Fresh Figs ...

An ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM reader wanted you to know ...

FRESH FIGS
$5 a gallon

Picked daily.

116 Summit Dr, Liberty

31 ...

31 - Number of places with “Liberty” in the place name.

Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty, and West Liberty.

South Carolina has two Liberty and Liberty Hill South Carolina

Wanted: Your Stories, Thoughts, Pictures, & History Of Liberty

There's a lot going on in Liberty to report on ... but I want you involved.

Please submit your news, event schedules, fundraisers, pictures, and story or interview requests. Feel free to share your editorials or Liberty history ... anything that involves the Liberty community.

Just leave a comment on any article and how to contact you. Your private information is safe - you can submit anonymously or receive recognition.

Announce Your Yard Sale Or Fundraiser In Liberty For FREE

You can announce your Yard Sale / Church / Sports / Charity / School Fundraiser on ATLIBERTYTOSAY completely free.

ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM now has 10,000+ VIEWS A WEEK!

All posts go instantly to FaceBook and Twitter.

Just leave a comment on on any post with your event, name, phone number, and email address.

(Your information is completely private and will not be shared)

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Alma Faircloth Of Liberty Passes ...

Alma Faircloth, 84, of Liberty, wife of the late L. D. Faircloth passed away Friday, July 23, 2010 at Anmed Hospital.

Mrs Faircloth was a homemaker and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Surviving are three sons; Howard Barefoot and wife Susan of Liberty, Wayne Barefoot and wife Linda A.of Raleigh NC and Douglas Barrett and wife Maureen of Chapel Hill, NC and four grandchildren; Melissa Barrett; Heather Barrett; Andrew A. Barefoot and Howard Barefoot Jr.

Funeral services were held at 3:30PM Sunday, July 25, 2010 at Calvary Baptist Church.

Burial will be held 3:30 PM Monday July 26, 2010 at Lafayette Cemetery Park in Fayetteville, NC.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home which is assisting the family.

* Information gathered from www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com

"The Loss Of Liberty"

The U.S.S. Liberty was an electronic intelligence-gathering ship that was cruising international waters off the Egyptian coast on June 8, 1967. Israeli planes and torpedo boats opened fire on the Liberty in the midst of what became known as the Israeli-Arab Six-Day War. Thirty-four Americans were killed and more than 170 were wounded in the attack.

"The Loss of Liberty" investigates whether the attack was a case of mistaken identity as both the U.S. and Israel claimed, or something more sinister. Hear eyewitness testimony from surviving crew members and interviews with distinguished military personnel and ambassadors.

Watch the documentary, "The Loss Of Liberty"

For more research on the U.S.S Liberty see:

The U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Website

Liberty Police Department Sponsors Annual Summer Camp

As reported by The Pickens County Courier:

LIBERTY — More than 60 children ages 10-13 participated in the annual Liberty Police Department summer camp last week.
The day camp, which met at Liberty Middle School last Monday-Friday, is designed to give area kids something positive to do during the summer, according to LPD Sgt. Mike Constance. Constance said the camp offers kids alternatives to drugs, alcohol, gangs and violence.

A fee of $30 is asked for the camp, but not required.

The camp is primarily funded by donations from local businesses, including Toyota of Easley, Hendrick Honda, McKinney Dodge, Vulcan Materials, King’s Asphalt, Blue Ridge Electric, and Liberty Family Pharmacy.

The camp met daily with games in the LMS gym, and classes taught on safety, respect, and saying no to drugs and alcohol.

The campers were also also treated to field trips to a Greenville Drive baseball game, Discovery Island water park, a movie in Easley, bowling, the Greenville Zoo, skating, and a cook-out, swimming, and hiking at Table Rock.

The camp is staffed by officers of the Liberty Police Department and high school students as counselors.

For the full story see and a picture of the participants:

http://www.yourpickenscounty.com/?p=1482

Filing For (3) Seats On The Pickens County School Board Opens August 2, 2010

Summarized from a press release:

PICKENS COUNTY - Filing for (3) seats on the Pickens County School Board will open August 2, 2010.

The seats for Districts 2, 4 (Liberty Area), and 6 are up for re-election this year.

Filing for the positions will be open August 2-16, 2010.

Those interested in running for the seats can file at the office of the Registrations and Elections Commission, located at 222 McDaniel Avenue in Pickens, during normal business hours, 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday.

The filing fee is $120. Checks should be made out to Pickens County Treasurer.

At the time of filing, each candidate must complete a Statement of Candidacy Form, pay the filing fee, and present proof that they have filed their Statement of Economics Interests form online.

Candidates are required to complete ethics forms.

(A state law passed this year now requires these forms to be completed online.)

The forms must be electronically filed using the following link:

https://ssl.sc.gov/EthicsRegistration/Login/Login.aspx

District 4 serves the Liberty area and is currently held by Oscar Thorsland.

The election is non-partisan - no party affiliation shall be placed on the ballot. The offices will be included on the ballot of the General Election in November. Only the registered voters living within districts up for election may participate in this election.

