Shutting it down

Published 1:22 pm Friday, March 20, 2020

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Tryon shuts down several operations, suspends allowing alcohol on sidewalk

TRYON—The threat of the Coronavirus has shut down many Town of Tryon operations, including the closure of town hall for at least one week beginning on Thursday and the suspension of patrons being allowed to drink alcohol on the sidewalks downtown. 

Both North and South Carolina governors already shut down in-house dining in restaurants and bars, with many restaurants in the area offering pick-ups as well as some offering deliveries. Area churches and businesses, including Stott’s Ford are offering to make those pick-ups and deliveries for local residents. Both local school systems are also giving out meals to students. 

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Beyond town hall being closed to the public, the town board of commissioners also suspended town ordinance 111.03, which allows alcohol consumption on the sidewalk in the downtown business district. 

Tryon water customers can pay their bills online or use a drop box located just outside town hall while town hall is closed. The town will credit the $2 usage fee to each account for those who use the online service. 

Regular services, such as the police, fire and public works departments will operate normally. 

Emergency calls will have immediate response as always, but if the situation does not require a police officer’s presence, the town will attempt to handle the call by telephone. No fingerprint services will be available at the police department, except for healthcare professionals. 

The police department lobby will remain open but residents are encouraged to call the department first at 828-859-9195. 

All public works services will continue as scheduled as well as the sanitation/trash schedule. 

The fire department will still respond to emergencies as usual, but no visitors will be allowed the station, nor any food drop-offs. There will also be no fire or home inspections or smoke detector installs temporarily. 

Other town events have been canceled, including all events at Harmon Field. People who have scheduled or paid for events can call the Harmon Field office at 828-859-5784 to reschedule or to get a refund. The public restrooms at Harmon Field have also been temporarily closed. 

Tryon’s museum and visitor’s center have also been closed until further notice and changes to committee and board meetings will be announced on the town’s website. 

See a message from Tryon Mayor Alan Peoples on page ???????????.