Monthly Archives: February 2026
County athletes sign to compete at next level
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Two local athletes took the next step in continuing their academic and athletic careers earlier this month, signing letters of intent with colleges on National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Liberty High School’s Holli Gaffin and Pickens High School’s Emerson McCall signed at
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Examining our hearts at the Lord’s table
Last week, we touched on the subject of baptism, and this week I thought we could follow up with a chat about communion. For those who are Christians, the church 
ordinance of communion is a sacred and spiritually personal event.
In some circles, the Lord’s Supper is referred to as a sacrament, while others call it an ordinance, depending on the theological tradition. However, regardless of the term, within Christian churches, it is seen as a means of grace and an integral part of obedience and worship, established by Christ Himself. A time of sacred reflection on Christ’s death and resurrection. Where does it come from? It’s a recorded true event
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Keep track of food recalls
If you’ve been keeping an eye on recent food recalls you know that salmonella has been in the news, because salmonella has been in our food.
We have Moringa superfood capsules, the powder of which comes from the leaves of plants in India and Africa, an organic food known for containing healthful antioxidants, protein and minerals … except it can make us very ill if we get the wrong capsule and salmonella is present in the powder.
Then there are the organic chia seeds with salmonella. And the pouches of super greens supplements that promote health via kale, barley grass and parsley — with salmonella. And the chocolate candy bars — with salmonella. And the dog biscuits — with salmonella.
But salmonella isn’t all that’s been discovered in our food recently. We have plastic in
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Courier Letters to the Editor
Saitta gives update on road paving
Dear Editor,
Last month, I wrote the SCDOT had added repaving S.C. 183 from Pickens to S.C. 135 (by BJ’s and Fairlane Flats) to their list, in 2027 or early 2028. With the help of Sen. Rex Rice, the SCDOT is now fast-tracking that. The repaving project will go out for bid next month. The hope is to have that section repaved by the end of the summer or by year-end. Three cheers for Rex Rice on speeding that up.
The SCDOT is also putting in a traffic light at the intersection at Jameson Road (going out for bid in August). Jameson Road intersects S.C. 183 in two places; this is the intersection that is furthest east. Not the one by BJ’s.
As you can see, the SCDOT is starting to repave U.S. 178 (Main Street Pickens down to Mauldin Lake Road); S.C. 8 from Ross Avenue (four-way stop by U.S. 123) north past the Woodside Mill and to the top of the hill at Mulberry Road; and S.C. 93 in Easley from U.S. 123 through town to S.C. 8.
Repaving those three highways is a two-step process. Now they are patching the worst areas by digging down six inches, packing down a new base and patching it with asphalt. You see those patches and the SCDOT trucks out there now. After the patching is finished and the weather heats up, those highways will be milled down two inches, get a fresh layer of asphalt and new lines painted. Finished by late summer.
Country Creek Road is a county road, and we have replaced two culverts on that road, which is behind Aunt Sue’s (by the Table Rock recycle center). That second culvert went in last week, and the road will be reopened later this week (loose gravel for awhile). The road should be repaved by early March. Thank you for being patient on that one. That road was closed too long. On the bright side, those 10-foot-by-4-foot concrete culverts will out last our children.
Alex Saitta
Pickens
In utter disgust
Dear Editor,
I’m outraged at the corruption and hypocrisy being unraveled in D.C. For decades the American people have been played. Incomprehensible evil will devour our children and theirs with taxes that will rob them of any decent lifestyle. Taxation necessary to avoid
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Courier Obituaries 2-18-26
ALBERT KARL MARTIN
LIBERTY — Albert Karl Martin, 62, loving husband of 35 years to Tina McKenzie Martin, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital in Greenville.
Born on Sept. 18, 1963, in Anderson County, Karl was the beloved son of the late Clyde Martin and Sarah Howard Henderson. A man of many interests and talents, Karl found joy in music, especially playing the guitar, and loved spending time fishing. He had a passion for working on old cars and was truly a jack of all trades, always willing to lend his skills wherever they were needed. His faith was central to his life, and God held a special place in his heart. Above all, Karl loved his family dearly and cherished the time spent with those he held close.
Survivors include his wife, Tina McKenzie Martin of the home; son, Matthew Justin Martin of Liberty; grandchildren, Trevor Justin Martin, Mathew Elijah Martin and Lillie Grace Martin; siblings, Lorena Martin Lostraglio, Naomi Hope Henderson (Michael) and Linda Henderson Duncan.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Martin was predeceased by Wilmer Gene Henderson, the man who raised him as his own and loved him like a father; and his siblings, Gwendolyn Martin, Tambralyn Bergholm, Wilmer Gene Henderson, Jr., Darlene Martin and Helen Martin Merk.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Martin family.
ALVIN THOMAS ‘BUDDY’ DALLAS
EASLEY — Mr. Alvin Thomas “Buddy” Dallas, 93, husband of Shirley Senn Dallas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
Born in Whitmire, S.C., the son of the late William Thomas Dallas and the late Helen
Whiten takes the stage at the Opry
By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
NASHVILLE — What a week it has been for Six Mile native and up‑and‑coming country 
star Blake Whiten. Not only did his new video for his song “Breaking Me” debut, but the young singer also made his first appearance on the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Opry, founded in 1925 and officially named the Grand Ole Opry in 1927, is widely recognized as the crowning achievement country music performers.
Whiten, the son of Matthew and Windi Whiten,
‘Boots On The Ground’ coming to Easley Feb. 22
EASLEY — The Community Action Group presents “Boots On The Ground”, their 
annual Black History Celebration event.
The event will feature skits and performances by the Feet of Foundation and music by The Legendary James Brothers and Charmaine Madison and others.
This celebration will be Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. at the Dream Center, 111 Hillcrest Drive in Easley.