_______________________________

Liberty Idol emcee, Roy Costner announced during the Liberty Idol finale that he would throw his hat into the arena for the District 4 (Liberty area) school board seat.

For more information on this year’s elections, visit pickenselections.org or call the Pickens County Election Commission at 898-5948.

Judith Elaine Fulmer Of Liberty Passes ...

Judith Elaine Fulmer, 64, of Liberty, died 07-19-2010.

Arrangements: Cremation Society of South Carolina.

* Information gathered from LEGACY.COM

Liberty Teen Part Of Duo That Damaged Dozens Of Mailboxes Across Pickens County

A Liberty teenager has been charged with malicious damage to property and other charges relating to the vandalism of mailboxes in Pickens County.

David Arlin Townsend, 17, of 129 Whitmire Hill Road in Liberty, and Aaron Mikel Key, 18, of 307 Lost Valley Road in Pickens were charged with nine counts of vandalism by the Pickens County Sheriff's office.

* compiled from TOPIX online.

You've Heard The Three "R's" But, Do You Always Want To "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"?

We've heard the Three "R's" of recycling = "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" ... but two weeks ago I actually thought ... I may want to increase my "waste" if it can also increase my recycling.

I don't like drinking plain water ... so I at least have to have some kind of drink mix or juice. I prefer 100% juice.

While at the Anderson Flea market I found a seller that was selling Juicy Juice© Apple Juice Singles in cases of 48. (They we were all in date)

A Juicy Juice Apple Juice (64oz) in Ingles sells for $3.49 - the Laura Lynn generic Apple Juice sells for $2.88 for the 64oz size.

The case of 48 equaled 480 ounces total.

Each bottle had a "Box Tops For Education" label on it.

I decided to buy (3) cases = 144 total drinks at a cost of $3 per case for $9 total.

That's 1440 oz total and 144 plastic bottles that I could recycle PLUS 144 Box Tops For Education that I could donate to Liberty Elementary.


• My son and I get a great (and good for you) portable drink.

• Since I typically make my own juice from concentrate, I save a bit on water for the month (11 gallons to be precise)

• I saved almost $70 vs buying apple juice in the store.

• The City Of Liberty gets a tad bit more on their recycling pick up totals for the next month

• Liberty Elementary gets $14.40 in Box Tops For Education points

An Op-Ed From A 7 Year Old: Liberty Is Great!

I asked my 7 year old son to write an article for my website. I told him he could write what he liked about Liberty, or if he had a suggestion, or a complaint, or compliment.

Here's what he wrote:

Liberty is great!

We need the trains to be quiet.

Liberty has a park.

We need a dog park.

We need a water park.

I feel this is extremely poignant - it may be the best editorial ever written on this site.

The Religion That Introduced Liberty ...

"The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His Apostles." ~ Noah Webster

Noah Webster, yes that Webster of Webster's Dictionary fame, was considered a "founding father".

Webster considered education "useless without the Bible".

South Carolina Sales Tax Holiday On August 6, 2010

The 11th annual "Tax Free Weekend" in South Carolina begins at 12:01AM Friday August 6, 2010 and ends at 11:59PM Sunday, August 8, 2010.

South Carolina state law requires that the first weekend in August be "tax free" for purchases related to school; such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and linens.

The weekend has become the 3rd busiest shopping period of the year following the weekend before Christmas and the weekend after Thanksgiving, officials said.

South Carolina adopted the sales tax holiday in 2000.

This equals a savings of 6% to 7%.

Included in the state’s list of items in South Carolina that will be tax-exempt are sports uniforms, handbags, personal digital assistants (Smartphones must be applied for a credit), riding pants, and ski masks.

Here are the full details:

http://www.sctax.org/NR/rdonlyres/45D2A22E-7E52-4153-9782-7EE4B262A844/0/RR107.pdf

The link above also contains a form to apply for an exemption. For example, if you need a large screen LCD television for presentation purposes as a teacher or student or if you need a computer part that may be school related - you take the form to the merchant. You may have to do a bit of wrangling with the manager of the establishment to get him or her to understand - but delivering this form is ALL YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT TO THE MERCHANT!

Remember, you can get the exemption if you are a preacher, or a computer specialist, or SPC manager, or at work trainer.

Movie Review: Inception

Inception is my kind of movie … something that makes you think throughout. It also is somewhat educational. Throughout my life I have always tried to control my dreams. The movie's plot briefly and simply describes how one goes about creating a dream, populating a dream with people and ideas, and then controlling the aspects of that dream.

The plot of Inception revolves around controlling other's dreams in order to suggest ideas in reality. Leonardo DiCaprio's character "Cobb" must plant an idea in someone's head - if he can succeed he's promised the freedom to return home to his children. He assembles a team to enter the dreams of a wealthy heir to a global industrial empire.

I'd rate this movie a 9 out 10 and a must see in movie theaters for the full effect. If you like the thriller and suspense genre - you'll love this movie.

