Category Archives: Local News
County Council discusses paid parental leave
By Evan Smoak
Courtesy The Journal
evan@upstatetoday.com
PICKENS — At its mid-month meeting last week, Pickens County Council discussed the 
possibility of adding paid parental leave to its benefits for county employees.
Councilwoman Claiborne Linvill requested this benefit be added for county employees during a meeting in June before the current fiscal year started on July 1, but the matter was tabled until Monday.
“I was at a conference, and they said that if a local government could do anything, if you could only have one
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TCTC Vet Tech program reports 100% pass rate
PENDLETON — Tri-County Technical College’s Veterinary Technology program 
reports a 100% pass rate on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
All 10 of the 2025 Veterinary Technology graduates passed this national credentialing exam. This is a first for the
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Courier Community Calendar 7-30-25
• Lewis 100th reunion planned for August 10
All are invited to the 100th reunion of the James and Mary Stewart Lewis Reuion, Sunday, August 10 at Mountain Grove Baptist Church fellowship Hall 644 E. McDaniel Road in Pickens. Lunch will be at 1 p.m. p.m., cups and plates prived..
• Anderson family reunion is August 24
The family of Joseph Rugless and Nancy “Nealy” Anderson will hold its annual reunion on Sunday, August 24 at Mountain Grove Baptist Church located at 644 E. Preston McDaniel Road in Pickens. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m.
• H.O.P.E. meetings scheduled monthly
Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park have announced the
Local woman sentenced on drug charges
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY – A Pickens County woman was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to several drug charges.
Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Cindy Crick said in a release issued July 22 that Stephanie Jean Pina pled guilty on July 21 to one count of trafficking methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
Evidence presented by Assistant Solicitor Jake
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Locals indicted in tax credit fraud
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
STATE — Pickens County residents are among those indicted by grand juries in six counties regarding a pattern of fraud involving milk and ammonia tax credits, the South Carolina Department of Revenue announced last week.
After uncovering the fraud, the SCDOR presented evidence to grand juries over a two-month span, leading to the indictments against 31 people, the July 16 release said.
County grand juries handed down the indictments from June 5 to July 10, the release said.
The defendants claimed the refundable tax credits to which they were not entitled on
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Contraband phones remain a problem in SC prisons
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
STATE — South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and other law enforcement officials continue to rail against the use of cell phones by inmates to commit further 
crimes.
On July 9, Wilson led a press conference that discussed the issue, using recent cases as examples of crimes allegedly committed by the already incarcerated
In addition to the update on the “Las Senoritas” drug trafficking case, as reported on by the
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CU Trustees approve budget, recognize Clary
CLEMSON — Clemson University’s Board of Trustees convened for its 2025 summer quarterly meetings and retreat this week at the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitor’s Center. Among a host of informational items, presentations and actions, the Board approved the FY26 budget, formalized an agreement with the Medical University of 
South Carolina to construct a new health facility and re-elected Kim Wilkerson ’80 to a third term as Board chair. Trustee John N. “Nicky” McCarter, Jr., ’80 was re-elected vice chair.
“It remains one of the honors of my lifetime to serve my alma mater as the chair of the Board of Trustees. Over the past four years, this Board has helped position Clemson for continued greatness, building on the proud history of our institution with a focus on the future, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue
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Prisma launches liver transplant program
Addition of liver transplant services expands accessibility to treatment
UPSTATE — The Prisma Health Transplant Center has announced an expansion of services in Greenville, bringing a new option to South Carolina patients who may be 
candidates for liver transplant.
Patients who previously had to travel hours to other transplant centers in the region can now receive care much closer to home. The Prisma Health liver transplant program received approval from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in June, has already completed its first liver transplant procedure, and has listed additional
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Alzheimer’s group meets in Easley
EASLEY — The Easley Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group has changed its meeting day and time for the next few months.
The group will now meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the upstairs conference room at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library in
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Business of the Month
Congratulations to The Porkette, which was recently named Business of the Month by the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce.The Porkette has been a staple in the Pickens community for more than 30 years, proudly serving authentic and flavorful barbecue. Owned by Chris Durham, The Porkette features skilled pitmasters and chefs who use only the finest ingredients and slow-smoke their meats to perfection. The culinary team brings expertise from a variety of cuisines, creating a menu that is both thoughtfully crafted and delicious. Their mouthwatering dishes are also available through catering, making them a great choice for any gathering or special occasion. The Porkette is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and reopens for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. It is located at 103 W. Main St. in Pickens. Pictured from left: Melisa Sedler, Dave Michel, Chris Durham (owner), Brian Owens and Harold Alexander.
