THE LAKE LURE TRIBUTE
1927-2002
75 YEARS OF PROGRESS

Mayor: Jim Proctor
Commissioners: Blaine Cox, Lea Hullender, Dick McCallum, George Pressley,
Town Manager: H.M. “Chuck” Place

OCTOBER  2002

Published by Town of Lake Lure, P.O. Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746
Newsletter Editor & Coordinator: Monica Stofer

Telephone: (828) 625-9983               Fax:      (828) 625-8371
Website:     www.ci.lake-lure.nc.us       E-mail:  lakeluretown@blueridge.net

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

by Jim Proctor

Diamond Jubilee - The Fun Continues!

          Please note that our Diamond Jubilee Celebrations continue with the following Events:  October 16th - Diamond Jubilee Golf Tournament at the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course. Registration at 9:00 a.m. then a Shotgun starts at 10:00 a.m.  The cost is $120.00 per team and will include food and drinks. Entry deadline is October 11th. Call  625-4548 for more details.

         October 26th - The Batty Costume Ball at the Lake Lure Inn.  8:00 p.m. till Midnight. $25.00 per person (tickets available at the door).  I’ve heard that several famous historical folks will attend (or was that hysterical?).  For  more information call the Lake Lure Inn at 625-2525.

         November 9th - “Making History for the Future.” Guests of Chimney Rock Park will take part in the planting of memorial trees and hear more about the history of the area.  As a culminating activity, The Morse family will bury a Time Capsule.

         November 9th - The Diamond Jubilee Centennial Ball!  The Grand Finale to the year’s events will be held at the Lake Lure Arcade Building.  Along with seeing  your friends and neighbors in formal attire, the festivities will include a live band to provide music for dancing, “heavy” hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Dress will be formal (black tie optional) and reservations will be limited to 200 guests.  $50.00 per person.  Call the Lake Lure Town Hall for reservations at 625-9983.

  

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

by H. M. “Chuck” Place III, AICP

 The Drought (Part 2)

          The recent  rains have brought the lake level back up to normal and then some. We have been running the power plant for the first time since August 3.  Given that  there is no guarantee of more good solid rain, short of more hurricanes from the Gulf, I don’t know how frequently we will be able to run in the future, but I suspect not very often until our regular rainfall is back to normal.

         I was invited to a meeting in County Manager John Condrey’s office in late September to discuss the water supply problems in the county.  Among the officials attending was Broad River Water Authority (BRWA) Director Harlow Brown.  This discussion was prompted by concerns expressed by Mr. Brown about the amount of water available for withdrawal from  the river.  (He had asked me several weeks previously about releasing water from the lake and I told him that we would only consider it in an emergency.)  The result of the meeting was a decision to apply for a grant to study both immediate and longer-term needs for water supply in the county and to explore all available water sources.  A part of the study will be to determine what will constitute an emergency and who will have the authority to declare one.

         I asked Utilities Director William Grimes to supply some information for our general information.  He estimates that a draw down of 1 inch would  release about 20,300,000 gallons of water.  While this seems a lot, only a small percentage of that would actually be taken into the BRWA treatment plant.  The remainder would either be lost before reaching the plant (about 25 miles downstream) or flow past the inlet and on down river.  William also stated that he starts getting complaints from owners of drive-on boat lifts when the level gets down to about -6 to 8 inches saying that they cannot run their boats onto or off the lift and when the level is at about -10 to 12 inches, many boats are “in the mud.”  The normal maximum lake level reduction is about 4.5 feet.  When we drop below 5.5 feet, we experience problems with pulling air into the turbines at the hydro plant and must cease power generation and the overall maximum draw down is limited to 12.5 feet based on the depth of the overflow gates.

 Dredging

          We are exploring the possibility of dredging Tryon Bay Cove this winter.  If you have tried to run a boat in there, you know that Cane Creek has deposited a lot of material all the way across the cove.  Our dredging contractor and I have examined the cove and the surrounding area and believe that it can be cleaned out without lowering the lake.  Council is looking at a proposal from  the contractor and we hope to be able to begin in a few months.

 Diamond Jubilee

             I’m sure you’ve all seen the fountain in the “sailing pond” next to the gazebo by now.  This was the creation of Tony Hennessee and his sidekick Gary Roberts using Public Works funds.  Diamond Jubilee Chairman Bill Bush, not to be outdone, came forth with additional  money from the Diamond Jubilee Fund and paid for a light kit.  This is now known as the “Jubilee Fountain” and is one more improvement to the park in the name of our 75th anniversary.  Thanks to Tony, Gary and Bill (not to mention all the folks that have contributed to the Diamond Jubilee Fund)!

 

TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC, CTC

          REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council  meeting was held on Tuesday, September 17, 2002, 7:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

 Under the “consent agenda,” Council: 

* approved the minutes of August 13, 2002 (regular meeting); and

 * approved  budget amendments to increase both sewer and water departments expenditures by  $22,250 each and increased revenues by $44,500 for the Rural Center Grant as recommended by the Finance Director.