From Webster's Dictionary:

inception (as in "origin") n. : an event that is a beginning; a first part or stage of subsequent events

Another Day ... Another Lily / I Want To Trade Flowers With You

Here's a picture of a beautiful yellow daylily in my yard ...



If any Liberty resident would like to trade out some flowers with me I have a wide selection of Canna Lilies, Day Lilies, Mint, and Bamboo grass. They all multiply quickly and make great landscaping. I'm looking for bushes or small trees and even some cypress trees but will consider any kind of trade.

Recent Tweets ...

If you're not part of the ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM Twitter feed you may have missed this Liberty & South Carolina news:

• atlibertytosay.com The Mel Gibson Case ... http://bit.ly/a5LQmS
• 
  
• atlibertytosay.com So What Are Those Weird Looking Machines On The Train Track? http://bit.ly/buyTJA
• 
  
• RT @nobevandfoodtax Have you found us on Facebook? Every fan, signature and email makes a difference in our fight! http://ow.ly/2bz1y
• 
  
• RT @thewordoftheday 14/7 - nadir (/ˈneɪdər, ˈneɪdɪər/) - n: the lowest point; point of greatest adversity or despair.
• 
  
• RT @sammattus God is going to use Smith Chapel to impact Liberty ;)
• 
  
• What happened to that "cool down" with temps in the 80s - it's not even 1pm and it's 92!
• RT @UpstateForever Kudzu linked to ozone, air pollution http://bit.ly/bsQBFp
• 
  
• RT @GreenvilleNews Thunderstorms likely today; hail, damaging winds possible http://bit.ly/dyWu7h
• 
  
• RT @RickWarren God did not bring you this far just to leave you where you are. "He who began a good work in you will complete it" Ph.1:6
• 
  
• atlibertytosay.com Comment For The Editor ... "Was there any type of Business License associated with this business?" http://bit.ly/dvWyCf
• 
  
• RT @FDArecalls Florida Company Recalls Sliced Apples: Marjon Specialty Foods, Inc., voluntarily recalls apples http://bit.ly/bnb0UX
• 
  
• atlibertytosay.com Walking Shadows New Season Schedule http://bit.ly/bRUs6h

• @ethancosborne "I'm a train wreck" ... At least you're in like company in Liberty.
  
  
  RT @independentmail Couple resign after 50 years with S.C. pageant http://bit.ly/bqcffp
  
  Very entertaining to see the @ingles shoplifting in @cityoflibertysc from several different twitter perspectives - Ending w/ @LibertyPD
• 
  We have reached 84,480 signatures on our petition! Please take a moment and sign to help us reach 85,000! http://ow.ly/29qgi
• 
  Learned a new word today ... Comestibles. Look it up and try to use it this weekend.
  
  RT @consumerist Candwich, The Sandwich In A Can http://ow.ly/1844Mf
  
  atlibertytosay.com ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM Chosen As SCIWAY's "Site Of The Day" http://bit.ly/caq91c
  
  atlibertytosay.com Liberty Chamber Of Commerce Website Gets Revamp http://bit.ly/cDcPa2
  
  Miss South Carolina Pageant Focus Of Probe: Miss Greenville says many contestants believe judging process is unfair http://bit.ly/aMQeJ1
• 
  atlibertytosay.com Yack & Yarn @ Sarlin Library Saturday July 17, 2010 http://bit.ly/bf3EEE
  
  This katydid was a "Don't" fly http://yfrog.com/7gucoxj
• 
  Do u remember @McDonalds Mayor McCheese? http://yfrog.com/j57nfj
  
  RT @LibertyPD If your thinking about shoplifting something stay out of Freds, another shoplifter on the way to jail.
  
  Inside the Fake PC Recycling Market: http://bit.ly/a7bh53
  
  RT @KellyHPayne Congratulations Pickens County School District for receiving an A+ in transparency! http://fb.me/E2PhuhuP

You can also follow The City Of Liberty, LibertyPD, and The Liberty Fire Department on Twitter.

If you don't have a Twitter or Facebook account or don't want to get one - you can follow them easily and more efficiently on this website in the right side column of every page!

Visit the ATLIBERTYTOSAY TWITTER PAGE to follow @ATLIBERTYTOSAY to receive live updates and news that may not make it to the front page.

The Mel Gibson Case ...

One of the ways I've gained a little notoriety on the internet over the years is with my website FIXYOURTHINKING.COM and a recording phone call laws reference. It's also one of the ways I generate a bit of income through sponsorship.

An item of interest to me has been the recent Mel Gibson case where his "Mistress" girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva has apparently recorded multiple phone conversations between herself and Gibson and given them to the media.

From what I'm able to see from research, Grigorieva is a naturalized American citizen residing in Los Angeles, while Gibson is an American born (but Australian raised) U.S. Citizen who has residences in multiple states and countries but claims Malibu California as his primary residence.

This is the California law regarding telephone conversation recording ...

