Category Archives: Local News
Principal: Area student brought knife to school
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — Crosswell Elementary School staff responded quickly after a student 
brought a knife to school last week, according to school officials.
In a letter to Crosswell Elementary families, principal Andrew Shipman said a student brought
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Blue Ridge Electric celebrates 85 years serving Pickens County
PICKENS — Today, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative celebrates 85 years of powering rural communities through quality service and reliability. Over the next year, the co-op will reinvest in our local community by supporting public school teachers and 
launching an energy efficiency grant program to benefit residential members.
Under the “Built on Service. Wired to Deliver.” campaign banner, the co-op will also share legacy stories of employees and historical moments across social media. Members will have the opportunity to win energy-efficient programmable thermostats and other prizes through targeted events.
On January 7, 1941, Blue Ridge energized its first section of power line. The co-op served 1,680 members and 486 miles of power lines at the time. Today, the co-op serves over 74,000 meters and maintains 7,500 miles of power lines. Blue Ridge
Hagood Mill hosts SC Old Time Fiddler’s Convention Sept. 19-20
PICKENS — Old-time musicians from across the region will gather at the Hagood Mill Historic Site for the annual South Carolina Old Time Fiddler’s Convention, featuring the official SC State Fiddling Championship, on Friday and Saturday, September 19–20. This beloved, state-sanctioned two-day event draws competitors, music lovers, and 
families for an unforgettable weekend of traditional tunes, history, and community.
The festivities begin Friday evening at 7 p.m. in the Heritage Pavilion with a special concert featuring Kristen Harris, Taylor Trew, Ben Riesser along with Evan and Mick Kinney.
On Saturday, the SC State Fiddling Championship kicks off at 9
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Now Open in Pickens
Rusty Rooster at 19 East Main Street, Pickens celebrated its grand opening on August 14. This fantastic store has relocated all of its carefully curated merchandise from Easley to Pickens. Be sure to stop by to explore their beautiful collection—from unique home décor and handcrafted jewelry to vintage treasures you won’t want to miss. Pictured are Dave and Ivy Michel, Theresa Dye, Trish Morgan, Lisa Nicholson, Kim Day, Adrienne LaRusso, Meechie Green, Melisa Sedler and Harold Alexander
Courier Community Calendar 8-20-25
• Firelocks exhibits coming to Museum
The Pickens County Museum of Arts and History will be host “Firelocks of the American Revolution” on September 6 from 4 – 6 p.m.
The exhibition will open with a reception. There will be free food and drinks. All are invited to meet collector Ken Nabors and see many reenactors in American Revolution period dress.
During the American Revolution (1775-1783), flintlock rifles stood as both a practical tool of war and a symbol of the colonists’ determination to secure independence.
The Ken Nabors collection features examples of rifles, pistols, powder horns, and other objects from the Revolutionary period.
The Pickens County Museum of Arts and History is located at 307 Johnson Street in Pickens.
For more information of the incredible exhibition call864-898-5963
• Anderson family reunion is August 24
The family of Joseph Rugless and Nancy “Nealy” Anderson will hold its annual reunion on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Mountain Grove Baptist Church, located at 644 E. Preston McDaniel Road in Pickens. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m.
• Gospel singing set in Easley Aug. 30
Get ready for a soul-stirring evening of Old School Gospel Music at the fifth Saturday Gospel Singing, hosted by Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry in Easley. The singing is Aug. 30 with doors oping at 3 p.m. and singing starting at 4 p.m.
The master of ceremonies will be the Rev. Charles Hendricks. The devotional team is The Mighty Gospel Harmonizers.
The event will feature performances by Pastor Rebbeca Mackey, the Butler Brothers, Joe Chancellor and the Chancellor Singers and the Rev. Bobby Johnson and the Johnson Family, the Horns of Praise, Bro. James Gaines, Bro. David Galloway and the The Kindred Family. Pastor Tim Sutton and the entire Divine Purpose Outreach family invite you to come and be blessed by an evening of uplifting gospel music, praise and fellowship the old-fashioned way.
• H.O.P.E. meetings scheduled monthly
Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park have announced the
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Daniel coach Stone reinstated
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Ten days after being placed on paid administrative leave, Daniel High School head football coach was reinstated to both his teaching and coaching duties, the 
School District of Pickens County announced last week.
“We recognize the public interest surrounding this matter, but as this is a personnel issue, the district will not provide
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One files for open Liberty council seat
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — One candidate has filed to fill an unexpired term on Liberty City Council.
The Ward 3 City Council seat became open last month following the resignation of City Councilman Daniel Graybeal.
Filing for the Nov. 4 special election closed Monday, August. 11.
According to SC Elections Commission records, William Bo Cooley was the lone candidate to file to run for the Ward 3 seat.
Filing for the other municipal elections in Pickens County closed on Aug. 4.
Lewis family gather for 100th reunion
By Lynn Townes
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The James and Mary Stewart Lewis Family celebrated their 100th family reunion on Sunday at Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Pickens. Many of your neighbors and acquaintances are in the lineage of this pioneering family, which has had untold influence on the communities across the country.
The Lewis Family have been a part of Upstate South Carolina since the mid-1700s when David Lewis and his bride, Ann Beeson Lewis, moved to the Pendleton District from Guilford County, NC. Ann, a member of the Society of Friends, was disowned by family and faith for marrying “out of unity.” Coming to Pendleton District they started a new
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Community Calendar 8-15-25
• Anderson family reunion is August 24
The family of Joseph Rugless and Nancy “Nealy” Anderson will hold its annual reunion on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Mountain Grove Baptist Church, located at 644 E. Preston McDaniel Road in Pickens. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m.
• Gospel singing set in Easley Aug. 30
Get ready for a soul-stirring evening of Old School Gospel Music at the fifth Saturday Gospel Singing, hosted by Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry in Easley.
The singing is Aug. 30 with doors oping at 3 p.m. and singing starting at 4 p.m.
The master of ceremonies will be the Rev. Charles Hendricks. the devotional team is The Mighty Gospel Harmonizers. the event will feature performances by Pastor Rebbeca Mackey, the Butler Brothers, Joe Chancellor and the Chancellor Singers and the Rev. Bobby Johnson and the Johnson Family, the Horns of Praise, Bro. James Gaines, Bro. David Galloway and the The Kindred Family.
Pastor Tim Sutton and the entire Divine Purpose Outreach family invite you to come and be blessed by an evening of uplifting gospel music, praise, and fellowship the old-fashioned way.
• H.O.P.E. meetings scheduled monthly
Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park have announced the
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Races set in municipal elections
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY – Filing has officially closed for all but one of the municipal races this November.
Candidate filing closed at noon on Friday, August 1 for races in the Cities of Easley, Liberty, Pickens and the Towns of Central, Norris and Six Mile.
In Easley, incumbent Denise Davidson will face challenger April Searcy for the Ward 1 Seat on Easley City Council.
Incumbent Easley City Councilman David Jones filed for re-election for the Ward 4 seat and will face Chris Clark.
Bob Fedder and Hilary Koster will face each other for the Ward 6 Seat. Incumbent Jim
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