Area schools see movement in new SCHSL realignment
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com COUNTY — The South Carolina High School League () announced the classification placement for More »
Liberty leaders receive update on developing water system
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com LIBERTY — Efforts to create a water system “for Pickens County people” remain on More »
Wreaths Across America ceremonies held across county
COUNTY — Multiple ceremonies were held across Pickens County earlier this month in honor of National Wreaths Across America More »
Merry Christmas
Mountain View Funerals and Cremations owner Wes Hiott, along with Santa Greg, delivered Christmas gift baskets last week to the More »
Dream Center opens coffeehouse in Easley
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — A new coffeehouse in Easley will serve the community while helping to fund the work of the Dream Center.
A crowd turned out Monday to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony and explore the menu of Higher Grounds Coffeehouse, located at 210 Fern St. in the old Southern Weaving property.
“We have the Dream Center Resale Stores, and all the money from the Resale Stores goes to support the
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Blue Flame down Seneca for first region championship since 2012
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
SENECA — With a chance to claim the program’s first region title in over a decade, the Pickens High School softball team travelled to Seneca on Wednesday looking to add another achievement to their excellent season.
Down 4-0 after four innings, the Blue Flame bats managed to cut the lead in half in the fifth inning and loaded the bases in the sixth but were in danger of stranding the go ahead run with Kaylee Bolding
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McCrary’s gem pushes Daniel by Blue Ridge
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
CENTRAL — The Daniel High School baseball team had a familiar foe to open the Class 4A baseball 
playoffs on Monday night in region foe Blue Ridge.
Despite a slow day for the Daniel bats, the Lions were able to rely on an absolute gem from starting pitcher Ian McCrary to pick up a 2-0 win.
“What can you say at this point,” Daniel head coach Jarrod Payne said of his starter after the win. “He’s been phenomenal, and I
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Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way
I hope you have enjoyed the recent messages about heaven lately, and I appreciate the emails expressing your speculations.
My statements are my own opinions and calculations and originate from my fascination about what our future home will be like. There are so many more questions like will we eat, what will we do, will we live in mansions, will babies be born, can our loved ones communicate with us, will our pets be there, will all of nature including our bodies remain
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My mother’s handwriting
2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
May 11, 2025, is Mother’s Day. One very precious (and preserved) memory of my mother was her skill in hand-writing. Her skill of “penmanship” (or penwomanship), was exemplary. To view a sample of her writing was to experience a work of art.
Mom graduated high school about 1930. She lied about her age to
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Faith is obedience, obedience is faith
Faith is a deeply held understanding of, and knowledge about, the reality and existence of God. The fundamental sign and requirement of faith is obedience, that is, expressing what is written into action. 
As we read in James 2:26, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead,” and in 1 Romans 2:13, “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is
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Courier Letters to the Editors
Bee concerned
Dear Editor,
Three or four weeks ago, my yard was teeming with native solitary bees. This week, I’m lucky to spot one or two a day. What happened to them?
The most likely answer is that when the weeds came up, my neighbors brought out the Roundup and
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Courier Obituaries 5-7-25
DELORES JONES
EASLEY — Delores Beatrice Jones, 81, loving wife of Dennis Jones of Easley, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at her residence.
Mrs. Jones was born in Roswell, N.M., on July 13, 1943, to the late Billie Maez and Florinda Gaudern. She loved to cook and spend time with her family.
In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Jones is survived by her children, Paul Lavelle (Tara), Larry
Pickens man goes extra mile for his mom
EDITOR’S NOTE: Some say there is no stronger love than what a son has for his mother. For local man Derrick Craft, his love is boundless for the woman who brought him into this world, Mrs. Wanda Craft of Pickens. Derrick knew that his mother was the biggest fan of country music and “The Voice” television star Blake Shelton. On this Mother’s Day week, we at the Pickens County Courier want our readers to take a moment to read in Derrick’s own words what love, and determination allowed him to do for his mom. This is an inspiring story of love, disappointment, happiness and determination, a perfect example of what we will do for our mothers to make them smile.
By Derrick Craft
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — My mother has loved Blake Shelton and his music for many, many years.
She enjoys several of his songs, but of course, she has her favorites. Her absolute favorite is “Home,” which holds a very special place in her heart because of her late husband, Dean Craft.
After my father’s passing, I promised my mother I would take
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