January 04

Off-duty Pickens Police Officer Rocky Simmons arrested New Year’s morning for DUI in Anderson County after crashing his city-assigned vehicle.

Pickens County saw 26 fatalities due to traffic accidents in 2007.

Ben Robinson, long time editor of The Easley Progress, was promoted to managing editor of The Pickens Sentinel, The Easley Progress and The Powdersville Post.

A break in a Pickens’ water main floods Hampton Avenue.

Hagood Park, in Easley, suffered serious damage from vandals for the third time in a month.

January 09

An Easley blaze that destroyed two apartment units at Austin Woods was ruled to be accidental.

County Council appoints new members to the Six Mile Fire District Board, placing a band-aid on some open wounds.

A certified public accountant said that Pickens County’s finances are in order and are good.

Pickens City Council voted to approve the construction of a pavilion in the J.S. Park.

Locally made independent film “The Long Way Home: A Bigfoot Story” is taking the country by storm, winning at several national festivals. James “Bubba” Cromer directed and produced the film which starred area residents, including Romaine and Mona Johnson and Daniel Boone Owens.

Twelve Mile Bridge, in Clemson, is closed for the construction of a new one, diverting traffic and causing some delays on S.C. 133.

County Council okays a preliminary list of streets and roads needing repaving and repair.

School district ponders the future of Liberty Elementary School, saying the possibility of building two schools in Liberty is conceivable.

January 16

Former South Carolina Comptroller General and Lieutenant Governor Earl E. Morris, Jr. loses his state Supreme Court appeal after he was convicted of securities fraud and conspiracy in the 2003 collapse of Carolina Investors.

Liberty Police Department Assistant Chief Eric Todd Rampey, 38, was arrested by State Law Enforcement Division agents and charged with shoplifting a television from Central’s Wal-Mart.

Liberty Police Chief Corky Miller apologized to City Council and the community for the illegal actions of his former assistant.

A new Daniel High School is to be built on its present location, Pickens County School Board said.

A Clemson University student reported to law enforcement that she had been restrained and raped by two men while she was waiting for campus transportation.

Sarah Amber DeWeese, 23, of Six Mile, died from injuries she received in a Highway 183 traffic accident when her vehicle crossed the center line into on-coming traffic.

Lynn O’Dell Chapman, Harrison R. Holladay. Jr., and Tony Craig took the oath of office as Central’s newest elected members of council.

The City of Clemson heard first reading of an ordinance to ban smoking in any public buildings within the city, including downtown bars and taverns.

January 23

The Pickens Sentinel lands an interview with Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Martin Luther King Day celebrated on the courthouse steps in Pickens by over 100 people who braved the below freezing temperatures.

Paul Gregory Burnett, a Clemson University student, pulled a knife and firearm on fellow students when a snowball fight turned ugly.

Alice Manufacturing Company cuts 250 jobs when its Foster Plant closed.

Senator John McCain wins South Carolina primary while Mike Huckabee took the Pickens County vote.

Despite rains, South Carolina continues to fall into a severe drought rating.

Jamey Anthony Reed, of Central, and who fired at Sheriff’s deputies in December, was released on $20,000 bond.

State’s unemployment rate hit 6.6 percent mark in December.

January 30

Austin Green, 11, of Liberty, died Sunday night when the Lakeview Baptist Church bus he was riding in overturned on S.C. 178, near Liberty.

Democratic President hopeful Barack Obama won the S.C. primary, taking 55 percent of the votes.

Missing hiker Jason Knapp, a former Clemson student, has been lost on Table Rock Mountain for ten years. His mother, Deb Boogher, of Pennsylvania, continues to visit the mountain in her annual sojourn to the last place her son was known to have been.

February 06

Felix Levi Finley, a prominent Pickens attorney and community leader, dies at the age of 91.

Liberty Fire Department awarded $74,000 in grants to purchase much needed safety gear.

Paul Beller, 58, of Little Mountain, N.C., died in a two-car crash when the car he was driving crossed the center line of S.C. 11 and struck an oncoming van.

