Editor’s note: Today marks the last day of our Year in Review in which we have taken a look back at some of the top stories, newsmakers and images that shaped the year.

November

Man dies in Saluda in trailer accident

A 47-year-old Saluda man died Monday, Oct. 31 after a trailer ran over him. Burgess Charles Jones, of Guice Road, Saluda died at the scene around noon in the Macedonia and Guice Road area of Saluda, according to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.

Gary Street paving consideration causes disagreement in Holly Hill

Columbus Town Council is considering using Powell Bill funding to pave a few streets, including the end of Gary Street in the Holly Hill subdivision and the discussions have caused disagreements with neighbors. The town’s discussion in October was the third discussion regarding the street. Columbus decided in December to pave an 8 by 165-foot section of Gary Street.

Tryon International Equestrian Center selected to host FEI World Equestrian Games

Mark Bellissimo, managing Partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP), announced that the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) had been selected as the host venue for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 (FEI WEG). The games are the major international championship event for the eight core equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. The FEI WEG will be held Sept. 10-23, 2018.

Music, games, food and beer!

Tryon’s historic depot plaza was the setting for the fifth annual Tryon Beer Fest. The annual event draws over a thousand beer enthusiasts to town.

Polk County listed in an extreme drought

Polk County was listed in an extreme drought, according to the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council. Polk joined the other western North Carolina counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Henderson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania as in an extreme drought as of Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Martha Walker named Landrum’s 2016 Citizen of the Year

At their regular monthly meeting held Nov. 3, the Landrum Lions Club announced the selection of Martha Walker as the 2016 Citizen of the Year. Walker is the author of the book “Landrum Schools Through the Decades: 1880s – 1990s.”

Republicans sweep Polk County for commissioner, all races

The Polk County Republican Headquarters in Columbus was on cloud nine election night as Republicans swept every race on the ballot in Polk County from president to the Polk County Board of Commissioners. Jake Johnson (R) was high vote getter for the board of commissioners, followed by Myron Yoder (R) and Tommy Melton (R).

Millard loses Polk and District 10 in Congressional race

Polk County’s own Andy Millard (D) lost to incumbent Congressman Patrick McHenry (R) election night by a wide margin in both Polk County and the district for the U.S. House of Representatives District 10. Millard received 4,586 Polk County votes compared to McHenry’s 6,010 votes in Polk County.

Polk County purchases school bus garage for $205K

Polk County Commissioners agreed by a split vote to purchase the Polk County school bus garage for $205,000. The county purchased the garage to move county transportation vehicles there, away from the transportation department, which is located in the Courthouse annex buildings in downtown Columbus.

Polk County turned out 68 percent of registered voters in 2016

Voter turnout was down slightly this year for a presidential election in Polk County as 68 percent of registered voters cast their votes this year. There are currently 16,076 registered voters in the county with 10,946 total ballots cast in 2016, according to the Polk County Board of Elections, putting the total voter turnout at 68.09 percent.

Local fire departments assist with response to forest fire

As the fire continued to grow at Party Rock in the Lake Lure area of Rutherford County, N.C., Polk County firefighters collected donations and provided relief for firefighters there. Tryon Fire Chief Joey Davis said all the county fire departments provided multiple nights of coverage in Rutherford County.

Saluda declares Stage I water advisory after extreme drought declared

Saluda water customers were asked to voluntarily conserve water, as the City of Hendersonville declared a Stage I water shortage after the area was declared as being in an extreme drought. The Saluda Board of Commissioners approved declaring the same voluntary water conservation measures for Saluda customers.

Tryon approves commercial activities at Lake Lanier Tea House dock

If Greenville County approves a zoning amendment, commercial activity will be allowed at the Lake Lanier Tea House dock after Tryon Town Council approved an amendment to allow certain commercial uses there. Tryon council unanimously approved an amendment to the declaration of regulations and restrictions by the Town of Tryon governing the use of the lakebed of Lake Lanier. Tea House owner Mark Kerhulas petitioned the town earlier this year to allow commercial uses at the dock and boathouse. Greenville County has not yet made a decision on the rezoning.

Fire along I-26 In Columbus forces evacuations

Traffic was down to one lane on I-26 coming up to Columbus as firefighters battled a fire along the interstate. According to Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill, the fire originated in four different spots along the highway in the forest. Morgan Chapel Village was evacuated. In total, the fire burned an estimated 29 acres.

Counting cars for traffic study

Motorists may have noticed tall poles erected at various locations along Mills St. in Columbus. They are traffic pattern study monitors, collecting data and counting cars for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a project involving potential future ramps for I-26 and U.S. 74.

Saluda to revamp noise ordinance after complaints

After numerous complaints to the city over noise, the Saluda Board of Commissioners asked for a rewrite of its current noise ordinance, which staff says is hard to enforce. The Saluda Board of Commissioners met Nov. 14 and discussed its noise ordinance as well as heard public comments regarding noise complaints.

