Six Of Eight Wrestlers For Liberty Middle Wrestling Team Place In AA Region Meet

Report from atlibertytosay.com reader Scott K.:
The Liberty Middle School Wrestling Team competed in the AA region meet last night. Trace Moore and Devon Johnston both won gold. Brannon Hellams won silver. Shaun Karr; Matt Fry and Dillon Riddle all won bronze. Out of the eight middle school wrestlers; six of them placed.
Congratulations Falcon Wrestlers!

Celestial Flowers Of Liberty

Celestial Flowers Of Liberty
Celestial Flowers Of Liberty knows how to make your loved ones happy. They are dedicated to your happiness ~ no matter what the occasion.

Celestial Flowers is located next to Yank's on 16 South Commerce St.

Celestial Flowers, has served the Liberty community through sponsorships and donations for more than 12 years.

This past 4th Of July, Celestial donated ribbon arrangements for each business door in the downtown area. They continually do many things to enhance the downtown Liberty area on Commerce St.

Celestial handles the majority of the Liberty Prom flowers, wristlets, and corsages each year ~ to every Prom goers complete satisfaction.

The Liberty High School Prom is Saturday May 19, 2012.

Celestial also handles flowers for every occasion including:

• Get Well / Hospital
• birthdays
• wedding showers
• baby showers
• anniversaries
• funerals
• "in the dog house" days
• holidays ...

Valentine's Day (Tuesday February 14, 2012)
Easter
Mother's Day (Sunday May 13, 2012)
Veteran's Day
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas

… and don't forget Secretary's Day and Boss's Day.

Celestial does wedding consultations with your initial consultation free of charge. Please call for an appointment.

It's the recognition that counts and nothing really says "You are special to me" like flowers do.

They also make thematic party and holiday arrangements for holidays such as Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, or Christmas.

Brighten up your loved one's day with a flower from Celestial Flowers!

Celestial Flowers is a full service florist.


Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9AM - 4PM
• Storefront Closed Wednedays & Saturdays

Celestial wanted to share their Valentine's Day flower pricing:

Special ~

(1) Rose Bud Vase $9.95
(3) Rose Bud Vase $21.95
(6) Rose Bud Vase $39.95
(12) Rose Bud Vase $79.95
Valentine's Day Drawing ♥  
Register to win a pair of diamond earrings with any purchase of $25.00 or more. Drawing to be held Friday February 10, 2012.


Go to Celestial and compare the difference in their PREMIUM roses that will last longer and have no blemishes. The details count. When you give flowers, of course, it's the thought that counts … but it's the details that matter!

Mixed arrangements start at $25.95


Celestial Flowers
16 S. Commerce StLibertySC 29657
(864) 843-5743

Upcoming Liberty High Sports ...

Friday January 27, 2012

Basketball @ Chesnee

Girls start @ 6:00 PM
Boys, follow Girls' game

Saturday January 28, 2012

Wrestling @ Region Tournament (@Powdersville HS)
9:00AM

Monday January 30, 2012

Spring Sports Practice begins

Tuesday January 31, 2012

Basketball vs. Carolina

Girls start @ 6:00 PM
Boys, follow Girls' game

AND

JV Basketball @ Carolina
6:00PM

Liberty High Wrestling Team Wins Pickens County Duals; Demolishing 3 Other County High Schools

LHS Sophomore Wrestler Dolan Holder pinning Easley opponent
In case you missed the live coverage of last night's LHS wrestling matches in the Pickens County Duals, here are a few updates …

Liberty beat the other three Pickens County School District Wrestling Teams …

Liberty 40
Pickens 28

Liberty 58
Easley 16

Liberty 69
Daniel 4

LHS female Sophomore wrestler, Nikki Weidman pinned her Easley opponent.

LHS Senior wrestler Matt Uselman pinned his Daniel opponent within 28 seconds.

For roster and team information see:

http://pickens.lhs.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=33172&sessionid=693438217f455aa178dc15b96312a569

Rail Work @ HWY 178 Crossing In Liberty Closes Intersection

HWY 178 in Liberty at the railroad crossing is closed for track maintenance.