California

Although California is a two-party state, it is legal to record a conversation if you include a beep on the recorder and for the parties to hear. This information is included with California telephone bills:

California prohibits telephone monitoring or recording, including the use of information obtained through interception unless all parties to the conversation consent (California Penal Code Sections 631 & 632). There is no statutory business telephone exception and the relevant case law all but excludes this possibility. California courts have recognized "implied" consent as being sufficient to satisfy the statute where one party has expressly agreed to the taping and the other continues the conversation after having been informed that the call is being recorded. Violation is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. A civil plaintiff may recover the greater of $3,000 or three times the amount of any actual damages sustained.

While I can't be certain that Gibson has been informed he was being recorded, the recordings by Grigorieva may be illegal.

I should note that in no way do I condone or in any way admire his outlandish uncontrollable temper, but he still has a right to a private conversation if he so wishes.

Just because he's a public figure does not make his private conversations public.

The recording reference is linked here for your convenience and in the right side column of every page on this website. I highly suggest you read over this reference if you ever plan to record or have an issue with someone recording your phone conversations.

Recording Phone Calls State By State

So What Are Those Weird Looking Machines On The Train Track?

Because of the derailment, we've seen these machines more and more in Liberty ... I finally stopped a Norfolk Southern employee to ask them what these "machines" do.

Here's what they said ...

"This (below) is a maintenance vehicle that has rail wheels - much like Heelie© shoes"

"The machine (below) lifts the track so rock & railroad ties can be placed underneath."

"The machine (below) deposits rock under the track & railroad ties & also cleans the track."

A second angle (below) of the "track cleaner/rock depositor"

A Tree With The Power To Move Through Fences

Here's a few pictures of a tree that has actually grown through a fence - it's located on the right ride of the parking lot of Fred's in Liberty. It's really quite beautiful and amazing. You can see the "grid pattern" of the fence etched into the bark of the tree.

Liberty Hardee's Completes Makeover

NEW LOOK

OLD LOOK

The Liberty Hardees has completed its modernized Hardees/Red Burrito makeover ... before and after pics above ...

The work has been ongoing for the last 30 days.

Most Hardees locations in the Upstate have received the same makeover.

Easley Progress Spotlights Liberty Resident's Military Service

As featured in The Easley Progress:

First Sergeant Tony McClure completed his tenure with the United States Army Thursday, June 24, 2010. He entered active duty September 20, 1990 at Fort Knox, Kentucky where he also completed basis combat training. Advanced individual training was received at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina, and further training at Fort Benjamin, Harrison, Indiana.

A 1987 graduate of Liberty High School, McClure’s assignments over the years have taken him to Wurzburg, Germany, Fort Bragg, NC, Haiti, Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Benning, Ga., Yongsan, Korea, Fort Monroe, Virginia, Fort Stewart, Georgia, Camp Ali Al Salem, and in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army at the Pentagon.

Read more here:

Liberty graduate retires from Army

Gregg James Farrier Of Liberty Passes

Gregg Farrier - Liberty

Gregg James Farrier, 62, of 310 Green Tree Drive, passed away Friday, July 09, 2010 at his home.

Mr. Farrier was self employed and a charter member of Covenant Reformed Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Gale of the home; three sons, Aaron Farrier (Rachel) of Greenville, Caleb Farrier (Sarah) with the U.S. Marine Corps. and Seth Farrier of the home; two daughters, Kirsten Brown (David) of Carlisle, PA and Leah Marley (Chris) of Prescott, AZ; one brother, Bruce Farrier of Wantage, NJ and six grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 10:00AM Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Powdersville.

In lieu of flowers,memorials may be made to The Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

Condolences may be expressed on line at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home - Downtown, 104 South First St. Easley, SC 29640, which is assisting the family.

* Information gathered from Robinson Funeral Home website

Duke Energy Will Test Sirens Around Oconee Nuclear Station Wednesday, July 14, 2010

From a press release received from Duke Energy:

Duke Energy will test sirens around Oconee Nuclear Station Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sirens located around Oconee Nuclear Station will be tested Wednesday July 14, 2010 at approximately 11:50AM.

No public action is required during this 3 minute test.

Comment For The Editor ... "Was there any type of Business License associated with this business?"

"A major story is happening with one of our local businesses, but I can't find any reference on this site. Am I overlooking the findings of the resigination of the Sanders family from the Miss South Carolina Pagent? Does that mean we are losing another business? Was there any type of Business License associated with this business?"

The newsworthy portion of this topic was reported here:

Former Director Of Miss SC Pageant (based out of Liberty) Goes On Trial

Of course, the outcome of the trial was that he was found guilty.

"A former Miss South Carolina pageant vice president and executive director was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Thursday after a jury found him guilty."

Followups have reported that there is now an investigation of impropriety.

I did do quite a bit of research into pageants and especially how they are bankrolled - this was the main function of The Sanders Financial Group. It's one of the many things Donald Trump does. It's a very shady quasi-banking industry; pageant financing. It seems to border on mafia like practices. I simply chose not to report further on this topic due to the shame that it brings to our town - something that Sherry Thrift once made us proud of.

