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Editor’s Note: Over the next couple of issues, we will publish our annual look back at some of the top stories, newsmakers and images that shaped the year. The following are some of the top stories published in the Bulletin in July, August and September of 2024.

 

July

Downtown Tryon sees huge turnout for Global Food Fest

The inaugural Global Food Fest, organized by the Tryon Downtown Development Association, proved to be a resounding success as locals and visitors flocked to Trade St. to partake in a diverse array of international cuisines. The festival took place during the town’s Fourth Friday event.

 

Advisory lifted after 2023 fuel spill near Saluda

The Polk County Health and Human Services Agency announced the lifting of a precautionary advisory following a fuel spill when a tanker accident took place on I-26 in July of 2023. Officials assured the public that the impacts from the gas spill no longer pose a threat to humans, wildlife, and the environment.   

Columbus’ Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration

The 61st annual Fabulous Fourth celebration in downtown Columbus was a hit with folks coming from all over to enjoy the festivities. The day included rides for the kids, a classic car show, food and craft vendors, and live music, culminating with the fireworks display.

 

61st annual Coon Dog Day draws crowds to Saluda 

The 61st Annual Coon Dog Day celebration in Saluda was a huge success, drawing in visitors and locals from near and far. Main Street was filled with people, creating an enthusiastic and lively atmosphere throughout the day. The Coon Dog Day Parade was led by the American Legion 250 Honor Guard and Saluda Fire Department, followed by Coon Dog Day Queens from present and past.

 

Alleged mistreatment at YMCA summer camp leads to staffing changes

Alleged misconduct at a Polk YMCA summer camp led to complaints from parents and changes to staffing. According to Atticus Fehl, the district executive director of the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, the site director of the YMCA camo at Tryon Elementary School was replaced and other staffing changes were also made. Some campers said they were forced to take part in a strenuous boot camp and that they were shot with water pellet guns. 

Saluda welcomes Italian student visitors, strengthens Sister City bonds

The Saluda community hosted two student visitors from their sister city in Carunchio, Italy, showcasing its hospitality and unique charm. The student visitors, Nora Criscio and Marta Pignatelli, enjoyed a visit to Lake Norman hosted by Judy Ward, who, for years, ran Thompson’s Store in Saluda. Nora also served Italian Foccacia, donated by Wildflour Bakery, at the Community Table Dinner, which organizers say had its largest crowd ever. Marta, who plays guitar, joined the music group that played at the dinner.

 

In Memoriam

Donald Henry Wilson, Jr

Rodney Merle Thompson

Linda Ann Doner-Fatland

Gloria Rogers Owenby

Frances Gregory Thomas

Valerie Virginia Payne

Philip Effler

Tara Alice Atkins

​​Susan Dillion

Fonda Nadine Allen

Col. Daniel  H. Edwards

George Charles Comparetto

George William “Bill” Crissone

Marshall George Edwards

Sandra “Sassy” Halford Reid

Joan Post

 

August

Progress being made in preservation efforts for Nina Simone’s childhood home 

The preservation of Nina Simone’s Childhood Home reached a new milestone with the announcement that Every Angle, Inc. was selected as the general contractor for the historic project. Nina Simone, born Eunice Waymon in 1933, spent her childhood in the historic three-room, 660-square-foot clapboard house on East Livingston Street, where she was raised as the sixth of eight children to parents Rev. Mary Kate Waymon and Rev. John Devan Waymon

 

Controversial housing development project near county line canceled

A housing development project planned for Rutherford County on Lambs Grill Rd., near the Polk County line, was canceled. Enchanted Homes, a housing construction company based in South Carolina, faced significant opposition when it announced plans to develop 30 acres for the project. 

 

Saluda Grade Trail takes major step forward

The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy announced that it is officially under contract with Norfolk Southern to purchase a 31-mile rail corridor for the proposed Saluda Grade Trail. The proposed recreational trail that will run from Inman, S.C., to Zirconia, N.C., was spearheaded by Conserving Carolina, PAL and Upstate Forever.

Local mixed martial artist to compete in GAMMA World Championship 

Tanner Owens, a local mixed martial arts standout, announced that he would compete in the 2024 Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts World Championship Tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia. Owens would place second overall in his bracket at the tournament.

 

Fallen tree sparks fire, temporary outages in downtown Tryon

A large tree fell in downtown Tryon, temporarily knocking out power and internet access for some businesses and residents. The tree fell across E. Howard Street, hitting the main power feed and pulling down lines as it landed on a vehicle parked at Stott’s Ford, starting a fire.