The crossing is expected to be completed by noon EST on Thursday January 26, 2012.

City Offering Crowe Memorial Courtyard Brick Engraving


From the City Of Liberty Facebook page:
BRICK ENGRAVING. If you would like to have your name engraved on a brick in Crowe Memorial Courtyard, please write out the names and bring them to me at City Hall by 9am Friday morning. The cost is $50 per brick.

The Bright Smile Center Of Liberty

You may have already seen or heard about the Bright Smile Center in Liberty ~ located on West Front Street.

Dr. Wilson, of Liberty dental care sold the practice and it's now The Bright Smile Center of Liberty. As part of this change, The Bright Smile Center would like to introduce Dr. Brian Price. Dr. Price graduated at MUSC Dental School in charleston and has been practicing general dentristry for the past year in Greenville, SC. The current staff (Lisa, Angie, and Teera) you've come to know ~ remains.
The Bright Smile Center Offers Clean & Modern Facilities

The Bright Smile Center offers:

• Cleanings
• Same day appointments
• Emergency services
• Preventative services
• Digital x-rays
• Crowns
• Implants
• Bridges
• Oral cancer screenings
• Tooth repair
• Veneers
• Root canals
• Extractions
• Fillings
• Partials
• Dentures

Dr. Price and his staff are committed to doing anything they can to provide the highest quality dental care possible. They encourage you to give them a call or stop by and meet the staff as I did. 

Dr. Price said his office would like to do less referrals and do more of the services you see above ~ right here in Liberty.

Having a dentist here in town is a huge convenience for timely appointments and personal service.

The staff also wanted Liberty residents to know about their 1 year/no interest payment plans and discount for upfront payments.
"We file all insurance and are in network with Ameritas, Dental wellness, Cigna, Gaurdian, Metlife, Pricipal, and United Concordia."

Eris Alexander Of Liberty Passes ...


Eris C. Alexander
Liberty, SC

Eris Sylvia Crowe Alexander, 87 of Liberty, died January 22, 2012.

Eris was daughter of the late Minerva Mae Crowe and Dallas Joseph Crowe (DJ) of Six Mile. She was the wife of the late Marvin Alexander of Six Mile for 50 years; and sister to the late Dale Crowe, US Army, of Six Mile.

Eris retired from the Highway Department after 33 years of service, and was a past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star.

Surviving are her son Steve Alexander and wife Joan Haynie Alexander of Six Mile; five grandchildren, Myles Alexander of Asheville, Lea Alexander Robinson of Greenville, Christen Alexander of Columbia, Dallas Chase Alexander USMC of Six Mile, and Samantha Stokes of Easley; five great grandchildren, Audrey, Preston, Carys, Lydia, and Madison.

She is also survived by her extended family Elizabeth and Hal Stokes of Easley.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 1:00PM in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, officiated by her dear friend the Reverend Mary King. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6- 8pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

The family will be at the home.

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, SC. is handling arrangements.

* Information gathered from http://www.dillardfunerals.com

Sun Spots Intensifying, Has Potential To Knock Out Cellphone, Satellite, and GPS

* picture from NASA.gov
Summarized from NASA.gov:
On Friday January 20, 2012 ... the sun hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) towards Earth that sparked a strong geomagnetic storm and beautiful aurorae at high latitudes. Many commercial flights were able to see it. Late Sunday, the sun unleashed yet another Earth-bound CME after a flare erupted over a particularly active sunspot region — the CME was expected to hit Earth on Tuesday. This series of flares and CMEs have ignited the strongest period of solar storms since 2005, according to an NOAA space weather advisory. More CME activity is expected in 2012 with heightened activity around the summer and winter solstice. Depending on where and with what intensity the coronal ejections "land" ~ satellite communications as well as GPS and cellphone reception could occur.

New Liberty Area Seniors Group In Need Of Donations

Liberty Seniors Group

The new Liberty Seniors Group that meets at the Rosewood Center is in need of donations.

Here's a press release from the group:
The Liberty Seniors Group needs your help! They need items to use for game prizes. (Everything on hand was lost to them when the Seniors Unlimited Branch in Liberty was suddenly closed.)