Pickens County leaders voted to consolidate the Solid Waste and Roads and Bridges Departments into one large division.

The Pickens County Airport will receive additional hangars and a new terminal following a positive vote of county council.

February 13

A 14-year-old Gettys Middle School student, Vincent Dominic Straquadine was killed in a single car accident on Old Stage Coach Road.

Edwards Middle School Principal Chuck Pressley was accused of using a racial slur while speaking to teacher Linda Chamblee.

Shazjuan Sadiq Shabazz, 42, of Central, was arrested on charges of kidnapping, rape and possession of a weapon following the abduction of a Central Wal-Mart customer from the parking lot.

Two upstate judges were promoted to higher position. Judge John Kittredge was elevated to the position of State Supreme Court and Aphrodite Konduros was appointed to the State Court of Appeals.

The Liberty Fire Department received an additional $29,000 in grant monies for equipment.

Six Mile Town Council approves a budget of $93,485 for the fiscal year of 2008-09.

Pickens County was awarded $986,364 in community development grants for the building of Quick Jobs Development Centers.

Drake Curry, a certified public accountant, told Liberty Council members that the city was fiscally responsible. Council also gave $10,000 to the support of the 2008 Liberty Idol.

The Town of Central is considering the purchase of a 22-acre area as the site of a new municipal park. The cost is $22,000 per acre.

Area law enforcement agencies unite in battling a growing number of gangs entering the county.

Clemson Councilwoman Margaret Thompson announces that she does not plan to see a second term on council.

Daniel Boone Owen, a local star in the independent film “The Long Way Home: A Bigfoot Story” dies and his life was celebrated by an array of friends and fans at Bob’s Place in Sunset.

February 20

A Liberty home Retha Wilson, 75, was destroyed when an SUV driven by Lisa Dillard left the S.C. 178 roadway, drove down an embankment and through the Moorefield Memorial Highway house. Wilson, home at the time of the accident, was uninjured.

A 16-year-old juvenile was charged with reckless homicide in the Feb. 6, crash that killed Vincent Dominic Straquadine.

A study shows that growth in the Upstate will triple by 2030.

Barry Stegall, 43, of Liberty, was arrested and charged with failing to pay for timber.

South Carolina legislators work toward strengthening immigration bill.

A stronger DUI bill passed by the House was weakened by a Senate sub-committee.

February 27

A cockfight in Liberty leads to the arrest of 88 people.

The Pickens County School Board approves the construction of a new Dacusville Elementary School.

Pickens Mayor David Owens presented his State of the City address to Chamber of Commerce members, saying many improvements have focused on recreational areas.

Two multi-million dollar homes under construction in The Reserve were destroyed by an early-morning fire.

Pickens Sheriff David Stone was awarded the Order of the Palmetto.

Reginald Ricky Brewer was charged with possessing child pornography on his Easley home computer.

Pumpkintown Fire Board approves a $99,289 2008-09 budget.

Sam Baker, husband of Leesie, dies. The couple was married 88 years and was the longest married couple in the state.

March 05

Jerry Buck Inman, accused killer of Clemson University student Tiffany Marie Souers, is slated to stand trial in September.

Pickens County Clerk of Court LeJette Gatlin battles cancer while continuing to improve operations in local courtroom.

S.C Senate members considering bill to protect concealed weapon permit holders.

Fire protection provided by the City of Pickens to rural areas could end with a continued escalation of disagreements between the rural fire boards and the city.

A Clemson University student who claimed she was raped while waiting in a campus parking lot for transportation recants the allegations.

Liberty revamps its Rosewood Center, making it available for community and private functions.

Proposed new high schools may hit a stall if Pickens School Board members fail to comply with county and state regulations.

City of Pickens plans to sponsor summer camp programs for children

Liberty City Council looks toward the future during a Saturday retreat held at the Rosewood Center.

March 12

Groundbreaking was held at four different sites of the soon-to-be constructed high schools at Liberty, Pickens, Easley, and Daniel.

County Council agrees to postpone the construction of a waste water treatment facility at Warpath Landing.

