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Fabulous Fourth fireworks display postponed until Labor Day, page 6

Tryon Daily Bulletin

The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

Vol. 86 / No. 112

Monday, July 8, 2013

Tryon, N.C. 28782

Only 50 cents

Area waterlogged by steady rains High waters, downed trees plague responders by Samantha Hurst & Leah Justice

Heavy downpours dampened Fourth of July festivities around Polk County and Landrum last week canceling fireworks and recreational trips on the Green River. Only five days into July, Polk County almost reached last year’s average rain total for the month. In July 2012, Polk County received an average monthly rainfall of 7.9 inches. As of Friday, July 5 at 5 p.m. the county had accumulated 5.19 inches of precipitation and more rain was expected. All of this rain has led to (Continued on page 3)

Waters near Green River Cove rose to the banks Friday, July 5. (photo by Mark Schmerling)

The Tryon Little Theater box office opens today for the youth musical Willy Wonka, to play the Tryon Fine Arts Center July 18-21. ••• The American Legion Auxiliary meeting for July 9 has been cancelled.

Tryon candidates first to file for election by Leah Justice

The first day of municipal election filing brought six candidates to fill open seats in the Town of Tryon. Friday, July 5 was the first day to file with Bill Crowell, Happy McLeod and incumbent Tryon commissioner William “Wim” Woody being the first

to file at noon. Later in the day incumbent Tryon Mayor Alan Peoples filed to retain his seat along with Bill Ingham and Billy Moss for Tryon Council seats. This year’s municipal election will see several vacant seats, including all

Serving Polk County and Upper Spartanburg and Greenville Counties

(Continued on page 4)


2 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

STAFF Betty Ramsey, Publisher betty.ramsey@tryondailybulletin.com

Samantha Hurst, Editor samantha.hurst@tryondailybulletin.com

Leah Justice, Reporter leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Gwen Ring, Design gwen.ring@tryondailybulletin.com

Lenette Sprouse, Marketing Consultant lenette.sprouse@tryondailybulletin.com

Harry Forsha, Marketing Consultant harry.forsha@tryondailybulletin.com

Kevin Powell, Marketing Consultant kevin.powell@tryondailybulletin.com

Jessy Taylor, Administrative Assistant jessy.taylor@tryondailybulletin.com

Tony Elder, Pressroom Manager tony.elder@tryondailybulletin.com

Jeff Allison, Printing Press/Distribution jeff.allison@tryondailybulletin.com

Jonathan Burrell, Pressroom Ethan Price, Pressroom

How To Reach Us Main number, classifieds and subscriptions: 828-859-9151 FAX: 828-859-5575 e-mail: news@tryondailybulletin.com Founded Jan. 31, 1928 by Seth M. Vining. (Consolidated with the Polk County News 1955) Betty Ramsey, Publisher THE TRYON DAILY BULLETIN (USPS 643-360) is published daily except Saturdays and Sundays for $60 per year by Tryon Newsmedia LLC, 16 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 287826656. Periodicals postage paid at Tryon, North Carolina 28782. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tryon Newsmedia LLC., 16 N Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782-6656. www.tryondailybulletin.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Today

Polk County Mobile Recycling Unit, Mondays, Harmon Field/Tryon, 7 a.m. - noon. Saluda Center, Mondays, chair exercise, 9:30 a.m.; line dance, 12:30 p.m.; Saluda Duplicate Bridge, 1:30 p.m. 828749-9245. For more activities, email saludacenter@hotmail. com or visit www.saluda.com. The Meeting Place Senior Center, sing-along, 10 a.m.; senior fitness, 11 a.m.; bingo or bead class 12:30 p.m. 828894-0001. C h ris t ia n Fello w s h ip Luncheon, TJ’s Cafe, Tryon, Mondays except holidays, noon - 1 p.m.; food, fellowship and discussion of relevant issues; interdenominational. The present study is The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn’t Exist by Craig Groeschel. 859-5051. Chess Club, Mondays, 12:30 p.m., recreation room, LaurelHurst Apartments, Columbus. Open to anyone in community. 894-3336. Alcoholics Anonymous, Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Tryon United Methodist Church, New Market Road in Tryon. Male Domestic Abuse Intervention Program, Mondays, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Steps to HOPE. 894-2340. Landrum Library, yoga class 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Limited to first 30 people for small fee. Alcoholics Anonymous, Mondays, 8 p.m., Columbus

Presbyterian Church.