Preferably small items($1-$3), such as home care & cleaning items: dish detergent, window cleaner, polish, etc; personal care items: shampoo, soap, lotion, etc; note pads, stationery, etc.

The items should be dropped off at City Hall with the City Clerk.

The group would also like to have a piano. Pick up can be arranged if anyone has one to donate or loan.

Contact the City @ 864-843-3177 Extension4.

City Of Liberty Announces Valentine's Day Giveaway In Conjunction With Liberty Businesses

From a City of Liberty release:
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE CITY OF LIBERTY

COME CELEBRATE WITH LIBERTY’S BUSINESSES! WIN A CITY FULL OF WONDERFUL SURPRISES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!!! YOU MUST VISIT EACH BUSINESS TO REGISTER, THEN BRING PROOF OF THAT VISIT WHEN YOU COME TO PICK UP YOUR GREAT GIFTS! WHO KNOWS, YOU COULD WALK AWAY WITH A SURPRISE FROM EACH PARTICIPATING BUSINESS!! LOOK FOR THE FLYER ON THE DOOR FOR PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES. CHECK THEM ALL, FOR ALMOST EVERY BUSINESS IS PARTICIPATING FROM THE RESTAURANTS TO ALL THE STORES!!! DON’T LEAVE ANY BUSINESS OUT OR YOU WILL LOSE OUT ON A GIFT FROM THEM! THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER WILL BE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2012 AT 5:00 PM. DRAWING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CELESTIAL FLOWERS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012 AT 11:00 AM. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE CITY’S FACEBOOK PAGE AND YOU MAY CALL THE CITY HALL TO FIND OUT IF YOU WON AT 864-843-3177 EXTENSION 4.
SUPPORT LIBERTY BUSINESSES

Liberty Fire Department Starts Facebook Page

The Liberty Area Fire Department has started a new Facebook page.

It can be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/LibertySC.FireDept

The Fire Department abruptly ended it's twitter feed in the middle of last year.

City Of Liberty Reminds Residents About "Pooper Scooper" Ordinance


The City Of Liberty put this reminder on Facebook:

REMINDER! The City of Liberty has a pooper/scooper ordinance. If you walk your dog within the city limits, it is required you pick up and dispose of the poop! Please be mindful of this ordinance, this can make walking our sidewalks very unsightly and it is not good for the environment.

Notes From The January 2012 Liberty City Council Meeting

January 2012 Liberty City Council Meeting
The meeting opened with a motion to amend the zoning ordinances ...

• Design overlay districts were briefly discussed. These are areas of improvements that will be used as a template to improve the downtown and other areas within the city limits of Liberty.

• The floor was referred to Josh Harrison who took lead on the committee to find a new city attorney.

Former Liberty Municipal judge, Ken Roper, selected as City Attorney

Because Roper is the County Advisory Attorney, for issues between City & County; he will be excused

Walt McJunkin asked about charges because of the conflicts of interest.

Mayor Sheriff and Councilman Harrison assured Councilman McJunkin that this issue had been discussed and that since Roper would be on an "as needed basis" ~ there wouldn't be much of a difference in cost.

• No report from LibertyNow or Chamber of Commerce

Department Head Reports:

Public Works, Barry Chappell:

• Ran double routes to make up for holidays

• Made some preparations to the Rosewood Center for Liberty Seniors to start using Rosewood on Thursdays

• Councilman McJunkin questioned Chappell on recycling totals since City had taken over operations.

~ Payout was $14,000

~ Bringing in $28,000

Essentially the same totals as with the County.

Liberty Police Department, Chief Miller

148 warnings
122 tickets

$17,449 in fines

14 arrests

1 for shoplifting
1 for simple possession of marijuana

3 traffic accidents in city
5 a month avg for year

Step up enforcement and patrol to get these numbers down.

Water & Sewer Department, Olen Hamlin

50 calls
4 frozen lines
Cut water off for mill
City was giving water for sprinkler system for free

Power was off to Liberty Denim, so booster system wouldn't work anyway. Although a hazard, there's no use in having the water on.