Chamber holds public forum on future of BBQ Festival

The Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce held a public forum about the 2017 Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival to solicit ideas on how to improve the event. Members of the BBQ Festival Executive Committee and the community were invited to attend. Attendees discussed potential festival changes ranging from changing the date of the event to giving festivalgoers more incentives to purchase tickets to the event. The 2017 festival will be on June 9 and 10.

Town attorney Nager resigns all three towns

Bailey Nager has resigned as town attorney for the towns of Columbus, Saluda and Tryon. Nager said being the attorney for three towns and running his own law firm has become overwhelming and he would like to concentrate on his business.

Republicans out-voted Democrats by almost 1K in 2016 election

Republicans out-voted both Democrats and unaffiliated voters during the 2016 election, with all Republicans winning in Polk County in affiliated races. The 2016 election results were made official on Nov. 22 with registered Republicans casting 4,977 votes, compared to 3,778 registered unaffiliated votes, 3,088 registered Democrat votes and 35 registered Libertarian votes.

Polk declares Dec. 3 as Tom Pack appreciation day

The Polk County Board of Commissioners declared Dec. 3 as Tom Pack appreciation day in the county in honor of the late commissioner. Pack was the chairman of the board of commissioners when he died following a fall in March 2016.

Local equestrian organizations offer evacuation assistance, stabling as wildfires spread

As wildfires continued to spread in western North Carolina and across upstate South Carolina, local equestrian organizations put together an evacuation plan in case of emergency for horses and their owners.

Polk/Columbus approve agreement for flagpole at Doughboy statue

Both the Polk County Board of Commissioners and Columbus Town Council approved an encroachment and maintenance agreement to place a flagpole at the Doughboy statue on Courthouse Street.

Party Rock fire completely contained in Lake Lure

The North Carolina Forest Service announced on Nov. 27 the Party Rock fire north of Lake Lure and near Chimney Rock Village has been 100 percent contained. The fire had been burning since Nov. 5. According to the North Carolina incident information system website, the Party Rock fire burned 7,142 acres before being contained.

City of Landrum paves Operation Hope parking lot

Due to growing demand and a busy downtown area, the City of Landrum has paved a public parking lot downtown on property leased from Operation Hope. The 21-space lot was paved on Nov. 23 “just in time for the holiday rush,” according to City Administrator Rich Caplan.

Polk approves construction contract for law enforcement center

Polk County Commissioners gave their last major approval to construct a new law enforcement center, which will include a new jail and sheriff’s office just outside Columbus. Commissioners awarded the construction contract to Cooper Construction out of Hendersonville for $9,603,350.

December

Polk County approves four-year property revaluations

After going through a property revaluation this year, which will be effective Jan. 1, 2017, the Polk County Board of Commissioners decided to have revaluations every four years instead of every eight years.

Kevin Powell named Bulletin general manager

Long time marketing executive Kevin Powell has been promoted to general manager of Tryon Newsmedia, LLC, which publishes the Tryon Daily Bulletin, Life in Our Foothills, Visitor’s Bulletin and related digital products. Betty Ramsey, the newspaper’s publisher since 2010, will retain her ownership interest in the company, and will be moving to Farmville, Va. where she will take over as publisher of the Farmville Herald, Farmville the Magazine, The Charlotte Gazette, The Kenbridge Victoria Dispatch and related digital products in January.

Open-burning ban lifted for 32 mountain counties

Fire experts with the N.C. Forest Service said recent rains have helped to reduce fire danger in the North Carolina mountains, prompting the agency to lift the ban on open burning for 32 counties.

Polk breaks ground on new law enforcement center

Over 100 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, Dec. 3 for the Polk County Law Enforcement Center, expected to begin construction soon just outside Columbus. Speakers included Polk County Commissioner Ted Owens, Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill, Polk County Manager Marche Pittman, Polk County Commissioner Chair Michael Gage, and guest speaker David Guice, Commissioner of the N.C. Division of Adult Corrections and Juvenile Justice. The Polk County Middle School Band played, Reagan Waddell sang the National Anthem, veteran Johnny Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Polk County Memorial Honor Guard performed the posting of colors. 

Polk approves expanded equestrian zoning for TIEC

The Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) purchased additional property and the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved rezoning the additional 18.75 acres into the county’s Equestrian Village zoning district. The new properties to be incorporated into the Equestrian Village zoning district include 2.68 acres off John Shehan Road and 16.07 acres off U.S. 74 near the facility.

Searcy Field in Mill Spring receives major gift of free grading

Searcy Field in Mill Spring should soon be used for multiple sports thanks to a generous gift of grading donated by Clary Hood. The Polk County Board of Commissioners recently heard from recreation director Jerry Stensland about the progress of Searcy Field upgrades.

Polk’s fund balance drops almost two percent at year-end 2016

Polk County ended fiscal year 2015-2016 with a healthy fund balance but compared to the previous year, the rainy day fund dropped from 32.8 percent to 31.1 percent, according to the annual audit report. Between fiscal year-end 2015 and fiscal year-end 2016, Polk County’s fund balance dropped $471,035.

Finishing touches made on Landrum dog park

Stone Soup Restaurant owner Suzanne Strickland opened the Landrum Community Dog Park on her property. The dog park is approximately 28,000 square feet, or one-half acre, on her property west of Stone Soup.

