Guard yourself against AI tricks
The year is off to a roaring start when it comes to scams. To hear the experts tell it, we have AI to thank for a lot of it. AI, or artificial intelligence, is enhancing some of the scams that were already out there and creating more as the technology increases.
Our goal: to get through 2025 without losing a single dollar to the crooks.
Last month the FBI put out an alert focusing on scams created by artificial intelligence and ways to protect ourselves.
AI-generated text creates fake social media profiles, emails, websites and texts that push financial frauds like investment
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Courier Obituaries 1-15-25
HAROLD PATTEN WELBORN SR.
PICKENS —
Harold Patten Welborn Sr., 90, of Pickens, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 11, 2025.
Born on Dec. 4, 1934, in Pickens, Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Una Kelley Welborn.
A devoted family man, Harold is survived by his two children, Catherine W. Ayers (Wayne) and Harold Patten (Pat) Welborn Jr. (Patti); four grandchildren, Emily Knowles (Jon), Kevin Welborn (Candace), Kaycee Collins and Kelley McGaha (Matthew); and seven great-grandchildren, Taylor Knowles, Alexander Knowles, Tanaleigh Smith, Jackson Welborn, Henry Welborn, Sophie Welborn and Ivy-Claire McGaha.
Harold was a lifelong resident of Pickens, where he worked as an entrepreneur and farmer, carving out a legacy of hard work and perseverance. Although disabled from his time with the South Carolina Health Department, his entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. His life was marked by his deep faith, and he took great pride in being a faithful servant of the Lord, finding joy in living out the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was a proud member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher for many years. Harold was immensely proud of his family, and his love for them was evident in everything he did. His devotion to family, faith and hard work will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. His kind heart, humility and steadfast love will be greatly missed.
Harold was also predeceased by his parents, Henry Welborn and Buna Patten Welborn; and his brothers, John Welborn, Fred Welborn and Henry Welborn.
In addition to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters, Sarah Rampey (James), Frances Welborn, Ruth Clark (Larry) and Clova Vaughan (Scooter); sisters-in-law, Barbara Welborn and Clara Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 16 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideons International of Pickens, P.O. Box 1538, Pickens.
Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Welborn family.
DANIEL ELLENBURG
LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Cleveland Ellenburg, a beloved husband, father, brother and papa, on Jan. 9, 2025, at the age of 69.
Born on April 30, 1955, in Central, he was the widower of Sheila Chapman Ellenburg and a son of the late David “D.C.” and
Blue Ridge announces retirements

PICKENS — Three employees with a combined 118 years of service retired at the end of 2024 after a lifetime of dedication to Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative.
Senior vice president of marketing Denise McCormick and customer service representatives Dianne Lyles and Mike Keasler started a new chapter in their lives in January.
“In this day and age, it is almost unheard of to work at one company as long as Denise,
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Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce has named Bridge Brothers as its January Business of the Month. Bridge Brothers is a young, dynamic company revolutionizing the bridge-building industry with cutting-edge technology and design automation. The company prides itself on being a pivotal part of the Pickens community. It strives to hire local talent and be a leading name in the industry. Pictured are Pickens chamber board members and Bridge Brothers staff. The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce has named Bridge Brothers as its January Business of the Month. Bridge Brothers is a young, dynamic company revolutionizing the bridge-building industry with cutting-edge technology and design automation. The company prides itself on being a pivotal part of the Pickens community. It strives to hire local talent and be a leading name in the industry. Pictured are Pickens chamber board members and Bridge Brothers staff.
Courier Community Calendar 1-15-25
• Public meeting set on legislation
A public meeting sponsored by seven organizations on proposed S.C. legislation impacting public education and libraries is planned this month.
The event’s speaker will be the S.C. ACLU advocacy director, followed by a Community Advocates for Education (CAFÉ) discussion of advocacy to protect freedom to read and learn.
The meeting will be held from 10:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 25 at the Central-Clemson Library on Commons Way in Central.
• Dacusville Lions to host monthly bingo
The Dacusville Lions Club will be hosting Bingo night on the second Thursday of each month at the Lions Building in
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Courier Classifieds 1-15-25
Announcements
Courier Trespass Notices 1-15-25
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code.
Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the lands of the undersigned:
Ronald Russell Mar. 2025
Betty L. Haynes Mar. 2025
Pamela Dodson April 2025
H. Melvin Barr May 2025
Courier Notice to Creditors 1-15-25
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES
All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on Form #371ES with the Probate Court of PICKENS COUNTY, the address of which is 222 MCDANIEL AVE., B-16 PICKENS, SC 29671, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any
Estate: Emily Faye J. Garren
Date of Death: 10/25/2024
Case Number: 2024ES3900905