County denies phase five of speedway development plan
By Mike Pulley Special to the Courier news@thepccourier.com PICKENS — The Pickens County Planning Commission denied a proposed Phase 5 More »
Daniel girls advance to round 3
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com CENTRAL — After a dominant first round victory on Tuesday, the Daniel High School More »
Charles Rogers scholarship award winners named
PICKENS — The Charles F. Rogers Scholarship committee has announced this year’s selection for the Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Award. More »
President’s Safety Award
Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative received the President’s Safety Award from the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina (ECSC) this week for the year 2025, highlighting a commitment to organizational safety. This is the fifth time Blue Ridge has won the award, the most of any co-op in the largest state division. The co-op also recently surpassed 1,000 days without a lost-time accident. Pictured from left to right are Blue Ridge Manager of Safety and Loss Control David Black, ECSC Vice President of Loss Control and Training Peggy Dantzler, and Blue Ridge President/CEO Jim Lovinggood.
Courier Obituaries 4-22-26
DAVID WAYNE PORTER
PICKENS — David Wayne Porter, 70, husband of the late Martha Powell Porter, went 
home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 13, 2026.
Born to the late Rev. Charles and Lois Nix Porter, David was a faithful member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and church treasurer.
In 1977, David began his firefighting career with the City of Pickens as a volunteer and then became a full-time firefighter. He later became fire chief and retired after 35 years of service.
He is survived by his brother, Melvin Porter; brother and sisters-in-law, Doris Garrett, Louise (Rev. Joe) Pace, Steve Powell, Forrest Powell, Bonnie Powell and Karen Powell; many nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews; one niece that he always said, “was the closest to a daughter,” Michele Pace Howard; and a beloved companion, Susan Kinsey.
In addition to his parents and wife, David was predeceased by sisters-in-law, Judy Porter and Millie (Albert) O’Donald; and brothers-in-law, Samuel, Gene and Carl Powell and Harold Garrett.
Honorary escorts were past and present members of the first responder family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mountain Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1440 Pickens.
The family received friends on April 15 at Dillard Funeral Home, with a funeral service the following day in the funeral home chapel.
The burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park with fireman monors.
The family will be at the home of his niece, Michele Howard.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Porter family with their arrangements.
WILLIAM ‘LEON’ WOOD
PICKENS — William “Leon” Wood, 87, passed away on Monday, April 13 in 
Birmingham, Ala.
He was the son of the late George Nathan Wood and Elza Curry Wood.
He is survived by his wife, Frances (Fran) Haskett Wood, and his two sons, Lee Wood and Brian (Shari) Wood. He has two grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) and Rebecca, two great-grandchildren, Elia and Nahai, and a brother, Anthony (Esther). Leon and Fran were happily married for 65 years and would have celebrated their 66th in two weeks.
Leon was born in Gwinnett County, Ga., in the Haynes Creek community. He graduated from Conyers High School in 1956 and worked at Callaway Mills in Milstead, Ga., for a short time. From there, he began his career as a draftsman with Southern Engineering Company in Atlanta and was part of an engineering team that mapped powerlines across several states. These mapping jobs eventually led him to Pickens, where he worked with the REA power system to map power lines in and around the Pickens County area. It was during this time that he met Fran, whom he often referred to as the love of his life.
While living in Decatur, Ga., he and Fran were active members of Avondale First
A Way To Process Life
Toney shares stories of strength, family, and home
In a quiet corner of Pickens, S.C., author Rebecca Toney is doing something remarkable: she is turning life, love, heartbreak, hope and even the everyday world of shed hauling into stories that speak to readers of all ages.
