Polk wrestling focused on individual accomplishments, page 30
Tryon Daily Bulletin
The World’s Smallest Daily Newspaper
Vol. 85 / No. 247
Tryon, N.C. 28782
Friday, January 25, 2013
Only 50 cents
Volunteers speak out about problems with EMS by Samantha Hurst
Xxx A winter storm warning was issued yesterday by the National Weather Service for today between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. The warning includes for snow, sleet and ice. Wintry precipitations, mostly in the form of freezing rain but also mixed with snow or sleet at times early. Most of the precipitation was forecast to be in the middle part of the day with minor sleet or snow accumulations and a 1/4 inch of ice.
Here’s a list of upcoming meetings and events for area nonprofit community and governmental organizations:
Today
Saluda Center, Friday events: chair exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Trash Train, 10 a.m.; NA Meeting, 8 p.m. For more activities, email saludacenter@hotmail. com or visit www.saluda.com. The Meeting Place Senior Center, Friday activities include movie matinee or drumming at 10 a.m. and bingo or movie at 12:30 p.m. 828-894-0001. American Legion Post 250, (Continued on page 2)
A number of first responders who volunteer their time within Polk County’s emergency medical system said the Polk County Board of Commissioners made the right decision in seeking a replacement for outgoing medical director Dr. Allison Owens. “I’m almost tickled pink to see her go,” said Nicholas Edwards, who works full-time as a captain with the Saluda Fire Department. Edwards also works part-time with Tryon and Columbus, and volunteers with Green Creek. “She’s held this county back from a lot and now that we are getting her out the door I feel like we can excel so much more.” Commissioners voted 4-1 on Jan. 7 to “go in a different direction” in regards to the oversight of the county’s emergency medical system (EMS). Commissioner chair Michael Gage said the working relationship between volunteers and Dr. Owens has soured over the years, making the department less effective than it could be overall.
Emergency responders remained at Big Bradley Falls throughout the night in April 2012 in an attempt to rescue a Saluda man that fell from the falls. This is just one example of the time commitment volunteers often give. (photo by Samantha Hurst)
In a previous interview with the Bulletin, Gage said the primary issues exist with a lack of training opportunities and the fact that individuals cannot volunteer as first responders in Polk County unless they have EMT certification. Several volunteers said these
(Continued on page 4)
St. Luke’s considers hiring Columbus officers by Leah Justice
St. Luke’s Hospital has asked the Town of Columbus to hire two police officers to staff the hospital at night. Columbus Town Council met
Jan. 17 and approved the town working with the hospital on an agreement after hearing from St. Luke’s CEO Ken Shull. Shull says with changes in the world his employees would feel
Serving Polk County and Upper Spartanburg and Greenville Counties
ng New wi n! oo s g n i m co
two issues put a strain on the system. “Under Dr. Owens the volunteer first responder program is dying,” said Marty McGuinn in a letter to the Bulletin.
Building Better Healthcare 828.894.2408 SaintLukesHospital.com
more comfortable with armed officers at the hospital. The hospital currently has two security guards on staff but (Continued on page 8)