Bright Days Ahead!

Welcome to the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge where we are committed to keeping our community informed and united as we recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.

Our beautiful region has faced significant challenges, but together, we are rebuilding stronger than ever. Here, you will find the latest updates on recovery efforts, resources for businesses and residents, and ways to get involved in revitalizing our beloved area.

Whether you're a local business owner, resident, or a friend of our community, we appreciate your support and invite you to join us in this journey of resilience and renewal.

TOWN ACCESS
LOCALS ONLY PLEASE

• Town Officials have asked that no one come to Town unless you live here or are working here for the Town or with a property owner. 
• The NC Highway Patrol is overseeing checkpoints requiring verification to minimize traffic.
• The Police checkpoint has been moved to The Hickory Nut Store.

TOWN CENTER ACCESS AND BEYOND: 

• Use caution when driving in the area due to road construction and debris removal.
• Expect delays from working crews. 
• Traffic is limited to homeowners or their contractors in Town Center and Boys Camp Road.
• Plans have been developed and we are working through details to begin construction on a temporary bridge.
• A temporary ford has been created that allows passage to Boys Camp Road through a very rugged river crossing. Use extreme caution when fording across the river.  
• Town Officials ask that homeowners and contractors limit passage in and out of Boys Camp Road to preserve the temporary ford.
• Traffic to the Village of Chimney Rock is currently limited. CRV Officials have established a pass system for homeowners that allows for one entry/exit per day. Entry is restricted to all others except workers.  

TOWN OF LAKE LURE

October 16, 2024

The following are Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Wednesday, 10/16/24.   

• Verizon installed a Cell on Wheels (COW) in Pool Creek Picnic Park a full set of bars for those in the immediate area. Please use this enhanced service for calls and tests and do not use the bandwidth for watching videos, etc.
• AT&T continued work to replace the fiber throughout town which will improve internet and cell reception.
• Note instructions on debris and hard trash below.
• The National Guard, US Army, the Army Corp of Engineers, and many contractors are in Lake Lure working to assist with the storm recovery process.
• If you need supplies, please stop by the donation stations at the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department at 658 Memorial Highway (64/74), Ingles on Highway 9, or at Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach at 2556 Memorial Hwy. (The roadway is open without Police Checkpoints.)
• If you need assistance with home cleanup following the storm, please send a message to Communications@townoflakelure.com (Subject: Cleanup).
• Our community, along with many of our neighbors, has been devastated by the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The Town of Lake Lure, NC is deeply grateful for the support our community has received in the past few weeks.  We have been blessed with volunteers, donations, and supplies. We have had numerous requests to establish a mechanism for financial donations. If you have an interest in this, please click on the following link to donate to the Town of Lake Lure Storm Recovery Fund.  Please click here to donate to the Town of Lake Lure Storm Recovery Fund.  You may also make checks payable to Town of Lake Lure (Storm Recovery), PO Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746.
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 RESOURCES/FEMA ASSISTANCE
FEMA

• FEMA representatives are working closely with Town Officials and daily meetings are taking place to ensure coordination of needs, requests, and resources. 
• FEMA representatives are returning 10/16/24 for in-person assistance at Ingles from 9-5.
• FEMA App: Use the FEMA app to apply directly from your smartphone. 
• Online: Visit www.disasterassistance.gov to apply. 
• By Phone: Call 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative.

A FEMA Resource and Information web page for citizens.  Please see the updated information summarized below.
FEMA is Seeking Lodging to House Disaster Survivors: FEMA is seeking both multifamily and residential properties to lease for Helene survivors. The fact sheets are attached for any interested businesses/lodging providers who may want to participate. Please note that homeowners may also be eligible to participate in this program but as a long term lease for survivors. There are requirements, but this is a good place to start.

• Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP): The D-SNAP program has been activated in North Carolina and the details are located: Hurricane Helene Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) | NCDHHS. People can apply in person at the following locations
  • Henderson County: Blue Ridge Commons Shopping Center 2111 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28739
  • McDowell County: McDowell County YMCA gymnasium (bottom level) 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, North Carolina 28752
  • Polk County: Polk County Health and Human Services Agency, Human Services Building 231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756
  • Rutherford County:  Isothermal Community College (ICC) Foundation Performing Arts Center, 286 ICC Loop Road Spindale NC 288160

LAKE LURE RESOURCE CENTER: Ingles on Highway 9, 276 NC-9

• Ingles and the Ingles Pharmacy are  now open and operating under normal operating procedures.   
• Christian Aid Ministry Rapid Response Team meals offered 11:30-1:00 & 5:00-6:30.   
• Shower trailers, restrooms, and a hand washing station are available.
• Charging station available (near the food trailer) but please bring your charging cords. 
• Public Starlink WiFi (LL Starlink) available with no password. (Turn your phone to airplane mod, Turn on WiFi on your phone, Under WiFi, click on LL Starlink)
• Tool trailers and workers available to assist with home repairs/yard clearing for free.
• Volunteers have set up donation stations in the parking lot for those in need.
• Fairfield Mountains Chapel is also available for spiritual support as needed.  

MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC: A Mobile Health Clinic is stationed at Ridgeline Heating and Air at 1618 Bill’s Creek Road and they are available Monday - Friday from 9:30-4:30.

LIBRARY: Now through 11/15/24, anyone needing to fax information related to Hurricane Helene may do so for FREE at all Rutherford County Branch Libraries. (Thank You!

VOTER INFORMATION: www.rutherfordcountync.govhttps://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/departments/board_of_elections/index.php
Voters impacted by Hurricane Helene: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election/helene-recovery-and-voting

UTILITIES/INFRASTRUCTURE

• POWER: IMPORTANT: The breaker should be off in your home until the power is restored to avoid power surges when the power is restored.
• Duke Energy: Power is still being restored to 217 people in our area without power.
• REMC: REMC advises that power has been restored for customers within 28746.  

CELL SERVICE:

Fiber optic lines are being placed throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge and cell and internet services should be improving this week. The Verizon Cell on Wheels is now in Town Center.

WATER/SEWER SYSTEM:

• Lake Lure water and sewer bills have been suspended for the rest of 2024.
• Water has been restored throughout Lake Lure and the Boil Advisory has been lifted for all areas.  
• A NO FLUSH order remains in place for those on the Town sewer system. To clarify, CWS is part of the Town of Lake Lure sewer system.
• Emergency repairs are being made to the sewer system and WasteWater Treatment Plant.  We are hopeful repairs will enable service within the following weeks.
• The Town is working closely with the NC Department of Environmental Quality on all activities.
• PERSONAL WELLS: Resources for assistance with testing and disinfecting personal wells.
•  Foothills Health District. Please click on the following link for Emergency Drinking Water Well Disinfection Procedures   http://www.foothillshd.org/images/forms/4000/4001/FoothillsHealth_WellWaterDisinfection.pdf 

     2) Broad River Water Authority: 828-286-0640 https://www.ncbrwa.com/ 

     3) James & James Environmental Management, Inc. 828-697-0063 

          https://www.facebook.com/jamesandjames1992/

TRASH: 

• Debris and hard trash will be picked up from home properties at the right of way (near the street) by this Friday, 10/18/24.   Have items in place by 7:30AM on Friday.
• Note that debris will also be picked up at the shoreline at a later date, once the majority of the debris is removed from the lake. Stay tuned for updates on this as progress is made.
• Please check with Lake Lure Fire Department (LLFD) before doing any open burning due to the Wind Advisory.  Burn Permits may be obtained from the LLFD
• The Town has added two dumpsters in the Dittmer-Watts parking lot (across from Ingles on Highway 9) to assist residents with household trash.  
• The Bill’s Creek Convenience Center remains open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday. (Closed Wednesdays and Sundays) 
• Solid Waste: household garbage, demolition materials, brush and tree limbs, pallets, metal, white goods (which consists of refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers, hot water heaters, dishwashers, etc.), tires, cooking oil, motor oil, oil filters, batteries and dead animals. They will not accept other liquids, hazardous waste, insecticides, chemicals, stumps, sludge etc. The landfill also accepts used computers, TVs and asbestos.

Rutherford County Landfill: (828) 287-6125, 656 Laurel Hill Dr, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Polk County Solid Waste (Transfer Station and Landfill): 828-894-3737, NC 9 HWY two miles north of Mill.  Open 8:00-4:30 Mon-Fri and 8:00-4:00 Sat  

TOWN PARKS AND TRAILS

• Note that Morse Park and the Lake Lure Welcome Center are closed and are only accessible to construction workers.
• All other Town Parks and Trails are temporarily closed for assessment and clearing. 

LAKE/BOATS/DAM
PLEASE STAY OFF THE LAKE: 

• The lake is currently unsafe and only Town approved workers are able to be out on the lake at this time. 
• The National Guard and Army Corps of Engineers contractors are working with Town crews and contractors to remove debris from the lake as quickly as possible.  
• The Frogco is hard at work removing debris from the Lake Lure marina basin.
• Booms are in place to prevent large debris from going further downstream toward the dam.
• A hazmat boom has been strategically placed to soak up water, oil, coolants and other materials, preventing these from going downstream. 
• Crews are working to remove debris as carefully and quickly as possible to minimize environmental impacts.  They are making tremendous progress everyday!

