Daily Archives: 02/03/2026
Persevering through the storm
My friends, my neighbors, my brothers and sisters of Pickens —
This past week, extreme weather tested us.
Winter Storm Fern and the bitter ice that followed placed many of our neighbors in real danger. The cold was fierce. The darkness was real. The road was hard.
But let me tell you something:
Pickens did not bend. Pickens did not break. Pickens rose.
Because when the storm came, the people came.
Our police officers came.
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SC DOT Updates
Dear Editor,
The SCDOT has updated its highway paving list for the next year or two.
US 178 from the Anderson line to Liberty (to the Spinx), has been patched and an intermediate layer has been put down. The final layer of asphalt will be added when it get much warmer.
US 178 from Mauldin Lake Road north to Main Street, Pickens, the SCDOT has begun to patch it. More patching needs to be done as that section is in poor condition in many
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The spiritual battle for our attention
Let’s consider tracking how we spend our time in a typical 24-day period. Sleeping and working naturally take up most of it, followed by household tasks and hobbies, and 
finally, entertainment. Recently, I heard someone point out a troubling contrast: for Christians, spending more time on television or social media than on Bible study, prayer, or ministry seems out of balance. We often hear about the spiritual battle for our minds, but do our choices reflect the seriousness of this struggle? Though I’m involved with ministries and
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Growing concern with data centers
As of December16, 2025 there were 4300 data centers and that number increased by 200 in the last three months. I think Pickens County council needs to be prepared for 
them too approach our area. Here is why.
Data centers like large, relatively flat areas, near population
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Exploring courses on AARP
Are you a member of AARP? Even with the recent price increase (from $15 to $20 per year), there is still a lot to recommend it.
The AARP Skills Builder for Work section is a valuable benefit, even if we’re not still working, because the skills can be helpful to us now for our cognitive health, memory and
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Courier Obituaries 2-4-26
LAVERNE E (SCHAFFNER) EVANS
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — LaVerne E Evans (Schaffner) of Louisville, Ky., died on Jan. 22, 
2026, at age 92. She had been a resident of Signature Jefferson Place since December 2023.
She was born March 19, 1933, in Louisville, Ky., to Walter H Schaffner and Ethel Pryor. Her grandparents were Henry B Schaffner and Elise “Lizzie” Roggenkamp, James Daniel Pryor and Emma Stickel. She was known for her excellent memory of events of her childhood, such as the 1937 flood, the hardships of WWII and the history of Louisville. Her father, husband and son were all Navy war veterans. LaVerne was a wife, mother and longtime member of the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association. She was active as a volunteer and PTA officer with her children’s schools.
She enjoyed lakeside camping, reading, long walks and playing Jeopardy. LaVerne spent much of her adult life as a caregiver for relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Wilmoth Daymon “Tommy” Evans, in 2010; and sisters, Alice Carol Hagan and Evelyn “Cookie” Pierce.
She is survived by her children, Elaine Renae Evans of Louisville, Daymon Walter Evans M.D. of Indianapolis (Jane, deceased), and her son, Daniel Wayne Evans, USN-ret (Lynn, deceased); grandchildren, Jason Daniel Evans and Casey Nicole Wilbanks (John); and a great-granddaughter, Cameron Sage Wilbanks, all of Easley.
Her visitation will be at the Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205, from 1-8 p.m. Feb. 5 and from 10-11 a.m. on the morning of Feb. 6, with a funeral to follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A brief graveside service will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218, where she will be buried alongside her husband, Tommy. Per her request, expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus of Kentucky.
WILLIS ‘SKIP’ LYLE II
GREENWOOD — Willis “Skip” Lyle, II, 78, of Greenwood, passed away on Jan. 31, 
2026, at Lakelands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Abbeville.
Born on March 17, 1947, in Six Mile, he was a son of the late Willis and Sylvia Brooks Lyle.
Skip was a graduate of York High School in York, Neb., and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Lander University. His passion for aviation defined much of his life. He was a pilot for Davis and Floyd Inc. and a pilot instructor, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for flight with countless students and colleagues.
Skip served as the music director at Sandridge Baptist Church for a period, and later became a member of Hyde Park Baptist Church.
He is survived by brothers, Walter “Walt” Lyle and Steve Lyle Sr. (MaryLynn); a sister,
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Sealevel Systems celebrates 40 years
LIBERTY — Sealevel Systems, Inc., a leading provider of rugged, industrial-grade computing and I/O solutions, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.
As Sealevel commemorates its past and future with a year-long 40th anniversary campaign, “Forty and Forward,” the company will honor the people, products, and partnerships that have defined its first four decades and support its future-ready vision as a trusted partner. Together, they represent a history of reliable, American-made technology for mission-critical needs and the strength that will sustain Sealevel’s
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Family Promise announces ‘Shuckin’ for Shelter’ to combat Homelessness
EASLEY — Family Promise of Pickens County (FPPC) is proud to announce our first ever “Shuckin’ for Shelter”, taking place on Saturday, March 7, at the scenic Arran 
Farms in Easley. This community-focused evening aims to raise vital funds to support local families experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
“Shuckin’ for Shelter” offers attendees a relaxed atmosphere featuring a traditional
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oyster roast, live music, and fellowship. More than just a social gathering, the event serves as a critical lifeline for FPPC’s mission to provide shelter, stability, and a path toward long-term independence for families in crisis.
In the past year, Family Promise of Pickens County’s dedicated staff provided essential services to 217 individuals, including 64 families and 136 children. As the need for housing assistance grows within the county, FPPC remains committed to responding with dignity and compassion through its shelter, prevention, and stabilization programs.
“Our annual events are a meaningful source of support that allows us to keep families together and sheltered,” said Nath Briley, Executive Director at Family Promise of Pickens County. “The funds raised at Shuckin’ for Shelter directly impact our ability to respond effectively when a family faces a housing crisis.”
Family Promise is currently seeking sponsors and donors to ensure the success of the event. Support from the community translates into tangible results:
Emergency Assistance: Contributions help prevent evictions, avoiding the long-term trauma and costs of homelessness.
Housing Stability: Funds can cover first and last month’s rent for families transitioning to permanent housing.
Essential Supplies: Donations provide necessities such as diapers, infant formula, toiletries, and shoes for children entering the program.
To be recognized in event marketing materials, sponsorship commitments are requested by Feb. 20. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event or purchasing tickets can find more information on at Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/4r5GIJv or via the Family Promise of Pickens County Facebook and Webpage.
Family Promise of Pickens County is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families in housing crisis achieve sustainable independence. Through a collaborative community effort, FPPC provides temporary shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services to help families stay together while they work toward a permanent home.
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