Mayor Sheriff requested that Olen notify Liberty Denim in writing of the water being shut off.

Fire Dept, Chief Sargent

38 calls in 2010 for month of December
40 calls in 2011 for month of December

Took month off for training

Fire Chief discussed with Council that the use of cellphones while operating a CDL permitted vehicle without Bluetooth headset or handsfree now comes with SEVERE punishment.

The fine is $2750 AND $11,000 to city if violation occurs.

2nd violation ~ City may lose license

Rec Dept report (Tony Boiter absent)

Rec Basketball has 15 teams
Games are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
3 games each night

Boiter was unable to attend the council meeting due to being at a Softball Clinic to be trained on rules

Volleyball registration has begun for girls

1st 10&under volleyball team this year

Liberty Magic basketball team made it to championship but lost

$1245 in concession money was pulled in during the tournament

$25,036 in concession money was pulled in during the for year

Issues with fans and a ceiling leak in the gym were briefly mentioned.

Council & Mayoral reports:

Mayor Sheriff:

• Appoint committee to make Senior Citizens community better

• Wants help from LMA (Liberty Ministerial Association)

Councilman Boughman

Councilman Boughman made a small spech saying it was his 2nd council meeting

Saying "I wanna do the right thing for the city."

"You may know me from being the manager at Ingles."

"I don't care how big or small a concern is, I want to help."

"This is a wonderful town, very proud if it."

Councilman Clark

• Introduced suggestions (only available to council) and ordinances to get Liberty biz

Councilman Padgett

• Talked to Kim Snide of Pickens County Seniors Unlimited

"They were of no no help whatsoever."

Mayor Sheriff agreed.

17 Charged For Illegal Dumping @ Liberty Recycling Facility Just After Holidays

This picture was taken during the day on Jan 2 / The problem was much worse by Jan 3, 2012
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office has charged 17 people with illegal dumping after more than 300 bags of trash were piled outside the gate at the Liberty Recycling Center.

Employees at the Liberty Recycling Center discovered the mess partially blocking the center’s driveway when they arrived at work January 2, 2012.

The center was closed on New Year’s Day because it was a County holiday.

Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Austin Bryant Of Liberty Passes ...


Austin Bryant
Liberty, SC

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Bryant will be 2:00PM Wednesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.

Austin Earl Bryant, 81, of 270 Flat Rock Road, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Cateechee, he was a son of the late Clyde E. and Blanche Bryson Bryant.

He retired from Wagner Systers, and was a member of Flat Rock Baptist Church. Mr. Bryant served his country during the Korean War as a member of the United States Army.

Surviving are his wife, Hazel Hamlin Bryant of the home; two daughters and sons in law, Kim and Terry Pierce of Lenoir City, TN, and Sherrie and James Walker of Dallas, TX; a son, Steven Bryant of Columbia; a sister, Thelma Jeffrey of Virginia; a brother, Jack Bryant of Norris; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

The family will be at the home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice of South Carolina, 15 Brendan Way, Suite 100, Greenville SC 29615.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

* Information gathered from www.libertymortuary.com

Liberty Rec 12u Team Liberty Magic; Undefeated So Far This Season

Here's a report from a parent whose son plays for Liberty Rec Basketball:
"The Liberty Magic 12/u basketball team are undefeated! They are having an amazing season and they have an honorary player playing with them who is only 10! Just thought you might like to mention! We have such great athletes and coaches in our little town!" ~ Terri W.

Events this week @ The Sarlin Library in Liberty ...

Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Preschool Storytime

10:30AM
Sarlin Branch, Liberty
Fantasy Forum
Discuss your favorite fantasy/paranormal books & hear about new titles.
1:00PM
Sarlin Branch, Liberty
Chill Zone
3:30PM
Sarlin Branch, Liberty

Thursday, January 26, 2012
Insurance 101
Get all of your insurance questions answered by Seth Crow of State Farm

10:00AM
Sarlin Branch, Liberty

Liberty Resident Participates In Project 365

atlibertytosay.com reader Wynde W. is participating in Project 365.

