Red Devils fall at state
COLUMBIA — Looking to win its first state championship in 40 years, the Liberty High School volleyball team traveled to More »
A Mother’s prayer, a soldier’s postcard
The enduring story of POW Clint Chappell By Tom von Kaenel Special to the Courier news@thepccourier.com In a quiet house More »
Gabby Petito Foundation in Pickens this week
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com PICKENS — The community is invited to take parts in events put on this More »
This week in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER’s FOOTBALL FRENZY Sponsored by MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS
DROUGHT BROKEN Blue Flame blow out Walhalla for first playoff win since 2006 Also inside: Daniel to open playoffs against More »
City mourns loss of beloved businessman
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter jevans@thepccourier.com PICKENS — Pickens lost a mainstay of the downtown business community last week. Glenn More »
Protecting your veteran benefits
On a recent National Slam the Scam Day for 2026, the VA stepped up, along with other federal agencies, with an array of information to keep veterans safe from scams and 
fraud. Thieves don’t just work one day per year, however. We need to stay vigilant all year long to protect our benefits and personal information from getting to the scammers.
Why do they want us? Because we have income and
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Courier Obituaries 3-25-26
HAROLD PORTER
SIX MILE — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ira Harold Porter, 
80, of Six Mile. He was born on May 23, 1945, in Six Mile, and he peacefully left us on March 23, 2026, from natural causes. He was a son of the late William Ira and Vallie Stancil Porter.
Harold’s professional journey spanned various roles, beginning with his time at Finley Oil Company, then the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, and Hinkle Jeep Sales. He ultimately found his calling in maintenance at Piedmont Petroleum, where he retired after many years of hard work. His dedication to his jobs and co-workers was a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment. When he wasn’t working at one his places of employment, you could usually find him painting, where he had a meticulous eye for detail.
A passionate outdoorsman, he loved to bird hunt and fish. He cherished the beauty of nature and spent many joyful hours enjoying these hobbies. His infectious laughter and warm spirit will be missed by all who knew him. He loved to go watch softball tournaments with his son’s family.
He is survived by his two daughters, Carol Sloan (Tony) of Piedmont and Elizabeth Brownell (Alan) of Troutman, N.C.; his son, Shane Porter (Jennifer) of Liberty; his precious grandchildren, Codie Sloan (Meagan Sikes, fiancé), Mackenzie and Katelyn Porter; two sisters, Bobbie Abercrombie of Pickens and Sallie Sowell (Lynn) of Anderson. Each of them will carry forth his legacy of love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his companion, Patricia Albertson; two brothers, Ray and Thurston Porter.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Porter will be 2 p.m. March 26, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Liberty Memorial Gardens. The family will greet with friends and family following the service at the cemetery.
In this time of sorrow, let us all remember him for his unwavering spirit, his zest for life, and the love he shared so freely. May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
PEGGY SUE DAVENPORT
EASLEY — Peggy Sue Davenport, 54, loving wife to Todd Davenport, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born on Feb. 13, 1972, in Easley, Peggy was the beloved daughter of the late Marvin
Devils fall short against West-Oak
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — Taking a 2-0 first inning lead over West-Oak on Friday night, the Liberty High School baseball team looked like it was on its way to picking up its second 
consecutive win.
Instead, unforced errors allowed the Warriors to recover quickly, and the Red Devils were unable to match them in the batter’s box, leading to a 9-2 loss.
“We’ve got young guys all over the field for us and they make great plays, but when you have young guys there are going to be growing pains,” Liberty head coach Trey Ulmer said. “We know these guys are going to be stud players and we’re going to keep working.”
The Devils looked great in the opening inning with starting pitcher Carson Garrick taking down the Warriors in order before Liberty went to work in the batter’s 
box. A one-out double from T.J. Borow and an Ethan Carroll walk put runners in scoring position, where Garrick was able to drive them home with a single to center field.
West-Oak quickly answered in the second inning taking advantage of errors, passed balls and wild pitches, as well as an RBI-single from Cole Dobbs to take a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the inning.
Liberty went down in order to end the second and West-Oak added even more insurance in the top of the third with a sacrifice fly from Eli Hayes. Liberty seemed like it might have an answer with back-to-back two out singles from Carroll and Garrick only for the inning to end on the basepaths with pinch runner Chase Smith getting caught stealing.
