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Chelsea’s surprise defeat at home to Fulham earlier in the day had been an unexpected gift for Arne Slot’s side and they drove home their advantage by outclassing the struggling Foxes. Having overcome the early setback of conceding to Jordan Ayew, with even the travelling fans expressing their surprise they were winning away after taking just five points on the road this season, the home team had too much quality. That was personified by the excellent Cody Gakpo, whose eighth goal in his last 14 appearances produced the equaliser in first-half added time with the Netherlands international unlucky to have a second ruled out for offside by VAR. Further goals from Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah, with his 19th of the season, stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten run to 22 matches. For Leicester, who had slipped into the bottom three after Wolves’ win over Manchester United, it is now one win from the last 10 in the league and Ruud van Nistelrooy has plenty of work to do, although he was not helped here by the absence of leading scorer Jamie Vardy through injury. It looked liked Liverpool meant business from the off with Salah’s volley from Gakpo’s far-post cross just being kept out by Jakub Stolarczyk, making his league debut after former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward was omitted from the squad having struggled in the defeat to Wolves. But if the hosts thought that had set the tone they were badly mistaken after being opened up with such simplicity in only the sixth minute. Stephy Mavididi broke down the left and his low cross picked out Ayew, who turned Andy Robertson far too easily, with his shot deflecting off Virgil van Dijk to take it just out of Alisson Becker’s reach. With a surprise lead to cling to Leicester knew they had to quell the storm heading their way and they began by trying to take as much time out of the game as they could, much to Anfield’s frustration. It took a further 18 minutes for Liverpool to threaten with Gakpo cutting in from the left to fire over, a precursor for what was to follow just before half-time. That was the prompt for the attacks to rain down on the Foxes goal, with Salah’s shot looping up off Victor Kristiansen and landing on the roof of the net and Robertson heading against a post. Gakpo’s inclination to come in off the left was proving a problem for the visitors, doing their utmost to resist the pressure, but when Salah curled a shot onto the crossbar on the stroke of half-time it appeared they had survived. However, Gakpo once again drifted in off the flank to collect an Alexis Mac Allister pass before curling what is fast becoming his trademark effort over Stolarczyk and inside the far post. Early the second half Darwin Nunez fired over Ryan Gravenberch’s cross before Jones side-footed home Mac Allister’s cross after an intricate passing move inside the penalty area involving Nunez, Salah and the Argentina international. Leicester’s ambition remained limited but Patson Daka should have done better from a two-on-one counter attack with Mavididi but completely missed his kick with the goal looming. 🎯 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) Nunez forced a save out of the goalkeeper before Gakpo blasted home what he thought was his second only for VAR to rule Nunez was offside in the build-up. But Liverpool’s third was eventually delivered by the left foot of Salah, who curled the ball outside Kristiansen, inside Jannick Vestergaard and past Stolarczyk inside the far post.
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Most of us may carry a smartphone that comes with a built-in flashlight, but besides being expensive and easy to lose, these devices usually can't match the capability or durability of the genuine article. The utility of a good flashlight is not an easy thing to exaggerate. A purpose-built flashlight can be more rugged than an expensive cell phone, throw brighter light for longer distances, and have unique features designed for specific use cases. A flashlight makes a great addition to the kit whether you need a portable solution to carry with your car keys, an emergency option for when the lights go out, a gift for the nature lover in your life, or powerful something to illuminate your wildest adventures. Today, let's examine what makes a great flashlight, unpack some technological terms surrounding the portable lighting industry, and explore some of the best offerings available on Amazon, based on customer reviews. Not all flashlights are created equal, and it's important to consider what you're desired use is when shopping around. Explorers might prefer a hands-free headlamp, while late-night dog