1990 Mary Gainey Miss Liberty 1st runner-up

1986 Dawn Smith Miss Liberty 2nd runner-up

1985 Sherry Thrift Miss Liberty 1st runner-up

Personally, I have contacted the Miss South Carolina Pageant office here in Liberty on several occasions for many reasons (well before this scandal broke) and was never once returned a phone call or email.

This organization, that once brought honor to Liberty - now is shameful (and I guess always has been under the Sanders family) - not just stemming from the sexual misconduct but from the "other charges" as well.

Even though it may possibly mean another empty building - this is one case where I say, "Good riddance!"

Walking Shadows New Season Schedule

Received as a press release:

Football-less Fridays Splits venues

Because of a longer schedule for the Football-less Fridays series the event will be split between two locations: The Rosewood Community Center and last year's venue Liberty Middle School.

The dates are as follows:

August13 (Rosewood)
August 27 (LMS)
September 10 (Rosewood)
September 17 (LMS)
October 8 (LMS)
October 15 (Rosewood)
October 29 (Rosewood)
November 5 (LMS)

All shows will start at 7:30PM.

The cost $5.

_______________________________

We're Presenting A Christmas Story! Yes, the one on TBS all Christmas Day.

The play is adapted by Philip Grecian. We will be announcing audition dates soon.

Anyone have leg-lamp, or a pink bunny suit?

ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM Chosen As SCIWAY's "Site Of The Day"

Received this morning ...

Dear [At Liberty To Say],

Hello! Just a note to let you know that your web site is SCIWAY's "South Carolina Web Site of the Day." You can see your home page featured here:

http://www.sciway.net

Thanks for providing this great SC resource. It is a pleasure to be able to link to your site and we appreciate you linking to us in return.

Have a great weekend!

Ann

Ann Bomgren
SCIWAY - South Carolina's Front Door

Get your SC News from SCIWAY's Newsletter: http://www.sciway.net/sn

Liberty Chamber Of Commerce Website Gets Revamp

The Liberty Chamber Of Commerce website has received its first update in over a year ... check it out ...

http://www.libertychamberofcommerce.com

Yack & Yarn @ Sarlin Library Saturday July 17, 2010

Yack & Yarn @ Sarlin Branch, Liberty!

Do you like to quilt, crochet, knit, needlepoint, or do some other kind of needlecraft? If you are an expert, or need help getting started, go to the Sarlin Branch Library in Liberty on Saturday, July 17 at 10AM.

Bring your current project or come to ask for help from a fellow group member on a project you want to start.

This informal group welcomes anyone who likes to have a good time and enjoys needlecraft!

The Yack & Yarn group meets on the third Saturday of each month from 10AM- 11AM.

Participation is free and open to all.

For more information stop by or call the Sarlin Branch at 843-5805

Liberty Resident; A Co-author Of A Chapter In A Recently Published Book

Liberty Resident was co-author of a chapter in a recently published book

Wesleyan Publishing House, the publishing arm of The Wesleyan Church, recently released Care of Creation: Christian Voices on God, Humanity, and the Environment. Martin LaBar, long-time Liberty resident and retired science professor at Southern Wesleyan University, co-authored a chapter on "Endangered Species and Habitats," with Don Wood, religion professor at SWU. All of the authors have some connection to The Wesleyan Church or closely related bodies. A number of Liberty residents are now, or have been, students at SWU, and have taken classes from, or are familiar with, Rocky Nation and Susan Rouse, science professors, or Christina Accornaro and Ken Dill, religion professors there. Dill is also chaplain of the University, and led SWU students and faculty in work with Habitat for Humanity in constructing a house in Liberty several years ago.

LaBar served on the City Zoning and Planning Commission of Liberty for several years, and also served as Chair. LaBar's wife lived in Liberty as a child for a time, and taught at Liberty High School. She retired from teaching fifth grade at Liberty Middle School. The LaBars have two daughters who attended and graduated from the public schools of Liberty. The couple attends United Wesleyan Church, which is between Easley and Pickens.

The book has chapters on God's relationship to humans, and the relationship of humans to the creation at large. It has chapters on genetic engineering, end-of-life issues, and abortion. The "Care of the Environment" section has chapters on several aspects of Christian stewardship, besides the chapter on endangered species. There are no chapters on global warming, population control, or recycling, but these issues are discussed in various places in the book. Most of the chapters were co-authored by persons with science and religion expertise. Issues are placed in Biblical context, and there is some attention to the views of important Christians of the past on the issues in the book. There are suggestions for further reading, and for action.

Jeff Williams Wins The 2010 Liberty Idol Competition

Congratulations to Jeff Williams

Winner of The Liberty Idol 2010 Competition!

Nothing Is More Precious Than Liberty.

"Nothing is more precious than independence and liberty." ~ Ho Chi Minh

Happy 4th Of July!

2010 Liberty Idol Final Tonight

(¯`'•.¸LIBERTY IDOL COMPETITION FINAL¸.•'´¯)
SATURDAY JULY 3, 2010
________________________________

Work Being Done On Front Street

Comment For The Editor ... "They aren't adding anything..."

