Category Archives: Opinions
Protecting your veteran benefits
On a recent National Slam the Scam Day for 2026, the VA stepped up, along with other federal agencies, with an array of information to keep veterans safe from scams and 
fraud. Thieves don’t just work one day per year, however. We need to stay vigilant all year long to protect our benefits and personal information from getting to the scammers.
Why do they want us? Because we have income and
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Courier Obituaries 3-25-26
HAROLD PORTER
SIX MILE — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ira Harold Porter, 
80, of Six Mile. He was born on May 23, 1945, in Six Mile, and he peacefully left us on March 23, 2026, from natural causes. He was a son of the late William Ira and Vallie Stancil Porter.
Harold’s professional journey spanned various roles, beginning with his time at Finley Oil Company, then the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, and Hinkle Jeep Sales. He ultimately found his calling in maintenance at Piedmont Petroleum, where he retired after many years of hard work. His dedication to his jobs and co-workers was a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment. When he wasn’t working at one his places of employment, you could usually find him painting, where he had a meticulous eye for detail.
A passionate outdoorsman, he loved to bird hunt and fish. He cherished the beauty of nature and spent many joyful hours enjoying these hobbies. His infectious laughter and warm spirit will be missed by all who knew him. He loved to go watch softball tournaments with his son’s family.
He is survived by his two daughters, Carol Sloan (Tony) of Piedmont and Elizabeth Brownell (Alan) of Troutman, N.C.; his son, Shane Porter (Jennifer) of Liberty; his precious grandchildren, Codie Sloan (Meagan Sikes, fiancé), Mackenzie and Katelyn Porter; two sisters, Bobbie Abercrombie of Pickens and Sallie Sowell (Lynn) of Anderson. Each of them will carry forth his legacy of love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his companion, Patricia Albertson; two brothers, Ray and Thurston Porter.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Porter will be 2 p.m. March 26, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Liberty Memorial Gardens. The family will greet with friends and family following the service at the cemetery.
In this time of sorrow, let us all remember him for his unwavering spirit, his zest for life, and the love he shared so freely. May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
PEGGY SUE DAVENPORT
EASLEY — Peggy Sue Davenport, 54, loving wife to Todd Davenport, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born on Feb. 13, 1972, in Easley, Peggy was the beloved daughter of the late Marvin
Journalists help ensure a germ-free government
Your body. Your choice.
That’s not about what you might be thinking.
Your “body” or, in this case, bodies refers to those we elect and those we appoint via 
those we elect to do the public’s business: school boards; town, city and county councils; state and federal representatives; town, city and county managers; school superintendents; and various law enforcement agencies. Your “choice” pertains to whether you intend or even want to hold them accountable after having chosen them through our elections.
Surely you want to hold them accountable. After all, it is your money they are spending, your lives they are affecting and largely controlling. Intent might pose a bit of a problem, however. You are busy with work, family, social commitments and the like. You hope, believe and even trust that they are going to do what is right but lack the time
Honesty in the mirror
Age is not an excuse for being unhealthy.
This might be one of the most unpopular articles of all time, but as I sit here wanting to 
express from my heart, my private burdens are being exposed. I care about you (and me), it’s the only reason I would write about such a challenging subject. I believe it’s better to step forward and deal with personal issues that are causing great harm to
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Recall: Rice products may contain glass
A recent food recall for one manufacturer includes a list of fried rice, ramen and dumpling products that is 23 pages long. The list covers lot numbers and production 
dates going back many months. With 50 items per page, that comes to 1,100 items. The problem? They all might have glass in them.
The additional concern? They were sold under several brand names, including as the house brand
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Mother’s old chair
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Mother bought a pair of yard chairs in the 1950s. Steel constructed with a curved one-piece leg assembly, those chairs were to be cherished for years to come.
The bodies they supported in comfort and conversation for those years are too numerous to count
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Prescription scam
How much would you trust a prescription cream compound that was whipped up in a back room by a bunch of untrained teenagers? Sounds dangerous, and it turned out to be just that by patients who used the fake cream and ended up with painful rashes. It was a real moneymaker for some scammers however: Have some kids mix up
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