   In other activities, Town Council:

 * Heard from United Way representatives of Rutherford County who presented red roses and a plaque to Margaret Michelon in honor of her late husband Leno Michelon who was a former Mayor and Commissioner of Lake Lure, commemorating the generosity of their gift endowment of $57,000 to the United Way of Rutherford County. United Way President Barry Gold announced that the Pillars Club which is a designation reserved for individuals who give $500 or more to the United Way, has been renamed the Leno C. Michelon Pillars Club;

 * heard a report from DJC Chairman Bill Bush on the activities of the Diamond Jubilee Committee;

 * adopted Resolution No. 02-09-17 designating Fiscal Year 2002-2003 as “Lake Lure Recycles” a  year for all citizens to maximize recycling;

 * adopted Ordinance No.02-09-17 amending the cable television franchise agreement with Northland Cable Ventures LLC and the Town of Lake Lure;

 * heard a report from the town manager on biological testing of the lake;

 * heard a presentation from Executive Director Steve Saucier and President Laura S. Pocock on educational resources for Rutherford County provided by Kid Senses, Inc.;

 * approved a budget amendment of $1,500 from the contingency fund to be used toward fireworks for the upcoming boat parade on Saturday, December 7, 2002 being sponsored by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce;

 * approved request from the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce for the town  to waive the daily boat permit fees on October 19, 2002 for participants in a fishing tournament contingent upon them obtaining a complimentary permit at the town marina for this event;

 * approved $1,000 from the water and sewer fund for the town to participate in the cost of an application for sewer connections in the Hickory Pointe Subdivision being requested by David Odom, Odom & Associates Engineering, Inc.;

 * appointed Stephen M. Webber to serve as alternate member on the Board of Adjustment/Lake Structures Appeals Board to fill Ken Jordan’s position with a term expiring December 31, 2003;

 * appointed Mayor Jim Proctor as voting delegate and Commissioner Blaine Cox as alternate voting delegate to represent the town at the North Carolina Municipal League 2002 annual business meeting;

 * approved  request from the Lake Lure Republicans to suspend the town’s alcohol ordinance in order to serve wine during candidate’s night held in the Community Hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on October 10, 2002 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.;

 * authorized the town manager to proceed with an agreement between the Village of Chimney Rock and the Town of  Lake Lure  regarding water meter reading and billing services being provided for the Village of Chimney Rock contingent upon the Town of Lake Lure being reimbursed for all expenses;

 * authorized the town manager to notify John Orsillo, McGill Associates, P.A. to proceed with an application for a State Revolving Fund loan through the NCDENR  Public Water Supply  Section to finance water system improvements; and

 * held a closed session to consult with a retained attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3), and discussed legal matters pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3) relative to the pending lawsuit between Patricia Hyatt and the Town of Lake Lure.

 

TOWN EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

by Betty Hinson, Personnel Director

          Tabatha Ruppe, employee of the month, came to work with the Town of Lake Lure on February 16, 1999.  She worked with the Lake Lure Police Department as a receptionist until March 22, 2000  when she transferred  to the position of a police officer.  In April of  2001,  she left Lake Lure to accept  other employment.  In June 2002,  Tabatha returned to the Lake Lure Police Department and in August was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

         Tabatha received her Basic Law Enforcement Training at Western Piedmont Community College.  Tabatha is a certified diver and has completed classes in Water Rescue and Watercraft Handling Techniques.

         Tabatha and her family  reside in Marion, NC and  we thank you Tabatha for all that you do for our  town.

  

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

by Chief Mike Bustle                          

National Safety Council Halloween Tips

 Trick-or-Treaters

~Carry a flashlight

~Walk, don’t run

~Stay out of roadways

~Obey traffic signals

~Stay in familiar neighborhoods

~Don’t cut across yards or drives

~Wear a watch you can read in the dark

~Make sure costumes are loose and don’t drag so warm clothes can be worn underneath

~Shoes fit properly, even if don’t go with your costume

~Avoid wearing mask while walking from house to house.  Facial make-up is safer and more colorful.  If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes

~Carry only flexible knives, swords, or other props, made from cardboard or other flexible materials.  Do not allow children to carry sharp objects

~If no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic

~Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape, or at least light -colored to make children more visible

~Approach only houses that are lighted and never enter a strange’s home without adult supervision

~Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know

~Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape.

