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Editor’s Note: Over the next several issues, we will publish our annual look back at some of the top stories, newsmakers and images that shaped the year. Following are some of the top stories published in the Bulletin in the first three months of 2024.

 

January

 

Retaining wall collapses in Tryon, damages vehicles

A large retaining wall in downtown Tryon collapsed during heavy rain on January 9, severely damaging several vehicles. The wall was located in a small parking area between the back of the Tryon Post Office and the Tryon Fine Arts Center and fell on four vehicles. Behind the wall, red clay, torn-out foliage, and what appeared to be a broken or leaking pipe were visible. No injuries were reported.

 

Landrum welcomes new council members, police officers

The Landrum City Council swore in new council members and police officers on January 9. City Clerk Rita Bruce led the swearing-in ceremony of new council members Warren Ashmore and Robert Farmer. Landrum police officers Goerge Medler, Colby R. Means, and Jennifer Clontz were sworn in by Clerk of Court Jamie Gaddy.

 

Polk volleyball holds championship ring ceremony

Polk County celebrated its state 1A volleyball title by presenting championship rings to players and coaches. In November 2023, the Wolverines won their first state volleyball title in school history, sweeping Falls Lake Academy in the championship match.

 

Eastside Community commemorates MLK’s legacy 

The Eastside Community commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s continuing legacy on Saturday, January 13, at the Garrison Chapel Baptist Church. The program featured a tribute by community youth representatives and keynote speaker Miss Krishna N. Alexander, a first-year law student at the University of South Carolina School of Law. 

 

Tryon gathers to remember beloved council member 

On January 13, hundreds gathered at the Tryon Coffeehouse Co-Op on N. Trade St. to celebrate the legacy of Tryon Council Member Bill Ingham, who passed away on January 5. Ingham founded the Trade Street Gallery Coffeehouse and served as a council member since 2013. Ingham was a cherished community member who tirelessly worked for and contributed to its betterment. 

 

Hiker dies after accident at Melrose Falls

A hiker fell over 50 feet near a Polk County waterfall, later dying due to his injuries, in a tragic accident that occurred on January 10. Officials say that Andrew Lee, 29, and an unidentified woman were hiking at Melrose Falls, near the Twin Bridges area on Hwy. 176 between Saluda and Tryon, when Lee slipped and fell from a rock overlook off the main trail and suffered multiple injuries. Lee later died at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Officials say Lee grew up in Polk County and was a 2013 graduate of Polk County High School.

 

Suspect in double-homicide investigation fatally shot by police in Landrum

On Wednesday, January 17, a suspect in a double homicide investigation was shot and killed by deputies on Kirby Street in Landrum. Police had attempted to make contact with Gary Prat Whitten, 36, regarding the death of two females in Taylors, S.C., when he brandished what appeared to be a firearm. Multiple officers fired their weapons, killing the suspect. 

 

 

In Memoriam

William Preston Ingham, Jr.

Sandra Greene

Darren Arden Cochran

Mary Wortman

Linda Lee Reynolds

Donald Gene Bradley

Dr. Charles Alfred Huneycutt

Sheila Elaine Rector

Ralph Morton Wheeler

Andrew Lee

Martha Kerr Brinson

Roger Allen Janney

Betty Joane Sutton

William Joseph Tinney, V

Andy Metcalf

Charles Stratford, Jr.

John Fowler

Charles Anthony, Jr.

 

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February

 

TFAC celebrates student art in Showcase of Excellence

On February 3, the Tryon Fine Arts Center celebrated the winners of its 2024 Showcase of Excellence, which featured exceptional artistic talent from local high school students. The showcase awarded certificates and cash prizes to the top student artists and their teachers. It also offered young artists their first opportunity to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery environment.

 

Campobello Town Council prepares to bury time capsule

Campobello Town Council announced that it will bury a time capsule and asked the public for contributions to be included so that future generations can connect to local history. The time capsule will be buried beneath the new Town Hall/Campobello Police Department that will be built sometime in the future.

 

Polk County deputy’s finger severed after pit bull attack

On February 10, a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy was bitten by a pit bull during a call about a potentially dangerous dog in the Mill Spring area, resulting in a serious injury that severed the deputy’s finger. Deputies were dispatched after a family called police about a loose dog, expressing concerns about their children’s safety while playing in their yard. The deputy was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was successfully treated and later released. 

 

Plans to burn down historic Saluda structure ignites debate 

The owner of a historic home in Saluda asked the local fire department to burn down the structure as part of a controlled training exercise, sparking concerns from local residents who wished to preserve the structure and worried about contamination of the environment. Located on a property known as Crystal Springs, the Ashley House was originally built as a boarding house for railroad workers in 1899. The property owner later decided to abandon the plans.

