Polk approves CDBG grant close-out for AllRail

The Polk County Board of Commissioners met March 16 and agreed to close out a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant on behalf of AllRail Inc. The county was approved for the grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce for AllRail to receive assistance to purchase machinery and equipment to expand their business as well as towards assistance to the county economic development office to publicize local small business promotions and to fund the administration of the grant.

Polk cancels April 2 meeting

During the Polk County Board of Commissioner March 16 meeting, commissioners decided to cancel its April 2 meeting because of the Easter holiday. Commissioner Michael Gage made the suggestion. The county’s next meeting will be on Monday, April 20.

Polk gains 15 first responders over past two years

Polk County Commissioners were updated by Polk County EMS Director Michael Crater that the county has added a net of 15 first responders county-wide since 2013. The Polk County Rescue Squad gained one and lost two in the past two years; the Green Creek Fire Department gained five and lost two; Sunny View Fire and Rescue gained two EMTs, five medical responders and lost two; Saluda Fire and Rescue gained one EMT and lost one; Columbus Fire Department gained one EMT, three medical responders and lost one EMT; Polk County First Responders lost one and gained five and Tryon Fire Department gained one EMT. Reasons for losses included members moving out of the county, health/retirement and lack of training hours. Crater said reasons for the gain included easier courses in terms of time and length and greater opportunities to maintain training.

Polk makes appointments to volunteer boards

The Polk County Board of Commissioners made appointments to the volunteer boards of the equalization and review board and the library board of trustees during its March 16 meeting. Ray Brown, Robert Glenn Burgess, Rickie McFalls and Mirle Shytle Jr. were appointed to the equalization and review board. Alison Grey Heston was appointed to the library board of trustees.