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Editor’s Note: Over the last few issues, we have published our annual look back at some of the top stories, newsmakers and images that shaped the previous year. Following are several of the top stories published in the Bulletin in the final three months of 2024.

 

October

 

St Luke’s Hospital becomes AdventHealth-Polk

St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus officially became AdventHealth Polk. AdventHealth, one of the nation’s largest faith-based health systems, signed an agreement earlier in the year to assume management of the hospital. The name was changed to reflect its national network and brand.

 

Power restored to most of Polk County, Landrum days after Helene

Power was restored to parts of downtown Columbus on October 2, followed by restorations in Tryon, Landrum and the rest of the area, days after widespread outages due to the damage from Tropical Storm Helene. Thousands of Duke Energy crew members worked to repair infrastructure damaged by the storm.

 

Community comes together after storm

In the week following Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation, dozens of businesses, organizations, and individuals came together to help neighbors without access to essentials, power, and other resources. Multiple dropoff points for food and water donations were staged throughout the area, and Wi-Fi hotspots via Starlink were generously made available in downtown areas. Many types of aid continued to be distributed throughout 2024.

 

World’s first fully-equipped hospital on wheels set up at TIEC 

A Charlotte non-profit hospital network deployed its state-of-the-art MED-1 mobile hospital to Tryon International Equestrian Center to support disaster response efforts in the region. As the world’s first fully equipped hospital on wheels, Atrium Health’s MED-1 was designed to provide comprehensive medical care to communities in need, ensuring that emergency healthcare remains accessible in the midst of devastation.

Cell service, infrastructure, economy main topics at Tryon Council candidate forum

Tryon residents filled the Depot Plaza on a cool, clear fall evening for a lively forum that introduced five candidates running for two council seats and three candidates for mayor. Andy Millard moderated the Oct. 10 forum. He asked candidates the audience-submitted questions which focused on cell phone service, downtown parking, economic development, local ordinances, term limits, and Tropical Storm Helene’s aftermath. 

 

Bostic man arrested after allegedly threatening FEMA workers 

A Bostic man was arrested after allegedly threatening to harm FEMA workers providing disaster relief in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area. On Saturday, October 12, at 12:54 p.m., deputies received a report about a white male with an assault rifle in Polk County who made a comment about possibly harming FEMA workers in the area. William Jacob Parsons was arrested and charged with going armed to the terror of the public. FEMA announced that it was making operational adjustments due to safety concerns, although recovery efforts continued in the area.

Governor surveys damage in Polk County 

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper visited Polk County on October 25 to survey damage in the Green River Cove area and to speak with county officials and others impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. The area was one of the hardest hit in the county. The storm downed hundreds of trees, leaving many sections of the cove only accessible by foot or by air for days. Floodwaters and mudslides displaced dozens of residents and destroyed homes and vehicles, piling tons of debris across properties along the Green River. Cooper spoke directly with County Manager Marche Pittman and Polk County Emergency Director Bobby Arledge, hearing details of the local response.

 

U.S. Army Corps partners with Polk County for storm debris removal

The county partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help residents remove storm-related debris from their properties. USACE contractors officially began removing the debris left behind by Tropical Storm Helene across the county. All public and private roadways were eligible for this service. Cleanup crews transported debris to an approved temporary site on Wolverine Trail in Mill Spring, on Polk County-owned property.

 

In Memoriam

Robert I. Lesowitz

Patsy Arledge Williams

Joe Mabry

Essie Mae Pace Gilbert

Fred A. Siegfried

Carl Harold Kuykendall

Thomas “Bill” Bush

Bruce G. Rhyne

Charles Barnett

Ellen Hensley Flynn

Lillie Mae Green

Sigrid “Sigi” Veil Hendrickson

Michael Henry McCallister

Andrew Jack Stone

1. Earle Gaulden

Mary Jane Cornelius Gelsomino

 

November

 

Disaster Recovery Center opens in Polk County

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened in Mill Spring to assist survivors who experienced loss from Tropical Storm Helene. Survivors could now meet with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, and receive referrals to local assistance in their area.  

 

Voters head to the polls in Polk County, Landrum

Voters in the Foothills headed to the polls on Nov. 4 to cast their ballots in the general election as they made their choices for president, state governor, county commissioners, and more. Polk County followed the rest of the state in casting their votes for Donald Trump for president, and Josh Stein was elected governor.

 

Polk County once again reigns as state 1A champions

The Polk County volleyball team claimed a second straight 1A state championship, defeating Highland Tech on the court in Reynolds Coliseum. “It’s been a goal, a thought, a dream this whole time,” said Polk County head coach Molly Hill of winning back-to-back titles.