 

Hundreds celebrate Guns ‘n Hoses Chili Cookoff fundraiser

Hundreds attended the inaugural Guns ‘n Hoses Chili Cookoff in Tryon on February 23. Downtown Tryon ignited with flavor as teams consisting of firefighters, police, EMS, and other businesses and organizations offered sample cups of their best chili recipes. The winner was determined via monetary donations. “This is a great idea,” said Cody Vaughn of the Tryon Fire Department. “It brings everybody into the small-knit community, and I’d like to see this continue on in the next few years.” People’s Choice first place went to ‘You’ll be Dead as Roadkill,’ and Judge’s Choice, along with the Copper Cauldron, was claimed by ‘Team KD’ of K.D.’s Sea Shack. 

 

“The Vinings and the History of the Tryon Daily Bulletin” featured during Tales of Tryon

Seth and Gladys Vining, who founded the Tryon Daily Bulletin in 1928, were the subject of a “Tales of Tryon” program presented by the Tryon History Museum on February 29. Their grandsons, John and Jim Vining, participated in a panel discussion with Hub Arledge and Garland Goodwin, and Michael McCue moderated. Organizers noted that the event’s attendance was one of the highest in the popular event series.

 

In Memoriam

Carlos “Skip” Trask, III

Scott Capen Shaffer

Shirley Smith Howard

Margaret Case Crater

Marjory “Marge” Sichert

Betty Rae Sellers

Sylvia Elaine Wilkins

Dutch Perrin, Jr.

Helen Fowler Tolerico

Betty Briggs Tipton

Robert Richard Banks

Richard Frederick Eckert, Jr.

Sarah Jo Biggerstaff Lattimore

Robert Franklin Ormond

Jim Bailey

Susan Wells Gautsch

Margie Allison Collins

Jack Lee Jolley

Jerry Robert Griffie, Sr.

James Hubert Culbreth

 

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March

 

New director of Tryon Downtown Development Association announced

The Town of Tryon hired Lourdes Gutierrez as the new director of the Tryon Downtown Development Association, replacing Michelle Newman. “I love Tryon and I think it’s going to be a good way for me to work on events close to home and to really try to put some feet on the ground in the downtown area,” said Gutierrez, who lives in the Green Creek community.

Gutierrez said one of her primary goals is to better utilize Tryon’s membership in the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street program.

 

Third annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in Tryon

The third annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place in downtown Tryon on Sunday, March 17. The parade offered paradegoers the opportunity to enjoy the event while wearing green and spending gold in the many shops and restaurants that Tryon has to offer. Founded in 2022 by Peg Brunk and Greg Lobas, the co-founders wanted to bring an Irish-themed atmosphere to Tryon after realizing the town didn’t have an official St. Patrick’s Day parade. Their goal was to bring a celebration to Tryon that resembled festivities in their hometowns, complete with bagpipes, fiddlers, kilts and leprechauns.

 

45th annual Super Saturday Children’s Theater Festival

Perfect spring weather on March 16 provided an excellent setting for the 45th annual Super Saturday Children’s Theater Festival. Performances were held throughout the day, pleasing eventgoers of all ages, and many local organizations were on hand, including The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run, Steps to HOPE, The Adventure School, American Legion and N.C. Co-Op Extension. The event culminated with performers participating in a parade along Melrose Avenue.

 

Polk Central Elementary Library renamed in recognition of Lucinda Allen

Lucinda Allen, a fixture in the Polk County educational community for more than two decades, was honored during a special ceremony for her dedication toward Polk Central Elementary School. Allen, who has served on the Polk County Board of Education for 23 years, was recognized not only for her tenure but also for her consistent contributions to Polk Central’s literacy programs. The Polk Central Library has been officially renamed the Lucinda Allen Library, a testament to her commitment to the school and its students.

 

New sign memorializing local man’s efforts unveiled at Landrum Farmer Market

The Landrum Farmers Market Pavilion was adorned with a sign displaying its new official name: the Joe Cunningham Jr. Market Pavilion. Cunningham, who passed away on July 12, 2023, was one of the market’s founders. 

 

Gardening for Life holds second annual Celebration

The Gardening for Life non-profit group hosted its second annual Celebration on Saturday, March 30, at Polk County High School. The event featured a speech by esteemed botanist, photographer, and author Jim McCormac, who is known for his book “Gardening for Moths.” 

The free community event brought together more than 750 people, 20 environmental groups, and ten plant vendors offering native plants. 

 

In Memoriam

Clemon “Cleo” Booker

Carol Page Lawrence

Patricia Lynn Hill Tinney Collins

Rosemarie Marguerite Gerstenberger

Elizabeth Boone

Robert Reynolds

Sadie Hudson McKaig

Carol Anne Schlegel

Nancy Ann Britton

Rosa Estelle Norris

Dorothy Marie Ruff 

Martha “Pat” Weeks Hale