BOATS:

• The priority at this time is removing any hazardous boats from the lake.
• Boat owners will be contacted by the contractor if your boat has been removed.
• Washburn Marina: Drone photos have been taken of the boats in the Washburn Marina to assist with insurance claims. The Parks, Recreation, and Lake (PRL) will be sending out a link to slip owners this week. Individual contractors are not allowed in Morse Park or the Marina at this time.
• Rumbling Bald Marina: For boats stored at the Rumbling Bald Marina, please contact the General Manager.
• All other motorized and non-motorized boats will be removed at a later date.  The PRL Department will establish a location for boat owners to retrieve boats at a later date.
• A comprehensive list of boats and associated permit numbers, along with their whereabouts will be kept by the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department.

DAM/LAKE LEVELS:

• The Lake Lure Dam remains stable.
• Crews are working to repair the erosion on the left side of the dam and they are making excellent progress. 
• The road issues on Buffalo Shoals Road near the dam have been repaired.
• The construction of the new reservoir drain will resume as soon as possible.
• The Lake Level will remain at approximately 985.5, five feet below full pond for now.
• Lake Levels may shift in the coming days and updates will be provided when that occurs.   

UPDATE FROM MAYOR PETER O'LEARY

Oct. 15, 2024

Oct. 16, 2024:

SPECIAL NOTICE:

The active community wells within Chimney Rock Village were analyzed for total coliform and e-coli on October 14, 2024. These test results showed no presence of bacteria. Therefore, the boil water advisory has been cancelled. Regular water system operations have resumed from the operational wells to include chlorinations and water analysis as required by the State of North Carolina and Division of Environmental Quality. Please continue to perform water conservation.

 

Oct 14, 2024

NEXT STEPS TO RECOVERY: Village businesses met with Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) representatives to establish temporary shops for the fall and holiday season. The economic relief effort will establish a special Western NC Main Street shopping experience at TIEC. The shops are tentatively scheduled to open October 26. A big thank you to TIEC for generously providing their facilities to help businesses recover economically as they rebuild their stores and restaurants in Chimney Rock Village and across western NC. More details to come!

​BUSINESS FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund/
• https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=NC-20007
• https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/by-category-or-agency
• https://www.usa.gov/disaster-financial-help

Assistance for Individual Property and Businesses

• On September 29, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Carolina, including Rutherford County, to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.  

• FEMA Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Businesses: Grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.

US Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance: Loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the disaster. This includes:

• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations are eligible.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans available to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their financial obligations during a disaster recovery period.

Give Wisely

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many of us want to lend a hand to support the recovery of local businesses and community members. However, with the increase in donation appeals, it’s essential to ensure your contributions reach those who truly need it. Unfortunately, not all donation drives have clear guidelines, which can leave room for scams or mismanagement of funds. Here are some tips to ensure your donation goes to a legitimate and trustworthy organization:

1. Verify the Organization's Credentials

• Look for organizations with established histories, such as local community foundations, national charities, or Chamber of Commerce efforts. If the organization is unfamiliar, check whether it is registered as a nonprofit with the IRS.
• Websites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance can provide insights into a charity’s track record and financial transparency.

2. Be Cautious with Crowdfunding Campaigns

• While many good-intentioned individuals set up donation accounts through platforms like GoFundMe, it’s important to understand that these sites do not have strict regulations or oversight on how funds are used. As a result, there is no guarantee that the money will go directly to those in need.
• When in doubt, it’s best to select non-profit organizations that have a long history of serving the community. These organizations are often more transparent about where funds go and are accountable to donors and the public.

3. Look for Transparency

• Reputable organizations are transparent about their spending. They should be able to clearly explain how funds will be allocated (e.g., how much will go directly to aid versus administrative costs).
• Check their website for detailed plans, progress reports, and information on the people they are helping. This openness is a good sign that they are using funds as intended.

4. Consider Local Organizations with a Strong Community Presence

• In times of disaster, local nonprofits, churches, and chambers often have the most direct access to those in need. Supporting these established entities can ensure that your contribution reaches your neighbors more quickly.
• Before donating, research or reach out to the Chamber of Commerce or local government offices for recommendations on trusted organizations involved in the relief effort.

5. Trust Your Instincts

• If something seems off, it probably is. Avoid high-pressure tactics, vague promises, or requests for unusual payment methods (like gift cards or wire transfers). Always take the time to do your research before making a contribution.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure your generous donation reaches the right hands, helping our community rebuild stronger after Hurricane Helene. Together, we can make a difference while protecting ourselves and each other from potential pitfalls.

CLICK HERE FOR FEMA RECOMMENDATIONS TO AVOID FRAUD