► Columbus businesses reforming merchant’s association

Businesses in Columbus are reforming the Columbus Merchant’s Association. Columbus Town Council made the announcement at its Feb. 16 meeting. Columbus manager Tim Barth said one meeting has been held with another scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Brick.

► Columbus schedules a litter pick-up

The Town of Columbus has scheduled a litter pick-up for Saturday, March 4. Volunteers will pick up litter along Hwy. 108 within city limits. Volunteers are asked to meet on March 4 at 9 a.m. at town hall.

► Sidewalk on Peniel Road likely next spring

Columbus Town Manager Tim Barth told town council on Thursday, Feb. 16 that he received the contract for the sidewalk work on Peniel Rd. from the intersection with Walker St. to Holly Hill subdivision. Columbus approved the sidewalk about a year and a half ago. The town will pay 20 percent, or about $30,000 with the local share coming from the town’s Powell Bill funding. The N.C. Department of Transportation will pay the remainder. Barth said the work will likely begin in the spring of 2018.

► Tryon approves alcohol at April Fool’s celebration

The Town of Tryon approved selling alcohol at the plaza during an April Fool’s celebration downtown this year. The Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) is planning a small celebration this year in homage to past festivals. The festival was not held last year. This year April Fool’s Day (April 1) is on Saturday so the celebration will be on April Fool’s.

► Tryon plans Easter egg hunt at Harmon Field

The Town of Tryon is planning an Easter Egg hunt this year that will be free to participants. Tryon Town Council met Tuesday, Feb. 21 and heard from town manager Zach Ollis who announced the event. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 8, with time to be announced.