Liberty unveils 150th anniversary logo, announces art exhibition
LIBERTY — The city of Liberty celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, and officials unveiled a sesquicentennial logo for the More »
Prisma staff encourage early testing for flu
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com STATE — Prisma Health staff encourage the public to get tested for the flu More »
Daniel boys beat Pickens for region lead
PICKENS — With leading scorers Jackson Conley and Will Swann forced out of action early due to foul trouble and More »
Ballenger reflects on his career, legacy at Blue Ridge Electric
By Riley Morningstar Special to The Courier PICKENS — After 55 years of dedicated service, Terry Ballenger retired as the More »
Sunset Ceremony honors departed veterans
SIX MILE — As light winter rain fell at 5 p.m. on December 28, families, veterans, and community members gathered More »
Scams targeting utility customers on the rise during COVID-19 pandemic
CHARLOTTE, N.C., — Scams targeting electric and natural gas customers are on the rise, with imposters implementing new tactics during the COVID-19 pandemic to trick utility customers out of 
money and personal information.
June 2020 was the highest single month on record for reported scam attempts targeting Duke Energy customers, hitting more than 4,000.
The total number of scam attempts reported by Duke Energy customers so far in 2020 — more than
Easley asking businesses to honor mask pledge
EASLEY — The city of Easley is asking all businesses within city limits to take the #MaskUPEasley 
Pledge in response to the city’s campaign encouraging social distancing, frequent washing of hands and face coverings when social distancing is not available.
When an establishment takes the pledge, they will be given material provided by the city encouraging all who step into their establishment to follow the guidelines set forth by city council in Resolution 2020-15, as well as all national and state guidelines as well.
“I pledge to make sure my establishment, to the best of my ability, will adhere to the #MaskUPEasley Guidelines that have been set forth by City Council, which reflect the CDC and
Blue Ridge distributes fest funds to nonprofits
PICKENS — Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative this week announced the distribution of $144,000 to 12 local nonprofit organizations in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties through Blue Ridge Fest despite its cancellation due to COVID-19.
Since the event’s inception, Blue Ridge Fest has raised nearly $3 million for local human help organizations that provide individuals with necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and health care.
The charities receiving funds in 2020 include A Child’s Haven, CFK Inc., Feed a Hungry Child, Foothills Alliance, Foothills Care Center, Golden Corner Food Pantry, Grace’s Closet, Hospice of the Upstate, North Greenville Crisis Ministry, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, Service Dogs for Veterans and United Christian Ministries. Check presentations took place in June.
“The 12 charities were selected last fall, and our employees remained committed to raising funds for them, especially during such a time of need,” Blue Ridge CEO Jim Lovinggood said. “This year was very different — no classic cars, music, food or crowds. However, it reaffirms our sponsors’ and community’s
Fall volleyball and soccer registration open at Pickens Rec
PICKENS — Fall soccer and volleyball registration are being taken now through July 24 at the Pickens Recreation Center on Sangamo Road in Pickens.
For soccer, the following coed age divisions are offered: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15.
Volleyball age divisions are 7-9, 10-12, 13-14 and 15-17.
Following registration, a skills/evaluation day will be held for each age division. The registration fee provides a jersey. The fee is $45 for in-city residents and $55 for out-of-city residents. Birth certificates are required at registration. Birthdate cut-off for each sport is Sept. 1, 2020.
Anyone interested in coaching or who needs more information is asked to call the recreation department at (864) 878-2296.
Easley’s Anna Kretzmer graduates from Harding
SEARCY, Ark. — Anna Kretzmer of Easley is one of more than 800 students who received their diploma and will be recognized as a Harding University graduate during a virtual ceremony on Aug. 15, 2020.
Kretzmer received a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering.
Graduates include students from the College of Allied Health, College of Arts and Humanities,
Courier Letters to the Editor 7-22-20
If you have a heart, wear a mask
Dear Editor,
When it comes to the issue of people refusing to wear a mask to slow down spread of the coronavirus, it’s nothing new.
Going back to the Old Testament, there was a man named Noah. For 120 years, he preached to the people that a great flood was coming. None paid him any attention. Why should we? Ain’t no such a thing as rain! Not a single soul saved, except Noah, his wife, three sons and their wives, along with the animals that were on the ark.
Until the late 19th century, when people were admitted to the hospital for surgery, 50 percent would
Supporting the right to survive
Ron Barnett’s recent column hit the nail squarely on the head. To make things clear, everyone who refuses to wear a mask should be issued a T-shirt printed with the sentence, “Your life doesn’t 
matter to me.”
All those who wear masks should wear a T-shirt imprinted with the words, “Your life does matter to me.”
No matter what your beliefs are, most Christian denominations do teach that it is important to love your neighbors and to be kind.
And most religions preach kindness to others. Apart from devil worshippers — and although I am not familiar with their belief system, I am assuming they care about somebody. Or at least they may love their dogs.
Years ago, there was a country song that asked, “Would Jesus wear a Rolex if he came to Earth
Moving won’t solve social isolation
Our experiences with the coronavirus have changed many of us. We’ve been locked down, scared to 
shop, startled at the number of people who refuse to wear a mask in public, and worse, we’ve been socially isolated.
Now we want something new. My email confirms it: Many of us believe we want to live in a different
Former State House District 4 Rep. Teddy Trotter passes away
PICKENS — Former state representative, the Honorable Teddy Norman Trotter, died early
TROTTER
Wednesday morning, July 15, 2020.
Mr. Trotter was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Ocie and Sally Hayes Trotter. A farmer at heart, Teddy owned and operated Trotter’s Strawberry Farm, as well as Teddy’s Gas & Fuel in downtown Pickens.
He served as state representative in Pickens County from 1993-2004, where he served on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and later on the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Trotter was a member of Griffin Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Lisa Durham Trotter; two daughters, Lynzie B. Trotter (Christopher Kelley) of Greenville and Lexis R. Trotter of Pickens; a son, Tyler Ocie Trotter (Heather) of Pickens; a granddaughter, Kenlie Rae Trotter; and a grandson, Ezra Hampton Trotter. Also surviving is a sister, Mickie Morse of Greenville.
In addition to his parents, Teddy was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Trotter.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the Trotter family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.
Those desiring may make memorials to cadasilfoundation.org.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Courier Obituaries 7-22-20
DON LEMOIN WINCHESTER
EASLEY — Donald “Don” Lemoin Winchester, 86, widower of Ann Dalton Winchester, passed away 
on Saturday, July 18, 2020.
Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late Willoughby “Good” and June Abercrombie Winchester.
Mr. Winchester served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. Prior to his retirement, Don spent more than 35 years as a dedicated employee of Ace Hardware, where he managed both the Pickens and Powdersville stores. He was an active member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.
He is survived by a daughter, Miriam Payne, and her husband, Jeff; son, Chip Winchester, and his wife, Lulu; granddaughter, Jordan Payne, and her wife, Yeoman; grandson, Jed Payne, and his wife, Kaeli; granddaughter, Kaleigh Winchester; great-grandson, Quin Payne; great-granddaughter, Elliot Payne; and sister, Bert Clark.
Mr. Winchester was proud to be called “Popeye” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed keeping busy, spending time outside and tending to his yard. He excelled at cooking. Mr. Winchester received great joy from serving others and was
