Town of Lake Lure, 

North Carolina

THE LAKE LURE TRIBUTE

1927-2002

75 YEARS OF PROGRESS

Mayor: Jim Proctor

Commissioners: Blaine Cox, Lea Hullender, Dick McCallum, Chuck Watkins,

Town Manager: H.M. “Chuck” Place, III

 December 2004

 Published by Town of Lake Lure, P.O. Box 255 , Lake Lure , NC 28746

Newsletter Editor & Coordinator: Linda Ward

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

Once again, it seems odd writing about Christmas before Thanksgiving, but with the deadline for this article here, I certainly don't want to miss the chance to wish everyone the happiest holidays possible.

After several meetings and quite a few hours of listening, questioning and pondering the Lake Lure Zoning and Planning Board have made a request to the town council to consider several changes to the zoning code in regard to Residential Planned Unit Developments (RPUD). If approved by the town council their recommendations would allow developers of RPUDs with more than twenty-five acres to submit plans to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for buildings up to 65 feet tall (measured at the average foundation grade). The current regulation allows maximum height of 35 feet in most zones and 45 feet in the area in and around the Arcade Building. Their recommendation also includes requirements for a greenbelt around the buildings and a landscape buffer between nearby roads and the tall buildings. The proposed changes were made in light of the plans for the "Dirty Dancing" cove but would also apply to all future RPUDs twenty-five acres or more. I encourage anyone interested to come to the public hearing at next town council meeting on December 14^th.

Every year folks in Forest City complain about how sales tax income is distributed throughout the county. Every year they propose using population numbers that only include permanent residents and discount our part time residents and tourists. Currently the tax is distributed by calculating the property tax valuation in each municipality and distributing according to the percent of total county evaluation. This gives Lake Lure more sales tax income per capita than other municipalities in the county. However if the same population numbers are used in calculating the average per capital property taxes the numbers are reversed. Here's how the math comes out. The average per capita county property tax for each resident of Rutherford County is $378. The average per capita county property tax for each resident of Forest City is $393.  The average per capita county property tax for each resident of Ellenboro is $171.  The average per capita county property tax for each resident of Lake Lure is $2,662! 
I think it's obvious there are lots of ways to look at how taxes are collected and distributed.  I believe the legislature created the two ways of disbursing sales tax revenues to allow counties the opportunity to offset the burden of the above mentioned discrepancy in property taxes.  I congratulate the Rutherford County Commissioners for continuing the current distribution method.

TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT

by H.M. "Chuck" Place III, AICP

TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC, CTC

Under the "consent agenda," Council:

* approved the minutes of October 12, 2004 (regular meeting);

* ratified approval of a request from Stanley Long to suspend the town's peddling ordinance in order that food, t-shirts, truck parts, and other items may be sold on site at the Geneva Riverside property during the F-100 truck show "Run to the Rock" on November 5-7, 2004;

* approved a budget amendment of $8,200.00 for water system improvements and easement acquisitions as submitted by the finance director;

* approved a budget amendment of $4,000.00 for a new computer server at town hall as submitted by the finance director;

* approved a budget amendment to cover the cost of work on the bar screen at the wastewater treatment plant as submitted by the finance director;

* approved a request from Sharon Theiss on behalf of the Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club to waive the rental fee for use of the community hall in the Lake Lure Municipal Center for the purpose of holding an annual children's Christmas party on Saturday, December 11, 2004, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.;

* approved a request from Kristin Seagroves and James Case to suspend the town's alcohol ordinance in order to serve beer, wine, and champagne during a wedding reception inside the community hall of the Lake Lure municipal center on Saturday, April 23, 2005, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.; and

* adopted Resolution No. 04-11-09 authorizing the advertisement of an offer to purchase certain town property referenced as Map 514, Block 1, Lot 60 on the Rutherford County tax map, located on Jack London Ct.

