Category Archives: Opinions
Would the existence of aliens affect our faith?
We are all philosophers, which simply means we all have opinions and worldviews about most everything. Since the birth of the internet and social media, we’ve seen just 
how true this is, and I’m sure, as the topic of this column caught your attention, you already have your own thoughts about the subject.
If you’ve ever been a part of a group discussion, it does not take long to realize that humans are proficient at collecting ideas with the ability to store them in their memory banks, along with the
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Courier Letters to the Editor
Pickens’ surveillance lacks basic oversight
Dear Editor,
Recent Freedom of Information Act responses from the city of Pickens have revealed a troubling reality: the city operates surveillance cameras in public buildings, parks and community spaces without basic written policies or accountability safeguards.
According to the city’s own response, there are: No written policies governing the use of surveillance cameras, no data retention policies, no privacy protections, no audit logs tracking who accesses footage, no documented safeguards or oversight procedures and no clear public transparency standards.
These systems are active not only in government buildings, but also in public parks and
Follow the Cherokee Path
Dennis Chastain was hot on the trail of the Cherokee Path.
The Cherokee Path was a trade route that extended from the Upstate all the way to Charleston. He discovered some old maps that identified segments of the Path, and realized that portions followed S.C. Highway 11 (where he lived) and that another portion of the trail ran along Main Street in Six Mile. He was
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Courier Letters to the Editor
Solutions for traffic in Clemson
Dear Editor,
According to county council records, there are 1,289 miles of state roads in our county, 639 miles of county roads and 256 miles of roads inside the cities (Clemson has 70 miles).
The state legislature’s 2026 session is winding down, and House Bill H5071 has caught my eye. This is an attempt by the legislature to give state-owned roads to the county government for maintenance. I
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Comforting those in need of an encouraging word
For those who have visited a nursing home or a medical care facility, you know what I mean when I refer to these places as difficult and uncomfortable. The sights and sounds are difficult for our emotions to process, which explains why many would rather avoid them altogether.
I’ve heard people say they dislike hospitals, nursing homes, or funerals, and this is usually because they prompt us to think more deeply about our own future. When we look around and witness how individuals are coping with aging and health problems, it’s a
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
A smidgen is a unit of measure
Psalm 90:4 “For a thousand years in thy sight are but yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.”
Anyone that considers themselves a southern gourmet cook knows what a smidgen is. It’s like a “bit” or a “pinch” or a “tad.”
At any rate, a smidgen is a legitimate unit of measure south of the Mason-Dixon Line. As of yet however, I haven’t seen a
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Protecting our precious resources
Every Earth Day, we are reminded to reflect on the natural resources that define our 
communities and the responsibility we share in protecting them.
In Pickens County, we are especially fortunate. From our mountains and woodlands to our lakes and scenic corridors, our natural environment is not just a backdrop to our lives. It is central to who we are as a people and as a community.
Over the past seven years, Pickens County has taken deliberate steps to renew and strengthen its commitment to preserving our natural heritage. These efforts reflect a shared vision among county council, staff and engaged citizens who understand that
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
