Category Archives: Local News
Pickens County Council approves ‘25-26 tax cut
By Evan Smoak
Courtesy The Journal
evan@upstatetoday.com
PICKENS — Pickens County Council voted on a tax cut last week as part of the 
upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
The council approved the second reading of the budget during its regularly scheduled council meeting last
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Clemson hears from developer on downtown housing proposal
By Evan Smoak
Courtesy The Journal
evan@upstatetoday.com
CLEMSON — Residents were able to get their first look at a proposal that would bring another student housing complex to downtown Clemson if approved.
Clemson Planning Commission met Monday to review a new multi-story student housing complex proposal among other items at its monthly meeting.
The proposal included a rendering of eight stories
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Garland exhibit to open at County Art Museum
PICKENS — The Pickens County Museum of Art and History will feature “Remnants of Existence,” an exhibit of work by Andrea Hardin Garland, over the next couple of 
months.
Garland is an artist who was raised on family land in the mountains of Pickens
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Business of the Month
DDM Works was recently honored to be recognized as the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for May. DDMWorks was founded in 2005 by husband and wife team of Dave and Ivy Michel. DDMWorks specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality aftermarket accessories for vehicles like the Polaris Slingshot, Mazda Miata, Mini Cooper and more. Dave also currently serves on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, while Ivy is proud to represent the Chamber as an ambassador. Pictured are the Michel’s being presented the banner by the Chamber’s Harold Alexander.
Brock earns scholarship
The Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Committee has announced Pickens High School senior Sara Beth Brock as the 2025 recipient of the Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Award. Brock, a standout representative of the Blue Flame basketball program, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support her college education.
Courier Community Calendar 5-14-25
• Legion Post 67 seeks members
American Legion Post 67 in Liberty is accepting applications for membership from all U.S. military wartime veterans. For more information, call (864) 787-2322.
• Divine Purpose to host Gospel singing
Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry in Easley will be celebrating its 10 years of service
Central man dies in wreck
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — A Central man died Saturday after a single-vehicle wreck.
Pickens County Coroner Andrew Wilson identified the victim as 27-year-old Brandon Michael Lollis.
Wilson said in a release that Pickens County EMS and the Liberty Area Fire District were dispatched on Saturday to the area of 949 Stewart Gin
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Coroner: Driver died by own hand
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A driver involved in a single-vehicle wreck on Sunday died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Pickens County Coroner’s Office.
In a release issued Monday, Pickens County chief deputy coroner
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Pickens man goes extra mile for his mom
EDITOR’S NOTE: Some say there is no stronger love than what a son has for his mother. For local man Derrick Craft, his love is boundless for the woman who brought him into this world, Mrs. Wanda Craft of Pickens. Derrick knew that his mother was the biggest fan of country music and “The Voice” television star Blake Shelton. On this Mother’s Day week, we at the Pickens County Courier want our readers to take a moment to read in Derrick’s own words what love, and determination allowed him to do for his mom. This is an inspiring story of love, disappointment, happiness and determination, a perfect example of what we will do for our mothers to make them smile.
By Derrick Craft
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — My mother has loved Blake Shelton and his music for many, many years.
She enjoys several of his songs, but of course, she has her favorites. Her absolute favorite is “Home,” which holds a very special place in her heart because of her late husband, Dean Craft.
After my father’s passing, I promised my mother I would take
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