In other activities, Town Council:

* held a public hearing regarding the proposed amendment to Title IX, Chapter 92 of the Town of Lake Lure zoning regulations relating to fabric and metal structures;

* adopted Ordinance No. 04-11-09 as amended regarding changes to Title IX, Chapter 92 of the Town of Lake Lure zoning regulations relating to fabric and metal structures;

* amended the boat slip leasing policy adopted June 19, 2003; and

* approved a request from Chris & Connie Morgan asking permission to replace beach sand on their property located at 212 paradise point which washed away;

* accepted an offer of $1,500.00 by Russell Womack to purchase a portion of lot referenced as Map 520, Block 1, Lot 5 on the Rutherford Count Tax Map, located adjacent to Island Creek Road and authorized the town attorney to prepare appropriate documents to finalize the sale; and

* held a closed session meeting in accordance with G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to discuss legal matters and attorney client privilege regarding pending litigation between Patricia Hyatt and the Town of Lake Lure.

SPECIAL MEETING: The special town council meeting was held on Thursday, November 18, 2004, 7:00 p.m., in the meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center. Town Council held a closed session meeting in accordance with G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to discuss legal matters and attorney client privilege regarding pending litigation between Patricia Hyatt and the Town of Lake Lure.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LAKE LURE MARINE COMMISSION: The Lake Lure Marine Commission held a special meeting on Tuesday, November 9, 2004, following the regular town council meeting held at 7:00 p.m., in the council meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

The Marine Commission:

* held a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the lake regulations, and the proposed 2005 boat permit and marina slip rental fee schedules;

* adopted Resolution No. 04-11-09 amending the lake regulations and Resolution No. 04-11-09A 2005 boat permit and marina slip rental fee schedules; and

* approved a request from George Nixon to allow a 21' 6" Budsin electric boat on the lake for a photo shoot for one day during the 1^st week of December, 2004 and authorized the town manager to coordinate this date with Mr. Nixon.

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

by Chief Mike Bustle

LLPD Offers Tips to Avoid Animal-Related Crashes

Cars and deer can be a lethal combination. Each year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there are more than 1.5 million crashes in the United States involving deer, costing an estimated $1.1 billion in vehicle damage.

The average cost per insurance claim was $2,000, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

During deer season, which runs from October through December, there can be dramatic movements in the deer population with a significant number of deer darting onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods. Over this time period, more deer-vehicle collisions occur than any other time of year, so drivers need to be especially cautious, warns the I.I.I.

"As our wildlife habitat continues to shrink, accidents with deer and other animals are likely to increase unless we are more vigilant in our driving," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, vice president of Consumer Affairs for the I.I.I.

The I.I.I. suggests the following defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer:

Be attentive from sunset to midnight and hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk periods for deer-vehicle collisions to occur.

Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.

When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high-beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.

Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.

Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

Always wear your seat belt. Deer-vehicle collisions can result in serious injuries. People tend to underestimate how much damage collisions with animals can cause.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, it's best not to touch the animal. The frightened and wounded animal could hurt you or itself, warns the I.I.I. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should call the police.Contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with a deer or animals is covered under the comprehensive portion of your automobile policy. More information on insurance can be found on the I.I.I.'s website at www.iii.org.

Please remember that as we enter the holiday season, there are more instances of fraud, scams and rip-offs during this season than any other. The best way to protect yourself from these crimes is to be aware and use your common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it most likely is, and may be attempting to maneuver you into a vulnerable situation! Contact your local community police officer for further information regarding current fraud, scams and rip-offs.

As the holidays approach each year, public service announcements, billboards and other media resound with warnings of drinking and driving. The reasons for these continued warnings is simple. Alcohol is involved in one out of every four fatal traffic accidents in North Carolina and one out of every two in South Carolina. Doing the math shows that during a five year period in North Carolina more than 60 families lost a loved one in a crash involving alcohol during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays. In South Carolina - one of the most dangerous states in the nation for alcohol related crashes - the tragedy was worse: more than 75 deaths!