Clifton Joe Campbell, convicted in the 1983 slaying of Pat Swayngham, was denied parole for the eighth time.

Local dentist Dan Hinton and Don Marler donate time and tools to check the oral health of Pickens school children.

Christopher Ryan Smith, 17, of Liberty, died after being struck by a vehicle while he was walking along S.C. 123. Smith was about three miles out of Liberty when struck during the dark hours of morning.

A Dacusville Recreation Center baseball field is to be named in memory of Tyler Durham, a Pickens High School Freshman who died in a traffic accident.

Liberty host a day of receiving community and engineers input in planning to revitalize the downtown area.

A former water plant could become a fire fighters training complex should Liberty decide to deed the old building to the county.

Long-time Clerk of Court LeJette Gatlin says she will not seek re-election to that office.

Central Mayor Mac Martin declares his decision to run for S.C. Senate, an office held by Larry Martin.

State Senator Larry Martin says he will run again for the position he has held for years.

Pickens Councilman Connie Bowers completes the Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government school/

Town of Central council approved second reading on the rezoning of several residential properties to neighborhood commercial in a first move to develop a business corridor.

Pumpkintown Fire Department plans to host a book and media sale to raise money for equipment.

The Azalea Festival Committee announces that top entertainment groups will perform during this year’s annual event.

Pickens County receives $77,177 in federal funding to assist emergency food and shelter organizations in the area.

March 19

Robert Brent Bryson, of Easley, was sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzling money from an area company, and leading to that organization’s bankruptcy.

Pickens County Emergency Preparedness agency participates in a federal assessment drill with its Chemical Ordinance Biological Radiological Agent (COBRA) team.

John Wade takes the helm of Six Mile as the town’s mayor.

Tyler Durham’s brother throws the first baseball to his dad during the ceremony naming a Dacusville field in memory of the Pickens High School Freshman who died in a traffic accident.

Pickens City Council approves an operating budget calling for no tax increase but a small raise in water costs.

Charles Dalton was named to the S.C. Department of Transportation commission.

A Six Mile committee is to study the area’s fire district and make recommendations.

The Town of Norris Council votes to clean the roadways running through the town.

Gas reaches $3 per gallon in Pickens County.

Postage rates to increase a penny, going to 42 cents per stamp.

B.R. Skelton announces his plans to seek re-election to the S.C. House.

Long time Sheriff of Pickens County C. David Stone announces his bid for re-election.

Pickens County Democrats see local party membership growing.

March 26

A high-speed chase through the streets of Pickens ends with the arrest of James Michael Smith, II. The vehicle had been stolen from Greenville.

Pickens County Sheriff’s Office offers weapons training for women.

State House and Senate committees are work toward toughening South Carolina’s DIU laws.

Malcom Verlin Yount, 41, of Pickens, was arrested on multiple charges of burglary and drug possession in Union.

United Way of Pickens honored area schools for raising more than $70,000 in donations for the 2008 campaign.

Rick Clark and Brian Garrett are to challenge Pickens Sheriff David Stone in upcoming election.

Kandy Kelley announces her bid for County Coroner.

Jennifer Willis is seeking a third term as Pickens County Councilwoman.

Pickens resident Phil Cournoyer was re-elected as Pickens Post 11 commander.

The Alabama Blues Brothers, Southern Crescent, and the Craig Woodard Band are slated to perform during April’s Azalea Festival.

Steve and Paula Ramey, of East Pickens Baptist Church, adopt a Russian orphan thought to be physically handicapped, but who thrived on love and care.

April 02

Griffin Ebenezer Baptist Church’s ballpark is to receive a facelift following the congregation’s joining into a partnership with Pickens County Council.

Pickens County School District is looking into contracting with outside food vendors rather than individual employees to prepare meals for students.

The Pickens Chapel United Methodist Church, one of the county’s first black churches, is slated to be torn down and removed due to disrepair.

Liberty Idol kicks off its third season of singing competition with the ever popular event drawing thousands to the downtown area.

Cliff’s developer Jim Anthony plans to build a teachers’ retreat in the Jocassee Gorges area.

The Pickens County School Board approved designs of new schools.