Toney, an independent author with a growing collection of books, has quickly built a body of work that is as heartfelt as it is unique. From deeply personal nonfiction to imaginative children’s stories, her books share one thing in common: they are rooted in
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Business of the month
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce has announced Butterfly Wellness Yoga Meditation Center as its April Business of the Month. Butterfly Wellness is a beloved local gem in the greater Pickens area, known for their diverse class offerings, a beautifully restored building, and community favorite events, including the worldwide phenomenon, the Gingys holiday series featuring Chief Beach, which they originally created and continue to organize. Support local and visit Butterfly Wellness Yoga Center for Healing Arts to experience the community spirit they bring to everything they do. Pictured are Barbara Center – United Way, Gingy, Chief Beach, Abby O’shields, Brayden, Allison Goodwin, Kit Heelan- Owner, Melissa Sherbon, Gingy, Jerri Davis – United Way.
Arnold’s gives generous donation to Liberty Community Scholarships
LIBERTY— The spirit of community was on full display recently as Arnold’s of Liberty, under the leadership of owner Gary Durkee and manager Michael Shore, made a generous contribution to support the Liberty Community Scholarships program.
The fundraiser, held at the popular local restaurant, brought together residents, community leaders, and supporters from across the area for a day centered on giving
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Courier Community Calendar 4-22-26
• PHS Class of 1976 plan 50th Reunion
The Pickens High School Class of 1976 will host its 50th class reunion from noon-5 p.m. May 9 at the Hagood Mill Pavilion. The Hagood Mill Pavilion is located at 129 Hagood Mill Road in Pickens. Barbecue, macaroni and cheese and slaw will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Tea and water will also be provided. The Traveling Tap, a local beer truck, will be on hand selling beer and wine. A professional photographer will also be available to take a commemorative PHS 50th anniversary class photo for only $20 payable in cash or check only, no cards. The event will be $40 per person. April 1.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the once‑in‑a‑lifetime Class of 1976 Pickens High School reunion, contact Mike Dickard by phone at (864) 505‑2147 or by email at mikedickard@bellsouth.net.
• Six Mile Farmer’s Market to open
Six Mile Farmer’s Depot Farmer’s Market season will begin on Tuesday, April 28 at 4 p.m.
The market is at the pavilion in the Downtown Community Park on Main Street in Six Mile.
See the Town of Six Mile website for more information including how to sign up as a vendor.
Be there on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 weekly for produce, plants, flowers, works of local
Streambank workshop aims to protect Saluda
EASLEY — Save Our Saluda and Clemson Extension recently announced the 2026 Streambank Stabilization Workshop, to be held April 28 at the Pleasant Ridge Camp and Retreat Center.
The workshop will include an indoor morning speaker session with topics including
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Courier Classifieds 4-22-26
Announcements
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-397-7030 www.dental50plus.com/60 #6258. SW
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Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 833-230-8692. SW
Help Wanted
DUMP TRUCK DRIVER WANTED. Must have clear MVR. Class A or B. 864-230-4162. TFC
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ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.1 million readers. Call Alanna Ritchie at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
For Sale
Audien Hearing. The world’s first hearing aid with touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien 1-855-620-9614. SW
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Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-775-0366 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. SW
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DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741 SW
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DIRECTV – All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-624-1107. SW
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Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-877-542-0759. SW
Auctions
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in more than 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Services
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-900-1261. SW
For Rent
For Rent: Mobile Home Lot, located west of Pickens. (864) 915-5994 please leave a message. 4/15, 22
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ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.1 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Homes and Land for Sale
Wanted Worthless Land. Odd lots and parcels unsuited for building. I’m planting fruit trees. Even creeks and transmission lines would work. Call Kevin Hannigan. Simpsonville 864-966-0008.. — 8-26
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We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-704-3381. SW
Wanted to buy
DO YOU HAVE OLD COMICS? Collectors looking for vintage comic books. Preferably pre-1980, but willing to consider a little newer. If you have some you want to get rid of, call us at (864) 360-2357 or (864) 637-8062. If no answer, please leave a message. TFC
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IN SEARCH OF VINTAGE VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS AND GAMES! Two longtime video game fans looking for old consoles and video games to add to their collection. Looking for NES, Sega Genesis, SNES, Playstation and more. If you have some you are looking to get rid of, call us at (864) 508-2117 or (864) 637-8062. If no answer, please leave a message. TFC