Each year, about 400 people in North Carolina and nearly 500 in South Carolina lose their lives in traffic crashes involving alcohol. Doing two things at once - such as braking and steering - becomes more difficult at a blood alcohol content (BAC) of only 0.02 percent. A BAC of .08 means you are legally drunk and can lose your license if arrested while driving and convicted in either state. Whether you are the holiday host or simply out to "deck the halls", be sure to pick a designated driver before the festivities begin. Should you find yourself in a dangerous state and no one to help, contact your community police officer for safe transportation home. All officers prefer
this to lengthy arrest procedures!

UPPER BROAD RIVER WATERSHED

PROTECTION PROGRAM

by Clint Calhoun, Erosion Control Specialist

This month in our aquatic study we are looking at insects. Insects have three pairs of legs, three distinct body segments, antennae, and either one or two pairs of wings, although some species lack wings. The insects are the single largest class of animals in the world with over a million species. Because we are only looking at aquatic insects, the list gets narrowed down quite a bit. Lots of insects spend part or all of their life cycle in water. Probably the most common ones we think about are dragonflies and mosquitos. You would probably be bored to tears if we talked about every single aquatic insect that lives in our streams so I have decided to just focus on a few of the more interesting ones. This list was narrowed down based on significance in relation to aquatic pollution and also on interesting qualities.

The first insect I want to mention is the water strider, also known as the Jesus Bug. These bugs "walk" on water. Water striders are flat and long and lack wings. The second and third pairs of legs are long and are used to move the insect across the surface of the water. The forelegs are short and are used to attack and hold prey. Water striders live on the surface of ponds and slow streams and often gather in groups. They are both predators and scavengers, feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates, including mosquito larvae. It locates its prey by feeling the slightest vibration on the surface of the water. A water striders' legs have tiny, water-repellent hairs that hold tiny air bubbles. This allows them to skate across the surface of the water. They move with a jerking movement of the middle legs, and steer with the back legs. Their bodies are covered with soft, velvety hairs that hold a thin film of air through which they breathe. To escape predators, water striders will dive underwater until the danger is past and then pop back up to the surface and stand back up on their legs. Water striders are pollution tolerant because they live on the surface and are therefore not heavily influenced by pollution.

After taking a look at such a divine bug as the Jesus Bug, we have to also explore the other end of the spectrum by looking at the devilish hellgrammite. Probably named for its tendency to bite the ---- out of you. Hellgrammites are the larvae of the dobsonfly, a rather large insect (2 to 4 inches long) with large, mottled wings that are held flat over the back and extend beyond the abdomen when at rest. The males have long, extended curved mandibles which are used to grasp the female during mating. The aquatic larvae are elongate (about the same size as the adult), dull colored, and have gill filaments and gill clusters along the sides of the abdomen. They have two hooks on the end of the abdomen. Most notable on the hellgrammite is the large jaws which are used to grasp prey in the water. Adult dobsonflies probably do not feed, as their long mandibles (especially the males) would make it very hard to eat. The hellgrammites on the other hand, are voracious predators that attack other aquatic insects and other organisms. Most of the dobsonfly's life cycle is spent in the larval stage in well oxygenated, high quality water. Hellgrammites can be found in riffle areas of streams, hiding among rocks. Hellgrammites are a favorite food for many fish, including bass and catfish. Because of this they are often collected for fish bait. As mentioned before, hellgrammites are fierce biters, but are not dangerous. Hellgrammites are very sensitive to water pollution.

