Category Archives: Local News
CU’s 4-H Pinckney Leadership program receives visit from National 4-H Council
By Marlon Morgan
Clemson University
news@thepccourier.com
CLEMSON — Clemson University began the 4-H Pinckney Leadership program in 2016 as a means of helping middle and high school students develop their leadership abilities and awareness of civic engagement through camps, conferences and a roundup event.
The program has grown to more than 750 youth and adult leaders representing 37 of South Carolina’s 46 counties. At this year’s 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup, the program had the privilege of hosting Jill Bramble, president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, and Natalie Godwin, vice president of corporate communications of the
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Recruit swearing in set for Semper Fi Barn
CENTRAL — The public is encouraged to attend and support: The Swearing in of US 
Army Recruits on the Army’s 250th birthday on Sat, Jun 14, from 4-6 p.m. at the Semper Fi Barn, 3114 Smith Memorial Highway, Central. Family members and veterans are the honored guests. Birthday cake and hamburgers served after this 20-minute ceremony. For more info, call Tom @864-643-9197 or email: semperfibarn@gmail.com
Killer Beaz comedy lights up Liberty
LIBERTY — Legendary Southern standup comedian Killer Beaz, best known for his
clean yet uproarious routines and appearances on Moonshiners, brought his signature humor to the Pickens County Performing Arts Center in Liberty last Saturday.
The show filled the PCPA center with belly laughs and relatable Southern storytelling. Born Truett S. Beasley Jr. in Andalusia, Alabama, Killer Beaz has built a decades long career performing on television, radio, the Grand Ole Opry stage, and countless comedy clubs—always keeping his humor “clean but killer”.
The audience enjoyed a high energy performance featuring Beaz’s signature everyman observational humor that appeals to wide-ranging crowds—from small town folks to big city dwellers.
Local students graduate as part SCCA class of 2025
COLUMBIA — Seven Pickens County residents recently graduated from the South Carolina Connections Academy. The students are Mya Galloway, Central, Ahmi Gilmer, 
Easley, Elisha Guthrie, Easley, Kailyn Mason, Easley, Jordan Dale, Pickens, Jayci Draughon, Pickens and Michaela Mosley, Pickens
South Carolina Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving
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Community Calendar 6-11-25
• Hagood Mill set to host Folk Festival
Hagood Mill Historic Site recently announced the return of the annual Americana Folk Festival. Set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 21, the event promises a full day of soul-stirring music, Appalachian tradition and community celebration. This year’s headliner is The Resonant Rogues, a dynamic band rooted in the mountains of western North Carolina. Fronted by songwriting duo Sparrow and Keith Josiah Smith, The Resonant Rogues blend Appalachian old-time, classic country and vintage soul into a sound
Pickens gives annexation OK
Council stresses vote is first step in long process
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Pickens City Council voted last week to approve the first reading of an 
annexation request, but council members stressed that the vote was the first step in a process that is far from over.
The issue of whether to annex 215 acres at the north side of Wolf Creek School Road and Mauldin Lake Road has been a contentious one for the city in recent months. A town hall meeting in April drew a large crowd to discuss the planned development, with the majority of the speakers that night urging council to vote the annexation down.
“I know we’ve got a hot topic to talk about
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Solicitor announces retirement
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — The longest-serving solicitor of the 13th Judicial Circuit is set to retire.
Walt Wilkins announced his decision to retire on May 29 in a release “to the citizens of Greenville and Pickens counties,” the two counties that comprise the 13th Circuit.
“It is with a heavy and grateful heart that I announce my retirement after over 14 years
13th Circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins and announced his retirement.
as the longest-serving solicitor of the 13th Circuit,” Wilkins said. “After careful consideration, I have decided to take advantage of my retirement eligibility and the opportunity to enter the practice of law with my father for the first time in either of our professional capacities.”
A 1996 graduate of Wofford College,
received his law degree from the University of South
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Pickens native wants to revamp US food policy
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — A medical student who hails from Pickens has been working on legislation 
she hopes will have a big impact on both students and small farms.
An Anderson University alum, Scarlett Saitta’s bipartisan federal amendment, The American Farm and School Nutrition Support Act, would improve school meals by expanding access to whole, locally sourced foods through Farm-to-School partnerships.
“I have been researching health and nutrition for maybe
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SDPC announces pay increases for all staff
PICKENS — The School District of Pickens County (SDPC) Board of Trustees approved a $187.2 million balanced operating budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, which includes 
pay increases for all district employees and no increase to the district’s operating millage rate.
The budget was adopted during the board’s third reading on May 27 after nearly a year of planning. District officials emphasized that the spending plan continues to prioritize student
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Clemson rocket team goes ‘all in’ with Pocket Tens
By Paul Alongi
Courtesy Clemson News
news@thepccourier.com
Pocket Tens is 12 feet of fiberglass, carbon fiber and nylon.
It’s a tribute to an iconic Dabo Swinney quote.
It’s the reason Kyle Jones worked 50 hours in one week without being paid a single
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