walkers might prefer hand-held illumination. Whether you want something to light up the sky or just a room, it's important understand how bright a flashlight gets by checking how many lumens it produces. This is the unit of measurement for determining light emitted per second. A typical small candle produces 12 to 15 lumens, while a stage spotlight may produce between 2,000 and 5,000. If brightness is your top priority, check out our list of five of the brightest flashlights . And note that high lumen measurement doesn't necessarily mean a flashlight will cast light over a long distance — for that you've got to pay attention to the candela rating (which refers to brightness in a given direction). Also, today's flashlights may be powered by anything from rechargeable lithium-ion to standard alkaline batteries. Battery choice will impact how long the flashlight lasts, how many lumens it can produce, and the time between charges — capacity is usually measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Depending on what you need, something with a long or short battery life could suit you just fine. Whether you're looking for a gift or something for personal use, our list of the best flashlights on Amazon, ranked by user ratings, will help you select the proper flashlight for your needs. With its simple design, affordable price, and effectiveness, the Energizer LED Headlamp Pro is a hands-free headlamp that won't break the bank. It's a practical choice for most casual headlamp applications. The $19.99 price tag includes two plastic lamps attached to a headband that secures around your forehead. Headlamps might not fight the typical handheld flashlight mode, but hands-free operation sure comes in handy if you're trying to get the power back on in your home or find that tent stake you misplaced. Each powered by three AAA batteries, these headlamps produce a powerful 260 lumens and throw light up to 80 meters. This level of brightness and range provides a sense of security, making it suitable for walking, jogging, or biking around the block or to the campsite bathroom. Despite not being rechargeable like some others on the market, the AAA-powered version promises up to 35 hours of use between battery changes. In a nod to its likely outdoor usage, Energizer has protected it against incidental water contact, like rain or splashing, with an IPX4 water resistance rating. Headlamps are a convenient way to use a flashlight hands-free, and as a trusted brand, it should come as little surprise that with over 5,000 Amazon reviews, the LED Headlamp PRO 2-pack garners an average consumer rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. One common use of a flashlight in the home is when there is no alternative. Power outages are inevitable, and no one likes to be caught scrambling for the ancient flashlight with the dead batteries that died in the junk drawer years ago. Energizer offers a dependable solution for power outages with its Weatheready LED Rechargeable Plug-in Flashlights . Each $58.99 package includes six flashlights, ready to take over in the event of a power outage. Designed for reliability, each light includes a built-in power plug for recharging via a standard wall outlet. When the lights go out, the Energizers automatically light up, providing a secure and reliable source of light. Each unit casts a 40-lumen beam up to 30 meters — fine for indoor applications such as scrambling for the circuit breaker or maneuvering to the bathroom with an electrical storm outside. Each charge provides up to three hours of operation, which might not seem like much compared to other choices on this list, but considering there are six in each package, rationing the light might make sense in case the power outage persists longer than that. Amazon reviews have spoken and are overwhelmingly positive. With 1,776 reviews, the Weatheready Energizer LED Plug-Ins scored an average rating of 4.7 out of five stars. The terms tactical and military are often used to describe flashlights, but is there really a difference between them and everyday option s? The short answer is an inconclusive "sort of." Calling something military-grade is primarily a marketing ploy used to drum up an aura of rugged reliability. The Streamlight 88061 ProTac bills itself as a professional tactical light, and though there is some vagueness surrounding that term, the Streamlight fits the bill. Amongst its "tactical" features is an anodized aluminum case that has been tested for up to two-meter drops, a waterproof rating of IPX7 protecting it against submersion in up to a meter of water for thirty minutes, an innovative accessory clip, and strobe lighting and brightness modes. The ProTac can operate on a single lithium-ion or AA alkaline battery. A