A comment received this morning:

Philip, I'm proud of you! Thank you for this information and all that you present here. If I could make a request? I would stop publishing the "Anonymous" hate comments. They aren't adding anything and seem to be wasting your time to moderate and respond to.

Thank you and I agree completely.

My only concern is it's scary who it is ( I know and have the majority of hate comments narrowed to four people ). It's also rather scary that they know I have a family and that this is my business. I've received everything from "not so joking" jokes about the train derailing into my house to outright death threats.

The interesting thing to me is that these "haters" say I complain ... they don't say ... they complain that I complain then offer me nothing to back up their side - no facts - no interviews - no quotes - no debate worthy rhetoric. These same people also don't offer me any quality suggestions for stories they do want to see reported. If a suggestion is made - I take it to heart - and report on it as soon as I possibly can.

Final Round Of Liberty Idol Tonight / Finale Tomorrow Night

The following contestants perform in tonight's final round. This is not the order of appearance on stage.

1. Brooklyn Garrett

2. Taylor Stewart

3. John Proctor

4. Sharon Cochran

5. Jeromy Arnett

6. Terry Boatwright

7. Tina Moore

8. Amanda Boone

9. Reggie Blackwell

10. Frankie Shelton

11. Pam Jennings

12. Jeff Williams

13. Ryan Kelley

14. Joseph Crocker

15. Bethany Ghent

16. Double Take

www.libertyidol.net currently has a full video presentation of each performer singing tonight on their main page.

Friend Subway Of Liberty On FaceBook And Get Free Food!

While in Subway I saw a message that you could get FREE FOOD if you join the Subway Of The Tri -County Area facebook fan page:

It's hard to locate but here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tri-County-Area/SUBWAYS-of-the-Tri-County-Area

And here's the message on their page:

SUBWAYS of the Tri-County Area is waiting to reach 200 fans!!! Then the free give-a-ways begin!!!

Join and let's all get some FREE Subway!

Comment For The Editor ... "It seems that I saw there were some rules ..."

Currently at the BP Gas station in Downtown Liberty

Received as a comment:

As I was driving down 178 the other day, I noticed there were still quite a few political signs for the various candidates still on display. Many of these signs represent candidates that have been since eliminated from the running of the offices that they sought. It seems that I saw there were some rules about how long these campaigns had to clean up their signs. What are those rules and when can we hope to see a reduction of what now is the equivalent of litter on the side of the road? I thought that you may have some insight as to what the election commission rules were in this situation. Thanks!

I spoke with the Pickens County Election Commission, which in turn referred and transferred me to Zoning and Ordinance ...

I was informed that signs are to be out no more than 30 days before an election and to be taken down no more than 10 after an election.

Personal note: I saw signs for this election out in late March!

I asked if "winners" were allowed to keep their signs out until November and I was told that the same rules apply.

I was told that since the code is enforced by the Sheriff's Department (who removes them) - busy schedules get in the way. There is also no penalty structure for "breaking the rules".

Furthermore, she said that Liberty may have additional ordinances regarding signs.

I also asked if "a regular citizen" could remove the signs and was told it was a gray area because the signs are usually on private property and belong to the campaign. She did mention that DURING a campaign there is a $500 fine per sign removed by anyone other than the campaign of the designated sign.

I'll post the full ordinances (Local & County) in a followup this weekend.

To me, this is another sign of whether the politicians care - Joe Grimaud and Mike Vasovski littered our area with signs and very few of them have been removed. I feel as if there were a bunch of sore losers in the Richard Cash campaign (including Cash himself) and that this may be one reason his signs remain.

Hope this answered your question.

Thanks for your call this morning.  The section in the attachment that includes political signs is 703(b).  It is brief, as I mentioned.  However other sections, such as 706 and 710, may also apply.  Our entire development ordinance can be found online: http://www.co.pickens.sc.us/documents/AdoptedUDSO.pdf
 
I also talked to Bob Wilbanks, the county building official.  Enforcement of the sign ordinance falls to his department.  He said that his inspectors take one day of the week, in addition to any building codes inspections, to look for illegal signs.  They mostly target certain problem areas such as big intersections, busy roads, or follow-up with formal complaints.  The signs are typically taken to the dump and he says they usually reappear the following weekend.  Also, I should clarify that signs on private property are not removed without contacting the owner.  Our guys looks for signs in the rights-of-way.
 
I hope this is helpful.  Contact me if you have any questions.
 
Nathalie Schmidt, AICP, LEED AP
County Planner
Pickens County Community Development
www.2030pickenscounty.com

July 2010 Events In Liberty ...

Please also see the Google calendar to the right. It requires a Google account to view it. If you don't have a Google account - you should get one. It's fast and easy to sign up. Having a Google account will allow access to the monthly calendar in the right column. It will also allow you to add events as well. The monthly static calendar of events will still be posted, but the Google calendar will include more up to date information.