Another odd little critter found in our streams is the larvae of the caddisfly. Caddisflies are related to butterflies and moths. The larvae are caterpillar-like with three pairs of well-developed legs on the first three body segments and hooks on the last one. Caddisfly larvae live in a wide range of environments from fast moving streams to ponds. Their bodies are soft and are usually covered in a silky case of collected substrate such as gravel, twigs, or sand. They use the hooks at the end of their abdomen to hold on to their cases. The case is used for protection, shelter, and as an escape from predators. Some species do not live in cases and use their hooks to cling to the streambed and to drag themselves backward to escape predators. Caddisfly larvae eat algae, plants, and decaying plant matter. Some feed on other insects and spin silky nets to capture their prey. Caddisfly larvae cannot tolerate low oxygen levels and those species that break up leaf litter for food require vegetated streams where trees and shrubs overhang the water. Caddisfly larvae and adults are an important food source for many fish and are sensitive to water pollution.

Mayflies are the most primitive winged insects. They have four transparent wings, two or three long tail filaments, short antennae, and bulging eyes that are light sensitive. Mayflies spend the majority of their lives (up to three years) as nymphs and are aquatic and like the adult, have long tail filaments. They breathe through gills on the sides of their abdomens. Nymphs live under stones in fast moving streams or among plants in slower moving water. Most mayfly nymphs feed on plant matter but some are predators. They generally feed on top of stones and will retreat underneath to escape predators. As the nymphs eat they grow larger and shed their exoskeletons many times. The nymphs have pads on their backs where their future wings will grow. As they mature, they float to the surface of the water and begin to molt where it transforms into a winged, dull colored stage which last for a day or more. It will then shed one last time into a shiny adult. Mayflies are the only insect that sheds after having wings. As an adult, a mayfly will only live for a few hours because it doesn't have mouth parts to eat. Male and female adults will mate in flight, the male dies shortly after; the female will lay her eggs and then die. Mayflies are a favorite food of trout but are also eaten by birds, minnows, water striders, and frogs. They are also the favorite food of dragonfly nymphs.

Mayfly nymphs are highly sensitive to low oxygen levels, preferring cool water where oxygen saturation is much higher. They are also highly sensitive to water pollution.

And last but not least, we have stoneflies. Stoneflies are insects often found resting on stones in the creek and look similar to dragonflies. Stonefly nymphs are often confused with mayfly nymphs because they also have tail filaments. Stonefly nymphs only have two, while most mayfly nymphs have three. Stonefly nymphs also have gills located on their thorax, while mayfly nymphs have their gills on their abdomens. Stone flies have two claws on each leg for clinging to rocks and sticks and their bodies are streamlined so they don't get swept away in the current. Stonefly nymphs are only found in highly oxygenated, cold water streams, living under stones. Often they are found on top of rocks or on submerged wood where they feed on dead plants and algae. Nymphs actually move to dry land just before they molt and the adult form emerges. Stoneflies take up to three years to develop into adults and like mayflies, will live only a short time as adults, usually long enough to mate and lay eggs. Stoneflies are also a preferred food of trout and other fish. They are extremely sensitive to low oxygen levels and pollution.

There are so many other insects we could examine it would take months. If you would like to see what some of these critters look like, I would suggest the internet as your research tool. Information on the critters mentioned and other species abounds. Next month we will move on to some of the more exciting aquatic life as we begin to look at some of our vertebrate species. If you have an erosion problem or if you know somebody else that does, please call me anytime at (828)625-9983 Ext. 123 or e-mail me at clintcalhoun@blueridge.net for details.

We would like to apologize for any inconveniences due to the water outages that we have had recently. At the same time we would like to commend Steppe Construction for their diligence in keeping mishaps to a minimum.

Please bear with us during this construction process.

Sid and I are having a great time with your kids. We have about 25 to 30 young people everyday. And we are getting along well with each other, and eating everything they can get there hands on. Thank you for allowing us this privilege. We are doing crafts now for Christmas and planning a parents night for December 10^th. We will be having refreshments and hope you can all stop by. Donations of fruit and cookie mixes are welcome. Also stop by and watch our new tennis pros on Tuesday and Thrursday's. The boys and girls are really playing great thanks to Paula Moore.

