And The Winner are… Courier Readers’ Choice Awards announced!
Simply the best Do you have a hankering for a big, juicy cheeseburger or some spicy, finger-licking chicken wings? Looking More »
Mayor, administrator give State of the Easley address
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com EASLEY — Easley officials say watching the city’s books has allowed the 2026-27 city More »
Pickens’ Dow commits to South Carolina
By Bru Nimmons Sports Editor bnimmons@thepccourier.com PICKENS — After picking up offers from Appalachian State and Charlotte University in the More »
Pickens budget passes first reading with no tax increases
PICKENS — Pickens City Council voted 5-2 Monday to pass first reading of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, a More »
Ed Leese making run for Pickens City Council seat
PICKENS — Ed Leese, a resident of Pickens since 2014, is running for a 12-month seat on Pickens City Council. Leese is a loving husband, father of four sons and proud grandfather.
He volunteers his time with a local unit of the U.S. Navy’s official youth program, earning the “Officer of the Year” award for the Southeast region (Washington, D.C., to Key West.)
Leese is a board member of the Upper South Carolina Council
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Blessed are the peacemakers
In Matthew 5:9, we read, “Blessed are the peacemakers; God shall call them His sons.”
This statement is so familiar to us, and like all things familiar, we tend to take them at face value 
without considering their import. But, if we do take a moment to reflect, the statement reveals that God values and loves peace. And he promises a reward
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Liar, liar, pants on fire
The chant heard on playgrounds around the world contains an additional tribute to that most infamous liar of all, Pinocchio. “Liar, liar, pants on fire, nose as long as a telephone wire.”
Winston Churchill once said “a lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”
In 1691, it was a crime to tell a lie or spread false news in
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Courier Letters to the Editor 10-16-24
Forum set for Pickens candidates
Dear Editor,
There are eight candidates running for two vacancies for Pickens City Council. On Thursday, Oct. 24, there will be a moderated candidate forum at Café Connections on Main Street from 7-8:30 p.m.
Why should you care about the Pickens City Council election?
While only Pickens city residents — those within the city limits — can vote for city council, the impact affects MANY others.
If you live in the city limits, you really should attend so you can make an educated vote this Nov.
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
We ignore our need to change
Transformation is a word used to explain what happens when someone is saved. It’s the theme of the Christian faith, but what about the daily progression of our relationship with God?
Many today think the idea of changing into the image of Jesus no longer applies to them because they go to church and listen to Christian songs on
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Wall that Heals visit to Liberty postponed
LIBERTY — The Liberty visit from the Wall That Heals, originally scheduled for Nov. 8-11, has been postponed.
The event, hosted by Pickens County Veterans Affairs office, would have brought the preeminent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the area for Vietnam veterans, family
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
BBQ set to ‘Bridge the Gap’ at Legacy Home date changed to Nov. 9
PICKENS — The Legacy Home of Recovery’s first-ever BBQ fundraiser that was originally set for Oct. 5 at the Mill Church, located at 158 Woodrow St. in Pickens, has been postponed until
Nov. 9 in light of the recent devastation to the area by Hurricane Helene.
Those who need refunds for their tickets are asked to contact the organization.
“We will be glad to accommodate,” the organization said in a news release. “We pray everyone
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
Community Calendar 10-16-24
• Pickens class of 1979 to hold reunion
The Pickens High School Class of 1979 will hold a 45-year reunion in Pickens on Saturday, Oct. 26. Also invited are members of the classes of 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1981. It will be a casual affair at Fred’s Back 40 with hamburgers and hot dogs. Cost is $20 per person. For more details and information on how to register, visit phsblueflame1979.myevent.com, or email Jeff Green at pickenshs1979@gmail.com.
• Dillard/Hillcrest to restart H.O.P.E.
Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park have announced the renewal of its H.O.P.E Ministries program. The program, which helps others through programs and the
Courier Obituaries 10-16-24
BARBARA ALIENE GILSTRAP
SUNSET — Barbara Aliene Gilstrap, 88, of Sunset, passed from this life to her heavenly home on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.
Barbara was born in Pickens County on Nov. 28, 1935. She was a faithful member of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday school secretary for many years. Barbara was retired from Winn-Dixie Inc. as a well-known, favorite cashier.
Barbara was the fourth child of 11 children born to Clarence Elwell and Myrtie Hudson Gilstrap of Sunset.
She is survived by one brother, Clarence E. Gilstrap Jr. (Susan) of Sunset; five sisters; Myrtle Barker of Apopka, Fla., Ethel Child of Anderson, Evelyn Gilstrap of Sunset, Shirley Adams of Pickens and Faye Gilstrap of Sunset; nine nephews; seven nieces; and numerous grand-nieces and nephews.
Barbara was predeceased by two sisters, Louise G. Barker and Betty G. Williams; and two brothers, B. Ernest Gilstrap and Frank W. Gilstrap.
A funeral took place on Oct. 15 at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church in Sunset, followed by
Storytellers, liars and plenty of scares featured at Hagood Mill this weekend
PICKENS — Each October, the hills and hollers around the Hagood Mill Historic Site in Pickens come alive with storytellers sharing the weird and wonderful, mountain funnies, memories of 
yesteryear and tales of mystical places in Appalachia.
This year’s event will kick off this Friday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. with Friday Night Frights and Ghost Stories. Julie Bradshaw, Johnny Thomas Fowler, Tara Porter,
You must be logged in to view this content.
Subscribe Today or Login