(¯`'• LIBERTY IDOL FINAL ROUND •'´¯)
FRIDAY July 2, 2010
(Competition lasts through Saturday July 3, 2010)
________________________________
(¯`'• LIBERTY IDOL FINALE •'´¯)
SATURDAY July 3, 2010

________________________________

★ INDEPENDENCE DAY ★

SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010

________________________________

Monday, July 5, 2010

Holiday for all government offices

________________________________

Thursday July 8, 2010

Conservatives Of The Upstate
Meeting at 6:30 PM @ 769 Belle Shoals Rd Pickens, SC 29671________________________________

Monday July 12, 2010

Liberty City Council Meeting
6PM at Rosewood Center (next to Ingles)
________________________________

Greenville News Website GreenvilleOnline Moves To "Pay To View Full Story" Model

Don't forget ... you can always come here for your Liberty news ...

This began Thursday July 1, 2010.

Upcoming Stories ...

I'm working on a number of reader requested stories including ...

The Liberty Water System water rates "issue"

The removal of political signs after elections

A suggested book written by a Liberty resident

A July events calendar

How does this site make money?

BP In Liberty Construction

If any of you were wondering what's going on at the BP in Liberty along Anderson Drive ... they are installing a digital gas tank measurement system for the in ground tanks. Before, the "fill levels" were determined by an analog method = a dipstick!

City Of Liberty Offices To Be Closed Monday July 5, 2010

The City Of Liberty offices will be closed Monday July 5, 2010 in observance of Independence Day.

Most County & State offices will be closed as well.

I grabbed a shot of this "young maple seedpod bundle" after the recent heavy storm in Liberty.

The June 2010 City Council Minutes Posted

The City Of Liberty has posted the June 2010 regular session Council minutes ...

Here's the link:

http://www.libertysc.com/2010-06-14%20MINUTES.pdf

(In PDF form)

I wasn't able to attend this meeting but it seems that most minutes are going up quicker these days. I'll be at next month's meeting to give a report on anything interesting.

Enter the Dogs Days of Summer Photo Contest @ Sarlin Branch, Liberty!

* Picture of my wife, son, and dog

Enter the Dogs Days of Summer Photo Contest @ Sarlin Branch, Liberty!

The staff at the Sarlin Branch Library in Liberty invite you bring in a photo of your dog sometime between Monday, July 12 and Monday, July 26. The photos will be displayed on the information board at the library. Between Thursday, July 29 and Saturday, July 31, all patrons are invited to vote for their favorite photo.

The Library will announce the winner on Monday, August 2 and they’ll receive a “doggie bag” filled with special treats for the lucky dog!

Georgia Shelton Ballew Of Liberty Passes

Georgia S. Ballew - Liberty, SC

Georgia Shelton Ballew, 69, of 109 Sherri Lane, wife of the late Edward Gordon Ballew, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Baptist Hospital Easley.

Born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late George Washington and Jesse Taylor Shelton, Mrs. Ballew was a retired Bible Professor from Lakeland Florida Bible College and was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Surviving are one son, Anthony Edward Ballew of Liberty; two brothers, Paul Shelton of Easley and James Shelton of Greer; two sisters, Marcelle Nix and Katherine Shelton, both of Easley.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

* Information gathered from www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com

On The Way To Liberty ...

A new sign was added last month to this area of HWY 178 in Anderson ... I thought I would add it to the database of signs that were featured on this site ...

On The Way To Liberty ... Road Signs That Point To Liberty SC

Comment For The Editor ... "something you do not see everyday"

An interesting comment on Rice's Creek Off Road Park (An ATV/Motocross Racing Facilty) To Remain Open Despite Protest & Petition From Liberty Residents:

I must admit I am bias on this subject. My sons and I have spent hours together at this off road park. It is such a shame that in this country the opinions of the few are still able to dictate what a man can do with his own property.

During my visits to this park, I have witnessed fathers and sons, wives and husbands, 4x4 clubs and just a bunch of friends enjoying a hobby together. I also have witnessed something you do not see everyday - "total strangers will take their time and stop and help their fellow man out". From what you read here gives you the idea this is a place too guzzle beer and throw trash into the yards of the poor neighbors . This is not the case. The park has always been clean other than the mud on the trucks. As far as the owner and his staff go they have always been extra helpful and very friendly to me and my sons offering their advice and help when we needed it. The last point I would like to make is if you do not want to hear any noise, why would you buy or build a house behind an airport?

I think this reader thought I was personally against this park by simply reporting that most of the surrounding residents didn't like it. This isn't the case - I merely reported the fact.

The only place where the commenter lost me was the last part ...

"Why would you buy or build a house behind an airport?"

I have a "unalienable" right to the pursuit of happiness ...

From The Declaration Of Indpendence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Part of that pursuit of happiness is living peacefully as along as I am peaceful in my own actions.

When someone says, "if you don't like it - move!" ... they are being self centered and ignorant.

James "Jamey" Melvin Blackston Of Liberty Passes ...

Jamey Blackston

Liberty, SC

Memorial services to celebrate Jamey’s life will be 6:00 PM Tuesday at Centerpoint Church, 128 S. Pendleton Street, Easley. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

James Melvin “Jamey” Blackston, II, died Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Greenville Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with kidney disease.