single CR123A li-on battery can produce 350 lumens and 6,400 candelas (160-meter beam) for up to an hour and a half. If long life at the cost of brightness suits your task better, a low power setting can make 40 lumens and 720 candelas (53-meter beam) for up to 14 hours. It can also strobe for three hours. However, it's important to note that these numbers may deteriorate slightly when using AA battery power. Streamlight has a reputation for building quality flashlights, and the $44.99 Protac seems to live up to it. Through 4,572 Amazon reviews, it retains an overall average rating of 4.7 out of five stars. Most people like to travel as light as possible when spending a weekend or longer in their favorite outdoor spot. Whether packing for an overnight hiking trip, taking a hybrid approach with a camper-equipped pickup truck , or striking out in a fully equipped Class A recreational vehicle, space and weight are usually at a premium. The AlpsWolf Camping Lantern will help eliminate extra clutter and weight by offering a flashlight that serves as a powerful handheld and easily converts to a lantern perfect for tent illumination or playing cards at a picnic table. The first thing to know is that the AlpsWolf is bright, with up to 800 lumens cast to a maximum range of 500 meters. A rechargeable, non-removable 3,600 mAh battery makes enough power for continuous operation for 12 hours with a recharge time of three hours. It can also serve as an emergency power bank via a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter built into the butt. The most intriguing aspect of the AlpsWolf is its modularity. A cleverly designed handle combined with lanyard loops makes it convertible from a traditional handheld to lantern, spotlight, or hands-free (with the aid of a lanyard). With over 3,000 reviews at an average of 4.6 stars out of five, Amazon's reviews indicate that the AlspWolf lives up to its promises. Finding out for yourself won't best the bank: The AlpsWolf offering is priced at $22.99. Everyone with a cell phone has a flashlight by default, but having one that small doesn't require digging out a $1,000 piece of equipment and holding it precariously in front of you is often preferable. The Olight i1R 2 EOS is a great choice of keychain flashlight , easy to get out and use at any time, whether you habitually walk the dog after work, take the trash out after dark, or drop your phone in the shadows. This featherweight keychain flashlight weighs a mere half ounce and is just shy of an inch and a half long. Despite its diminutive design, it still manages to cast a 150-lumen beam up to 40 meters. One interesting feature is that by twisting the collar, users can choose beam brightness from as low as 5 lumens to the full 150. The Olight replenishes via an included micro-USB cable that can transmit a full charge in 76 minutes. It also includes a keyring for easy incorporation into your current set of keys. The Olight's waterproof rating is also an excellent feature. Certified at IPX8, it can withstand immersion in water up to a meter for at least thirty minutes. Olight asks $17.95 on Amazon, which comes with over 5,500 ratings at an average of 4.8 stars out of five, the highest on our list so far. If a keychain flashlight is in the future for you or a loved one, be sure to check it out. Flashlights with high candela ratings can be extremely useful. While all flashlights throw a beam, spotlights are especially powerful, offering a focused beam that reduces light spill, and cuts through fog and dust. They can be used to good effect in nature spotting or even search-and-rescue applications. Streamlight makes its second appearance on our list with the Waypoint 400 . This pistol-grip spotlight weighs 1.52 pounds and has an overall length of 6.75 inches and a height of 7.14 inches. On high power, its 3.62-inch head diameter casts a beam of 1,400 lumens and 400,000 candelas up to 1,265 meters for 3.25 hours. On low settings, brightness comes down to 38 lumens and 10,000 candelas up to 200 meters for an impressive 84 hours. The Streamlight's rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which includes a charger, fully replenishes in four hours. It is designed for rugged outdoor use and is IPX8 certified for waterproof submersion up to 2 meters (though it floats if dropped in water) and drop-resistant up to 1 meter. An integrated stand allows for limited hands-free operation. The Waypoint 400 is larger and heavier than many non-spotlight flashlight models, but its specialized spotlight design, rugged construction, and effectiveness make it perfect when a spotlight is called for. With over 1,600 reviews, it scores an average satisfactory rating of 4.8 out of five stars. Engineered specifically for law