CALIN BROCK MASON
EASLEY — Jody Calin Brock Mason, 36, passed away on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Williamston.
Born on July 23, 1989, in Greenville, Jody was the cherished son of Larry Joe Mason and Vanessa Wade Mason. Above all, Jody loved his children dearly and took great joy in being their father. He had a deep love for God and lived his life with a free spirit and a joyful heart. Jody enjoyed playing the guitar and found happiness in music. He had a passion for fast cars and working with his hands, whether fixing, building or operating heavy equipment. He also enjoyed hunting and treasured time spent shopping and making memories with his girls. Known for his humor and infectious laughter, Jody brought light and joy to all who knew him.
Survivors include his parents, Larry and Vanessa Mason of Easley; children, Madelyn Mason, Emma Mason and Aubrianna Mason, all of Easley, and Calin Jay Mason of Virginia; siblings, Dustin Valdez (Britney), Harlei Mason and Destiny Mason; special nephew, Cash Mason; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Mason was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, John Paul and Cecil Elizabeth Mason; maternal grandparents, Bobby and Theresa Wade; and cousin, Kameron Jack Wade.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Mason family.
DELORES M. CRAIGO
EASLEY — Delores M. Craigo, 81, loving wife to the late Herchel Craigo, went home to be with her Lord
Six Mile holds Christmas awards dinner
SIX MILE — The town of Six Mile held its annual Christmas dinner on Dec. 5 at the Gap Hill Church of God’s Life Center on S.C. Highway 183. During the event, the town presented its annual awards to outstanding community members.
The 2025 Good Citizen of the Year Award was given to Coy Adkins in recognition of his dedication to
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Upcountry Fiber gives $27.5K to local nonprofits
PICKENS — Upcountry Fiber Foundation, the philanthropic arm and permanent endowment of internet service provider Upcountry Fiber, announced that it has donated $27,500 to seven Upstate nonprofit organizations to help them deliver on their missions to help those in need and to support 
cultural enrichment opportunities for our community.
Created in September 2022, the Upcountry Fiber Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Anderson, Northern Greenville, Oconee and Pickens that serve the community
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“We are very proud to support these seven amazing nonprofits that work hard every day to strengthen the communities we all share,” said Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and co-chair of Upcountry Fiber Foundation. “Upcountry Fiber Foundation’s goal has always been to give responsibility, support impactful philanthropy, and help create lasting change in the communities we serve.”
“We could not be prouder to have these charitable organizations be our grant recipients,” said Jim Lovinggood, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and co-chair of the Upcountry Fiber Foundation. “We know they will make an immediate and direct impact on the people they serve with these grant awards.”
For more information about Upcountry Fiber Foundation, visit upcountryfiber.com/foundation
Community Calendar
• Food pantry hours announced at PPC
The Food Pantry at Pickens Presbyterian Church is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To receive food, individuals must present a valid ID showing residency in Pickens County. Pickens Presbyterian Church is located at 311 W. Main St. in Pickens.
• Dacusville Lions to host monthly bingo
The Dacusville Lions Club will be hosting Bingo night on the second Thursday of each month at the Lions Building in Dacusville, located at 1384 Thomas Mill Road. The next Bingo session will be Thursday, Jan. 8. There are set to be 10 games beginning at 7 p.m., and proceeds will go toward funding community event and other community needs. The games should conclude around 9 p.m. Bingo night will be a family-friendly event and monetary prizes will be available. For more, contact Bob Spalding at (864) 430-0119 or bob@bobspalding.net.
• Sertoma Club invites locals to meet
The Clemson Sertoma Club invites all local residents to attend its meetings. The club meets at noon the
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