The project involves taking at least one picture every day of something in your community.

Here are some of her first photos …


A skateboarder in the alley behind Commerce St in Liberty SC


A creek at the bottom of Burns Hill in Liberty SC

The old dry cleaners on Hwy 178 / near Pancho's in Liberty SC
For more on Project 365 go to:

Steven Baker Of Liberty Passes ...


Steven Baker
Liberty, SC

Steven Baker, 31, widower of Danielle Baker, died Monday, January 16, 2012.

He was the son of Tina Stewart and Randy Baker.

He is survived by daughters, Maranda and Tina Baker; a fiancé, Kayla Ravan; a grandmother, Grace McElroy; a sister, Pennie Baker; stepfather, David Stewart; a stepmother Trina Baker; numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a brother-in-law.

He was predeceased by a grandfather, Hugh McElroy, Sr.. and a cousin, Tyler McElroy.

The visitation will be held Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00PM at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest. The funeral service will be held Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:00PM at Fellowship Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

* Information gathered from www.legacy.com

The Segment About Liberty On The CBS National News




In case you missed the segment about Liberty on the CBS national news last night.

Here's the link:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7395840n&tag=re1.channel
(This link now redirects a S.C. Unemployment issue)

When one finds the clip of the newscast from 1/20/12 … it is the same but brings up a different video. 
To find the clip, one must be on the CBS website and go to the news segment specifically. 
* I'll try to record the video later today. [DONE SEE ABOVE]
Clip of Liberty begins at 15:18

Quote from Liberty Mayor Michael Sheriff:
"I don't feel Liberty invested in the future like I feel they should." 

The loss of liberty is unfriendly to all forms of literature ...

"The loss of liberty is unfriendly to all forms of literature... The fact is that certain themes cannot be celebrated in words, and tyranny is one of them. No one ever wrote a good book in praise of the Inquisition."
~ George Orwell

On this day, January 21, 1950, writer of Animal Farm and 1984, George Orwell died. Orwell was 46.

★ ★ ★ VOTE IN TODAY'S REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ★ ★ ★

   VOTE   

Today is the 2012 Republican Primary to select the Presidential Nominee that run against Barack Obama in the November 2012 Election.


(see below for voting locations in Liberty, times, and active candidate websites)

Although more candidates will be on the ballot, active candidates are:

Newt Gingrich, Former House Speaker www.newt.org

Mitt Romney, Former Massachusetts Governor www.mittromney.com

Rick Santorum, Former Pennsylvania Senator www.ricksantorum.com

Ron Paul, current Federal House Representative from District 14, Texas www.ronpaul2012.com

One does not have the option of a write in candidate.


You do not have to vote in this primary to be eligible to vote in November.

Polls are open 7AM -7PM Saturday January 21, 2012


Voting locations in Liberty are:


Precinct 28 Rices Creek
@ Liberty Middle School
310 W Main St.
Liberty SC 29657


Precinct 129 Liberty I
First Baptist Church
403 Edgemont Ave
Liberty SC 29657


Precinct 130 Liberty II
Eastside Baptist Church
920 Anderson Dr.
Liberty SC 29657
Previously at: New Hope Baptist Church


Precinct 131 Flat Rock
Flat Rock Baptist Church
115 Slab Bridge Rd.
Liberty SC 29657

Liberty Idol Contestant Auditions For 2012 Season Of American Idol

* Screen Capture from a Youtube video of Brooklyn Garrett singing "Heaven, Heartache, & the Power of Love" in Round 3 of Liberty Idol 2011.

Garrett auditioned and was featured on the first round of competition this past week.

Garrett auditioned in Savannah Georgia. The judges did not put her through to the next round in Hollywood.

LHS Wrestling Coach Dale Burrell Has 200th Career Team Win

From The Liberty High School Facebook page:
"Congratulations, Coach Burrell! 200 career wins with LHS Wrestling!"
Coach Dale Burrell is a Science teacher at Liberty High.

What Liberty Area Schools Are Earning From Box Tops For Education

Here's a snapshot of what the four area public schools are earning from the "Box Tops For Education" program.



