Category Archives: News
Ethics board fines former Easley mayor
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
STATE — The S.C. Ethics Commission has found that former Easley Mayor Butch 
Womack violated portions of the Ethics Act while serving as mayor.
The Ethics Commission’s panel issued a public reprimand and ordered Womack to pay to the commission a reduced civil penalty of $2,000 ($1,000 for each count) and an administrative fee of $1,500 for a total of $3,500, according to a demand and order signed Nov. 11.
Womack was also ordered to reimburse the city of Easley $2,247.17 and to provide to the commission proof that payment has been made.
During an Oct. 16 hearing on the matter, the commission’s general counsel, Courtney Laster, said the claim centered on the contention that Womack, while mayor, used city resources to
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Liberty swears in new mayor, council members
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — The city of Liberty’s new mayor and four new city council members were officially sworn in Monday night.
Deputy administrator Bailee Locke administered the oaths of office to Mayor Andrea Wagner, Councilwoman Mikail Cantley, Councilman Gerald Wilson, Councilman Jon
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UWPC receives Angel Award
EASLEY — South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond honored United Way of Pickens County as one of ten Angel charities of 2025 in a ceremony at the Edgar Brown 
Building on the Capitol Complex.
“Since 1998, the recognition of ‘Angel’ charities has been a holiday tradition in South Carolina,” said Secretary Hammond. “The contributions of nonprofits to the well-being of our communities cannot be overstated, and I always enjoy this opportunity to highlight those organizations that have given so much to our great state.”
The Angels honored are charities that have significantly impacted communities in South Carolina, and that have demonstrated good stewardship of charitable resources. Representatives from all Angel charities were in attendance to receive a certificate and personal recognition from Secretary Hammond.
“We are truly honored to be recognized as an Angel charity,” said United Way of Pickens County President Julie Capaldi. “This award is a meaningful affirmation of the confidence our donors place in United Way of Pickens County and our steadfast commitment to using their gifts wisely and transparently. We are proud to serve this community and to ensure that every investment drives real, lasting impact for our Pickens County neighbors.”
The Angels were selected by a review of financial reports submitted annually to the Secretary of State’s Office, as well as through nominations from the public. To be selected as an Angel, the charity must devote 80percent or more of its total expenditures to charitable programs; have been in existence for three or more years; make good use of volunteer services; not rely heavily on government grants; have a significant presence in South Carolina; and be in compliance with the
South Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act. Secretary Hammond recognizes organizations with diverse missions that benefit communities throughout the state.
Donors can research charities through the free mobile app Give Smart SC, and use the app to determine if a charity is properly registered to solicit in South Carolina.
Tigers outlast South Carolina in rivalry battle
By Will Vandervort
Courtesy The Journal
sports@upstatetoday.com
COLUMBIA — Clemson was not about to let South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers beat it the way he did in Memorial Stadium last season.
A year after the South Carolina quarterback ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns in the Gamecocks’ stunning three-point victory in Clemson, the Tigers held Sellers to two rushing yards and sacked him five times in their 28-14 victory on Saturday at Williams-
Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Clemson also intercepted Sellers twice, both by safety Ricardo Jones, who returned his second interception 12 yards for a touchdown with 3:20 to play in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
“We had him uncomfortable all day, pressure-wise,”
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Volunteers plant trees in Six Mile
Trees Upstate of South Carolina recently funded and coordinated a tree planting volunteer project at Bryson Children’s Nature Walk in Six Mile. Volunteers came from all across the Upstate for the project to make a difference in the community. Volunteers gave their time and efforts, which were appreciated by the town of Six Mile. The trees will be forever displayed at the front of the Bryson project site for generations to come. Once greenspace is gone, it is lost forever. Pictured are the volunteers with Six Mile Mayor James Atkinson.
‘A remarkable voice’
Beloved local historian and writer Chastain dies at age 73
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The Upstate recently lost an advocate for the protection of its natural beauty and a deep repository of its history.
A man the Greenville News once called “a modern-day Daniel Boone,” Dennis Chastain died on Friday, Nov. 21. He was 73.
In February 2019, Upstate Forever bestowed the Extraordinary Achievement Award upon Chastain.
The Extraordinary Achievement Award recognizes an individual who, through dedication and leadership, has made an extraordinary contribution to conservation and/or sustainable growth in the Upstate.
Chastain’s award recognized him for than
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SC 183 bridges reopen
COUNTY — After more than a year of work, commuters can now pass between Six Mile and Pickens on S.C. Highway 183 after the reopening of two bridges last week.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation began work on bridges over Twelve Mile Creek and Gregory Creek in Pickens County along S.C. 183 in Pickens last fall after construction delays due to Hurricane Helene.
Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures as crews work to complete final punch list items on the bridge.
SCDOT asks that drivers slow down and pay attention to signs and crews when driving through the work zone.