Tommy Smith announces his bid for Pickens County Coroner.

Jane Dyer is running as the Democratic Nominee for U.S. Congress in the Third Congressional Seat.

U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett is making attempts to assist homeowners facing foreclosure.

Area residents formed the Save our Saluda committee and is expressing concerns over the future of that river.

Pickens Police Department Investigator Travis Riggs, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant David “Kitt” Fowler, Pickens Police Department Volunteer Ken Keith and American Legion Post 11 member Richard Reese were honored for their outstanding contributions to the community by members of American Legion Post 11.

April 09

Local Republicans accuse the area Democrats of not abiding by the established rules designed to keep candidates’ filing an open process.

Excalibur Youth Services is revamping the former St. Jude’s building on Hampton Avenue into a residential home for troubled teenage boys.

Jason Evans was named as editor of the Pickens Sentinel.

Six Mile Town Council stated that any child, regardless of economical background, should be able to play at the town’s recreational park.

Six Mile Town government agreed to establish a website promoting the town.

A discount grocery story, owned by Kenneth Standridge, opens in Six Mile on S.C. 183.

An Easley investment firm, L.L.C., on Powdersville Road, is facing a class action lawsuit after a Surfside Beach couple filed intentions.

Pickens City Council told that groundhogs are become a serious problem within the city.

James David Chapman, 30, of Liberty, died in Anderson County in a single car accident on S.C. 178.

A Central couple, Carl and Kathleen Thompson, was named Foster Family of the Year by the state’s association.

April 16

Jeremy James Hendrix, 26, of Pickens, was arrested and charged with threatening the life of an Easley Police Officer and the lives of that officer’s family.

The police departments of Liberty, Pickens and Central have united in forming a DUI task force to increase the manpower on the streets of those municipalities during times of high probabilities of drunk driving.

Heather Elaine Chappell, 21, of Norris, was killed in Anderson County after the motorcycle on which she was a passenger struck another vehicle and skidded off the roadway.

A Pickens man, Larry Lindley, died after he fell off the motorcycle he was riding and was struck by an oncoming car.

Pumpkintown Fire Department holds its first media sale to raise funds for much needed equipment.

Liberty residents Danielle Lea Moody, Melissa Ann Smith, and Douglas Wilson were charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection with the death of Christopher Ryan Smith, 17, who was killed while walking down S.C. 123.

Carolyn Hamrick, Jonathan Hamrick, Joseph Hamrick, and Tario Poole were all charged with growing marijuana and making ecstasy.

Ben Finley announces his run for Clerk of Court.

Brent Suddeth and April Gillespie both announce bids for Pickens County Auditor.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources were awarded a $92,500 grant to promote hunting.

Growth at the Pickens County Airport will benefit both the county and Liberty in the trade and revenue it attracts.

Pickens County Council approves a $56 million budget.

Liberty Idol’s first night of its third season is a roaring success.

Capri’s Restaurant, in Easley, celebrates 40 years of doing business and serving customers.

May 07

Pickens senior citizens begin fight to save their center, located in the former Ben Hagood School, after school district places building on the auction block and Seniors Unlimited say they don’t want it.

A slight vibration in the coolant pump at the Oconee Nuclear Station shuts down plant for investigation.

Pickens County Planning Commission approves the design and site for the new Pickens high school.

Norris plans to celebrate spring with festival.

Mary’s House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Pickens County, is slated to open its doors this summer.

Former students of the one-time Central High School are planning to unite at Southern Wesleyan University.

Council accepts two low bids for the construction of new fire departments in Springs and Crosswell Fire Districts.

Daniel High School building and site plans are approved by the planning commission.

Members of Pickens City Council encourages senior citizens to purchase the Ben Hagood School.

Liberty Idol selects 64 contestants to compete in their third annual talent competition.

Pickens County Relay for Life kicks off with all night events across the county.

May 14

The defense team for Jerry Buck Inman is denied their request for the capitol trial of their client be moved out of Pickens County. Inman is charged with the murder of Clemson University student Tiffany Souers.

