Letter: Pickens admin fired ‘for cause’
PICKENS — The Pickens County Courier has obtained a copy of a letter to former Pickens city administrator Tim O’Briant More »
SDPC celebrates 2026 report card results
COUNTY — The School District of Pickens County earned strong marks in the 2025-26 South Carolina School Report Cards released More »
Two area men convicted on drug charges
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com COUNTY — Two Pickens County men were convicted last week on multiple charges, including More »
This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS
COLLISION COURSE Daniel, Pickens both unbeaten heading into top 10 battle Blue Flame gash Easley in lightning plagued contest, set More »
Bowers announces $3.6 million in funding for five local projects
PICKENS COUNTY — Five local projects will receive more than $3.6 million in state funding for recreation and public safety, More »
Golden Creek Veterans car show set for Oct. 17
LIBERTY — Golden Creek Veterans will host a car show, craft bazaar and food event Saturday, Oct. 17, at Golden More »
PCSO deputies fired after arrests
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COUNTY — Two Pickens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were fired recently after being arrested in Tennessee.
Sheriff Tommy Blankenship announced the firings in a Facebook Live video posted on Sept. 24. Though Blankenship did not name the deputies, they have been publicly identified as former K-9 handlers Corey Baker and Nikki Holliday.
“Recently, two of our deputies were arrested and charged with public intoxication while outside of this state,” he said. “As soon as this information came to my attention, both deputies were placed on unpaid administrative suspension while our Office of Professional Standards conducted their internal investigation.”
That investigation was completed Sept. 23, Blankenship said.
“Based on those findings, I have made the decision to terminate both deputies’ employment
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Sunday fire burns Pickens store
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — A Pickens convenience store is believed to a be a total loss following an early-morning fire on Sunday.
Pickens County Emergency Services director Billy Gibson said Tuesday the first call came in at
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Wanted man charged after police standoff
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — A man wanted on multiple bench warrants faces additional charges after a 
standoff with law enforcement.
According to a Pickens County Sheriff’s Office release issued Tuesday, deputies developed information that Robert Vernon George was hiding out at a home on Rices Creek Road in Liberty on Sept. 15.
The release said George was being sought on eight general
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Woman sentenced in 2023 death of Easley officer
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — The woman whose actions led to the death of an Easley Police Officer Matthew Hare three years ago has been sentenced to prison time in the case.
Gabrielle Alexis Benites, 28, pleaded guilty on July 10 to breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, 13th Circuit Solicitor Cindy Crick said in a release issued Friday.
Judge Edward Miller sentenced Benites to seven years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections on Friday, Crick said.
She said that during the plea and sentencing, deputy solicitor
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Table Rock Road bridge to close
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The bridge over the Oolenoy River on Table Rock Road will close for repairs next 
week, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
SCDOT announced in a news release Monday that it will close and detour the Table Rock Road (S.C.
Wilson: Local groups receive state and federal grants
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
COLUMBIA — Two Pickens County organizations that help victims of crime were recently awarded grant funding, according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
The funding is part of more than $29 million in federal and state grants awarded throughout the state, Wilson said in a Sept. 23 release.
The S.C. Public Safety Coordinating Council formally approved the grants earlier this year, and the projects will begin on Oct. 1, he said.
Wilson said four types of grants will be distributed by the his office’s Department of Crime Victim Assistance — Victims of Crime Act
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SC250 invites fourth grade teachers to apply for Liberty Day at the Statehouse
COLUMBIA — Fourth grade teachers from public schools across South Carolina are invited to apply for the 2027 Liberty Day at the Statehouse, a one-of-a-kind educational experience that brings South Carolina history and civics to life for students from across the state.
The deadline for teacher applications is Friday, October 2, 2026.
Liberty Day will be held Friday, February 19, 2027, at the South Carolina Statehouse. As part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, 250 fourth grade students will spend the day learning about the people, places, and ideas that shaped
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American Pickers to film in SC
STATE — The American Pickers are excited to return to Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout the region in November 2026. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled
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Business of the Month
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce recently announced thier September Business of the month as the Pickens Women’s Association.The organization was chosen because of their devoted community involvement, and the extra effort and coordination they put into serving the greater Pickens area. The Pickens Women’s Association (PWA) is a non-profit civic organization that works to increase community involvement and awareness, which began in the 1980’s. Beverly M. Smith was a long time member of the PWA and gave countless hours to bettering Pickens through her civic and community involvement. When Beverly passed away, it was only fitting that the PWA do something to honor her legacy and contributions. Thus the Beverly M. Smith Scholarship fund was formed. This scholarship is awarded each year to a female student from Pickens High School who exhibits exceptional leadership and civic skills, something Beverly M. Smith did well. The PWA President is Meagan Owens and Vice President is Lauren Patterson.
Courier Community Calander 9-30-26
• VOTE411 LIVE to host election events
A VOTE411 LIVE event will be held October 5, 2026 at 6 pm with candidates for SC House of Representatives, Districts 1 and 2, and Oconee County Council, Districts 1 and 3. Candidates will respond to questions taken from the VOTE411.com website with time for attendee questions and to meet candidates following the event. Seneca River Baptist Family Life Center, 298 S. Poplar St. Seneca. Sponsored by League of Women Voters Oconee and Pickens Counties and co-sponsored by NAACP, Oconee County Branch.
On October 8 at 6 pm with candidates for SC House of Representatives, Districts 3, 4, 5, 10, and Pickens County Council, Districts 1 and 2. Candidates will respond to questions taken from the VOTE411.com website with time for attendee questions and to meet candidates following the event. Clemson-Central Library, 105 Commons Way, Central. Sponsored by League of Women Voters Oconee and Pickens Counties.
• PHS class of 1966 to hold 6oth reunion
Members of the Pickens High School Class of 1966 will come together this fall to celebrate a milestone as they mark the class’s 60th anniversary reunion.
The reunion will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2-5 p.m. at Larry Looper’s Red Barn, located at 101 Laurenwood Drive in Pickens.
Classmates and their guests will enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, memories and reconnecting with longtime friends. A barbecue chicken dinner with two side dishes, bread and a beverage will be served beginning at 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $35 per person.
Reservations and payment must be received by Sept. 7. Those interested in attending may register online through the reunion’s EventCreate page at https://eventcreate.com/e/phs1966.
