Farmers markets to accept EBT/debit payments this year, page 5
Tryon Daily Bulletin
The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper
Vol. 84 / No. 21
Tryon, N.C. 28782
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Only 50 cents
Philpott wins state wrestling championship Maxwell, Vera also place in finals by Joey Millwood
Here’s a list of upcoming meetings and events for area nonprofit community and governmental organizations:
Today
Polk County Mobile Recycling Unit, Tuesdays, Ozone Drive and Hwy. 176, Saluda. Polk County Transportation Authority, makes a regular trip to Hendersonville on the first and third Tuesday of each month. 894-8203. Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, “We Care” is a weekly informal social group open to women coping with loss. The group meets at 9 a.m. at TJ’s Cafe in Tryon and is open to newcomers. For more information, contact Shannon Slater at 828-894-7000 or 800617-7132 or sslater@hocf.org. Saluda Center, Tuesdays, chair exercise, 9 a.m. Bridge, 10 a.m., 828-749-9245. For more activities, e-mail saludacenter@hotmail.com or visit www.saluda.com. The Meeting Place Senior Center, Tuesday activities include ceramics, 9:30 a.m.; art class, 10 a.m., Bingo or movie, 12:30 p.m. 828-894-0001. Polk County Historical Association Museum, open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 60 Walker St., Columbus, lower (Continued on page 2)
Polk County wrestler Tyler Philpott’s journey culminated in high school glory last weekend when he brought home a state championship for the first time in his wrestling career. Two years ago as a sophomore, Philpott qualified, but didn’t place. Last season, the 285-pounder finished third. This year, after a season littered with vanquished foes, Philpott stood atop the hill alone. And standing there with his arm held up by the referee, Philpott’s only thought was joy. “It was an unbelievable feeling,” the senior said. “It was probably the best feeling I’ve ever had.” In that moment the first person he thought of to celebrate with was his coach, Brandon Schweitzer. The two developed a bond over the last three years and (Continued on page 3)
Tyler Philpott (right) in a match at the state championship tournament last weekend. Philpott won the championship. For more photos, see the photo gallery at www. tryondailybulletin.com. (photo by Jane Ollis)
Polk approves Medicaid waiver program by Leah Justice
Polk commissioners agreed last week by a majority vote to join the 1915(b)(c) Medicaid waiver program for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services. If approved by Polk’s mental health local management entity (LME), Western Highlands, the change will mean Western Highlands will administer Medicaid
services. The state currently contracts Medicaid services with ValueOptions and the state is trying to phase the services back to LMEs. Polk County approved a resolution Monday, Feb. 21 to join the program. The vote was 4-1, with commissioner Tom Pack voting against the move. Commissioners heard last week from Niels Eskelsen, for-
Serving Polk County and Upper Spartanburg and Greenville Counties
merly with Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare, which joined the Medicaid waiver program in 2005. Eskelsen recommended that Polk join the program, saying after five years, Piedmont is operating 20 percent under the state’s costs per person. He also said consumer surveys have been (Continued on page 4)