Roger Eugene Shephard, who fled the county after the slaying of Easley pawn shop owner John Larry Bruin, is to be extradited to South Carolina from Canada after Solicitor Bob Arial agreed with Canadian officials to not seek the death penalty.

Liberty council members deny rezoning a parcel of land near Golden Springs sub-division from residential to commercial after residents packed the meeting in protest.

Clemson resident Andrea Leigh Albertson died after the car she was driving left the roadway and struck a tree on McMahn Road in Piedmont

Six Mile council passes a balanced budget.

Presidential hopeful Senator John McCain praises South Carolina for taking the steps to keep children safe from internet crimes.

The S.C. Attorney General’s Office sees 122 internet predators arrested and charged with solicitation of minors in the state-wide Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

County receives grant money to build a new terminal at the Pickens County Airport.

Over 2,000 people fill the recreational fields of Norris during the spring festival.

May 21

School District is not excited about children of new residential treatment center entering area schools, saying the 55 students will cost taxpayers an extra $200,000.

.Law enforcement community formulates action plan to combat gangs coming into county.

The Aerostar Aerobatic Team was scheduled to perform at Liberty’s Champion Aerospace employees’ day, but was cancelled due to rain.

Justin Michael Thomas died after the vehicle he was driving left the roadway at Ireland and Black Snake Roads and hit a concrete wall.

Rep. Gresham Barrett unveils his Main Street USA Energy Security Act in Easley.

Six Mile officials plan to revamp town’s sidewalks.

Laurel Hill nursing home celebrates National Nursing Home Week with parties and a barbecue.

Pickens Mill Village slated to receive upgraded sewage line after council voted to accept bid of Greer company.

Samaritan’s Purse receives part of a lawsuit settlement from a drug agency.

Pickens County Taxpayers Association hold forum to discuss concerns including guns. money and Real I.D.

May 28

Former girlfriend of alleged killer Nathaniel Casey Dickson had petitioned the court for protection weeks before suspect’s family was murdered.

State’s highway patrol kicks off its 100 deadly days of summer and warns drivers to take caution while navigation South Carolina’s highways.

Pickens County Sheriff’s Office identifying gangs active in county and taking steps to stop their infiltration into area.

Central’s fire district expanding to better serve customers, taking in some property once covered by Six Mile.

Volunteers at Pumpkintown Fire Department plans fundraising events to purchase needed fire equipment.

Pickens Elementary School could undergo renovations.

Six Mile celebrates 100 years.

Pickens County is converting used vegetable oil into fuel for county vehicles.

Employment in Pickens County is holding firm.

June 04

John Mauldin, Thirteenth Circuit Public Defender, asks Pickens County Council for additional funding to speed up the current lengthy court trials.

Fred and Pat Raines were surprised to find a young black bear high in an oak tree in the Graystone Place front yard.

An Easley juvenile was shot during an attempted burglary in a 178 Leisure Drive home. Property owner Robert Wade was charged with assault and battery with intent to kill because the young man was attempting to run away from the home.

Six Mile fire fighters discovered a burning car as they battled a small forest fire on Kelly Mill Road. The car was stolen from Greenville County.

Morris Lane and Booth Street residents fear the rising crime in their Pickens neighborhood. Pickens Police Chief Tommy Ellenburg told the group as they voiced their concerns to council that they should report any questionable activity to law enforcement.

Clemson University updates they 9-1-1 system, giving emergency responders an added edge in answering calls from students.

American Legion Post 11 educated the public on the proper disposal of U.S. flags.

Holly Springs Elementary School begins music program to teach children the importance and enjoyment of stringed instruments.

Dog food and bird feeders are a major invitation to bears, enticing the large animals into residents’ yards.

The fate of a Memorial Day parade lies in the hands of the local American Legion Post 11.

Norris resident Charles Ayers died from complications of cancer before scheduled fund-raising events could be held. The events went on in a money raising effort to benefit his family.

Quick action by Marietta resident Leroy Kelly prevented a burglary in the 615 Cedar Road home of his neighbor.

