Category Archives: News
How sweet the sound
Anniversary concert planned to honor Grace’s United’s treasured pipe organ
PICKENS — To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the acquisition of their Moller pipe organ, the congregation of Grace United Methodist Church invites the community to a concert featuring six talented local musicians.
All are hoped to join the congregation the congregation on Sunday, October 18, at 4 p.m., for “Thunder and Whispers: The Power of the Pipe Organ.” A reception will follow in the Grace Fellowship Hall.
Gifted organists Ralph Boggess, Robin Cantrell, Rodney Cleveland, William Thomas Cleveland, Carolyn Hamlin, and Carla Padgett will present a program of sacred and traditional music showcasing this extraordinary instrument.
In 1981, the congregation of Grace decided to replace their sanctuary organ. After much prayer and deliberation, a fundraising campaign was launched, and a committee of members searched to find an organ to suit the needs of the church and to complement the sanctuary’s architecture. Their findings resulted in the purchase of a Moller pipe organ consisting of 876 pipes. Pipe organs have been part of worship since the 12th century and have a life expectancy of over 100 years.
The church is located at 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC. For more information, go to our website graceumcpickens.org, or call the church office 864-878-2161.
Appalachian Folk Festival is a month away in Pickens
PICKENS, S.C. — The fourth annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival will return Friday and Saturday, October 23–24, 2026, at the Heritage Pavilion at Hagood Mill. The two-day event will celebrate the music, dance, craftsmanship, foodways and community spirit that define the Appalachian heritage of Pickens and the surrounding region.
Friday’s festival hours are 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., followed by a full day of activities Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors can expect live entertainment, demonstrations, vendors and family-friendly opportunities to experience regional traditions in an authentic setting.
The festival brings together performers, artisans, food vendors and cultural interpreters to create an event that is both entertaining and educational. The Heritage Pavilion and neighboring Hagood Mill Historic Site provide a fitting backdrop, connecting today’s celebration with the Upcountry’s long history of work, music and community gathering.
The Heritage Pavilion is located at 129 Hagood Mill Road in Pickens. A complete entertainment schedule, vendor information and additional festival details will be posted at VisitPickens.org and through Explore Pickens social media channels.
This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS
DEVILDOG DEMOLTION
Red Devils hold off travelers rest comeback attempt
Also inside:
- Lions to open region with Walhalla
- Eastside takes down Easley
- Blue Flame prepare for Berea
- Clemson holds off California
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 $41 per year (in Pickens County).
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PCSO deputies fired after arrests
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Two Pickens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were fired recently after being arrested in Tennessee.
Sheriff Tommy Blankenship announced the firings in a Facebook Live video posted on Sept. 24. Though Blankenship did not name the deputies, they have been publicly identified as former K-9 handlers Corey Baker and Nikki Holliday.
“Recently, two of our deputies were arrested and charged with public intoxication while outside of this state,” he said. “As soon as this information came to my attention, both deputies were placed on unpaid administrative suspension while our Office of Professional Standards conducted their internal investigation.”
That investigation was completed Sept. 23, Blankenship said.
“Based on those findings, I have made the decision to terminate both deputies’ employment
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Sunday fire burns Pickens store
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A Pickens convenience store is believed to a be a total loss following an early-morning fire on Sunday.
Pickens County Emergency Services director Billy Gibson said Tuesday the first call came in at
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SC250 invites fourth grade teachers to apply for Liberty Day at the Statehouse
COLUMBIA — Fourth grade teachers from public schools across South Carolina are invited to apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse, a one-of-a-kind educational experience that brings South Carolina history and civics to life for students from across the state.
The deadline for teacher applications is Friday, October 2, 2026.
Liberty Day will be held Friday, February 19, 2027, at the South Carolina Statehouse. As part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, 250 fourth grade students will spend the day learning about the people, places, and ideas that shaped
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American Pickers to film in SC
STATE — The American Pickers are excited to return to Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout the region in November 2026. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled
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