Daily Archives: 09/02/2026
Pickens fires city admin
4-3 decision followed council’s rejection of separation agreement
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — After beginning separation steps earlier in the month, Pickens officials voted to terminate Pickens city administrator Tim O’Briant’s employment last week.
Pickens City Council held a special called meeting Thursday, Aug. 27, and voted to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters.
The executive session agenda listed “discussion of
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This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS
BEARS BASHED
Daniel delivers statement in big win over Belton-Honea Path Click Link Below to read full story
Also inside:
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Green Wave comeback falls short
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Liberty drops close contest to Cats
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Blue Flame blast Blacksburg
All this and more in this week’s FOOTBALL FRENZY, sponsored by Mountain View Funerals and Cremations available only in the Pickens County Courier.
Do not miss a single issue by grabbing a copy at a convenience, grocery or drug store near you. You can also subscribe and have your Pickens County Courier delivered each week right to your mailbox for only $41 per year (in Pickens County).
Call us today at 864-878-6391 and get your subscription started and never miss any of the action in South Carolina’s best sports section!
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Pigskin Pich ’em is back !!!!
Do you think you know football? You can prove it by taking part in the Pickens County Courier’s weekly Pigskin Pick ‘Em contest. Each week, readers will have the chance to pick 12 collegiate football contest with a chance to win gift certificates to local restaurants. For more information on the contest. GET THIS WEEK’S PICKENS COUNTY COURIER TO PLAY.
Gamboa, Moats named 26-27 SDPC employees of the year
PICKENS — While celebrating outstanding teachers and support employees from across the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) last week, two employees were selected for the district’s highest honor.
Pickens High School Spanish teacher Marlynde Gamboa and Edwards Middle School bookkeeper Joy Moats were named the 2026–2027 District Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year.
Both were honored during the annual SDPC Support Employee and Teacher of the Year Banquet on Aug. 25. The banquet celebrates outstanding teachers and support employees from across the district, recognizing their commitment to students, their schools, and the communities they serve.
GAMBOA
Gamboa brings 27 years of experience in education spanning three countries: Colombia, England, and the United States. At Pickens High, she teaches Spanish
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Stroller assault sparks Liberty police standoff
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — A man faces multiple charges after police allege he assaulted a man 
walking with a child in a stroller last week.
Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Brett Barwick said in an Aug. 26 news release the agency’s communications center received a 911 call at 11:09 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, about an assault in the area of Hovey Lane
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Driver killed in Easley wreck
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — A Travelers Rest man died after a single-vehicle wreck in Easley on Friday.
Pickens County Coroner Andrew Wilson identified the victim as Avery Raines, 42, of Travelers Rest.
The accident occurred at 2:41 a.m. on Rolling Hills Circle near
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SNAP a ‘government program that actually works’
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — A speaker working to address food needs in the area recently addressed some prevalent myths about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Ron Miller is the regional agency services coordinator with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, helping to address food insecurity and access with more than 100 partner agencies in nine counties of the Upstate.
Miller presented on SNAP myths during Healthy Pickens
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Singing on the Rock concert set for Sept. 26
PICKENS — Soapstone Baptist Church will host “Singing on the Rock,” a live gospel 
concert, from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
The event will feature performances by Tracy Smith, Maxie Burton, the Henderson Brothers, James Hester, the Long Branch Easley Union Chorus, the Sweet Potato Pie Kids, Church With No Walls, the St. Marks Inspirational Choir and Cliff of Scenic Hill Baptist Church. Praise dancer
Marvin King set to play at amphitheater Sept. 12
PICKENS — The city of Pickens will continue its 2026 concert season with Marvin King at the Pickens Amphitheater beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
The outdoor performance will give residents and visitors another opportunity to gather downtown for live music in a relaxed community setting. King’s appearance is part of a fall
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