MAYOR’S COMMENTS

by Jim Proctor

          The Hickory Nut Gorge has lost two dear friends.  Both loved our community and  were actively involved in it. 

         Carolyn Cobb past  resident and Lake Lure Town Council member passed away on April 11^th.  Carolyn was, to say the least, very active in this community and will be surely missed.  As her son Rick wrote in an email to several friends, "She was a wonderful person who always made good friends everywhere she went".  Carolyn  had  what I would call a lively interest  in politics, and whether or not you agreed with her you had to admire her spunk and determination.  She always encouraged everyone to participate in our political system.  Her love for her family, friends and country was unyielding.

         Marcus Logan passed away April 12^th at his home near Lake Lure.  Marcus was a longtime friend of my family and someone I will always remember for his sincere and contagious smile.  During happy times and sad times his smile and jovial demeanor were always there. 

         I have on occasion stepped back from the day's hectic happenings and thought about goals to strive for.  Some are easy to achieve and some are never quite accessible.  As I ponder the road ahead, I hope I can have at least some of the enthusiasm and determination of Carolyn and the wisdom to share a smile like Marcus.  I thank them both for their support and for sharing their life with me.

 

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

by H.M. “Chuck” Place III, AICP

                  It’s budget time again.  The Town Manager’s Report will not be presented this month due to the time constraints of preparing the Capital Improvements Plan.

 

TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC, CTC

          REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council  meeting was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2003, 7:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

   Under the “consent agenda,” Council:

 * approved the minutes of March 11, 2003 (regular and closed session meeting) and April 2, 2003 (special workshop meeting);

 * approved budget amendment of $2,000 for reserve police officer salaries (transferring $1,000 from automotive supplies account and $1,000 from dues and subscriptions’ account to part-time salaries’ account totaling $2,000);

 * approved a request from the Lake Lure Newcomers group to suspend the town’s alcohol ordinance in order to serve beer and wine during their annual meeting held in the community hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on June 28, 2003, from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.;

 * approved a request from Heather Monday to suspend the town alcohol ordinance in order to serve champagne during a wedding reception inside the community hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on June 5, 2004, from 9:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.;

 * approved a request from Vicki Smith on behalf of the Vulcan Rider’s group to suspend the town’s peddling ordinance from May 1-4, 2003 in order to allow vendors associated with this group to sell their products in the back yard of the Geneva Riverside property;

 * approved a request from Butch Sprague on behalf of the Vintage Auto show to: (1) hold their annual car show on October 4, 2003, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., on town property (grassy area between the visitor’s center and the town marina); (2) suspend the town peddling ordinance to allow the club to sell T-shirts and food; and (3) use a P. A. system for playing music and making announcements;

 * approved a fabric structure permit requested by Mike King on behalf of the Fairfield Mountains property owners association;

 * approved a request from the Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club to: (1) suspend the town’s peddling ordinance on May 24-26, 2003 for the “Memorial Day Festival”; (2) close a portion of a town street temporarily during this event (contingent upon vendors not leaving their vehicles and trailers parked in the closed portion of the street); and (3) use of town property surrounding the Lake Lure Arcade Building including property along Pool Creek for selling crafts and food, fund raising, and music during this event; and;

 * approved a request from Quanette Setzer to suspend the town alcohol ordinance in order to serve beer, champagne, and wine during a wedding reception inside the community hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on May 31, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

   In other activities, Town Council:

 * approved revised contract to operate the Chimney Rock Village water system;

 * reviewed and revised a proposed boat slip policy for the Town of Lake Lure which was presented by Commissioner Lea Hullender; there will be further discussion on this proposed policy at the next town council meeting being held on May 13, 2003;

 * approved a request from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Association regarding “Ride for Kids” event being held on August 24, 2003; an application for a fabric structure permit will be submitted to town council for approval prior to this event;

 * approved waiving boat permit fees for two motorized and two nonmotorized boats for the Edneyville Boy Scout Troop 605; additional boat permits purchased by the Edneyville Boy Scouts will be charged at a resident rate;

 * Received an invitation from Tyrone Phillips for Council members and anyone interested to attend and support the Edneyville Boy Scout Troop 605 6^th annual barbeque and silent auction being held at the Bub Hyder Ranch in Edneyville on Saturday, May 3, 2003, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.; the cost for advance tickets is $7.00 each and $8.00 at the Barbeque Dinner; there will be no charge for children under the age of five; contact Don Henderson at 828-685-3273 for tickets and/or other information;

 * adopted Resolution No. 03-04-08 supporting armed service members and their families;