The program is completely free. It involves clipping a small label from participating brands' packaging like General Mills, Totino's Pizza, and Pillsbury.

The "labels" are sent in to the school. The school cashes each label in with amounts ranging from 10¢ to 20¢.

Schools in other parts of Pickens County earn thousands more than Liberty schools do.

I personally participate in the program and have sent in over 2200 labels this school year. This totals $220!

Liberty High School is listed as not having a participating program.

This is one of many amazing ways to support our public school system without taxes.

Pickens County Has Talent! Auditions Set For Liberty


From The School District Of Pickens County website:


Pickens County Has Talent is a county-wide talent show that showcases the best of the best within Pickens County. The ultimate goal is participation in a family-oriented fun event where 100% of the proceeds are specifically earmarked for education in Pickens County – all funds raised will be used for instructional supplies that directly benefit the students.
Auditions will take place one week prior to each preliminary event at all four SDPC High Schools. Auditions and the contest are open to all ages. The audience at each event will select its top four acts to represent the area in the competition on the final night. Local school, business and community leaders will also be encouraged to showcase their talents in the competition. The final event will be held at Pickens High School.
Local School Improvement Council participants, PTO members and local student government members will help to coordinate the volunteers at each school. Funds will be raised through ticketed sales and local business sponsorships.


LocationAuditionsPreliminary Events

Liberty High

February 4, 2012 @ 10:00AM

February 11, 2012 @ 6: 00PM





District-wide EventFebruary 25, 2012 @ 6:00PM | Pickens High


Contest & Volunteer Information

City Of Liberty Codes & Ordinances Book From 1919

This is a picture by atlibertytosay.com reader Katie M.

CLICK FOR LARGER VIEW
Book says "The City Code 1919 Liberty South Carolina"

She took the picture in the law offices of Scott Dover in Pickens S.C.

Good find Katie!

City Of Liberty To Be On National News

The City Of Liberty just sent out this press release:
"BE SURE TO TUNE IN TO CHANNEL 7 CBS NATIONAL NEWS TONIGHT AT 6:30 PM. THERE WILL BE A SEGMENT SHOWN ON THE CITY OF LIBERTY!! IF IT DOES NOT AIR TONIGHT, IT WILL AIR TOMORROW NIGHT!"

Career & Technology Center To Hold Open House / Dinner To Be Served By Culinary Arts Program Students


Career & Technology Center Will Hold Open House for Prospective Students

Pickens County students and parents are invited to the Prospective Student Open House at the Pickens County Career & Technology Center (CTC), 990 Chastain Road, Liberty, on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 6 to 8PM. Dinner will be served by students in the CTC Culinary Arts Program.
Students and parents can visit the twenty classrooms and labs to explore the wide variety of educational experiences CTC offers for students in grades 9 through 12.  Subjects include horticulture, cosmetology, culinary arts, graphic communications, health sciences, law enforcement, mechatronics, and mechanical and architectural design. Instructors and current students will be available to answer questions and demonstrate classroom activities.

William Dodgins Of Liberty Passes ...


William Dodgins
Liberty, SC

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Dodgins will be 2:00 PM Friday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

William Lewis Dodgins, 74, of 125 Five Forks Road, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson. Born in Pumpkintown, he was a son of the late William Rufus and Sarah Kelley Dodgins.

He retired from Greenwood Mills and was a member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Dellar Perry Dodgins of the home; two daughters, Brenda Brooks (Mike), and Dorothy Durham (Ellis) all of Liberty; a son, Roger Dodgins (Darlene) of Liberty; a sister, Margaret Perry; two brothers, James and Ernest Dodgins; three grandchildren, Bruce Rich, Tyler Dodgins, and Brandi Durham.

He was predeceased by a sister and two brothers.

The family will be at the home of Ellis and Dorothy Durham, 280 Whitmire Hill Road, Liberty SC. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

* Information gathered from www.libertymortuary.com

Liberty Middle Basketball To Play Final Game In Main St. Gym

The Liberty Middle Falcon Basketball team will play their last game in the old gynasium on January 23, 2012 against Palmetto.

