Category Archives: Local News
Library planning free legal clinics
COUNTY — The Pickens County Library System, in collaboration with the South Carolina Bar, is planning a series of free law talks beginning next Monday, Jan. 23.
The first session will take place at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library in Easley at 5:30 p.m. and will focus on family law including divorce, custody, visitation and support.
The free legal clinic will consist of a lecture presentation by a volunteer attorney followed by an open question-and-answer
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DHEC: 3 people exposed to rabid fox in Clemson
CLEMSON — Three people were exposed to a fox that tested positive for rabies late last week in Clemson, according to state officials.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed the fox found near Sherman Street and Daniel Drive was submitted to a laboratory for testing on Thursday and tested positive on Friday. No pets
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Winter Bluegrass Jubilee to host first-ever Instrument-A-Thon
PICKENS — The Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) program will hold its annual indoor music festival, the Winter Bluegrass Jubilee, on Jan. 28 at Pickens High School.
There will be live music, workshops, jamming rooms and concessions from 1-6:30 p.m.
Join the Upcountry’s musical community to celebrate the 12th annual Winter Bluegrass Jubilee, an event that supports Young Appalachian Musicians by preserving southern Appalachian music. The event gives students and community members alike the opportunity to participate in instructional workshops with the headlining musicians. Students revel in the camaraderie that music brings and also gain valuable experience performing on stage.
Shawn Lane and Sons will be the headliner for the 2023 Jubilee. Additional performers include Carley
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Pickens Chamber Member of the Month
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce has announced Pickens Family Dentistry as its January Member of the Month. Pickens Family Dentistry has been delivering healthy teeth and happy smiles for more than 40 years. The practice proudly serves the people of Pickens, Easley, Liberty, Salem and beyond with the best in experienced, modern dental care. Pickens Family Dentistry knows the phobia that surrounds going to the dentist. Their goal is to provide customers with exceptional service and to make visiting the dentist a friendly and comfortable experience. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Jennifer Wickenhoefer, Brandi Pitts, Janice Davis, Tina Stewart, Erica McKenzie and Pickens Mayor Fletcher Perry.
Courier Community Calendar 1-18-23
• Fleet Reserve to meet January 21
Fleet Reserve Association Branch 15 will meet this Saturday, Jan. 21 at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast, followed by a business meeting at 9 a.m., at Chicopee United Methodist Church, 403 S. Catherine St., Walhalla. Open to all enlisted former and active duty U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard personnel. For more, call (864) 868-9397 or email tsmith4697@gmail.com.
• Veterans invited to American Legion
Veterans in the Liberty area are invited to the next meeting of American Legion Post 67 in Liberty. The Legion meets on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Scout Hut, circle off North Palmetto Street. All veterans are invited.
Authorities investigate Easley shooting death
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the Pickens County Coroner’s Office are investigating after a woman was shot to death over the weekend.
According to a sheriff’s office news release, deputies responded to a home on Crest Way in Easley on Saturday after a 911 call about a disturbance.
Upon arrival, deputies found a woman who had died of an apparent gunshot wound.
All parties have been identified and are cooperating with the investigation, the release said.
No arrests had been announced as of press time Tuesday.
The name of the victim had also not been released by press time.
More information will be released as it becomes available, the release said.
Man charged with exploiting minors
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A Pickens man was arrested last month on charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors, according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Lewis Matthew Hardenbrook, 34, was arrested on Dec. 21, Wilson said in a release last week.
Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that led them to Hardenbrook, Wilson said.
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigators with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest, he said.
The crimes were allegedly occurring at a home in Pickens, according to a Pickens County Sheriff’s Office release.
Investigators allege Hardenbrook engaged in criminal sexual conduct with a minor and produced multiple files of child
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COVID-19 case numbers on rise in county
COUNTY — COVID-19 levels are on the rise again, in both South Carolina and across the country.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported in a Monday news release that numbers have risen steadily since the week ending Oct. 
29, when the agency recorded 3,459 cases. DHEC recorded 10,481 cases for the week ending on Dec. 31.
“Fortunately, we have not seen a significant uptick in severe cases, meaning those that end in hospitalizations and deaths,” DHEC public health director Dr. Brannon Traxler said. “We want that trend to continue, and masking when recommended is
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Bowers reelected council chairman
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Chris Bowers was reelected as chairman of Pickens County Council last week.
At the start of the Jan. 3 meeting, Pickens County Probate Judge David Allison administered the oath of office to the two members of county council.
“Congratulations to Claiborne Linvill of District 1 and Chris Lollis of District 2,” Allison said. “We all appreciate your efforts in joining the leadership of this county.”
The state Constitution of 1895 requires the oath of office, he said.
“Every officer of this state, since then — the last 127 years — from the governor on down has taken this same oath,” Allison
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Grand opening planned
Magic & Smiles has relocated to Pickens and will carry magic supplies for amateurs, hobbyists and professional magicians. The store will also offer a line of novelties, jokes, gags and clown supplies. The owners of the magic and novelty supply store recently announced that they will hold a grand opening ceremony on Jan. 14, at 10 a.m., in partnership with the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce. There will be light sandwiches, snacks and free giveaways. Magic & Smiles will be located inside the Market at the Mill, in warehouse 3, booth 114. The magic shop will be the only store of its kind in a 100-mile radius. To find out more about the store, call (864) 999-4189 or visit magicandsmiles.com, or find the shop on Facebook at facebook.com/magicandsmiles or
Instagram at instagram.com/magic_and_smiles.