Polk County Historical Association honored for preserving local heritage

The Polk County Historical Association was recognized by the Abraham Kuykendall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Excellence in Community Service Award was presented because of PCHA’s involvement in community activities aimed at the preservation of the area’s history, beginning with the American Revolution.

 

Tryon Riding and Hunt Club suspends running of the 2025 Block House Steeplechase

Tryon Riding and Hunt club announced that they are suspending the running of the 2025 Block House Steeplechase. TR&HC said  that it “believes that a reassessment of how the annual event is promoted and presented is required after facing many significant financial and logistical challenges.” The board plans on implementing an analysis to evaluate the possibility of bringing back the race at a future date.

 

In Memoriam

Garland O. Goodwin

Mike Williams

Paul Pike Pullen III

James L. Ksenich

Anne Ferguson Davin

Wesley Sherwood “Bob” Bessell

Carey Procho Dozier

Evan Lorraine Wilson Greaves

Robert Lee Childers, Jr.

James Windove

Crys Armbrust

Bobby Jean Coleman

Carol Jean Vosburgh (Heise)

Rick Dunn

 

September

Improvements made to Morris the Horse

Tryon came together to revitalize Morris the Horse and the downtown area around the clock tower. Morris received notable improvements, including adding new slabs of stone for individuals to stand on for photos and new color-changing uplighting designed to showcase Morris in a new light, particularly at night, while remaining environmentally friendly.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival marks third year with star-studded lineup

The Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring hosted thousands of fans from all over the country for the third annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Fans showed up to honor the eponymous bluegrass hero and enjoy music from their favorite performers. The event hosted many national acts, including country music icon Tanya Tucker. 

 

Tenth annual ‘Do Not Lose Hope’ event to take place in Tryon

The tenth annual ‘Do Not Lose Hope’ event took place in honor of loved ones who lost their lives to suicide or overdose in the community, as well as to support those currently struggling with mental illness or addiction. A special dove release took place as Aaron Greene read off names of people that lost their lives to suicide and overdose in the community.

 

Donation given to YMCA project

It was announced that Polk County officially received a donation of six acres of land for a new YMCA facility. The land was donated by John Montgomery and Clary Hood and is located at the intersection of Hwy. 74, Hwy. 108 and Fox Mountain Rd. in Columbus. Plans include a six-lane pool, multi-sport gymnasium, indoor walking track, a group exercise studio, a community room and a wellness center. 

 

Tropical Storm Helene brings severe weather to Polk County

Helene made landfall in Florida as a major hurricane before arriving in our area as a tropical storm on September 27. This resulted in hours of constant rain and severe weather in Polk County and the Upstate. Torrential rain prompted flash flood warnings in the region, and damaging winds, power outages, flooding, and downed trees affected roads and daily life throughout the area.

 

Community picking up pieces in aftermath of Helene

Devastating flooding, mudslides and widespread power outages affected Polk County in the aftermath of Helene. Many evacuations took place throughout the county and a number of  road clearing operations were initiated by NCDOT and volunteers. One life was lost in the Saluda area.

Mudslides destroy houses along Highway 176, shuts down road indefinitely

Multiple mudslides occurred along Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda shutting down the 3500 block of Hwy. 176 for an extended time. Officials said approximately dozens of residences sustained partial or total damage due to the mudslides. Polk County Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge said these were the worst mudslides in the area that he’s ever seen.

 

Trade Street Diner provides Wi-Fi, hugs as lifeline for residents affected by Helene

In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, the folks at the Trade Street Diner stepped up to help the community recover. The diner offered free coffee, Wi-Fi, and hugs at their shop, allowing people to reconnect and communicate with loved ones. The business also became a drop-off location for essential items which were donated to a local shelter to support those displaced by the storm.

 

Emergency responders begin to reach areas previously impassable in hardest-hit regions

Polk County officials reported that days after Helene, emergency responders were beginning to access areas previously impassable due storm damage. Teams worked tirelessly to reach residents in the hardest-hit regions, particularly in the western part of the county, where communication had been scarce.

 

In Memoriam

Zachary D. Garcia

Linda Chastain Ligon

Michael Hugh Lovelace

Andra Sue Goodwin Tucker

Rebecca Davis

Ruchia Lee Eargle Moran

Betty Jean Campbell

Eloise T Johnson

Bob Carr

Mireya B. Roake

Rachel Horne Bell

James Hawthorne Keller

Victoria Alexandra Shehan

James Owen Scott