First Transition Polk event draws more than 100 people, page 3
Tryon Daily Bulletin
The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper
Vol. 83 / No. 135
Tryon, N.C. 28782
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Only 50 cents
'Dad and JFK: The Early Years' Editor's note: Below is the first of a three-part series in which local attorney Lee Stockdale shares stories of his father's friendship and professional association with President John F. Kennedy. Look for the second and third parts of the series on Thursday and Friday. by Lee Stockdale
It was the Depression. Like many, Dad’s family was so poor they didn’t have enough to eat. Dad's father had died a few years earlier. Dad – Grant Stockdale – was 16 when his mother and two younger sisters got into a relative’s car and left Dad in Mississippi. His mother and sisters went to live with family in Alabama. The Alabama relatives could Grant Stockdale (right), Lee Stockdale's father, with John F. Kennedy early in their friendship. (photo submitted) feed her and the two girls, but sity of Georgia. He arrived in Athens early play for the Hurricanes?” not a big, growing boy. Dad was left in and decided to hitchhike down to Miami. Dad tried out, got a scholarship, and Mississippi to fend for himself. He never Someone picked him up and they talked played halfback for four years for the talked about it. football and the man asked Dad, “Why don’t Dad played high school football and in (Continued on page 5) you come to the University of Miami and 1935 received a scholarship to the Univer-
Here’s a list of meetings and events for area nonprofit community and governmental organizations:
Today
Polk County Mobile Recycling Unit, Wednes-
days, Fire Department in Green Creek, 7 a.m. to noon. The Meeting Place Senior Center, Wednesday activities include Tai Chi, 9 a.m.; ceramics, 9:30 a.m.; Italian Club Meeting (Buon Giorno), 10 a.m.; senior fitness, 10 a.m. bingo or bridge, 12:30 p.m.; Medication Assistance Program, 9 a.m. to noon. 828-894-0001. (Continued on page 2)
Polk Schools to offer core diploma despite legal risks by John Clayton
The Polk County Board of Education decided at its Monday night meeting to offer a 'core diploma' option that would allow some students with extenuating circumstances to graduate under the state’s graduation requirements even if the students have not fulfilled Polk County Schools’ more stringent requirements.
That decision could open the local school system up to litigation, said Polk County Schools attorney Phillip R. Feagan. “The question is, do you want to open the door and take a chance on getting challenged (in court)?” said Feagan. “My feeling is that if you are challenged in a lawsuit, you will lose.”
Serving Polk County and Upper Spartanburg and Greenville Counties
(Continued on page 8)