Tryon Midnight Dec. 31

Tryon Town Council during its Dec. 16 meeting approved handling alcohol at Tryon’s New Year’s Eve celebration downtown, the same as last year. Trade Street will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. The Tryon Midnight event with ball drop will begin at 7 p.m. with alcohol limited to the plaza. No coolers will be allowed.

Tryon holiday schedule

Tryon Town Hall will be closed next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24-26 in observation of Christmas. Tryon Town Manager Joey Davis announced the schedule during council’s Dec. 16 meeting.

Tryon leaf pick-up

Tryon’s leaf pick-up schedule is currently behind. The town was scheduled to begin picking up leaves on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Tryon plans to send out a Nixle message with a new leaf schedule.

Light Up Tryon

Downtown Tryon is lit up differently this year with businesses asked to participate following council member Happy McLeod beginning a Light Up Tryon committee. McLeod reported at council’s Dec. 16 meeting that she has heard nothing but compliments this year on how downtown is decorated, and she added that the committee is open for suggestions. The Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) plans a phase II of Light Up Tryon next year.

Corner the commissioner begins

Tryon commissioner George Baker began “corner the commissioner” recently, inviting residents to come in to discuss issues happening in town. Baker reported during council’s Dec. 16 meeting that three residents came in for three hours. He said he will bring the issues discussed to appropriate department heads.

$4 million winning scratch-off ticket sold in Columbus
Ashvin Patel, owner of Exxon Express Stop on Mills St. in Columbus, said Thursday that his store sold a winning instant scratch-off ticket worth $4 million on Dec. 12. The N.C. Education Lottery confirmed in a press release that lumberyard supervisor, Henry Smith, from Rutherfordton, bought the winning ticket, opting to take a lump sum payment worth $1.6 million after taxes. Patel said that the ticket was the largest payout his store has seen. Scratch off tickets for the 200 Million Blowout game are $20 each.