Tuesday

Polk County Mobile Recycling Unit, Tuesdays, Ozone Drive and Hwy. 176, Saluda. The Meeting Place Senior Center, beginner/intermediate pilates, 8:30 a.m.; ceramics, 9:30 a.m.; devotions, 10 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m. 828-894-0001. House of Flags Museum, open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 33 Gibson Street, Columbus. Polk County Historical Association Museum, open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 60 Walker St., Columbus, lower level. Free. Dig into the Past: Exploring Ancient Egypt, Fli-Rite Learning’s Dig into the Past: Exploring Ancient Egypt and Simple Machines July 9, 10:30 a.m. at Polk County Public Library. Info: polklibrary.org/kids/ or 828-894-8721. LIFECare of Polk County/ Adult Day Health Care, provides services Monday - Friday. Pet therapy every Tuesday is an opportunity for participants to interact with a trained pet therapy dog in a safe and meaningful environment. Call 828-894-2007 for more info. Cracker Barrel, 1 p.m. Tuesdays, conference room, Congregational Church. Free lunch at Mt. Valley, Free lunch available every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.at Mt. Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church on Hwy. 176. Tween Marshmallow Cata-

LOCAL WEATHER Today: Scattered t-storms, with 50 percent chance of rain. High 81, low 69.

Tomorrow: Isolated t-storms, with 30 percent chance of rain. High 85, low 70.

Wednesday’s weather was: High 78, low 64, 1.67 rain. Thursday’s weather was: High 76, low 68, 2.87 rain.

Tonight’s Moon Phase:

pult Contest, The Landrum Library invites tweens to make marshmallow catapults on July 9, 4:30 p.m. at the Landrum Library. Participants will make the catapults and then play games to see who made the best one. Event open to ages 10-12 or rising fifth and sixth graders. For more information, call 864-457-2218. Saluda Welcome Table, Saluda Welcome Table, every Tuesday, dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcomed. Donations accepted. Women to Women support group, first and third Tuesdays of each month, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Steps to HOPE, 60 Ward Street, Columbus. 828-894-2340. Thermal Belt Friendship Council meeting, second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Roseland Community Center. Al-Anon Family Group, meets Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Saluda Senior Center, 64 Greenville Street, Saluda, one half block off Main Street (U.S. Hwy. 176 S.), 828-749-2251 (Saluda) or 1-800-286-1326.

Please submit Curb Reporter items in writing at least two days prior to publication. Items must include a name and telephone number of a contact person. Items will be printed in order by date of event, as space allows.

OBITUARIES Susan K. Chapman, p. 7


Monday, July 8, 2013 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

• Heavy rains (continued from page 1)

lost revenue for several area businesses and potentially dangerous conditions on roadways and rivers. “The rivers are so high all responsible outfitters are canceling trips,” said Green River Adventures owner Sara Bell in an email Thursday night. “It’s a huge hit financially, because it’s the 4th of July weekend, but it’s not worth the risk.” A sign outside of Green River Tubing read, “Closed” on Friday as well. Co-owner Wendell Gillespie said his tubing business was closed all day Friday, July 5, but that he hoped the river level would drop enough to allow him to serve clients on Saturday and Sunday. While recreation companies closed their doors July 4, first responders were out full-force. The heavy downpours resulted in multiple calls for downed

trees and power lines and high waters. The Tryon Fire Department responded to multiple trees down throughout July 4 as well as flooding over Vaughn Street, which caused emergency responders to close the street for a few hours, according to Tryon Town Manager and Fire Chief Joey Davis. There was also minor flooding in other parts of town, including Screven Road, where water tends to pond/pool during heavy rains. One of the trees/power lines down was around Lake Lanier and all others were inside town limits, Davis said. Landrum also saw its share of calls with major flooding on Howard Avenue and Tucker Street. Landrum firefighters said those roads saw flood waters 2-3 feet deep on July 4. Landrum also responded to a house and yard flooding on Campbell and Rickert Avenues. A power line was also down on N. Laurel and Trade Street, as well as a vehicle accident with no injuries.