* Information gathered from LIBERTYMORTUARY.COM

Muppet Show Classic

I'm a big fan of the old Muppet Show ... here's a collection of classic Statler & Waldorf rants ... for some reason whenever I think of politicians, I think of Statler & Waldorf.

Advancing From June 26 2010 Liberty Idol Round 3 Performances To Finals

Advancing to the round four semifinals:

9. Reggie Blackwell

10. Frankie Shelton

11. Pam Jennings

12. Jeff Williams

13. Ryan Kelley

14. Joseph Crocker

15. Bethany Ghent

16. Double Take

Round 4 begins next week on a special date of FRIDAY JULY 2, 2010!

The 2010 Liberty Idol Finale is SATURDAY JULY 3, 2010!

The complete list of ROUND 4 performers is:

1. Brooklyn Garrett

2. Taylor Stewart

3. John Proctor

4. Sharon Cochran

5. Jeromy Arnett

6. Terry Boatwright

7. Tina Moore

8. Amanda Boone

9. Reggie Blackwell

10. Frankie Shelton

11. Pam Jennings

12. Jeff Williams

13. Ryan Kelley

14. Joseph Crocker

15. Bethany Ghent

16. Double Take

For additional information contact:

Roy Costner

Phone: (864) 843-3139
Cell: (864) 270-3675 or (864) 270-9082

OR

Roy Costner Costner Entertainment
186 Liberty Hwy. Liberty, SC 29657

OR

visit WWW.LIBERTYIDOL.NET

Liberty Idol Continues Tonight

The following contestants perform on June 26, 2010. This is not the order of appearance on stage.

1. Double Take

2. Rebekah Scott

3. Frankie Shelton

4. Kendall Moore

5. Lindsay Roach

6. Monte'

7. Tori Lesley

8. Angela Tant

9. Bethany Ghent

10. Reggie Blackwell

11. Melynda Way

12. Pam Jennings

13. Cody Raines

14. Jeff Williams

15. Ryan Kelley

16. Joseph Crocker

17. Matthew Johnson

Recent Passings In Liberty ...

Leila Ellenburg

Miss Leila Ellenburg, 91, of Liberty passed away Monday, June 21, 2010 at her home.

Luther F. Hudson Jr.

Luther F. Hudson Jr., 78, Liberty, died 06-14-2010.

Arrangements: Dillard Funeral Home.


Christopher Matthew James

Christopher Matthew James, 5 months old, Liberty, died 06-19-2010.

Arrangements: Liberty Mortuary & Cremation Services.

*Information gathered from LEGACY.COM

Public Meeting Regarding Train Derailment in Liberty To Be Held In July

Lynn D. Fisher, Pickens County’s Emergency Management Department ...

Sometime in mid to late July, Lynn Fisher anticipates that there will be a public meeting that will allow members of the community to ask questions about the train derailment, emergency response, and subsequent action and clean-up efforts.

A firm date will be reported here as soon as available.

Comment For The Editor ... "...nobody is going to talk good about Liberty but Liberty"

Last night I received a comment on a story about bringing back The Liberty Monitor:

I am so glad to here this. Because nobody is going to talk good about Liberty but Liberty. We have sent articles into the Pickens courier about the Liberty rec. teams winning championships and they will not print it. So, yea!!!!!!!!!!

Please send ANY Liberty news - I'll review it and publish it!

You can comment on any post with any details you see fit ...

Since this site's comments are moderated ... I can see comments BEFORE anyone else.

Recap Of 2010 Primaries & Runoffs

Posted on ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM:

Jeff Duncan - Jeff made a strong effort to appear personally in Liberty and to seek out THIS forum with his campaign. He, of all candidates, seems to genuinely care about the issues he has in his campaign and isn't just saying, "I'll fight for blah blah blah". Jeff was endorsed by the founder of The Minuteman Project To Fight Illegal Immigration and the SC Club For Growth. Duncan is also firm on "Gun rights".

To see my one on one interview with Mr. Duncan CLICK HERE.

I think it would also be wise to read this editorial and all of it's comments. It has become one of the top viewed articles on this site:

An Op-Ed: Odd For An Ice Cream Man

Additionally ...

The Run Down On All The Candidates ...

Nikki Haley for SC Governor

I have been following Mrs. Haley for some time - well before she decided to run for South Carolina Governor. I was torn between the candidates until the controversy surrounding alleged infidelity arose in Haley's campaign.

Haley has been endorsed by former Alaska governor and Vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin.

There is a strong case for the inevitable that Palin may be President of The United States at some point. This would bode well for our state to have been endorsed by the President's campaign whether you like or dislike Palin.

This will give you an idea of the candidates moving forward.

You can also read:

An Op-ed: Invasion Of The Party Snatchers

to learn why Nikki Haley ultimately won and possibly Jeff Duncan as well.

It's also interesting to me to analyze the election data and see a very different correlation between the new Liberty Elementary attendance lines and Liberty voting districts I & II.