Things were quiet for both sides in the fourth, but West-Oak was able to add three more runs in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Graham Campbell and a two-RBI single from Parker Gibson. The Warriors weren’t done there, with Grant Smith adding another two-RBI single in the sixth inning to give Liberty a 9-2 deficit.
The Red Devils found a little offense late with Daniel Belan drawing a walk and Jacob Melton picking up a two-out single. However, Liberty was unable to match the Warriors with Nolan Burgess drawing the game-ending ground out to give West-Oak a 9-2 victory.
The loss was the latest in a sting of ebbs and flows for the youthful Liberty baseball team which had run-ruled region 1-2A favorite Landrum the previous week followed by a loss to county rival Pickens. In spite of some of the early season struggles, Ulmer believes the Devils will be ready to bounce back.
“We have high hopes and high expectations for this group once we get through the ebbs and flows and start to figure some things out,” Ulmer said.
Wave take down rival Pickens
The Easley Green Wave were able to pick up a massive rivalry win over county foe Pickens on the diamond last week, with a 17-1 road win over the Blue Flame. Green Wave first baseman Katie Marchbanks had a sensational day in the batter’s box in the win going 4-4 with a double, a home run and four RBI’s, while Easley pitcher Abby Wade gave up just three hits and struck out nine Pickens batters in a complete game win. Pictured above, Easley’s Rachel Spoden slides into second base, while Pickens shortstop Kynlee Ray attempts to apply a tag.
Easley Spring Fling is right around the corner
EASLEY — Downtown Easley is gearing up for one of its most anticipated annual events as the Easley Spring Fling returns to Old Market Square on Saturday, April 11.
The festival will kick off at noon and run through 8 p.m., offering a full day of shopping, food, and live entertainment. A wide variety of craft vendors will be set up from noon 
until 6 p.m., while food trucks and musical performances will continue into the evening.
This year’s entertainment lineup features a mix of local and regional talent. Luke Deuce will open the stage from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by Nathan Angelo from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The band Freebird will perform from 4:30 to 6 p.m., leading into the night’s grand finale with country artist John King, who will close out the festival from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
City officials encourage families, residents, and visitors to make plans to attend the 2026 Spring Fling, noting that the event continues to grow each year as a celebration of community, music, and local business.
The Spring Fling is made possible through the support of its main sponsor, Prisma Health, along
PHS class of 1976 to hold 50th class reunion
PICKENS — PICKENS — The Pickens High School Class of 1976 will host its 50th class reunion on May 9 at the Hagood Mill Pavilion from noon until 5 p.m. The Hagood Mill 
Pavilion is located at 129 Hagood Mill Rd., Pickens, SC 29671.
Barbecue, macaroni and cheese, and slaw will be provided. Those
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Hagood Mill Foundation announces spring fundraiser
PICKENS — The Hagood Mill Foundation invites the community to an elegant evening 
of fellowship and purpose at its annual spring fundraiser, Preserving the Past and Funding the Future, on Saturday, April 11, at the Heritage Pavilion at Hagood Mill.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner
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Courier Community Calendar 3-25-26
• WHM singing is set for on March 29
Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry will host a special gospel singing celebration in honor of Women’s History Month on Sunday, March 29. The event will begin at 4 p.m., with doors opening at 3 p.m., at Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry, located at 103 West C Ave. in Easley. Tim Sutton serves as pastor.
The program will feature gospel music from several groups and singers, including Charmain Madison, Sister Orrie Burdine, Faith Inspiration, The Gospel Raiders, The Gospel Messengers, the New Mt. Pisgah Praise Team and the Bethel Impact Church Praise Team.
Praise and worship will be led by Sacajawea “Tweet” Blassingame, and Minister Barbara Blake will serve as mistress of ceremonies.
Admission is free, though a love offering will be taken. The community is invited to attend for an afternoon of gospel music, praise and celebration.
• Event to remember set for Vietnam vets
The public is invited to the Semper Fi Barn, located at 314 Smith Memorial Highway in Central, for a National Vietnam Veterans remembrance event from 2-4 p.m. Sunday,