Polk Board of Commissioners agenda for Monday, July 8 Editor’s note: The first five agenda items include the Call to order, invocation, pledge of allegiance, approval of minutes and approval of agenda. Schedule a public hearing for the draft ordinance concerning customary home occupation class II and residential vacation rentals. 2013 Appearance Commission Awards – Joe Cooper will present certificates. Saluda Senior Center Repairs – Commissioner Pack asked that this item be placed on the agenda. County-owned parcel of land on Park St. in Columbus – Commissioner Pack asked that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion. DSS building – Commissioner Holbert asked that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion. Noise ordinance – Commissioner Gasperson asked that this item be placed on the agenda for

discussion, and to potentially direct the county attorney to draft a noise ordinance. Designation of NCACC annual conference delegate – to elect a voting delegate for the NCACC annual conference Aug. 22-25. Manager’s Report – Introduction of the new EMS Director Michael Crater. Volunteer Boards and Procedures Review. Volunteer Boards for vote. Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees’ appointment – County attorney Berg will present Option1: ratify Commissioner Gasperson’s appointment, and Option 2: Rescind Commissioner Gasperson’s appointment, review applications and make the board appointment at the Aug. 5 meeting. Volunteer boards for review – EDTC; Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees; JCPC; Library Board of Trustees.

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The water on Lake Lanier as of Thursday, July 4 met the edge of most boat docks. Rain continued to pour Friday beginning around 5 p.m. (photo by Leah Justice)

The Columbus Fire Department responded to several trees down and responded to a vehicle accident on Hwy. 74 during the July 4 holiday. Polk County Emergency Services’ Penny Storey said Polk County’s main concern during July 4 was the Green Creek area, particularly the Highlands subdivision. Storey said the Green

Creek Fire Department was out on July 4 checking the subdivision and Watson Road where the water was high but did not cause any road closings. Green Creek Volunteer Fire Department ran one wreck and five calls for trees down. Mark Schmerling contributed to this article.


4 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

• Election filing (continued from page 1)

three municipal mayors and two council seats each in Tryon and Saluda and three council seats open in Columbus. Landrum has its mayor seat open as well as three council seats. Filing will continue until noon on July 19 for Polk County’s towns. No one had yet filed for Columbus, Saluda or Landrum as of press time Friday. Filing will continue in Landrum until Aug. 7 at noon. This year’s election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Following is a list of open seats for the towns of Columbus and Tryon and cities of Landrum and Saluda: Town of Columbus: MayorEric McIntyre; Council-Margaret Metcalf; Council-Ernestine Kan and Council-Rick McCallister City of Landrum: MayorBob Briggs; Council-Jan Hor-

Tracy Waters, far left, works with candidates, left to right, Wim Woody, Bill Crowell and Happy McLeod. (photo by Leah Justice)

ton; Council-Billy Inman and Council-Don Smith. City of Saluda: Mayor- Fred

Baidsen; Council- John Kinard and Council- George Sweet. Town of Tryon: Mayor- J.

Alan Peoples; Council -William B. “Wim” Woody and CouncilDouglas Arbogast.


