Tryon Fire Department recognized

During Tryon Town Council’s Aug. 18 meeting, the fire department and its firefighters were recognized. Town manager and fire chief Joey Davis announced that the department recently achieved certification for heavy rescue. Davis also recognized firefighters who fought a fire on Wilderness Road last month in extremely hot temperatures. Davis also thanked other fire departments and agencies who helped and Huckleberry’s restaurant which fed firefighters.

Tryon adopts street closure policy

The Town of Tryon now has a street closure policy for closing streets for events such as festivals. Council met Aug. 18 and approved the new policy, which includes provisions for public safety as well as the requirement that at least two-thirds of businesses along the street give approval for the street to be closed. The approval of the policy was contingent on attorney approval.

Tryon to purchase two new public works trucks

The Town of Tryon will be receiving two new trucks for its public works department. Tryon commissioners approved purchasing two Ford trucks, one four-door and one two-door. The main truck will be a Ford F350. Public works director Gary Walker was asked following budget discussions which vehicles need to be replaced that could also be used for other services. One truck is used for the street department and is two-door with three and soon four employees riding in it. The other truck was for the sewer department. Both trucks being replaced are 2004 models. The town plans to finance the purchases at 1.75 percent for five years with payments not beginning until next fiscal year. The town plans to have the trucks delivered in eight-nine weeks.

Tryon to pay $500 towards Toy Maker celebration

Tryon Town Council agreed last week to contribute $500 for printing of a booklet for the upcoming celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the Tryon Toy Makers and Wood Carvers. The booklet will include a history of Tryon and a map of locations for the guided tour for the Toy Story weekend. The total cost of the booklet to print is estimated at $800, but event organizer Christine Mariotti told commissioners she hopes to cut that price with paid advertisements in the booklet. The Toy Story event is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 26.

Tryon remains under stage I water restrictions

Despite significant rain this week, Polk County slipped into a severe drought, updated from moderate drought by the N.C. Drought Advisory Council on Thursday, Aug. 20. Tryon Town Council met last week and announced that the town’s water users are still under stage I restrictions. Town manager Joey Davis said the town now has a means of getting alternate water sources, through the interconnect line with Columbus, Saluda and Polk County but the town is trying its best to conserve water on its own. Rain starting last week caused water to begin flowing over the Lake Lanier Dam, Tryon’s water reservoir. The town is also utilizing its mountain water source.

Public parking on the way for Landrum

Landrum City Council approved allocating approximately $17,000 dollars to create a public parking area for downtown access. The lot was donated by Operation Hope and sits directly behind the building located at 206 E. Rutherford St. in Landrum. “This is something we’ve been discussing for a while,” said Mayor Bob Briggs. The council agreed to remove the trees and apply gravel to the lot as opposed to paving, which would roughly double the cost. “That gives us time to pay the depot off in 10 years and then use the money to pave it later,” said Councilman Randy Wohnig. According to City Administrator Caitlin Martin, the city will also erect public parking signage directing motorists to the lot.