 Parents

~Make sure your children eat dinner before setting out

~Children should carry quarters so they can call home

~Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult, but an adult will be supervising the outing for children under age 12

~If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark

~If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame retardant material

~Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home

~You should know where they’re going, in familiar areas and along established routes

~Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.  Wash fruit and slice it into small pieces

~Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspicious

~Know the names of older children’s companions

~Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules with children

~When buying special Halloween make-up, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled “Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives, “ Toxic.”  Follow manufacturer’s instruction for application

~Report incidents of treat tampering to local police

 Homeowners

~Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes, and flower pots that can trip the young ones

~Pets get frightened on Halloween.  Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently bitting a trick-or-treat

~Battery powered jack-o’ lantern candles are preferable to a real flame

~If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing

~Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won’t be blown into a flaming candle

~Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later

~Non-food treats: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, or coins

 Drivers

~Go slow, slow, slow all evening. (Adult Halloween partiers should have a designated driver.)  Careful thought and planning may go into a child’s Halloween costume, but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful on the streets

~Watch for children darting out from between parked cars

~Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs

~Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully

~If you are driving children, be sure they exit on the curb side, away from traffic

~Do not wear your mask while driving

~At twilight or later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing

          

GOLF COURSE NEWS

by Charlie Greeson, Pro Shop Clerk

      October brings with it the promise of cooler weather and greener fairways with the recent rains.  Hopefully we will have some sun along with the rain to keep things at a moderate level through the month.  October is such a beautiful time of the year to play golf among the colors of autumn and we anticipate a banner month for playing conditions.  For this special month of color and conditions, we also have a special fee. 

Fall Special- play all day for $25.75, Monday  through Thursday in October and November.      

      Also for  this month, we have some tournaments to announce.  They are:

October12th-Men’s Club Championship -

Saturday only - Tee time - 9:30.  Open to those who have recorded points and have played during the past year.  18 holes.

October 16th - First Annual Diamonds Classic - Wednesday only - Tee time - 10:00 a.m.  18 hole Mixed Captains Choice; 4-Person Scramble; Limited to first 18 teams.  Winners each flight, Hole-In-One, Longest Drive, Closest  to the Pin, Putting Challenge, and drawings to win other exciting prizes.  Entries must be received by October 11th.  Call or come by for information and registration forms.

November2nd- 4th Club Only Tournament

Saturday only - Tee time - 9:00 a.m. 

18 Holes - 9 Holes Qualifying & Flighted.   9 Holes Tournament - Winner each flight.  Entry fee - $30.00 per person, includes cart.

        Speaking of tournaments, we held our Annual Members’ Tournament September 21st and 22nd.  The winners are:

Flight #1- 1st Place - Delmer Parker, 2nd Place - John Ledford, 3rd Place - Jack Donovan.

Flight #2 - 1st Place - Woody Price, 2nd Place - Bill Wilson, 3rd Place - Steve Greenlee

Flight # 3 - 1st Place - Ed Parker, 2nd Place - Ken Anthony, 3rd Place - Robert Wilson.

        Other stuff- another step on the road to continual improvement - The blue stakes for marking the 200 yard distances have come in and are now in place.  Y’all come out and play a round first chance you get.  As always, we appreciate and thank you for your continued patronage.

        One more thing- Just in case I don’t get to see you on the 31st - BOO!

  

LAKE LURE ABC STORE

by R.A. Hutto

       The Lake Lure ABC store completed its fiscal year on June 30, 2002 with unaudited sales of $453,867 or an increase of 3% over the prior year.  In addition, unaudited net profit was $24,050 or 33% increase over the prior year.  Evan Schmitt, Chairman of the ABC Board, stated, “the ABC store had a very successful year, considering the economy and other factors, and we are looking forward to another successful year in 2003".

      The ABC Board is an independent local political subdivision of the State of North Carolina and is governed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws of North Carolina. The Board is a component unit of the Town of Lake Lure and its members are appointed by the town council of the Town of Lake Lure.  Members of the ABC Board are Evan Schmitt, Sheridan Wait, and Stu  Richardson.  The general  manager is R.A. Hutto.

      From its receipts, the Board is required to pay its expenses, taxes to the North Carolina Department of Revenue, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for the treatment of alcohol or substance abuse and the Town of Lake Lure for law enforcement and for alcohol education and rehabilitation.  In addition, the Board is required to set and maintain working capital requirements.  After meeting these requirements, the Board pays the remaining gross receipts to the general fund of the Town of Lake Lure.

      In the past ten years, the ABC Board has distributed $113,800 to the Town of Lake Lure.  Assuming there are no changes in local or state regulations, Evan Schmitt anticipates that the Board will make similar or greater distributions in the future.

                            

            OKTOBERFEST 2002

by Linda Hayes Kiwanis Club of Hickory Nut Gorge             

         The Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club announces “Oktoberfest 2002!” featuring toe-tapping music, regional arts, crafts, and tasty foods.

        The fest is Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th from 10a.m. to 5p.m. at the Lake Lure Arcade grounds across from The Beach.  Admission is free.

      Oktoberfest  2002 features a number of bands to provide regional, traditional and up-tempo tunes in a wide variety throughout the festival.  Regional and local artists and crafters will offer a bounty of handmade items including pottery, quilts, Afghans, jewelry, watercolors, oil paintings, sketches, photography, needlecraft, leathercraft, woodcraft, furniture, kitchen, and decorative crafts.  And, there’s a variety of food and drink booths to suit every taste.

      All proceeds from Oktoberfest 2002 along with collections from Kiwanis members and the community at large, are used to support community service efforts in the Hickory Nut Gorge area which encompasses areas of Rutherford, Henderson and Buncombe Counties.