13th annual Tryon Beer Fest draws hundreds to downtown Tryon  

Hundreds turned out to enjoy craft beer, live music, and camaraderie at the 13th annual Tryon Beer Fest. In addition to good food from local vendors, unlimited craft beer samples, and nearly perfect weather,  guests were also treated to performances from Kayla McKinney and Lazr Luvr. The event theme was “Superstitions and Lucky 13.”

 

Polk County commemorates Veterans Day with ceremonies, dove release

Polk County Memorial Post 9116 VFW proudly marked 41 years of honoring local veterans with two poignant ceremonies. These Veterans Day events were powerful reminders of the sacrifices made by US military members and the community’s enduring gratitude for their service. The ceremonies culminated in a solemn salute from the Polk County Memorial Guard and a touching dove release.

Tryon Fire Department purchases new fire engine 

The Tryon Fire Department announced the addition of a new 2024 Pierce Enforcer Engine, officially designated as Tryon Engine 27. The new engine replaced the department’s 2008 Pierce Sabre Engine, which would transition to a backup and rescue role while still being utilized. The new apparatus’s advanced technology and safety features, marked a significant upgrade for the department. 

 

10th annual Tryon International Film Festival held downtown

Downtown Tryon hosted the 10th annual Tryon International Film Festival. Roughly seventy-five films were shown, ranging in length, genre, style, and language. The screenings concluded with an awards ceremony on Sunday night, where Jeff Lieberman’s Bella! won Best Feature Documentary, Are You There? by Kim Noonan earned Best Narrative Feature Film, and Andreas Thelander’s Just Like Me took the top spot with Best Overall Feature.

 

In Memoriam

Larry Kenneth Jenkins Sr

Frances “Fran” Kunze Schlabach

Louise M. Kaufman

John Wilson Condrey

Adrian Grant Chapman

Bernardine Agnes Brodzinski Monroe

Mollie Ruff Dalton

Dennis Gary Durham

Richard S. Long

Margaret Jackson Gosnell

Eugenia “Genie” Smith Dumoulin

Ray Miles

James Rual Pack

Mike Jackson

Nancy Nicholson Ogden Keller 

John Murray Lynn

 

December

 

27th Annual TubaChristmas Concert held December 7 

The 27th Annual TubaChristmas Concert took place at Polk County High School Auditorium. The concert featured festive music performed by a talented ensemble of tuba and baritone horn players. The beloved holiday tradition showcased a collection of holiday favorites and classic carols, all specially arranged for the unique sound of brass instruments.

 

Landrum business owners facing charges after alleged kidnapping, sexual assault

Two Landrum men were arrested after a minor was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted in September. John Anthony Dobson, 62, and Wayne Eugene Levister, 58, owners of Landrum Eclectics antique store, were both charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 16. Additionally, Dobson was charged with first-degree kidnapping, solicitation of a child by computer, assault on an individual with a disability, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Rev. Jimmy “Hambone” Camp named Landrum Citizen of the Year

At the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, local pastor and PA announcer Rev. Jimmy “Hambone” Camp was honored with the Landrum Citizen of the Year title. The award is a testament to Hambone’s dedication and impactful contributions to the Landrum community. As the newly appointed Citizen of the Year, Hambone served as the Grand Marshal for the Landrum Christmas Parade.

 

Town of Tryon shares updates on work being done at Harmon Field

Harmon Field suffered severe damage from flooding and winds caused by Helene and partially reopened in mid-October; however, several sections remained closed to the public. The boardwalk and screened shed were completely lost, as was the decking on the back of the log cabin. The two lower barns also suffered major damage, and the soccer fields, open-air gym, and other sections of the park were heavily impacted. The town shared updates with the Bulletin in December. “While progress may seem slow, I want to assure our visitors that we are working tirelessly to restore Harmon Field to its normal state, if not even better,” said Harmon Field Superintendent Brad Gordon. “We are working to meet the requirements for FEMA funding to help rebuild parts of the park, so we are making sure everything is handled correctly.”

 

Saluda Presbyterian Church closes after 130 years

The members of Saluda Presbyterian Church announced that the church will close its doors after more than 130 years of serving the community. The last service was held on December 29, followed by a reception for all attendees. As the oldest building in the historic district and a designated historical site, Saluda Presbyterian holds a special place in the hearts of many.

 

In Memoriam

Mary Ann Shelton O’Brien

Judy Mae Anderson Morgan

Linda Cochran Denton

Bobby Franklin McAbee

George Bernard Bell 

William Clyde Bridges

Kelli Denise Elliot

Megan Deasy O’Brien

Doris Cline

Marcene Elaine Chaffin

Jo Ann McCarter

Elfriede Bartel Engels

Kerry Adams Thurman Austin

James Edward “Boots” Shehan

Clarence “Buster” Wilson

Marion “Bud” Hicks McAbee

Shirley Johnson Gilbert

Benjamin Loran Lynch

Donald Alan Eifert