Category Archives: Local News
Historic display headed to Pickens
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A display of some of the nation’s founding documents will be installed at the amphitheater property in Pickens.
During their special called meeting May 6, Pickens City Council members discussed a request from State Sen. Rex Rice about a Charters of Freedom display.
In a memo to council included in the meeting packet, city administrator Tim O’Briant wrote that Charters of Freedom is a national effort “aimed at installing monument displays of the nation’s founding documents … in public spaces to promote civic education and historical awareness.”
“Senator Rice has approached the City with a proposal to locate such a display within
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Demolitions to expand county courthouse parking
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Building demolitions in Pickens will allow more parking space to be created for the Pickens County Courthouse.
Last year, the county purchased the former Carolina Investors building on Garvin
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Now Open in Pickens
One of the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce’s newest members, The Backyard – A Community Destination, celebrated its official ribbon‑cutting ceremony on April 29, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter along the Doodle Trail. Founded by family and rooted in community, The Backyard was created with one goal in mind: to offer a safe, welcoming, and fun space for everyone right in the neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy rolled ice cream, an epic hot dog menu, pizza, and much more. The Backyard is located at 121 Railroad Street in Pickens. Pictured are City Councilman Jonathan Baker, Amber Baker, Devin Smith, Chef Stephanie Medlin, Pam Smith, Kevin Smith, daughters Natalie, Karson Capps and Peyton, owner Kayla Reid, Wayne Kelly, owner Mark Reid, Jerri Davis, Chamber President Dave Michel, and Chamber Ambassador Jeremy Price.
Pickens High Class of 1976 celebrates 50th reunion
It was a beautiful day last Saturday as the Pickens High School Class of 1976 hosted its 50th class reunion at the Hagood Mill Pavilion in Pickens on May 9. The event gave Blue Flame alumni a chance to reminisce and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner. With more than 60 classmates in attendance, the afternoon was filled with great stories, laughter, and fellowship enjoyed by all. Pictured are: Seated: Libby A. Oberstar, Lavada Galloway, Kathy McCollum, Darlene Cobb, Judy Robertson, Mary M. Simpson, Kathy D. Raven, Reda R. Collins, Carol B. Owens, Patti M. Welborn, Diane P. Jones, Vickie S. Towe, Donnie Smith, Dede Cartee, Cindy C. Lewis, Cathy M. Breazeale, Shena B. Bowen, Lynn H. Hendricks, Sheila S. Dunn and Nancy S. Holcombe. Standing, first row: Doug Foster, Glen Crowe, Debbie W. Ellison, Patti B. Grantham, Beth Hardin, Lynn Townes, Jinky Shelton, David Burgess, Scott Keasler, Susan M. Kenley, Jerry Couch, Mike Dickard, Walton Roberts, Faye W. Durham, Judy W. Patrick, Pam Winters, Jan C. Lockridge, Mary A. Howell, Wanda Edens, Sharon G. Whitworth, Calvin Butler, Sharon B. Patton, Tommy Gravely, Jimmy Street, Dan Buckheister, Susan Vickery and Larry Howard. Back row: Cliff Dalton, Scott Hendricks, Stan Cantrell, Ken Townsend, Tex Woodruff, Gene Galloway, Tim Hiott, Bill Hudson, Sam Craig, Pat Wellborn, Roger Smith, Gene Martin, Johnny Hickey, Victor Whitworth, Brian Lewis, Johnny Patton, Steve Gravely, Michael Givens and Dennis Hayes.
Hagood Mill Historic Site announces Upcountry Grits Festival on May 15-16
PICKENS — Hagood Mill Historic Site invites the community and visitors from across 
the region to experience the Inaugural Upcountry Grits Festival, taking place May 15–16, 2026, at the historic site located at 138 Hagood Mill Road in Pickens.
This first-of-its-kind event celebrates one of the South’s most
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Harden Scholarship winner announced
PICKENS — The scholarship committee of the Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary 
proudly announces Charlee Blankenship as the Winner of the 2026 Dr. John Harden Scholarship.
Charlee is the daughter of Tommy and Sandee Blankenship. Charlee is a senior at Pickens High School.
She is involved in her school and athletics including Varsity Girls Tennis and Varsity Girls Soccer and was named Captain of both teams during her Senior Year.
She is also actively involved in many community service projects and local church activities.
The scholarship committee wishes to congratulate Charlee and wish her much success in healthcare.
Courier Community Calendar 5-13-26
• DPOM to host anniversary singing
Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry wants to take this opportunity to invite everyone to join them for a afternoon of Fellowshipping through songs on Sunday, May 17 at 4 p.m. Doors will open at 3pm The ministry would be celebrating their 11 year pre-anniversary celebration. Some of the Choirs on program will be Bonnie Franks and The Nicholtown Community Choir, The Divine Purpose Praise Team, Sweet Canaan Baptist Church.
• Food pantry hours announced at PPC
The Food Pantry at Pickens Presbyterian Church is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To receive food, individuals must present a valid ID showing residency in Pickens County. Pickens Presbyterian Church is located at 311 W. Main St. in Pickens.
• H.O.P.E. meetings scheduled monthly
Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park have announced the
PCSO deputy arrested, fired
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship has asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate after a Pickens County Sheriff’s Office 
deputy was arrested by the Easley Police Department on multiple charges, including DUI, hit and run, and drug possession with intent to distribute.
In a Facebook Live video posted late Monday evening,
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Easley bridge to close for rehab work
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — The bridge over the Saluda River on S.C. Highway 124 is expected to be closed for nearly two weeks for rehab work.
The bridge on Old Easley Highway will close on Thursday, May 7.
In a news release issued last August, the South Carolina Department of Transportation said the bridge will undergo repairs “in an effort to remove current load restrictions, increase safety, and
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Tips to make Mother’s Day extra special
Mother’s Day is celebrated each May and marks a perfect opportunity to show Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated. Mother’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years, and in that time mothers have grown accustomed to certain staples of the holiday. A bouquet of fresh flowers, Sunday brunch at a local restaurant and some gifts
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