Category Archives: News
AnMed CEO: Cyberattack ‘attack on all of us’
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
ANDERSON — The head of AnMed recently spoke about the fallout of last month’s cyberattack, disclosing that data was stolen.
On July 26, all of AnMed’s hospital locations experienced both phone and internet outages after AnMed’s network was disrupted by malware.
In a video posted on the hospital system’s YouTube channel on Friday, Aug. 21, AnMed CEO William Kenley addressed the cyberattack.
“It was an attack orchestrated by a group of individuals motivated by financial gain,
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Tugalo Holler to play amphitheater
PICKENS — Bluegrass will return to the Pickens Amphitheater this Friday, Aug. 28, 
when Tugalo Holler takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Young Appalachian Musicians, known locally as YAMS, will open the evening with a performance celebrating the next
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The enduring story of POW Bob Fant and his wife Becky
By Tom von Kaene
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
CLEMSON — In the quiet of her Clemson apartment, Becky Fant still keeps the photographs that tell the story best. There is the one she and Bob always called “the toothpaste ad”—the two of them beaming at his homecoming, smiles so bright they seemed to light the room. There is the wedding portrait taken just a few weeks later. And there are the modest tokens of a community that never forgot: the melted remains 
of countless POW bracelets once worn by strangers who prayed for a young Navy lieutenant from Anderson.
Commander Robert St. Clair “Bob” Fant Jr., Clemson Class of 1960, died June 1, 2026, at 87. He and Becky had made their home in the Upstate for more than a quarter-century. Theirs was a love story forged in the longest of separations and sustained by faith, patience, and an entire town’s quiet determination that he would come home.
Bob and Rebecca “Becky” Otts of
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‘Pickin’ in Pickens’ bluegrass jam set for Friday, Sept. 11
PICKENS — Downtown Pickens will come alive with the sound of strings on Friday, September 11, 2026, as Pickin’ in Pickens at 6:00 p.m. The downtown bluegrass jam invites musicians of varying experience levels to bring an instrument, join a circle and share in an evening of traditional music and community fellowship.
Pickin’ in Pickens was created as a welcoming place for musicians and listeners to connect through the bluegrass and old-time traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Rather than a formal concert, the event centers on participation, spontaneous collaboration and the simple enjoyment of making music together.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stroll downtown, listen to the jam sessions and support nearby shops and restaurants. Musicians should bring their own instruments, and spectators may wish to bring a chair. The event reflects the City of Pickens’ continuing commitment to live music, community gathering and the preservation of local cultural traditions.
Additional information and any weather-related updates will be available at VisitPickens.org and through Explore Pickens social media channels.
Special Senate races come at $200k cost
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — The special election held to replace the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham will 
require Pickens County’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget to be amended this year.
County administrator Ken Roper gave his report to Pickens County Council during its Aug. 3 meeting, several days after Graham
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Time To Shine: FOOTBALL FRENZY sponsored by Mountain Funerals and Cremations begins this week!
All four Pickens County high schools took the field at the Easley Jamboree on Friday for their final tune-up before the regular season begins. Liberty opened the night with a 28-0 win over Berea and Pickens followed with a 21-0 victory over Pendleton. In the main event, Daniel took a county clash over Easley, 21-0.To read previews for Daniel, Easley, Liberty and Pickens’ varsity squads, scroll down.
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SDPC outperforms state in 2025-26 assessments
PICKENS — Students in the School District of Pickens County outperformed state averages in nearly every tested subject and grade level during the 2025-26 school year, 
according to assessment results released Aug. 10 by the South Carolina Department of Education.
The results show continued year-over-year gains across the district, including significant improvements in middle school math and early literacy. District officials said the results reflect a sustained focus on instructional quality, targeted
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Veterans town hall planned for Aug. 31
LIBERTY — The Columbia VA Health Care System will host an Anderson Area Veterans Town Hall at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Pickens County Performing Arts Center.
The town hall will provide information about VA programs, services and resources available to veterans throughout the Upstate. The event covers veterans in Pickens,
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