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Editor’s Note: Over the next few issues, we will publish our annual look back at some of the top stories, newsmakers and images that shaped the year. Following are some of the top stories published in the Bulletin during April, May and June of 2024.

 

April

 

Tryon’s April Fools’ Day Celebration makes a spirited comeback 

Downtown Tryon saw the return of the April Fools’ Day festivities, which included live music, a parade, the ‘Trashion Show,’ and the Outhouse Race. Last held in 2018, the event was sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association. The parade featured various organizations decked out in their wackiest attire, and Pete Veihman and company won the Outhouse Race. Eventgoers were delighted by the oddball event. 

 

Tryon Little Theater acquires permanent home

After 75 years of doing vagabond theater, the Tryon Little Theater announced that it had acquired a permanent home after acquiring ownership of the building it had rented for 19 years, located at 516 South Trade Street in Tryon. TLT Board President Mark Sawyer said he and his team were excited about what lies ahead.

 

Solar eclipse visible from Polk County

Many folks in Polk County and Landrum were looking to the sky on Monday, April 8, as a partial solar eclipse was visible in the foothills. The solar eclipse reached 85% totality in our area. 

 

One dead, another injured in Columbus shooting

A shooting took place on Thursday, April 11, at the Ashley Meadows apartment complex in Columbus, killing Dwight Bennett, 20, of Landrum, and injuring Chris Rickman, who was taken to the hospital and later released. The suspected shooter, William Nelson Campbell, 19, of Spartanburg, was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder and assault with serious bodily injury.

 

Tryon holds 76th Annual Block House Steeplechase 

The 76th Annual Block House Steeplechase was held on Saturday, April 13. The event featured a tailgate decorating competition, a kid’s zone with lots of fun activities for children, and plenty of food vendors and shopping opportunities. The prizes for the day totaled $110,000.

 

Mill Spring man sentenced in shooting death of Talia Petoia 

On Monday, April 15, Tyler Laughter pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Polk County Superior Court and was sentenced to 15 to 27 months in prison. Laughter shot his girlfriend, Talia Petoia, on March 10, 2023, who died at the age of 27. Approximately 30 of Talia’s family and friends attended the sentencing. 

 

Grand opening held for Landrum Rail and History Museum

The City of Landrum held the grand opening of its Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27. After a speech by Mayor Robert Briggs, Jennifer Ossting Shaw and Adam Shaw, daughter and grandson of Ken Ossting, who donated the railcar to Landrum, addressed those in attendance. The Landrum Rail and History Museum is located at the Historic Landrum Depot at 211 North Trade Avenue.

  

In Memoriam

Mary Elizabeth Greene

Katharine Marie Janes

Ina Jewel Conner Constance

Karon Whittle Bishop

Lillie “Magdalene” Bradey

Marilyn Linda Moore

Patricia “Patsy” Ryan

Jeffry Edward Jenkins

John Hugh Hicks

Jerry Michael Waddell

Peter Shanahan

Philip Eugene (Gene) Morehead

Karen Parker-Binns

William Scott Thayer Holcomb

Carolyn Fagan Stubblefield

 

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May

 

Polk County launches community listening sessions in response to the opioid epidemic

Polk County’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee began community listening sessions to respond to the opioid epidemic. Community members were asked to review strategy options under North Carolina’s Opioid Planning Agreement. In 2018, the county signed on to a Class Action Lawsuit to hold drug makers, distributors, and several retail pharmacy chains accountable for fueling the epidemic. This litigation resulted in a payout to Polk County of slightly over $3 million, which will be distributed over the course of 18 years.

 

Inaugural Columbus Spring Festival takes place downtown

The first-ever Columbus Spring Festival took place on Saturday, May 11, on Gibson St. and the courthouse lawn. The festival was created by Jenny and Kevin English, owners of Bear’s Den Trading Post and Discover Columbus. Jenny, inspired by Hendersonville’s Apple Fest, wanted to utilize Columbus’s downtown area for a spring-themed event. The festival celebrated local vendors, craftspeople, and music. 