enforcement, the Guardian Angel Elite Series is a unique safety solution designed to keep you secure in low-light conditions. With its distinctive features, it's a standout choice for those who prioritize safety. The Guardian Angel weighs 0.38 pounds and measures 3.75 x 1.75 x 1.5 inches. It offers 360-degree lighting with four white, three red, and two blue LEDs on the front and four red and four blue on the back. The 450-lumen beam is visible for 5-plus miles in clear conditions. The polycarbonate casing is IP68 rated, meaning it will survive immersion and is also dust-proof and shock-proof. A patented rare-earth magnet mounting system allows mounting the Guardian Angel on shoulder epaulets, helmets, tactical carriers, and more. With multiple brightness and flash settings, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery can power the 18 LEDs for as long as 93 hours. The Guardian Angel would make an excellent gift for anyone in your life who might venture into the dark, whether the driver of a car, an avid hiker, or a law enforcement professional. With nearly 3,000 ratings on Amazon, this $134.99 safety flashlight has garnered an average rating of 4.8 stars out of five. Penlights are the happy medium between a keychain and a full-sized flashlight. They are small, convenient, and clip into a pocket for quick and easy access. Whether you're a hunter, camper, home inspector, HVAC engineer, or medical professional, a penlight is a versatile tool that can come in handy in a variety of situations. The Gearlight S100 pocket penlight measures 5.25 x 0.5 x .05 and comes equipped with a clip, perfect for securing it in a shirt or pant pocket. The aluminum casing is durable and lightweight, weighing only an ounce. A pair of AAA batteries power the 100-lumen beam — plenty for use in enclosed spaces. The Gearlight S100 is a straightforward tool that lacks the extraneous features found on other flashlights. However, this simplicity is part of its charm. It is precisely what it's supposed to be: lightweight and convenient access to light in a dark space. And one of the best parts is that for $16.99, buyers get two. Give one to a loved one, or throw it in your glove box for a rainy day. Over 14,000 ratings on Amazon have given the S100 an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars. We've covered just about every type of specialty flashlight on our list, but what about your standard handheld? There's a lot to be said for having a sturdy, reliable flashlight in the kitchen drawer, whether supplementing your others or serving as the main household emergency flashlight. The SureFire G2X is made of Nitrolon with a metal sleeve and measures 5.2 x 1.25 x 1.25 inches — small enough to handle easily while maintaining a comfortable hand feel. Powered by a pair of included replaceable lithium-ion CR123A batteries, the SureFire produces up to 400 lumens for an hour or 15 lumens for longer. Its brightness, durability, and reliability make it a viable choice to throw in a drawer or glovebox whenever you need it. A common complaint about the SureFire is that it eats batteries a little too quickly, which is part of why it's recommended for household use where your battery supply should be nearby. But its pros outweigh its cons; over 1,800 Amazon reviews give it an average satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of five stars.
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NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a “serious risk” of witness tampering and proof he has tried to hide prohibited communications with third parties while incarcerated. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled in a five-page order following a bail hearing last week. At the hearing, lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs doesn’t flee and doesn’t try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses. Two other judges previously had agreed with prosecutors that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Subramanian concurred. “There is compelling evidence of Combs's propensity for violence,” Subramanian wrote. Lawyers for Combs did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the decision. Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for prosecutors, declined comment. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. A federal appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan considers his bail request. That appeal was put on hold while Subramanian, newly appointed to the case after an earlier judge stepped aside, considered the bail request for the first time. Subramanian said he took a fresh look at all the bail arguments and the evidence supporting them to make his decision. Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the “I'll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing. They say that even in a federal lockup in Brooklyn, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties. Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his “power and prestige” to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.” Subramanian said evidence shows Combs to be a “serious risk of witness tampering,” particularly after he communicated over the summer with a grand jury witness and deleted some of his texts with the witness. The judge also cited evidence showing that Combs violated Bureau of Prisons regulations during pretrial detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn when he paid other inmates to use their phone code numbers so he could make calls to individuals who were not on his approved contact list. He said there was also evidence that he told family members and defense counsel to add other people to three-way calls so their communications would be more difficult to trace and that he made efforts to influence his trial's jury pool or to reach potential witnesses. Subramanian said his “willingness to skirt” jailhouse rules to conceal communications was “strong evidence” that any conditions of release would not prevent similar behavior. The judge said defense claims that Combs stopped using one particular phone technique criticized by prosecutors was belied by the fact that Combs apparently used it again on Sunday, two days after his bail hearing last week. Even a bail proposal that would include the strictest form of home confinement seemed insufficient, the judge said. “Given the nature of the allegations in this case and the information provided by the government, the Court doubts the sufficiency of any conditions that place trust in Combs and individuals in his employ — like a private security detail — to follow those conditions,” Subramanian wrote.NoneAston Villa denied last-gasp winner in Juventus stalemate
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Sky Labs Inc., BrainU Co., Ltd., and ANDOPEN Co., Ltd. will be recognized as Innovation Award Winners SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its successful participation last year, Seongnam City will participate in CES 2025, the world's largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition. The event will take place from January 7 to 10, 2025 , in Las Vegas , USA . Seongnam City will operate the "Seongnam Pavilion," which will support 25 local startups from the Seongnam region and highlight their innovative technologies and products. CES 2025 will attract approximately 4,400 companies and over 130,000 attendees worldwide. At CES 2024, Seongnam City garnered significant attention from domestic and international investors and buyers by showcasing startups with outstanding technological capabilities. This effort established valuable global networks and expanded market opportunities, achieving a total contract value of KRW 145.5 billion . These tangible outcomes highlighted the high level of satisfaction among participating companies. This year, Seongnam City, a leading innovative hub in South Korea , aims to actively support local startups in expanding into overseas markets and building global networks through its participation in CES 2025. The Seongnam Pavilion will feature cutting-edge technologies and products across advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, smart cities, and mobility. Through these efforts, Seongnam City seeks to further solidify its position as a "Global Innovation City." Notably, three companies from Seongnam were honored with CES Innovation Awards, demonstrating their technological excellence and global competitiveness on the world stage: Sky Labs Inc. : Recognized for its QuickGlyTM technology, which non-invasively measures glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). BrainU Co., Ltd.: Honored for its VET CAI, an EEG-based depth-of-anesthesia monitoring device designed for animals. ANDOPEN Co., Ltd.: Awarded for its SNAPPASS, a next-generation two-step authentication solution based on facial recognition. Seongnam City stated, "By participating in CES 2025, we aim to showcase Seongnam's innovative technologies to the global stage and provide a launchpad for our startups to expand into international markets." Meanwhile, the Seongnam Pavilion will feature 25 companies, including BRYTN Co., Ltd., NTL HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd., EMTAKE Inc., AWESOME LAB Co., Ltd., JNL Co. Ltd., Linkface Co., Ltd., Emma Healthcare Co.,Ltd., NC& Co.,Ltd, Becon Co.,Ltd, LITBIG, Inc., GeodeSound., Inc, MEDIAIPLUS, INC, BoS Semiconductors, Sky Labs Inc., STRATIO, INC., BrainU Co., Ltd., analogue plus Co.,Ltd., EX Healthcare Inc., Mangoslab, Littleone, Bluefeel Co., Ltd., Aram Huvis Co., Ltd., Real Design Tech Co.,Ltd., Crescom Co., Ltd., ANDOPEN Co., Ltd. These companies are set to unveil their groundbreaking technologies at the exhibition. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seongnam-city-to-participate-in-ces-2025-paving-the-way-as-a-global-innovation-hub-302339453.html SOURCE Seongnam CityEditor’s Note: Over the next few issues, we will publish our annual look back at some of the top stories, newsmakers and images that shaped the year. Following are some of the top stories published in the Bulletin during April, May and June of 2024. April Tryon’s April Fools’ Day Celebration makes a spirited comeback Downtown Tryon saw the return of the April Fools’ Day festivities, which included live music, a parade, the ‘Trashion Show,’ and the Outhouse Race. Last held in 2018, the event was sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association. The parade featured various organizations decked out in their wackiest attire, and Pete Veihman and company won the Outhouse Race. Eventgoers were delighted by the oddball event. Tryon Little Theater acquires permanent home After 75 years of doing vagabond theater, the Tryon Little Theater announced that it had acquired a permanent home after acquiring ownership of the building it had rented for 19 years, located at 516 South Trade Street in Tryon. TLT Board President Mark Sawyer said he and his team were excited about what lies ahead. Solar eclipse visible from Polk County Many folks in Polk County and Landrum were looking to the sky on Monday, April 8, as a partial solar eclipse was visible in the foothills. The solar eclipse reached 85% totality in our area. One dead, another injured in Columbus shooting A shooting took place on Thursday, April 11, at the Ashley Meadows apartment complex in Columbus, killing Dwight Bennett, 20, of Landrum, and injuring Chris Rickman, who was taken to the hospital and later released. The suspected shooter, William Nelson Campbell, 19, of Spartanburg, was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder and assault with serious bodily injury. Tryon holds 76th Annual Block House Steeplechase The 76th Annual Block House Steeplechase was held on Saturday, April 13. The event featured a tailgate decorating competition, a kid’s zone with lots of fun activities for children, and plenty of food vendors and shopping opportunities. The prizes for the day totaled $110,000. Mill Spring man sentenced in shooting death of Talia Petoia On Monday, April 15, Tyler Laughter pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Polk County Superior Court and was sentenced to 15 to 27 months in prison. Laughter shot his girlfriend, Talia Petoia, on March 10, 2023, who died at the age of 27. Approximately 30 of Talia’s family and friends attended the sentencing. Grand opening held for Landrum Rail and History Museum The City of Landrum held the grand opening of its Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27. After a speech by Mayor Robert Briggs, Jennifer Ossting Shaw and Adam Shaw, daughter and grandson of Ken Ossting, who donated the railcar to Landrum, addressed those in attendance. The Landrum Rail and History Museum is located at the Historic Landrum Depot at 211 North Trade Avenue. In Memoriam Mary Elizabeth Greene Katharine Marie Janes Ina Jewel Conner Constance Karon Whittle Bishop Lillie “Magdalene” Bradey Marilyn Linda Moore Patricia “Patsy” Ryan Jeffry Edward Jenkins John Hugh Hicks Jerry Michael Waddell Peter Shanahan Philip Eugene (Gene) Morehead Karen Parker-Binns William Scott Thayer Holcomb Carolyn Fagan Stubblefield ______________ May Polk County launches community listening sessions in response to the opioid epidemic Polk County’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee began community listening sessions to respond to the opioid epidemic. Community members were asked to review strategy options under North Carolina’s Opioid Planning Agreement. In 2018, the county signed on to a Class Action Lawsuit to hold drug makers, distributors, and several retail pharmacy chains accountable for fueling the epidemic. This litigation resulted in a payout to Polk County of slightly over $3 million, which will be distributed over the course of 18 years. Inaugural Columbus Spring Festival takes place downtown The first-ever Columbus Spring Festival took place on Saturday, May 11, on Gibson St. and the courthouse lawn. The festival was created by Jenny and Kevin English, owners of Bear’s Den Trading Post and Discover Columbus. Jenny, inspired by Hendersonville’s Apple Fest, wanted to utilize Columbus’s downtown area for a spring-themed event. The festival celebrated local vendors, craftspeople, and music. Columbus honors Paul’s Barber Shop on its 25th anniversary The Town of Columbus honored Paul’s Barber Shop with a proclamation for its 25th year in business. The shop opened its doors in downtown Columbus on May 11, 1999, and has been a staple of the community ever since. Owner Paul Heyer started working as a barber in Hendersonville in 1997, and said the proclamation was unexpected. “The mayor came in, and he asked how long we’d been in business, and I thought it was just a normal conversation,” he said. “So I was surprised by the whole thing.” 