Monthly Archives: December 2025
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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Lions outlast Liberty in overtime
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — Four quarters of action wasn’t enough to decide the outcome on Friday night, when Pickens County’s two remaining unbeaten basketball teams (the Daniel and Liberty boys’ basketball teams) took the court at Liberty High School.
The Red Devils had tied the action at 49-49 on a Kendrick Jackson layup with 22 seconds left, and Daniel was unable to make either of last second attempts leading to a
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Mitchum stars in win over Liberty
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Coming off a close loss to West-Oak, the Pickens High School girls’ basketball team returned to action on Wednesday night against county foe Liberty looking to get back in the win column.
The Blue Flame took care of business in a big way, controlling the boards and relying on star eighth grader Addison Mitchum as they pulled out a 70-38 win over the Red Devils.
“We have put a lot of emphasis into our rebounding,” Pickens head coach Samuel Smith
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Daniel girls blast Devils
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — The Daniel High School girls basketball team travelled to Liberty on Friday night looking to pick up its third win of the week as they took on the Liberty Red Devils.
The Lions had little trouble dismantling the Devils, swarming them on defense early to build a big lead and holding it the rest of the way in a 72-18 win.
“They came in and knew they had to take care of business,” Daniel head coach Cosandar Griffin said. “I was proud of the way they brought it on the basketball court.”
Defensively, the Lions were a menace from the start, forcing turnovers at will as the Devils attempted to advance the ball into the front
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Red Devils take down county foe Pickens
PICKENS — Leading by as many as 19 points in the second quarter of their matchup with Pickens last Wednesday, the Liberty High School boys’ basketball team looked to 
be on its way to a big victory.
However, the Blue Flame settled in behind a standout effort from Shepherd Smith to regroup and cut the lead to 46-39 going into the final quarter. Needing a strong finish to keep their early season winning streak alive, the Devils locked in defensively to hold Pickens to just seven points in the fourth quarter as they pulled out a 60-46 win.
“I told them it’s a frustrating win,” Liberty head coach Brenden Marcell said. “We were on the cusp of really breaking that thing open when we got the lead up
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A divided heart lives in denial and deception
I’m reminded again of the quote from Scott Fitzgerald, “You do not write because you want to say something; you write because you have something to say.”
I can relate to those who are called to express the burdens within their hearts and thankful for the opportunity to share mine. These freedoms may not always be with us as the world is becoming aggressively opposed to God and His disciples. I write for many secular publications around the country and I’m often warned about toning it down
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