► City of Landrum listens to chest compression CPR machine demonstration

Landrum City Council members listened to paramedic Grant Cogdell from the Spartanburg Medical Center demonstrate a chest compression device known as LUCAS at their July 12 monthly work session. Cogdell explained the device allows for uninterrupted chest compression pushes when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest and needs CPR. According to Cogdell, another chest compression machine like LUCAS exists in Inman, 25 minutes south of Landrum. He said the machine will cost the city $15,000 if they decide to make the purchase. Council members did not make an action to purchase the device.

► City of Landrum approves donation of $5,000 for Labor Day Festival

On July 12, the City of Landrum approved a donation of $5,000 to The Well of Landrum for use towards the church’s third annual Labor Day festival to happen along N. Trade Avenue on Sept. 3 from 4-9 p.m. These funds will come out of the City of Landrum’s hospitality line item in the budget, and be used towards rides, vendors, port-a-johns and activities. Fireworks will conclude the Labor Day festivities. The Well of Landrum is a church located at 395 W. Rutherford St.

► Wilkins introduces area soup kitchen to City of Landrum

Wymond Wilkins, councilman for the City of Wellford, attended the City of Landrum’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night to introduce the soup kitchen known as “Breaking Bread for Jesus.” The soup kitchen is located at 108 Astor St. in Wellford, S.C. and serves the Lyman/Wellford/Landrum/Startex/Duncan area. Wilkins visited with city council members to spread the word of the soup kitchen and ask for donations. Gail Eanes and her husband Ron started a similar soup kitchen in 2012 in Greer. To make a donation, contact Eanes at 864-303-3565.

► Polk County School Board hires new finance officer

The Polk County School Board has approved the hiring of Debora Lovelace as the school system’s new finance officer beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. Lovelace will be replacing Charlotte Sullivan, who announced her plans to relocate to Asheville City Schools in May after 17 years with the Polk school system. Lovelace served as assistant finance officer for Polk County Schools from 2004 to 2009 and is currently working as an assistant finance officer for Rutherford County Schools. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in business from Appalachian State.

► Saluda swears in new police officer

The Saluda Board of Commissioners welcomed newly hired police officer Chris Ruff during its Monday, July 11 meeting. Ruff was sworn into office at city hall a couple of weeks ago. Ruff has eight years of experience in law enforcement and began patrol in Saluda on June 30.

► Saluda re-appoints chair to planning board

The Saluda Board of Commissioners unanimously re-appointed Charles Jesperson to its planning board. Jespersen is the board’s current chair.

► Saluda approves Railroad Day festival 

The Saluda Board of Commissioners on Monday, July 11 approved allowing a Railroad Day festival to be held in the city this fall. Tangie Morgan presented the request, saying last year’s event didn’t cost the city any money and it turned out to be a nice event. Morgan said plans are for this year’s Railroad Day to be held on Oct. 22.

► Polk County Recreation fall soccer registration open

The Polk County Recreation Department announced its 2016 fall soccer season is open. The department will offer five different leagues from 4-years old to 12th grade. Signups will remain open until Aug. 15. Registration is $35. To register, visit Stearns Gym in Columbus or go online at polknc.org.