Monday, July 8, 2013 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

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6 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

Columbus Fabulous Fourth faithful attendees wouldn’t let the rain stop them from getting out and about July 4. It did, however, stop the fireworks display. (photos by Samantha Hurst)

Fabulous Fourth fireworks display postponed until Labor Day Festival goers make best of wet day by Samantha Hurst

As much heart as several dozen people put into braving the weather to enjoy this year’s 51st annual Columbus Fabulous Fourth, the weather found a way to dampen the festival. Around noon Thursday, July 4 Columbus officials made the decision to postpone the town’s annual fireworks show until Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. “We hate that we had to cancel the fireworks as we know it’s a treat for a lot of families but the conditions called for us to be cautious. We’ll try again on Labor Day,” said Columbus Police Chief Chris Beddingfield. A release from the Town of Columbus said significant rainfall over the past week caused site conditions off Hampton Court to prevent technicians from gaining adequate access to the site where the fireworks are typically set off. Officials said more details would be available in the next two weeks, but that the event would include the full fireworks display as well as vendors present during

Rain showers didn’t deter the fun of Landrum’s first Family Fourth of July Celebration. Shielagh Clark entertained children with her fanciful balloon creations. Daughter Abigail sports a balloon hat and Greta Perri is holding a balloon flower. (photo submitted by Ellen Henderson)

the afternoon. In Landrum, residents attempted to make the most if it too for that city’s first Family Fourth event. Landrum Area Business Association (LABA) member Ellen Henderson said the LABA was (Continued on page 7)


Monday, July 8, 2013 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

Cameron Wilson, 4, of Greenville, S.C. made the trek with his dad up to Columbus for the Fabulous Fourth amusement rides.

• Fourth

(continued from page 6)

happy to see a number of people come out despite the soggy atmosphere.

“It really did turn out surprisingly well considering the on again-off again rain,” Henderson said. “The Lions Club sold out of hot dogs; the farmers were pleased with sales and the bands played on.”

Obituaries

Susan K. Chapman Susan Kaufman Chapman, 76, of Tryon passed away Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills, Landrum, SC. Born in Flushing, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Franklin and Josephine Goode Kaufman. She moved to Tryon 30 years ago coming from Spartanburg. She worked as an interior designer and also worked for Blue Ridge Weavers in Tryon. She was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Tryon. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and pets. Her hobbies included rug hooking, gardening and cooking. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ellen B. Abell. Surviving is one son, John M. Bankhead III (Tracy) of Inman, S.C.; one daughter, Cynthia Hutto (Bubber) of Charleston, S.C.; six grandchildren, Joshua L. Abell (Deanna), Laura E. H. Harvell (Matt), Jack, Matthew and Nicholas Bankhead and Mackena Bankhead. A memorial service will be

held July 13, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Tryon, with Father Walter Bryan and Father Tim Hoyt officiating. The family will receive friends Friday evening, July 12, 2013 from 6-7 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722 or to Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, NC 28722. An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

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8 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

Condos


Monday, July 8, 2013 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

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10 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

Market Place

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Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

Monday, July 8, 2013

CooperRiis co-founders Don and Lisbeth Cooper during a recent celebration of the community’s 10th anniversary. (photo submitted)

CooperRiis Healing Community celebrates 10 years CooperRiis is the realization of a dream of co-founders Don and Lisbeth Cooper: to create a place where people heal, have purpose in life and gain personal empowerment. It grew out of their experience with a family member whose life was impeded by mental health challenges. CooperRiis is a non-profit and through the generosity of many, it opened with 25 staff and four residents on a farm in Mill Spring, and has since opened a second facility in the historic Montford section of Asheville, N.C. and built a thriving ‘Community Program’ for graduates. CooperRiis now serves more than 100 residents with mental health challenges and secondary addiction issues who are supported by a staff of over 150. With an annual budget of $10 million, the organization is able

to provide more than $2.5 million a year in scholarships and has helped more than 650 individuals and families to regain fulfilled and functional lives. According to Lisbeth and Don, “Our lives have been enriched beyond measure by our immersion into the CooperRiis Dream. We know that other philanthropists also have personal knowledge about the need to improve mental health care and we hope that in sharing our dream we might awaken theirs. Active, engaged philanthropy arises from the ‘love of humankind’ and we built CooperRiis based on that love and kindness.” One graduate wrote upon departing: “Thank you, CooperRiis, you saved my life.” Several former residents have recently achieved milestones in their lives after CooperRiis, including one recently graduat-

ing with her college degree in engineering, another working as an artist in Asheville and a third who is now teaching as a college professor, married and has two children. Several of our former residents have also come back to CooperRiis as full-time employees after a period away from the program. CooperRiis is a place where the despair that accompanies mental health challenges becomes manageable. At the healing community one can dare to dream again, rebuild a balanced life, relationships and purpose. Whole families are helped in this process through Family Education Weekends and an online recovery education program. “I laughed, cried and felt another layer of aloneness peel off and another layer of hope build in my heart as a result of participating in this experience,” said one