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 Rod or Yvonne Anderson at 828-625-0464.

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 Annual Christmas Boat Parade will be held Saturday December 4^th. Decorated boats will begin around dark at the Fairfield end of the lake continuing on to Tryon Bay (Larkin's end), circling and finally going down the main channel to the beach area at approximately 6:30 pm with a fireworks show afterwards. The Beach @ Lake Lure will open around 6:00 pm for parade viewing and will have its usual huge bond fire and some refreshments. Admission is free. If you have never been to this event you should come. There is a small town friendly atmosphere and the fireworks are spectacular - one of Lake Lure's best events of the year.

Call Vicki Smith at 625-4121 to register your boat.

The Annual Christmas Auction held by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce will be held December 6^th at the Lake Lure Inn from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. We need your item donations and pledges. We are now taking sponsors. Order your tickets now for $30.00 at the Visitor's Center, 625-2725 or contact Barbara Allen at 625-9111. Tickets will be $35.00 at the door.

Come meet santa at the Annual Children's Christmas Party which will be held at the Community Hall on Saturday, December 11^th from 1:00 pm till 3:00 pm. Admission is free.

There will be refreshments, games and gifts for all. Adult volunteers are welcome.

The Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club announces its third annual "Breakfast with Santa" back by popular demand! It will be held December 4^th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Coffee Crumbs Restaurant in Chimney Rock (across the street from Duncan's BBQ). Admission is free!

Don't miss this opportunity to have you and/or your "little darlings" photo taken with Santa for only $5.99. And you may purchase any of the variety of sumptuous "home baked" breakfast goodies, hot chocolate for the kids or coffee for adults.

For more information call Coffee Crumbs at 625-8565.

The Annual Chili Cook-off will be held in Chimney Rock on Friday, December 3^rd at the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department.

The entry fee is $5.00 per category. There will be a business and individual category for both chili and cornbread. Chili and/or cornbread entries must be made at the Fire Department between 4:30 and 5:00 pm on the 3^rd.

Dinner of chili, salad and cornbread will be served immediately following the awards at 6:00 pm at a cost of $5.00 per person.

To enter the cook-off call Linda Carter at 625-8844 or Barry Gurley at 625-9125.

Bingo will follow at 7:00 pm with a $500 jackpot.

The Garden Club will hold its last meeting as a wreath making class at the Mountains Branch Library Community Room from 9:00 am to noon on Thursday, December 9. We will offer both ready made 22" Fraser Fir wreaths for $9 or rings for the "do it yourselfers" for $1. We will have an assortment of greenery and decorations on hand or You may bring some of your own. Be sure to bring gloves, scissors, wire cutters, hand clippers, glue gun and sticks along with 3 yards of ribbon for your bows.

To sign up or for details call Martha at 625-9496 or Saundra at 625-1065.

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 Bob Keith, Pres. at 828-625-2874 or Sue Forsyth , Treas. at 828-625-0885 for an application or any questions you may have.

The 2004 Christmas Walk (actually a tour of 4 homes by car) sponsored by the Women of the Chapel will be held on Monday, December 6 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The cost is $5 per person and may be paid at the first house. The Directions can be picked up at Fairfield Chapel. If you have any questions call Barbara Nelon, 625-0583 or Valerie Griswold, 625-1249.

There will be a luncheon held afterwards at noon at the Lakeview Restaurant at a cost of $15 per person. RSVP by December 2, 2004 by calling Linda Webb, 625-2590 or Jackie Henning, 625-2090.

NOTICE

For comments about the operations of the Lake Lure Tours, call 828-625-1373.

The deadline for newsletter articles to be received at Town Hall for the January issue is December 17^th.

Send mail to  Webmaster@ci.lake-lure.nc.us  with questions or comments about this web site.

The Official Government Site of the Town of Lake Lure.

This Site is dedicated to the memory of former Mayor Jack Powell.

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