 * approved revisions to the water system capital budget as presented by Town Manager H. M. Place III which included: a reduction of $62,400 in the capital improvement expenditures in the water and sewer fund for this year, $30,500 to connect to the Chimney Rock reservoir, and $72,000 for engineering design and plans for upgrading lines and the Washburn reservoir connection; authorized the town manager to transfer funds within the water and sewer fund  and move the surplus to water and sewer reserve account;

 * discussed plans for a town boards and committees dinner to be held in May 2003; tentative dates were set;

 * a discussion agreed to hold at the next town council meeting on May 13, 2003 concerning  the warranty for two pumps installed at the town’s lift station;

 * scheduled a special town council workshop meeting with town staff members on May 2, 2003, at 9:00 a.m., in the town council meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center regarding the capital improvements plan;

          Mayor Jim Proctor presented a proclamation declaring the first Thursday in May 2003 to be designated as “A Day of Prayer in Lake Lure” and encouraged the citizens of Lake Lure to observe the day in ways appropriate to its importance and significance; and

          Mayor Proctor, also presented a proclamation recognizing the week of April 27, 2003 through May 3, 2003 as “Municipal Clerks Week” and further extended appreciation to Town Clerk Mary A. Flack and Deputy Town Clerk Anita Taylor and to all Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.

                          

TOWN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

by Town Hall Employees

          Usually, Betty Hinson, the town’s personnel director, payroll officer, and  tax collector,  writes the employee of the month article.  This month the town employees have decided to name Betty the employee of the year.

         Betty has been  with the town for 19 years.  She came to us from Whiteville, NC via Tryon.   Not only does she serve her official duties for the town, she is our fashion consultant, pharmacist, doctor, candy supplier, seamstress, heart  mender, counselor, and  all around mother figure to each and everyone of us at any given time. And she does all these things with a smile on her face and never shuts her door to anyone.  We really appreciate her on payday.

         To Betty from  all of the town employees, we love you and thank you for your patience.        

         By the way.....we also wish you a very Happy Birthday, Betty!

 

 

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

by Chief Mike Bustle

          The Lake Lure Police Department is pleased to announce the receipt of one free John Deere four-wheel drive Trail Gator from U. S. Smokeless Tobacco in Greenwich, Conn., to be utilized by area first responders in search and rescue missions.  The police department is the first agency in North and South Carolina to receive one of the donated $8,000  all-terrain vehicles during the company’s effort to assist needy agencies across the country.  The company has also graciously offered to provide a free trailer to haul the vehicle to mission sites to further facilitate these search and rescue missions.   Our sincere appreciation is extended to U.S. Smokeless Tobacco for their assistance enabling a speedy and well-equipped response to future search and rescue incidents.

           Recent North Carolina State Bureaus of Investigation statistics reflect that Rutherford County ranks number one in the discovery of clandestine methamphetamine labs in the State of North Carolina.  The discovery and ensuing investigations of these most dangerous chemical hazards have  resulted in the injury of several local officers and firemen.  Trends across the country indicate that these hazards will continue to increase.

         Local authorities have banded together in a multidirectional approach to combat this growing problem.  Training  programs have and will continue to be conducted to educate officers, firemen, public employees and citizens on the related dangers these hazardous sites cause. Agency policies and procedures are being updated to safely handle these new illegal trends.

         Please be increasingly aware of unusual activities and traffic patterns, especially around the clock, at locations within your neighborhoods.  Strong odors similar to fingernail polish or cat urine tends to be some of the obvious signs of a methamphetamine lab.  In many cases, the first indication of a lab’s presence is citizen complaints about noxious odors.

         If any of these preliminary signs are observed, please  notify  your local community police officer.  He or she will investigate and maintain the confidentiality of the report.  Please help us watch for this growing trend. 

  

GOLF COURSE NEWS

by Charlie Greeson, Pro Shop Clerk

       I think it was Geoffrey Chaucer back in the 13th or 14th century who was the first one to say in his introduction to the Canterbury Tales that "April showers bring May flowers".  It also brings grass.  This last  month has seen a good deal of greening-up of those formerly brown, dormant areas of Bermuda grass.  Abundant rain has also helped to improve the existing turf with substantial water in the substrate.  That same abundant rain has also kept us from mowing at times when we needed to, but, on the positive side, you may have noticed we are starting to get some striping in the fairways for that Augusta look.  We even have some new equipment (well, new to us at least) to mow them - two 4 wheel drive fairway units.  An acquisition that was made possible with the help of Chris' horse trading skills.

      Other stuff to notice is we have planted some donated Azaleas along a border of the parking lot for some color that we never had before.  Nice.  Another thing we've been doing this past month is building bridges.  There are 3 new bridges on hole # 4.  We took out an old one that had seen it's better days, replaced it, and added two more.  As well as enhancing access to various areas, two of the three cover up those unsightly pipes running across the creek and help the looks quite a bit.  More stuff to notice is the mulching around some of the trees (gives that errant shot a soft place to land).  That top step on the white tee box for hole # 3 won't sag now; we put a brand new cross tie in there.