Polk County Board of Education swears in Covil, Allen and Corley

Polk County Clerk of Superior Court Pam Hyder swore in returning Polk County Board of Education members Rick Covil, Lucinda Allen and Rhonda Corley for a new term on Monday, Dec. 12 during the monthly board of education meeting. Each board member serves four-year terms. Geoffrey Tennant was re-elected as chairman and Sherry Page was re-elected as vice chairman. 

Polk Det. Stott accepts position with Homeland Security

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Det. Sgt. Nicholas Stott accepted a position with Homeland Security and left for Texas. Stott worked in law enforcement in Polk County for the past decade after graduating from Polk County High School in 2002 and graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006.

Tryon allows alcohol on downtown sidewalks and Rogers Park

Tryon Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance to allow alcoholic beverages at Rogers Park for town events and at certain hours on the North sidewalk between Palmer Street and New Market Road downtown.

Proposed Campobello substation property now permanently protected from development

Once proposed as the site of a power substation, nearly 200 scenic acres in northern Spartanburg County are now permanently protected, thanks to a partnership between Duke Energy, The Nature Conservancy and Upstate Forever. The 2015 powerline controversy ends with great victory for conservation.

Tryon expresses concern over TIEC using its name for branding

Tryon Town Council directed its manager to have two meetings regarding the Tryon brand with the town tourism board and Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC).

Columbus banks 57 percent fund balance for fiscal year 2016

The Town of Columbus’ finances continue to be strong with the town having a 57.48 percent fund balance available for spending at the close of fiscal year 2015-2016. Assistant Finance Director Kathy Gregory and Terry Andersen, with Carland and Andersen Inc. said the town increased its total fund balance for the year by $58,825 and increased its available fund balance by $26,200.

Polk animal cruelty investigators reinstated by new board

The new Polk County Board of Commissioners reinstated two animal cruelty investigators who were not reappointed by the previous board in August 2015. Commissioners reappointed Patti Lovelace and Nancy Hasselbring to the animal cruelty investigator board on Dec. 19. The unanimous decision was welcomed by the audience with a round of applause.

Tryon Estates announces $10M renovation project

Tryon Estates held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 20 to announce a $10 million renovation project starting in 2017. The project will include renovations to the facility’s two dining rooms, auditorium, library, arts and crafts room and other amenities.

Foster Creek Preserve being acquired by conservancy

The Town of Columbus has given its blessing for new recreation and housing opportunities for the former Foster Creek Preserve development that includes 1,068 acres. Columbus Town Council heard from Debbie Shetterly, project manager with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, which is planning to acquire the development. Foster Creek is located on Houston Road and Hwy. 108. 

Columbus Fire Department expanding building for new firefighters

The Columbus Fire Department is working on an expansion to their building on Peak Street to add more living space for firefighters. According to Columbus Fire Chief Tony Priester, the expansion is identical to the right side of the building adjacent to the garage for fire trucks.The expansion will include two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a gym, storage space and kitchenette, and will take three months to build.

Nina Simone birthplace up for sale again

The birthplace of Nina Simone is once again up for sale with an asking price of $95,000. Located at 30 E. Livingston St., Tryon, the 664-square-foot house is where the singer, songwriter and activist, formerly known as Eunice Kathleen Waymon, grew up.

IN MEMORIAM

November

Katharine Boerner Rindge

Marilyn Clarkson

John Allen Albree

Vanelle Wilson

David Edward McGee

William Richard Werhan

JoAnn (Miller) Palmer

Carol Sue Wallace

Eleanor Rask Osborn

Martha Farmer

Judith Ann Davis

Terry Wetton

Ann Robinson Maxwell

Barbara Clare Chandler

Kathryn Preston Parks

Hoyt Conner

Patricia (Pat) Gray Stoudenmire

Deborah “Trixie” Kress McCray

Carolyn Medlock

William Sherman

Cornelia Prince

Brenda Vaughan

Cynthia Ann Paulauskas

Darryl Barnette Taylor

Terry A. Shehan

Richard Kelley Jr.

Athilla Mary McCune Johann

Calvin Garry Thompson

Mary Ann Worley

Richard Hollis Kelley Jr.

Ruth Elizabeth Falls Farrar

Rev. William Thomas “Tom” Frady

Nancy Owens Hammett

Kathryn Case Greene

Molly Hague Clay Stokes

Jean Clements Carswell

Dorothy C. Durham

December

Derrick M. Stover

Emil Leopold Frohlich

Marjorie Ann Daviau

Rebe Ann Blackwell Rhodes

Martha Gibson Flynn

Evelyn Ayers

Grace Broome

Martha Jewell McGuinn

Calvin C. Wilson

Betty Crocker Badger

Janice Carpenter Miller

Mary Jane Beers Gresham

Roy Lee Pack

Ted Pack

Dr. David Wesley Sauer

Edwin Garrett Hardin

Angela Bell Price

William Ronald Cochran

Sherry Campbell Agner

Geno Bruce Greene

Edwin G. Hardin