Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC 10^th District) visited with George B. Alley, executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, at the Eloise Thwing center in Columbus Monday afternoon to discuss the ministry’s mission, take a tour of the facility and receive an update on the status of the organization. The ministry has been instrumental in providing Polk County citizens with financial and food assistance for more than 25 years. (Photo by Michael O’Hearn)