      Tournament stuff - The popular Friday evening Captain's Choice tournaments have been cranked up for 2003 and the price is still the same as last year.  For the low low price of only $12.50, members and non-members alike, you can come out and play with your friends, golf rivals, or just plain good ol' boys and girls.  $7.50 of that is for the regular 9 hole cart fee on Friday, no greens fee, and the other $5.00 goes to the pot.  There are no prearranged teams so the competition stays even and friendly.

      One more thing I would like to request before I close is for whoever lost their groundhog on # 9 to please come back over and pick him up.  He has made a hole right in the middle of the fairway.  That part is bad enough, but the worst part is, he's keeping all the balls that roll in there.          

 

THE UPPER BROAD RIVER WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

by Pamela Fay Pyles

       The Upper Broad River Watershed is 94 square miles large and covers parts of four counties, Rutherford, Henderson, Buncombe, and McDowell.  This watershed is one of six watersheds that make up the Broad River Basin, which totals 1,506 square miles.  The Upper Broad River Watershed consists of mountainous terrain with deep valleys and 83 percent of the land mass are slopes greater that 16 percent.  The lowest point in the watershed is Lake Lure, which receives water flow from mainstem streams such as the Rocky Broad River, Pool Creek, Cane Creek, and Buffalo Creek, but feeding these streams are many, many tributaries that eventually connect to the mainstem streams.  Lake Lure is 732 acres large and there are approximately 45 miles of creeks and streams in the watershed.  Property owners are permanently protecting water quality in the Town of Lake Lure through a voluntary conservation easement program funded by the State of North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. At present we are protecting creeks, streams, springheads, and property totaling 63.33 acres.  The Upper Broad River Watershed Protection Program also provides technical and financial assistance to land owners experiencing sediment erosion problems within the Upper Broad River Watershed.  

      According to NC Department of Environment of Natural Resources (DENR), Division of Water Quality the Upper Broad River Watershed has good to excellent water quality conditions particularly the mainstem reaches of the Broad River and its larger headwater tributaries above Lake Lure and water quality in Lake Lure is also good.  Most of the land in the Upper Broad River Watershed is forested, but portions of the watershed are being rapidly developed for vacation lodges, second homes, and recreational activities, such as golf courses.  NCDENR also states that development in or near stream corridors and lake shorelines potentially affects water quality through nonpoint source runoff.  For more information on water quality and other natural resource information about the Broad River Basin go to NCDENR web site at www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/bar.html or call (919) 733-9960.          

      We invite you to our next UBRWP meeting, which will be held Tuesday, May 13^th at 9:00 a.m. at the Town of Lake Lure Municipal Center.  You’ll hear more about UBRWP projects and plan for future projects.  Please call Pamela at the Town of Lake Lure for additional information at (828) 625-9983, ext., 123.  

 

“BUDDY” POPPIES

by E. Walker Carriker, Commander

VFW Post 10473

      The distribution of “Buddy” Poppies before Memorial Day is the traditional way to bring attention to the sacrifices made by the nation’s war dead in their struggle to keep America free.  Make a donation and wear a “Buddy” Poppy on Memorial Day.

      The “Buddy” Poppies, which will be offered to you on the streets soon, are distributed by volunteers.  All proceeds will go to the relief and welfare of needy veterans, their widows and orphans.

       There will be a Memorial Day Service on May 26^th at 9:00 a.m. here in Lake Lure at the Memorial by the Arcade.  This service will be conducted by the local VFW and American Legion Posts. 

     

     

MOUNTAIN BRANCH LIBRARY

by Friends of the Mountain Branch Library

      The Friends of the Mountain Branch Library Board reminds all Lake Lure residents to become a member of the library or renew the membership for this calendar year.  Your dues  help this volunteer group to purchase books, videos and equipment beyond the library’s budget allocated by the County.  The volunteers also help to run the library smoothly with only one full time employee.

      We are fortunate to have a nice library close by with adult and children’s books, videos, computers and printers for public use with internet connection.  Please support the Friends Group, recognizing that the library is an integral part of our community and your contributions are tax deductible.  Individual membership is: $6.00, Family:  $10.00,  Patron: $25.00.  Life membership single: $100.00, Couple: $150.00.

       There will be a presentation by Bill Thompson, who writes for Our State Magazine, on Sunday, May 4^th at 3:00 p.m. The title of his presentation is “ Perspectives of a Carolina Boy: A look at growing up in North Carolina”.   Also mark your calendars for the book sale on May 24^th with a pre-sale on May 23^rd.

