Message from the Mayor - Lake Lure and Chimney Rock - Hope for a Brighter Future

By Mayor Carol Pritchett

October 2025

On September 27, 2025, the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock communities gathered, not only to remember Hurricane Helene, but to reflect on all that it left behind, including the silence after the storm; the courage that rose from the rubble; and the unshakable bonds of a community that refused to be broken.  Anniversaries such as this remind us that history is not just what we remember, but how we carry it forward.

Each story of loss, each memory of fear, and every act of kindness in the days that followed Helene, shaped the very spirit of the Hickory Nut Gorge.  We remember the families who lost loved ones in Western NC; the homes and businesses that no longer stood, and the landscape that was forever changed.  But we also remember the hands that reached out, the hearts that stayed strong; and the incredible willpower that brought us together as a caring community.

In the face of nature’s power, we found a power of our own, rooted in compassion, cooperation, and hope. That spirit continues to define us to this day.  This date was a remembrance and a recommitment. A remembrance of those we lost and what we endured—and a recommitment to each other, to preparedness, to resilience, and to the love that we share for our community.

My hope is that this day brought healing from the past, strength for the present, and hope for the future.  As we reflected on our recovery efforts, we want to thank all of the individuals, organizations, churches, and agencies that provided invaluable assistance.  We sincerely thank each one who helped us through the past year.

Rescue Mission

I want to acknowledge our Town Manager Olivia Stewman. The Town of Lake Lure was her first assignment in this role and she has done a phenomenal job. She is to be commended for her leadership through a most difficult year.

I also wish to recognize our Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, Dustin Waycaster .  I presented him with the following proclamation:

Proclamation Honoring Dustin Waycaster

Fire Chief & Emergency Management Coordinator
Town of Lake Lure, North Carolina

Chief Waycaster with Mayor Pritchett

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure faced the imminent threat from Hurricane Helene, a thousand-year storm that posed significant risk to the lives, property, and well-being of our residents; and

WHEREAS, in the face of this danger, our Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Dustin Waycaster rose to the challenge with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and courage; and;

WHEREAS, Chief Waycaster led a team of individuals who worked tirelessly—often going without sleep for days on end—coordinating emergency responses, managing resources, and ensuring that every possible precaution was taken to protect the safety of our community; and

WHEREAS, Chief Waycaster’s leadership, calm under pressure, and selfless commitment to the Town of Lake Lure served as an inspiration to fellow first responders and residents alike; and

WHEREAS, Chief Waycaster’s above-and-beyond efforts were instrumental in minimizing harm and maintaining order during an extended emergency;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Mayor of Lake Lure hereby recognizes and extends heartfelt gratitude to Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Dustin Waycaster for his extraordinary service and commitment in preparation for Hurricane Helene and throughout the rescue and recovery mission in the Hickory Nut Gorge area.  Let it be known that his actions reflect the highest standards of public service and have made a lasting impact on the safety and resilience of the Town of Lake Lure.

Recovery Mission

Following the rescue efforts in our community, we had to shift to recovery after the hurricane.  When I think about the state of Lake Lure that resulted from the hurricane and the devastation to the lake itself, I was not sure how we were going to begin to address the vast amount of sedimentation and debris.  Within about 3 weeks of the storm Col. Brad Morgan and the US Army Corps of Engineers came to Lake Lure.  

The Town presented Col. Morgan with the following proclamation to recognize his leadership with the Lake Lure’s restoration:

Proclamation Honoring Colonel Brad A. Morgan

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

Col Brad Morgan with Mayor Pritchett

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall and brought unprecedented flooding, damage, sedimentation, and debris to our cherished lake and all of Western North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, just three weeks following the storm, Colonel Brad A. Morgan and the US Army Corps of Engineers stepped forward to lead a monumental restoration effort with unwavering dedication, strategic insight, and exemplary leadership; and

WHEREAS, under Colonel Morgan’s leadership, the restoration initiative has removed over 1,111,000 tons of silt and sedimentation, and cleared over 100,000 cubic yards of storm-related debris from Lake Lure, restoring the lake’s natural beauty, ecological balance, and recreational value; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Morgan’s efforts have not only revived a treasured North Carolina resource but have also exemplified the spirit of resilience, service, and environmental stewardship; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure and its citizens owe a debt of gratitude to Colonel Morgan for his extraordinary contributions to the recovery and revitalization of our community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Carol Pritchett, Mayor of the Town of Lake Lure, do hereby proclaim our heartfelt thanks to Colonel Brad A. Morgan and encourage all residents to join me in recognizing and celebrating his outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the restoration of our beloved lake.

Moving Forward with Hope

As we move into the upcoming year, I want to take a moment to reflect—not only on the hardships we endured, but more importantly, on the strength, unity, and resilience that carried us through this catastrophic event.

We have taken time to remember what we lost, but also to honor what we have found: courage in the face of crisis, neighbors who became heroes, and a community that refused to be broken.  From firefighters and first responders and volunteers to local businesses, families, and public servants, each of you have played a role in rebuilding more than roads and homes. You helped to restore our hope in our community.

This past year has reminded us that while the storm reshaped our landscape, it could never shake our enduring spirit. And as we move forward, may we continue to stand together—not just in times of crisis, but in the everyday moments that shape the heart of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village.

Thank you for being part of our incredible community. May we honor the past by building a future even that is stronger and filled with hope.  The children from Lake Lure Classical Academy certainly give us hope!