► Landrum receiving quotes on railroad crossing welcome banner

The City of Landrum is receiving bids for a permanent welcome sign to hang on the railroad crossing at the intersection of Hwy. 14 and U.S. 176 coming into downtown Landrum between The Hare and Hound and Foothills Amish Furniture. A temporary sign designed by Our Carolina Foothills is hanging on the railroad crossing and, according to Landrum City Administrator Rich Caplan, discussion is ongoing about the size, color and content of the permanent sign.

► Old Valley Courts Motel bought by Charleston resident

The Old Valley Courts Motel on U.S. 176 in Tryon has been bought by Charleston resident Werner “Turky” Burky to be used as a residence. The Tryon Daily Bulletin is looking for historical information and photographs of the hotel to share with Burky. Anyone with information about the property or photographs can email news@tryondailybulletin.com.

► Polk amends wireless telecommunications ordinance

Following a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 23, the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to its wireless telecommunications ordinance adding a fall zone of one and a half times the tower’s height. Harry Denton needed to extend a tower by 10 feet and previously the county required an engineering certificate to do so, which would have been expensive, county officials said.

► Polk increases transportation fees

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved increasing fares to ride the Polk County Transportation vans. A public hearing was held on Jan. 23 with no public comments. Fares will increase for the door-to-door service to $2 from $1 as well as slight increases for out of county visits. Foothills Express will remain at $1 per trip.

► Polk hears animal cruelty investigation presentation

Animal cruelty investigator Margo Savage gave a presentation to the Polk County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Jan. 23. Savage detailed the program, which began in 2004. Investigators are sworn into office, are trained and not paid for their services. Investigators are authorized to investigate all animal complaints and do so no later than 24 hours after the complaint, Savage said. Investigators work under the Foothills Humane Society and are appointed by county commissioners. Savage said investigators have helped more than 400 equines in need as well as dogs, cats, alpacas, llamas, cows and an emu. There are eight investigators currently. Commissioners thanked investigators for their service.

► Polk appoints Mills to ETDC

The Polk County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Ambrose Mills to the Polk County Economic and Tourism Development Commission. Commissioners made the appointment during their Jan. 23 meeting.

► Polk reminds public of work session scheduled for Feb. 4

The Polk County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a work session for Saturday, Feb. 4. The work session will be held downstairs in the Womack building from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and from 1-3 p.m.