After this season, the Falcons will play in the newly renovated gym at the old Liberty High school (Home of the new Liberty Middle School campus).

The property on Main St. in Liberty was recently sold to Pickens County. It is unclear at this time whether there will be any agreement between the County and the City (or Liberty Middle) to use any part of the school.

Poll Results: "Do you think 2012 will be …"

I honestly believe 2012 will be better and I definitely don't think it will be the end of the world. While I am taking a few precautions for my family in preparation for something that could happen, I'm predicting the whole "Mayan-thing" to be just like Y2K = unfounded fears.

What exactly am I doing to prepare?

• I'm trying hard to cut all debts and living bare minimum, but I have to honest and say this is what I've been doing for a few years now.

• I'm not depending on banks or Wall Street for my investments.

• Each time I go to the grocery store, I'm buying one extra can or non perishable food item and putting it aside for storage.

• I'm going to get heavy into my own gardening this year.

• I'm making sure I know gun laws, gun safety, and getting a conceal permit.

These are all wise things to be prepared for anyway. So nothing here will put me at a loss or at "look at that stupid guy" perception. I'll be prepared … because honestly, we aren't given another day anyway. Forget about tomorrow, we could die in the next few seconds.

School District Offers Liberty Residents Discounted Foreign Language Courses


From the School District Of Pickens County Website: 
Adult Learning Center Provides Online Opportunity for Learning New Languages 
If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new language, now is the perfect time.  Rosetta Stone is working with the School District of Pickens County and its Adult Learning Center to offer adults in our community and SDPC employees a web-based language learning resource at a reduced cost. Rosetta Stone is the top-selling language learning software across the world. For more than fifteen years, learners have used Rosetta Stone to discover new languages naturally and easily, just like they learned their first language. Through the district’s partnership with Rosetta Stone, you can purchase a subscription to one of twenty-five languages. You will need a high-speed Internet connection and a USB headset with microphone. For a limited time, special introductory rates for a six-month subscription are available:  $75 for adults in our community and $50 for SDPC employees.  To purchase your subscription at the special introductory rate, complete the Rosetta Stone Registration form.  Mail or drop the form and your fee by the SDPC Adult Learning Center at 106 Glazner Street, Easley, SC 29640.  You will receive an email with instructions for accessing your subscription.

George L. Moore Of Liberty Passes ...


George L. Moore
Liberty, SC

George Leroy Moore, 76, of 216 Bradley Drive, died Monday, January 16, 2012 at McCall Hospice House.

Mr. Moore was a retired Carpenter and a US Army Veteran.

Surviving are four daughters, Pam Stahl of Worthington, IN, Sabra Miller of Easley, Ida McConnell of Greenville and Veronica Smith of Edinboro, PA; two sons, John M. Miller of Dacusville and Melvin Miller of Liberty; 17 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and a brother, Orle Moore of Marienville, PA.

Mr. Moore was predeceased by his wife, Gertrude Hagg Moore; two daughters, Georgia Lynn Ford and Norma Burroughs; a son, Jack Leroy Miller; and a brother, Lee Moore.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 4:00PM in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

* Information gathered from www.dillardfunerals.com

Mary Lou Mauldin Ellenburg Of Liberty Passes ...


Mary Lou Mauldin Ellenburg
Liberty, SC

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Ellenburg will be 11:00 AM Wednesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Liberty Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the mortuary.

Mary Lou Mauldin Ellenburg, 72, of 117 Grapevine Lane, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2012. Born in Liberty she was a daughter of the late Clarence Tompkins and Rosa Fay Williams Mauldin.

She retired as Vice President from Mastan Trading and was a longtime member of Flat Rock Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Bobby Joe Ellenburg of the home; two daughters, Pam (Jim) Brown of Iva, and Traci (Billy) Albertson of Liberty; a son, Joey Ellenburg of Liberty; a brother, Milton Mauldin of Liberty; four grandchildren, Jeremy Ellenburg, Hunter Patterson, Joseph Albertson, and Aaron Patterson.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Lynn Ellenburg, and a brother, William Crayton Mauldin.