Mario Keith, of Liberty, earned his Eagle Scout badge from the Boys Scouts of America after devoting time and effort into successfully completing 31 projects.

June 11

Thomas Cleveland Land, Lewis Welford Gowens, James Thomas Pitts, and a juvenile were arrested on drug charges by the Pickens Police Department following a three-year investigation.

Davis and Martha Holland retire, closing the doors of the Pickens Ice Cream Parlor, a popular diner that had served Pickens for about 75 years.

Roger Eugene Shephard, alleged killer of Easley pawn shop owner John Bruin, is returned to Easley after a deal was made between Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Bob Arial and Canadian officials that the death penalty was off the table.

Phillip Towe and Jeremy Millard were arrested in Six Mile on charges of burning a car stolen from Greenville.

South Carolina discontinues the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test, replacing it with a different type of testing for students.

Six Mile Council approves an ordinance focused on removing abandoned and unsightly vehicles from residents who use their property as storage.

An off duty Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Deputy who patrols Six Mile will receive a laptop computer for his vehicle, paid for by Six Mile residents, allowing him to spend more time on the streets of the small town rather than in travels to the Law Enforcement Center.

Local law enforcement agencies focus on getting alco-pops out of the hands of teenagers with added convenience store undercover checks.

The Town of Central council members voted that department heads can live outside town limits at a distance of a five-mile radius.

The construction firm of McMillan-Cater was awarded the bid for building the new Liberty High School.

The first annual car and truck show, a fund-raiser for the Pumpkintown Fire Department, was successful despite the heat and humidity.

June 18

Pickens County Sheriff C. David Stone won in the election primary, as did Kandy Kelly, for coroner, Brent Suddeth, for county auditor, and Sam Wyche, for county council – beating out long-time Councilman Ben Trotter. Ben Finley and Pat Welborn are to face each other in a run-off for the clerk of court seat.

Christopher Allen Orr, of Central, died in a boating accident on Lake Hartwell.

Pickens County reached the third of four levels of a rating in the serious drought level.

James Jackson becomes the first black fire chief in Pickens County after taking the helm of the Norris Fire Department.

Pickens County Council passes a $56 million budget and did not raise county taxes.

Pickens County participates in an exercise preparing the area for the possibility of a flu pandemic.

Victoria Vineyards, off S.C. 11, asks county council to consider allowing them to sell wine on Sunday. Councilman Ben Trotter said that would lead to other sales of alcohol on Sunday, and voted against the request.

Mystery writer Kathryn Wall held a book signing event at the Pickens location of the Pickens County Library.

The Birchwood Center holds an event honoring the life and work of Ben Robinson, who died 65 years ago and who remains an important part of Pickens County history.

Jay Miller won the state HSRA bull-riding championship. Miller was four years old when he first began his bull riding career.

Liberty Idol packed in the fans and the event edges closer to the final night.

June 25

The Pickens County School Board agreed to sell the former Ben Hagood School and property to area senior citizens for $1, giving the older group a home for their activity center.

The City of Clemson council votes to ban smoking in all publicly-used buildings, including downtown bars and pubs, placing a strain on the long-time establishments.

Pickens County Council Chairman Neil Smith accuses Administrator J. Chappell Hurst and state Senator Larry Martin of threatening Justice Department officials during an investigation.

South Carolina ranked among the highest in the nation in motorcycle fatalities and the Upstate sees more bike-related deaths than other parts of the state.

The S.C. Highway Patrol kicks of its motorcycle safety campaign in an attempt of making drivers of both vehicles and motorcycles aware of the dangers confronting motorcycle riders.

Pickens County Council votes to keep the offices of magistrates separate despite an earlier attempt to combine the judges in an attempt to save money.

Two Greenville men, Aurelio Almeda and Larry Raymond Wheat were arrested on criminal sexual abuse and pornography charges after victims reported abuse.

School trustees approved a $104 million budget, also increasing the cost of school meals by 20 cents.

Businesses in the City of Pickens hold their first association meeting, looking for ways to attract new commerce and shoppers to the area.

Sky-rocketing fuel prices are placing a strain on Meals on Wheels volunteers