Category Archives: Local News
PC libraries to resume kid’s programs
COUNTY — Weeks after firing director Stephanie Howard, the Pickens County Library Board convened for a special-called meeting voting to resume previously cancelled 
children’s programs, while also pausing its controversial collection policy and recommending an interim director.
According to library officials last month, the cancellations were necessary due to the need to reallocate staff time to implement recent changes to the system’s collection development policy adopted
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Easley man to serve one day in jail after plea
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — An Easley man was sentenced to just one day in jail after pleading guilty to 
assault.
Emmanuel Jahu Gilstrap was initially charged in 2023 with committing or attempting lewd act upon a child under 16, a charge stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred between Jan 1, 1991 and Dec 31, 1993, according to an Easley Police Department warrant.
The case was disposed last month.
Gilstrap pleaded guilty to assault and battery second degree. He entered an Alford plea. According to the
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SDPC announces leadership changes
PICKENS — The School District of Pickens County has announced leadership changes that will take effect July 1, 2026, including a new district-level role and an interim 
principal appointment at McKissick Academy of Science and Technology (MAST).
Mrs. Heather Touchberry has been named Director of Innovative Services for the district, transitioning from her current role as principal of MAST at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year. In conjunction with this transition, the district’s Board of Trustees approved the superintendent’s recommendation on February 23, 2026, to appoint Dr. Danny Hall, currently assistant principal at MAST, as
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SME named model school
SIX MILE — Six Mile Elementary has been named a 2026 Model School and will be recognized at the prestigious Model Schools Conference, hosted by the Center for 
Model Schools.
Six Mile Elementary was selected as one of only 10 elementary schools nationwide to
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Now open in Pickens
Big things are happening in the Upstate, and Noah’s Ark Plumbing’s ribbon cutting was just the beginning. The company is already setting the tone for what it wants the business to represent, bringing ambitious energy and a strong commitment to the Pickens community. On Feb. 27, the company celebrated its official ribbon cutting, surrounded by community members, friends, family and the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce. At the event, Noah’s Ark Plumbing spotlighted a special dog available for adoption and organized a supply drive benefiting not just one, but three local organizations — the Pickens County Animal Shelter, the Pickens County Humane Society and Roxie’s Thrifty Paws. Guests were also treated to a complimentary lunch catered by new chamber member Fatsos BBQ and Catering. This Christian, faith-based residential plumbing company was founded and is owned by Noah Kerlin. Proudly serving the Upstate, Noah’s Ark Plumbing strives to reflect protection, purpose and compassion, just like its namesake. Pictured are Noah Kerlin (owner), Sara Beth Kerlin (his wife), David Michel (chamber president), Ivy Michel (chamber ambassador), Melisa Sedler (chamber board member) and Meechi Green (chamber board member), along with other family members and friends.
Troop 51 spelunkers go exploring
Scout Troop 51 of Pickens recently took the Wild Cave Tour at the Lost Sea Caverns in Sweetwater, Tenn. The tour included a tour of the caverns, a boat excursion on the largest underground lake in North America and the “Cave Crawl,” which consisted of exploring a multitude of “cracks, crevices, nooks and crannies” on hands and knees and spending the night on the cave floor. It was an exciting trip for the 18 brave souls who went on the adventure and resulted in some very muddy clothes and sore bodies (mainly for the adult leaders, who are too old to know better).
Public speak out on firing
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Following the start of a lengthy book review and the firing of Pickens County Library System director Stephanie Howard, more than a dozen local residents spoke up during Monday’s Pickens County Council meeting.
Comments were divided, as some lauded the Pickens County Library Board of Trustees’ recent 5-2 decision to alter the library’s collection policy, while others believed
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Chastain to be remembered at Six Mile event
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
SIX MILE — A nature walk is a fitting place to remember and celebrate the work and legacy of writer, educator, conservationist and historian Dennis Chastain.
The man once called “a modern-day Daniel Boone” by the Greenville News died at age 73 in November.
A “Remembering Dennis Chastain” program will be held from 2-2:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the Bryson’s Children Nature Walk in Six Mile.
In the event of rain, the program, sponsored by the town of Six Mile and Pickens County 250, will be held in the Six Mile Community Room.
Memories of Chastain will be shared by representatives
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Coroner IDs body found in Dec. fire
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — The Pickens County Coroner’s Office has identified a man found dead after 
a structure fire in Liberty last year.
At 5:45 p.m. Dec. 15, Pickens County Coroner Andrew Wilson and deputy coroner Marsha Alexander responded to 316 Spring Valley Road in Liberty after a person was
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Economist: Data shows growth, but also concerns
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — There are many positive signs that the nation’s economy is doing well, but the average consumer may not be getting that message, according to Clemson 
University economist Scott Baier.
“Consumers are healthy, but it looks a little bit uneven,” he said.
The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the Economy
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