 

Columbus honors Paul’s Barber Shop on its 25th anniversary 

The Town of Columbus honored Paul’s Barber Shop with a proclamation for its 25th year in business. The shop opened its doors in downtown Columbus on May 11, 1999, and has been a staple of the community ever since. Owner Paul Heyer started working as a barber in Hendersonville in 1997, and said the proclamation was unexpected. “The mayor came in, and he asked how long we’d been in business, and I thought it was just a normal conversation,” he said. “So I was surprised by the whole thing.”

 

19th annual Saluda Arts Festival celebrates art and culture

On a cool Saturday in Saluda, the 19th annual Saluda Arts Festival graced Main Street with an array of artists and art forms. Over 100 skilled artists, each with their unique style and medium, showcased their creations at the festival. From intricate jewelry and vibrant paintings to delicate ceramics and captivating photographs, the festival truly celebrated diverse art forms.

 

Polk County Schools honored for support of military-connected students and families

Polk County Schools was recognized with the esteemed Purple Star Award for its support of military-connected students and families. The award highlights Polk County Schools’ dedication to ensuring that military-connected students receive the resources and assistance they need to thrive academically and socially, acknowledging the challenges they may face due to frequent relocations and deployments.

 

Tryon Parks Committee beautifies Woodland Park 

The Tryon Parks Committee worked to beautify the Woodland Park entrance near Carolina Drive, thanks to the Polk County Appearance Commission and the Tryon Garden Club. The effort began by controlling a patch of kudzu that had been established for a decade or more. Volunteers planted new native species and installed large boulders. 

 

In Memoriam

Linda Burch Eiserloh

Pastor Kenneth D. Braswell

Harriet Byars Peoples

Frederick Berlinger

Robert “Rocky” Obermille

Nate Stewart

Jane Kennedy Hart

Calvin Frank Ruff

Burton B. Blackwell

Elizabeth Boone

Ray Higgins

Arnold G. Skipper

Wynona Ormand Joye

John Elliott

Elizabeth (Betty) Winkel

 

__________________

 

June

 

Dark Corner Classic Car Show sees record turnout

The Dark Corner Classic Car Show in downtown Landrum showcased 253 registered cars, trucks, and motorcycles, making it the most successful show in its six-year history. Vehicle enthusiasts enjoyed ideal weather, lively music, and an impressive display of horsepower. A donation of $10,000 to Landrum’s Brookwood Park was announced at the event.

 

Former Polk County teacher found guilty of indecent liberties with a student

On Wednesday, June 12, a former Polk County High School teacher, John Brian Taylor, 51, of Landrum, was found guilty on charges of taking indecent liberties with a student. Taylor received a suspended sentence of a minimum of six months and a maximum of seventeen months in prison should he violate the terms of probation. He was also ordered to register as a sexual offender for the next thirty years. Court records show that on November 15, 2022, deputies received information that a student had been inappropriately touched by Taylor.

 

Jackson’s Wrecker celebrates 50 years

Jackson’s Wrecker Service celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, June 15, at Veterans Park in Columbus. The event featured food, bounce houses for the kids, and live entertainment by Heath Fowler Music and The Dirty South Band. Started in 1974 by the late David Jackson, Jackson’s Wrecker Service quickly became the top wrecker service in the area by developing great relationships with the community.

 

Roseland celebrates Juneteenth and RISE!

Over 300 people converged on the grounds of Roseland Community Center on Saturday, June 15, for a community celebration of Juneteenth and the launch of a new generation of RISE!, Roseland’s longstanding summer program for youth. People from Polk, Rutherford, Henderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties joined Eastside residents for the celebration.

 

Landrum Fire and Rescue District receives grant for new drone 

The Landrum Fire and Rescue District received a grant from Duke Energy to purchase a new drone. The grant was given to the Landrum Fire and Rescue District as part of a $500,000 microgrant from Duke Energy, which donates funds to 33 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina. Linda Hannon, Duke Energy’s Director of Government and Community Relations, presented the Fire Department with a check for $17,000 on Wednesday, June 19.

 

In Memoriam

Frances Parker Page

Paul H. Ritchey

Henry Robertson

Charles Waters

Robert Leggitte Deterly

Dean Winesett

Susan Hettinger

Joan Francke Remick Post

Jack Arnold Taylor

William MacGuire Gordon