 

MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVAL

by Kiwanis Club of Hickory Nut Gorge

       The Kiwanis Club presents “Memorial Days 2003" with lively regional and gospel music, a wide range of arts and crafts, rides for the kids, and a variety of tasty foods.  The Kiwanis will also raffle off a 24-inch child’s mountain bike, gift baskets, and other items.  The three-day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24^th through Monday, May 26^th at the Arcade Grounds in Lake Lure.  Admission is free.

      Artists and crafters from throughout the region will offer such handmade wares as quilts, sketches, pottery, watercolors, oil paintings, photography, needlecraft, leather craft, woodcraft, kitchen craft, jewelry and decorative crafts.  Foods booths will provide hot and cold foods, cold drinks, and other refreshments.

      On the music scene– Southern Comfort is back by popular request to play a number of sets between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday May 24.  A variety of Gospel groups and other church-oriented performances will be offered throughout the day on Sunday May 25^th, and Patriotic music on Monday May 26^th.

      The Annual Memorial Day Parade will form up at the Lake Lure Post Office and march through the Lake Lure Beach and Chimney Rock areas between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. on Monday.

      Proceeds from this and other Kiwanis-sponsored events, together with charitable collections from Kiwanis members and the community at large, support such Hickory Nut Gorge service and charitable efforts  as Helping Neighbors, Inc., Hickory Nut Gorge Recreation Association, Lake Lure Police Department’s Children Fund, Friends of the Library (Mountains Branch), volunteer fire and rescue groups, the Hospice organizations of Rutherford and Henderson Counties, an the Kiwanis Club of Hickory Nut Gorge Educational Grant.

                                                                                   

                                               

NEWS AROUND LAKE LURE

 

      Lake Lure Newcomers invite those who are new residents in Lake Lure (24 months or less) to join them in various activities which include: potluck, gourmet, out’n about, theater, bridge/poker, book club, and hiking.  Anyone interested in becoming a member, call Hugh or Nancy Pinney at 828-625-0867.

       May 10^th - The Beach at Lake Lure and the Beach Water Works  will be open just on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

       May 24^th - The Beach at Lake Lure and the Beach Water Works will be open daily through the Labor Day weekend, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  For more information please call 828-625-1373.

       Chimney Rock Baptist Church will be offering worship service at the Lakeside Chapel on Sundays  at 9:00 a.m. from May 4^th until October 12, 2003.  For more information contact Pastor Larry Sanders at 828-625-4698.

       Lake Lure Lakefront Owners Association (LLLOA). If you are interested in Lake issues and concerns and own  lakefront  property on the shores of beautiful Lake Lure, the LLLOA invites you to become a regular member.  Associate  memberships are also encouraged for those who are interested in our Lake.  Each year members receive a directory of members, informative Muse Letters, and a first class mailed subscription  to the Town of Lake Lure monthly newsletter, The Lake Lure Tribute.  Members  meet at the Town Community Center  socially  at least annually to meet neighbors and discuss issues.   Annual dues are currently a modest $17.00.  You  may pick up an application  for  membership at the Municipal Center or call Chuck Watkins, Pres. at 828-625-2122 or Hugh Pinney, Treas. at  828-625-0867 for an application or any questions you may have.

       The Heartbeat Pregnancy Center  is hosting the 10^th Annual Walk For Life on Saturday, May 3, 2003.  The walk begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake Lure Marina.

Anyone interested in participating in the walk please contact Betty Koon at 828-625-5166 or the center at 828-286-4357.  “The next generation  is in our hands”.

       The Lake Lure Lions Club is hosting the 17^th Annual Open Golf Tournament on Friday, May 9, 2003.  The event will be at Apple Valley Golf Club in Fairfield.  For times, fees and deadlines please call 828-625-1878 or 828-625–2888.        

            HELP - Volunteers needed for the Rutherford County Meals on Wheels to help deliver to shut-ins.  Aid a needy cause and help herself.  Give a little and get so much back.  For more information please contact the Senior Center at 828-625-6409 or Paula Schichtel at 828-625-1226.

       Garden Club - Join the garden club in another field trip, this time to the Sandy Mush Herb Nursery on Thursday, June 5th.  The nursery has been in operation since 1977 and continues to expand their collection of handmade plants.  They offer a wide range of rare herbs, handsome flowering perennials, fragrant foliage plants, wildflowers and flowering plants.  For more information about this trip please contact Jean Hoffman at 828-625-1631 or Joanne Phillips at 828-625- 8498.

      NOTICE

 For comments about the operations of the Lake Lure Tours, call 828-625-0077.

 The deadline for newsletter articles to be received