Category Archives: News
Clemson University names new president
CLEMSON — Clemson University’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D. as the University’s next president last week. Ayers will assume the 
presidency on Aug. 1.
A nationally respected academic leader, accomplished administrator and award-winning educator, Ayers comes to Clemson from the University of Georgia, where he serves as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. As UGA’s chief academic officer, he oversees the University’s academic enterprise, including its 20 schools and colleges, as well as instruction, research, public service and outreach, information technology and the offices supporting faculty, graduate education, global engagement and libraries.
Ayers’ appointment comes after Clemson’s Board of Trustees were notified that Kevin Guskiewicz, who was set to take over as the
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Pickens to hold inaugural bluegrass event in the fall
PICKENS — The City of Pickens will launch a new downtown bluegrass jam series this fall aimed at celebrating Appalachian music, supporting local businesses and drawing 
visitors to Main Street.
The series, called “Pickin’ in Pickens,” will feature informal bluegrass jam sessions throughout downtown rather than scheduled stage performances. Musicians will gather at participating businesses to play traditional bluegrass music in a format that
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Sealevel Systems celebrates 40th anniversary
LIBERTY — Sealevel Systems Inc., a leading provider of rugged, industrial-grade computing and I/O solutions, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.
As Sealevel commemorates its past and future with ayear-long 40th anniversary campaign, “Forty & Forward,” the company will honor the people, products and partnerships that have defined its first four decades and support its future-ready vision as a trusted partner. Together, they represent a history of reliable, American-made technology for mission-critical needs and the strength that will sustain Sealevel’s momentum in the years ahead.
Husband and wife Tom and Susan O’Hanlan founded the company in 1986. A patent-holding inventor, Tom designed the first-of-its-kind RS-422/485 communication adapter for early IBM PCs, laying the cornerstone for Sealevel’s forward-thinking innovation. That small component was a giant step in how computers communicated, opening the door beyond office tasks and into automation, monitoring, control, and data collection across demanding environments.
Built on Tom’s vision for connectivity and with Susan’s support helping turn that vision into a long-lasting business, Sealevel has grown into a global provider of rugged edge
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Entertainers inducted into S.C. Hall of Fame
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — The South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame has several new members following inductions that took place before the Billy Bob Thornton and The 
Boxmasters concert at the Pickens County Performing Arts Center on Monday night.
Buddy Strong, Justin Wheelon and Tez Sherard were inducted before the show.
“Tonight we’re doing some very special presentations here,” Hall of Fame executive
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Sheriff looking to protect seniors, churches, roads, lakes
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Protecting highways, waterways and populations that may be more vulnerable to crime are among Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship’s concerns.
Blankenship began his update at the June 29 Pickens United meeting with a thank you to Pickens County Council “for recognizing that we as a county needed to step up a little bit with a 6 percent raise for every single county employee.”
“Not only do my people appreciate that, but county employees across the board do,” he said.
Blankenship has been advocating this year for recruiting and retaining more staff at the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office,
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Rogers golf tourney set for July 11
EASLEY — The 22nd annual Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament is scheduled is set to be held this Saturday July 11 in Easley.
The tournament, which annually benefits a male and female senior basketball player from Pickens High School planning to attend a university, college or technical school, is set to kick off with a 9 a.m. shotgun start at Southern
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CU students pitch Greenville site plans
CLEMSON — Students in Clemson University’s Master of Real Estate Development program recently presented comprehensive development proposals for a Greenville site 
during the program’s annual practicum at Greenville ONE, home to Clemson’s graduate programs in real estate development.
The presentations showcased months of research, planning and analysis focused on a