“I laughed, cried and felt another layer of aloneness peel off and another layer of hope build in my heart as a result of participating in this experience.” -- participant family member

family member during a Family Education Weekend. “[We] will always be grateful to CooperRiis and its wonderful team for restoring the light in [our daughter’s] eyes and hope in her voice,” said another. Visit www.CooperRiis.org to learn more or call executive director Virgil Stucker at 828899-4673 or email him at Virgil@ CooperRiis.org. – article submitted by Stephanie McMahon


Monday, July 8, 2013 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

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Rosenberg and St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation to host open house First it started with a painful shoulder. Then came the bum knee. Soon after, he was treating people suffering with a degenerated hip and tennis elbow. After that, it didn’t take long for Dr. Brian Rosenberg to fill his days with bones and joints, sprains and strains, breaks and tears. In nearly 10 years, Rosenberg Bone and Joint has patched and casted, replaced or repaired many a bone and joint at St. Luke’s Hospital. Since locating in Polk County in 2005, Dr. Rosenberg has steadily increased the number of procedures he performs at St. Luke’s Hospital in an area of active retirees and the era of Baby Boomers. His progressive techniques and individualized patient care have helped to attract patients from across the region and neighboring states, and from several foreign countries. With a goal to improve and reduce recovery time and post-op pain for his active-minded patients, Dr. Rosenberg has worked closely with St. Luke’s Hospital to create an excellent patient care team including a physician’s assistant and nurse navigator to work with dedicated perioperative, nursing and rehab staff to ensure his patients experience consistent outcomes, reduced hospital stays and a faster recovery. With the constant flow of patients in and out of his office, it was obvious Dr. Rosenberg needed more space. When the large building at 89 W. Mills St. became vacant, it was a logical choice for Dr. Rosenberg’s new office space. Now renovations are complete and patients and staff are enjoying a spacious, high-tech office environment. Another St. Luke’s department enjoying the renovations of the Mills Street building is the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation. The foundation also moved from the hospital campus to the impressive and comfortable office space with available meeting rooms.

The new home of Rosenberg Bone & Joint and the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation. (photo submitted)

Established in 1991, the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is a network of highly respected citizens who have joined together to raise funds for equipment and facility improvements, educational programs, and the foundation’s endowment. The foundation has raised funds for patient room renovations, hospital beds, heart monitors, automated medication dispensing, central registration and emergency room waiting area and adding digital mammography to the radiology department. The community is invited to see the newly renovated St. Luke’s Medical Building, which is the new home for Rosenberg Bone and Joint and the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation at 89 West Mills Street in downtown Columbus on Wednesday, July 10, from 4 – 6 p.m. There will be tours, light refreshments and a chance to meet the staff. Call 828-894-2408 or 828-8942693 for more information. – article submitted by Jennifer Wilson


12 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

WHERE WE WORK An in-depth look at an area business

NAME OF BUSINESS: A Better Deal STREET ADDRESS: 98 N. Trade St., Tryon PHONE NUMBER: 828-859-0161 OPERATING HOURS: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. E-MAIL: abetterdeal@windstream.net NATURE OF BUSINESS: Department store OWNER/MANAGER: Tommie and Anna Perry YEAR FOUNDED: 2011 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Two HOW’S BUSINESS: We can always use more. ONE THING YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: We carry high quality merchandise. We stock what our customers want to buy. If you ask, we listen. SOMETHING YOU OFFER THAT A CUSTOMER WON’T FIND ELSEWHERE: We have the most complete kitchen and linen supplies locally. You don’t have to drive 20 miles to get quality products. ADVICE TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS: Take the plunge! You can’t stand on the curb forever- at some point you must cross the street. Have money for the first two years. YOUR FIRST JOB: Mowing lawns

Tommie and Anna Perry.

