► Polk economic development director position still in limbo

Polk County has been without an economic development director all year as the board of commissioners did not renew director Robert Williamson’s contract last year. The county held a workshop in early February with the county economic and tourism development commission (ETDC) to discuss the future of the economic development department, but have not discussed the position since. Duties of the economic development office are currently being handled by Jim Edwards, former director of the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission (IPDC).

► Saluda accepts grant from Polk County Appearance Commission

The City of Saluda has received grant funds from the Polk County Appearance Commission to beautify Main Street with two Armstrong Maple trees. At the city’s March 13 commissioner meeting, the city accepted a $392.50 grant to go toward the $785 total cost of the project. The city will match the grant funds. The trees will be planted in front of Thompson’s Store and Ward’s Grill on May 25.

► Saluda approves bid to purchase new public works vehicle

During the commissioners meeting March 13, the City of Saluda approved a bid from Friendship Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram in Forest City to purchase a 2017 F-350 Ford truck for the Saluda Public Works Department. Saluda City Administrator Jonathan Cannon recommended purchasing the vehicle for $46,414.38 in addition to setting aside 10 percent of the purchase price as contingency. The contingency will be used to purchase decaling, snow plow attachments and replacing equipment for the vehicle. The city will use $34,000 from the capital outlay budget and the remaining $17,000 from the retained earnings fund to purchase the vehicle.

► Landrum holds first reading of street closure ordinance

The City of Landrum, during their monthly meeting on March 14, held the first reading of an ordinance to close a section of E. Turner Street and approximately 165 feet of Peach Avenue. The street closures will allow Keystone Storage owner Bill Robinson to expand his business to include a new motorhome parking building on a 0.15-acre parcel of land he plans to buy. The ordinance will have its second reading at the April 11 city council meeting.

► Polk County Board of Education approves 2017-2018 school calendar

During their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 13, the Polk County Board of Education approved the 2017-2018 school calendar for all schools except the Early College. Students will return to school on Monday, Aug. 28 and the last day of school will be on June 8, 2018 with a half day. Thanksgiving break begins on Wednesday, Nov. 22, Christmas break begins on December 21 and spring break is April 2 – 6.

► Landrum discusses community garden on S. Shamrock Avenue

During their work session on Tuesday, March 14, Landrum City Council discussed establishing a community garden on a vacant lot on S. Shamrock Avenue. According to Rich Caplan, Landrum city administrator, a meeting was held on the property with Landrum High School Principal Jeff McCraw and his staff to evaluate the land. The city agreed to provide a new water connection to the site and will seek a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation to secure a storage shed to be used by school officials.