Two more file for Polk County election Thursday

There were two more people who filed for local elections on Thursday, Dec. 17. John Dennis Hill (R) filed to run for a Polk County Board of Commissioner seat and incumbent Cindy Allen filed to retain her seat for the Polk County School Board, White Oak Township. Hill joins other candidates, Jake Johnson (R), Myron Yoder (R) and Penny Padgett (D). Allen is being challenged by Kevin Seay. The last day to file is Monday, Dec. 21 at noon at the Polk County Board of Elections Office.

 

Saluda completing leaf pickup this week

The City of Saluda plans to complete its leaf pickup this week, weather permitting. City council met Monday, Dec. 14 and heard from commissioner Leon Morgan that as of Monday the city’s pickup was 60 percent complete.

 

Saluda closes out CDBG grant for the Gorge

The City of Saluda closed out a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) obtained for the Gorge Zipline during its Monday, Dec. 14 meeting. The city obtained a $250,000 small business and entrepreneurial assistance grant on behalf of the Gorge to assist the company with the purchase of machinery and equipment, to provide community and business development assistance through planning funds, and to fund the administration of the grant. Of the grant, $249,983 was expended.

 

Saluda discusses cardboard recycling dumpsters for businesses

Saluda commissioner Carolyn Ashburn told council this week she wants to continue the discussion regarding providing cardboard recycling for businesses. She said City Manager Jon Cannon has obtained potential pricing with once per month pickup being $2,100 per year and weekly pickup being $2,520 per year. The city has been discussing placing a bin at the city’s Laurel Drive property. Mayor Fred Baisden said he would like for the city to speak with Polk County recycling, which visits the city once per week with bins but business cardboard is too much quantity. Baisden said the city could speak with the county about coming more than once per week or bringing a larger container. Ashburn said she would like for the item to be placed on the next agenda.

 

Saluda changes commissioner department heads

Following the swearing in of new commissioner Stanley Walker and incumbent commissioner Leon Morgan during Saluda’s Dec. 14 meeting, council changed which commissioners will head each department. Walker was named water/sewer commissioner, Commissioner Carolyn Ashburn was appointed streets and sanitation commissioner and Commissioner Leon Morgan was appointed building, parks and cemetery commissioner. Commissioner Mark Oxtoby will continue as public safety commissioner.

Tryon approves Main Street agreement with TDDA

Tyron Town Council approved a service agreement with the Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) to handle Main Street Program duties. Community Development Director Paula Kempton is serving as liaison between TDDA and the town regarding requirements for the Main Street program. The agreement was approved unanimously by council.

 

Tryon tables planning and adjustment board appointments to seek more applicants

Tryon Town Council tabled appointing members to its planning and adjustment board to seek more applicants. The board of seven currently has five members. Council encouraged residents to apply so new appointments can be made as soon as possible. The decision was tabled until the next meeting, which could be the regular meeting or a special called meeting prior to the January meeting.

 

Tryon New Year’s celebration to include fireworks

Tryon Midnight, the town’s New Year’s downtown celebration, will include the ball drop at 9 p.m. and fireworks at 9:05 p.m. Tryon Town Manager Joey Davis told council the ball drop was moved by TDDA to the earlier time (from the usual 10 p.m.) to be more family friendly. Trade Street will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 5:30 p.m.