YOUR ROLE MODEL: People who started with nothing and have built successful businesses, especially those who use this success to help others. YOUR KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS: Listen to your customers.

WANT YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED HERE? Email kevin.powell@tryondailybulletin.com, lenette.sprouse@tryondailybulletin.com or harry.forsha@tryondailybulletin.com


Monday, July 8, 2013 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

Powell wins TES class choice art award

Brianna Powell won the Class Choice Award by her fellow Tryon Elementary students in her first grade class. The award was part of the annual Tryon Elementary School school-wide art show held every spring. (photo submitted by Kevin Powell)

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14 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

Three dancers inducted into National Society for Dance Arts The wrong cutline ran with this photo on Friday, July 5. The correct names are, left to right, Dancer’s Extension instructor Sonya Monts, NHSDA Inductees Paige Boone, Zoe Parsons and Sophie Young. Boone, Parsons and Young were inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) on Saturday, May 20 following the annual spring concert for The Dancer’s Extension. The Dancer’s Extension hosts one of only 285 chapters of the NHSDA recognized throughout the United States. The primary mission of the NHSDA is to promote and honor outstanding achievement in middle and high school level students for academic excellence, leadership and artistic merit. The Bulletin apologizes for the error. (photo by Dean Plantamura)


Monday, July 8, 2013 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper

Teams capture division wins in July 4 3-on-3 tourney A 3-on-3 basketball tournament was held at Stearns Gym Thursday, July 4 for ages 5-adults. Proceeds from the tournament went to the Polk County High School men’s and women’s cross country teams. Left: Fifth-sixth grade division champs - Shaq, Matias Akers and Wes Royster. Right: Stephen Staley, Jalen Hines and DeShae Briscoe were the adult winners. (photos submitted by Jenny Wolfe)

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16 Tryon Daily Bulletin  / The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper Monday, July 8, 2013

Pearson’s Falls installs innovative restroom system Construction began this week on Pearson’s Falls’ innovative green bathrooms, through a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation. The Clivus Multrumsystem, the first of its kind in western North Carolina, will utilize proven green composting technology to provide restroom facilities for Pearson’s Falls’ 18,000 yearly visitors, while preserving its natural environment. Carol Meeske is the committee chair for the Tryon Garden Club’s green toilets project. “They’re in keeping with our mission to preserve, protect and treasure Pearson’s Falls, a natural preserve, owned and operated by the Tryon Garden Club,” she said. The committee was formed to investigate options for environmentally friendly alternatives to standard restrooms for Pearson’s Falls’ visitors who have used portable toilets since 1991, and a privy before that. After months of study, the Clivus Multrum composting system was chosen for the glen’s permanent restroom facilities, and will provide clean, sanitary and accessible restrooms with minimal intrusion to Pearson’s Fall’s natural environment. “We know the community and our visitors will be as interested in

Carol Meeske, Tryon Garden Club committee chair, general contractor Austin Edwards and Elizabeth Nager, Polk County Community Foundation, look over plans for the new green restrooms. (photo submitted)

learning about this type of system as we have been,” said Kathy Wright, Tryon Garden Club board member. The club hopes their example will inspire other local and regional organizations and agencies to go green when considering public restroom facilities. “The Garden Club board is so appreciative that the volunteers and staff of the Polk County Community foundation have funded the Clivus Multrum composting system,” said Wright. “We’re

“They’re in keeping with our mission to preserve, protect, and treasure Pearson’s Falls ...” -- Carol Meeske

also thankful for the engineering design from Altamont Environmental and the construction work by Bloom Construction and Living Roofs.” – article submitted by Susan McNabb


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