Category Archives: News
Free Easley Fair offers pathways to brighter futures

EASLEY — Students, parents, and community members are invited to attend the Future Forward College and Career Resource Fair on Saturday, September 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Dream Center of Easley, located at 111 Hillcrest Drive in Easley.
This free community event is designed to connect students and families with opportunities for higher education, military service, career pathways, and community
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Courier Community Calendar 9-24-25
• Authors to gather at the Village Library
The Village Library in Pickens will be hosting a gathering of local authors on Thursday, September 15. from noon – 2 p.m.
The event will be a meet and greet with local authors Jessica Khoury, Carolyn Newton, Sara Ramachandran, Brittney Morgan, Carla Marie Blake, Toni Armstrong Sample, Jim Melvin, Jeanne Malmgren, M.S. Spearman, Beth Decarbo and JB Cook.
All are invited to enjoy the event at 124 North Catherine Street in Pickens.
• Dacusville Lions to host monthy bingo
The Dacusville Lions Club will be hosting Bingo night on the second Thursday of eachmonth at the Lions Building in Dacusville, located at 1384 Thomas Mill Road. The next Bingo session will be Thursday, Oct. 9.
There are set to be 10 games beginning at 7 p.m., and proceeds will go toward funding community events and other community needs.
The games should conclude around 9 p.m. Bingo night will be a family-friendly event
Blue Ridge Bank opens permanent office in Pickens
PICKENS — Blue Ridge Bank is proud to announce the grand opening of its new permanent office located at 628 Ann Street in Pickens.
Blue Ridge Bank’s Pickens branch first opened in November 2024, operating out of a temporary location while construction was completed on the new 3,239 square foot facility.
The new office, built on the same lot, reflects Blue Ridge Bank’s dedication to providing long-term service for the Pickens community.
A grand opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 1st at 11:30am to officially open the doors to the new permanent office.
Headquartered in Walhalla, SC, Blue Ridge Bank has proudly served the local communities since 1957. Blue Ridge Bank now serves Oconee and Pickens County with six convenient branch locations in Walhalla, Seneca, Westminster, Easley, and Pickens. Blue Ridge Bank has a five-star security rating by Bauer Financial.
Blue Ridge Bank is excited to have the following staff members in Pickens:
Bart Turner is the Senior Vice President and Pickens Market Executive. Bart is a lifelong Pickens resident and will focus on both commercial and residential lending. He has been with Blue Ridge Bank since 2022 and has over 33 years of community banking experience.
Tracy Batson is the Vice President, Branch Manager, and Loan Officer. Tracy lives in Pickens and has 25 years of banking experience, including the past 15 years in Pickens. Lisa Faneytte is the Customer Service Representative/Teller. Lisa has 17 years banking experience.
Jessica Anderson is the Vault Teller. Jessica has 15 years of banking experience in Pickens.
Jean Venesky is the Administrative Assistant and has over 35 years of community banking experience. Jean has been with Blue Ridge Bank since 2022.
Within these walls

Historic schoolhouse restored, marker unveiled at Soapstone
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A historical marker on the grounds of Soapstone Baptist Church will help tell the story of the church founded by freed slaves.
The marker was unveiled Saturday morning. The church’s matriarch, Mable Owens Clarke, welcomed the crowd of supporters to the unveiling.
“I am just so happy that you all took the time out of your busy schedule to come to Soapstone Church, to leave your footprints on God’s holy grounds out here,” Clarke said. “And let me just warn you — when you leave
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This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS

ON A ROLL!!
LIBERTY OVERCOMES SLOW START FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN
LIONS LOOKING TOWARDS CLINTON; GREEN WAVE PREPARE FOR MANN; FLAME NEARLY COMEBACK AGAINST ST. JOE’S; TECH STUNS CLEMSON WITH LATE FIELD GOAL all this and more in this week’s FOOTBALL FRENZY, sponsored by Mountain View Funerals and Cremations available only in the Pickens County Courier.
Do not miss a single issue by grabbing a copy at a convenience, grocery or drug store near you. You can also subscribe and have your Pickens County Courier delivered each week right to your mailbox for only $36 per year (in Pickens County).
Call us today at 864-878-6391 and get your subscription started and never miss any of the action in South Carolina’s best sports section!
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Pickens Lip Sync Battle sparks community unity

PICKENS — The second annual Lip Sync Battle was held at the Pickens Amphitheater on Saturday, bringing music, laughter and community spirit together for a cause that matters — suicide prevention.
Teams from the Easley Police Department, Easley Fire Department, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and Pickens Police Department hit the stage with high-energy performances that had the crowd cheering. After an evening of unforgettable routines, the Pickens Police Department was
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Grand opening held for Hagood Mill Pavilion
The grand opening of the Heritage Pavilion at Hagood Mill Historic Site was held on Friday at a free community event featuring a ribbon cutting and refreshment. The Heritage Pavilion adds a versatile new venue to the historic site, offering a rustic yet elegant space for weddings, concerts, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. “The Heritage Pavilion is a wonderful new venue that enhances our ability to host events while preserving the charm and history of the Hagood Mill Historic Site,” said Ryan Ferrell, Board of Directors, Hagood Mill Foundation. “We look forward to sharing it with the community and showcasing all it has to offer.” Pictured above: Betty McDaniel of the Hagood Mill Foundation cuts the ceremonial ribbon with State Rep. Davey Hiott.
PC Habitat for Humanity to host dinner next week

COUNTY Pickens County Habitat for Humanity (PCHFH) invites neighbors, supporters, and community partners to gather for the Have a Heart for Habitat Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Historic Hampton House in Pickens. The event begins at 6 p.m. and brings together community, celebration, and purpose.
Guests will enjoy an evening of connection, local food, and shared stories while
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4th annual Barns, Boots, Brew and Silent Auction set for Oct. 7

EASLEY — Family Promise of Pickens County is excited to present its 4th Annual Barn, Boots Brew and Silent Auction on October 7. The event will be held at Arabella Farm located at 125 Buck Ridge Road in Sunset and is sponsored by our generous presenting
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