19th annual Saluda Arts Festival celebrates art and culture On a cool Saturday in Saluda, the 19th annual Saluda Arts Festival graced Main Street with an array of artists and art forms. Over 100 skilled artists, each with their unique style and medium, showcased their creations at the festival. From intricate jewelry and vibrant paintings to delicate ceramics and captivating photographs, the festival truly celebrated diverse art forms. Polk County Schools honored for support of military-connected students and families Polk County Schools was recognized with the esteemed Purple Star Award for its support of military-connected students and families. The award highlights Polk County Schools’ dedication to ensuring that military-connected students receive the resources and assistance they need to thrive academically and socially, acknowledging the challenges they may face due to frequent relocations and deployments. Tryon Parks Committee beautifies Woodland Park The Tryon Parks Committee worked to beautify the Woodland Park entrance near Carolina Drive, thanks to the Polk County Appearance Commission and the Tryon Garden Club. The effort began by controlling a patch of kudzu that had been established for a decade or more. Volunteers planted new native species and installed large boulders. In Memoriam Linda Burch Eiserloh Pastor Kenneth D. Braswell Harriet Byars Peoples Frederick Berlinger Robert “Rocky” Obermille Nate Stewart Jane Kennedy Hart Calvin Frank Ruff Burton B. Blackwell Elizabeth Boone Ray Higgins Arnold G. Skipper Wynona Ormand Joye John Elliott Elizabeth (Betty) Winkel __________________ June Dark Corner Classic Car Show sees record turnout The Dark Corner Classic Car Show in downtown Landrum showcased 253 registered cars, trucks, and motorcycles, making it the most successful show in its six-year history. Vehicle enthusiasts enjoyed ideal weather, lively music, and an impressive display of horsepower. A donation of $10,000 to Landrum’s Brookwood Park was announced at the event. Former Polk County teacher found guilty of indecent liberties with a student On Wednesday, June 12, a former Polk County High School teacher, John Brian Taylor, 51, of Landrum, was found guilty on charges of taking indecent liberties with a student. Taylor received a suspended sentence of a minimum of six months and a maximum of seventeen months in prison should he violate the terms of probation. He was also ordered to register as a sexual offender for the next thirty years. Court records show that on November 15, 2022, deputies received information that a student had been inappropriately touched by Taylor. Jackson’s Wrecker celebrates 50 years Jackson’s Wrecker Service celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, June 15, at Veterans Park in Columbus. The event featured food, bounce houses for the kids, and live entertainment by Heath Fowler Music and The Dirty South Band. Started in 1974 by the late David Jackson, Jackson’s Wrecker Service quickly became the top wrecker service in the area by developing great relationships with the community. Roseland celebrates Juneteenth and RISE! Over 300 people converged on the grounds of Roseland Community Center on Saturday, June 15, for a community celebration of Juneteenth and the launch of a new generation of RISE!, Roseland’s longstanding summer program for youth. People from Polk, Rutherford, Henderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties joined Eastside residents for the celebration. Landrum Fire and Rescue District receives grant for new drone The Landrum Fire and Rescue District received a grant from Duke Energy to purchase a new drone. The grant was given to the Landrum Fire and Rescue District as part of a $500,000 microgrant from Duke Energy, which donates funds to 33 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina. Linda Hannon, Duke Energy’s Director of Government and Community Relations, presented the Fire Department with a check for $17,000 on Wednesday, June 19. In Memoriam Frances Parker Page Paul H. Ritchey Henry Robertson Charles Waters Robert Leggitte Deterly Dean Winesett Susan Hettinger Joan Francke Remick Post Jack Arnold Taylor William MacGuire Gordon
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