Flowers will be accepted at the mortuary.

The family will be at the home. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

* Information gathered from www.libertymortuary.com

Albert Whitaker Of Liberty Passes ...


Albert Whitaker
Liberty, SC

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Whitaker will be 1:00 PM Tuesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Liberty Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be prior to the service from 11:30 until 1:00 PM at the mortuary.

Albert Franklin Whitaker, 88, of 108 E. Beattie Street, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012 at the Hospice House in Anderson. Born in Anderson he was the widower of Evelyn Mauldin Whitaker and a son of the late Richard Whitaker and Lucy Black Whitaker Bruce.

He was retired from Woodside Mill and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.

Surviving are two grandsons, Jody Whitaker and his wife Stacy of Liberty, and Jason Whitaker and his wife Mary Ann of Pickens; a daughter in law, Anita Whitaker of Central; a great granddaughter, Lexi Whitaker, and step great grandson, Ethan Causey; two brothers, Bill Whitaker of Six Mile and Paul Whitaker of Charleston; two sisters in law, Louise Tant and Selma Sentell.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Whitaker.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621.

The family is at their respective homes. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

* Information gathered from www.libertymortuary.com

Liberty Man Dies In Accident On Highway 88

Steven Dale Baker, 31, of Liberty, South Carolina, was killed in a car wreck Monday evening on Highway 88 in Anderson County.

South Carolina Highway Patrol said Baker came upon slowing traffic while heading east on Highway 88 in his Chrysler Sebring.

In their report, troopers said Baker swerved to miss the slowing traffic and into the westbound lane to miss a stopped truck and then corrected to try to get back into his eastbound lane when his car was broadsided by the utility truck.

The driver of the truck that hit Baker was not injured, according to reports.

A 20-year-old woman in Baker's car was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Equality is the soul of liberty ...

Frances Wright

"Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it."
~ Frances Wright

In 1825, Wright founded the Nashoba Commune near Memphis, Tennessee, where she intended to educate slaves to prepare them for freedom.

Wright was the co-founder of the Free Inquirer newspaper. As an activist in the American Popular Health Movement between 1830 and 1840, Wright advocated for women being involved in health and medicine.

New Feature: "In Search Of …"

In Search Of Tv Series Introduction
I used to love watching the Leonard Nemoy hosted TV series "In Search Of …" with my family.

It came on from 1976 to 1982.

Here's my modern take on that.

One of the things I love about having an iPhone is that, wherever I am, I can look up the history or details of anything that I find curious or just want to know more about.

Here are some of the things I searched for in December 2011 …



I'll cover two of these …

"Making a torodial ring …"

Whales make these rings on the top of the water as they surface.

Dolphins in captivity make them to play with.

They can also be made by smoke. We would most commonly see them as smoke rings made from our "cool grandpa that smokes a pipe".

They are difficult to produce in water, but the easiest way is to use food coloring …

Go to this page to learn how to do a torodial ring experiment at home:


If you'd like to see a video example of torodial rings, see:


"Tavon Austin …"

* Screen capture from ESPN.COM

As I watched Clemson get hammered playing football in the Orange Bowl, I was curious who Tavon Austin was. Austin plays for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

In the Orange Bowl, Austin stats were …

Receptions: 12 for 123 yards
Average: 10.3 yards
Touchdowns: 4

Tavon Austin WVU / From orangeandwhite.com
From ESPN:
Wide Receiver : Tavon Austin, West Virginia. The best playmaker on the Orange Bowl field was pretty much unstoppable. Austin racked up an Orange Bowl record with 280 all-purpose yards, including 123 yards receiving, 46 yards rushing, and 117 yards on kickoff returns. He also set Orange Bowl records for receptions (12) and receiving touchdowns (4).
Look up any of these "searches" that interest you.

What's something you've searched for lately and would like to share?

Martin Luther King Holiday ...

Liberty Area Public Schools will be closed Monday along with Federal, State, and Local offices in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Liberty branch of the Pickens County Library system and the Liberty Post Office will also be closed.

Students return to normal schedule Tuesday morning.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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