Lake Lure Town News Summary - 1/31/26
Lake Lure Town News Summary
This latest summary will include the following:
- 2026 Calendar
- Lake level updates and plans for refilling the lake
- Updates on the SMART shoreline debris pick up program
- Morse Park restoration updates
- Links to the 2026 Lake Use Regulations, related deadlines, fees, and the boat permit applications
- Latest water quality reports - all within normal limits
- Disc golf map and information
- Cell tower updates - it's coming along!
- Plans for the Washburn Marina and Boardwalk, the new boat ramp and fuel pump
- Utility funding updates
- Comprehensive Planning Input Survey link
- Links to summaries of the past months Town Council and Marine Commission meetings.
- Project updates
- Related media highlights.
- Roadway updates and directions
- Travel and restaurant guide
- and more...
2026 EVENTS CALENDAR
You may download the 2026 Town of Lake Lure Calendar of Events. This is a dynamic calendar so please check back regularly to check for updates. Please email Communications@townoflakelure.com for questions or suggestions. The Calendar is of Events is linked on the banner at the top of the homepage on the website.
You may review the official Town Calendar for information on Town Meetings.
SHORELINE DEBRIS - KEEP THE FAITH!
- Town Officials are aware that shoreline debris remains around the lake and in several coves.
- The Town of Lake Lure has secured a plan with the state SMART program to pick up shoreline debris that remains.
- Officials from the SMART Program made rounds on the lake last week to finalize their scope of work.
- A timeline for the beginning of the project will be posted as soon as the State finalizes their contract and the dates are confirmed.
- Please stay tuned for additional information as this plan is formulated.
MORSE PARK, SHORELINE STABILIZATION, AND DREDGING
Shoreline: The next step in the restoration process in and around Morse Park is securing the shoreline.
- The shoreline around Morse Park will be armored with riprap in the coming weeks.
- Riprap is large, angular stones that will help prevent erosion by absorbing the force of waves and water, protecting the soil underneath, and stabilizing the bank.
- The expanse of low lying dirt beyond the banks will be underwater once the lake levels resume to full pond.
- Dredging will take place in this area
Dredging: Mechanical dredging will take place to prevent future sedimentation build up in a small section of the riverbed near Morse Park.
Park grounds: The mound of dirt in Morse Park will be used to level out the grounds in the area to minimize future drainage issues.
2026 LAKE USE REGULATIONS
The 2026 Lake Use Regulations can be viewed here.
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We are pleased to advise that there will be no change in personal Lake Use Fees in 2026, which includes no fees for personal non-motorized boats in 2026.
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Note that one change that was made to the 2026 Lake Use Regulations is that beginning in 2026, vacation rental management companies will be required to register and commercially permit non-motorized boats, as they are already required to do with their motorized boats. This change was made as these non-motorized boats are being utilized for commercial purposes.
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You may download the 2026 Lake Use Fees.
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You may download the 2026 Commercial Boat Permit Application for both non-motorized and motorized boats.
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February 1, 2026 is the deadline for all no-motorized and motorized commercial applications.
WHAT IS THE LAKE LEVEL
Lake Lure is approximately 15-16 feet below full pond at the current time. Crews are maintaining this level in anticipation of the forecasted precipitation this weekend.
Town officials are pleased to report that the project to replace the seals on the Tainter gates at the Lake Lure Dam remains on schedule, despite challenging winter weather conditions.
The lake will be maintained at the current level throughout the duration of this project which is expected to be completed in February 2026. Stay tuned here for updates as new information becomes available.
Together, we will rise from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and Lake Lure will be better than ever!
HOW LONG WILL THE LAKE BE DOWN?
We are unable to specify the length of the drawdown period at this time, but we hope to begin refilling the Lake Lure in February once the spillway project at the Lake Lure Dam is complete.
- Town engineers and staff are scheduling work and inspections on the dam and the sewer system while the lake is drawn down to maximize this opportunity to accomplish projects with the lower lake levels.
- See details on projects later in this report under the dam and sewer system sections.
CAN WE ACCESS THE LAKE?
The Town of Lake Lure and all businesses are open and welcoming visitors; however, the lake itself remains closed to all unauthorized personnel. Do not enter the lake or the lakebed for everyone's safety, and to avoid fines.
WHEN WILL THE LAKE AND LAKE LURE BEACH REOPEN?
The Town of Lake Lure remains hopeful that we will be able to reopen the lake and the Lake Lure Beach in the late May 2026. The target date for opening Lake Lure to the public is May 2026. You may read the Town's Press Release on the reopening timeline here.
LAKE WATER QUALITY
Please see the attached water sample results from January 2026. We are pleased to report that the latest results are all within acceptable limits.
You may review the updates spreadsheet, which illustrates all the water sample data received by the Town of Lake Lure.
This data is current through 1/7/26.
LAKE LURE DISC GOLF
While we are waiting on the lake levels to rise, enjoy some disc golf at the Lake Lure Green Space!
The Town of Lake Lure is happy to announce that temporary disc golf goals have been installed on the Green Space and are available for everyone to enjoy. Bring your frisbees or disc sets and come enjoy an 18-hole Disc Golf Course at the Green Space, located at 658 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746. You may download the disc golf course map.
This is a fun and challenging course designed for everyone from beginners to professional disc golf players.
RULES:
- Disc Golf players must yield to pedestrians walking or biking on the paths.
- The Green Space is open to walking and biking only. No golf carts, ATV’s, or other vehicles allowed.
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
Have fun and enjoy your time on the Lake Lure Green Space.
Special thanks to Dan Bragdon at Camp Lurecrest for donating the Disc Golf equipment, helping to design the layout for the disc golf course, and installation of the goals!
CELL TOWER UPDATES
It's Here!
The Town of Lake Lure has been working to install a cell tower on the old camp ground off Boys Camp Road. Our Community Development Team has been diligent in their efforts to work through multiple challenges, including delays caused by Hurricane Helene. Thanks to their persistence, we are pleased to report that the cell tower has arrived! You can see the tower here!
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The base of the tower was erected Thursday, 12/4/25 as schedule.
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The remaining sections were erected Friday, 12/5/25 as you can see from this photo.
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Duke Energy established power at the Cell Tower and the next steps are for the cell companies to begin mounting their antennas.
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AT&T has notified Town officials that they are moving forward to install their equipment after the winter storm subsides.
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We should be able to call folks and tell them about it very soon.
WASHBURN MARINA UPDATES
- Work has begun to rebuild the Washburn Marina and floating boardwalk and we hope this will be in place by mid July 2026.
- The lake must be at full pond to complete some of the work.
- We anticipate the lake being at full pond by May 2026, so this is the reason for the July completion date.
- A new boat ramp will be built and a new dock with the fueling station will be for added on the left side if you are facing the marina from the parking lot.
- The small marina building has been removed and a temporary modular building will be utilized for the 2026 season, until a more permanent structure is built.
- Note that Town Officials are still awaiting a determination from FEMA on both Town Hall and the Welcome Center. Updates on these structures will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available.
- The following is an illustration of the 2026 Washburn Marina and Boardwalk that is being designed in a duplicate pattern as the previous version that was destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
- 208 rental boat slips are be added along with 6 hourly boat rental slips.
WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM
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Funding Updates: The Town was elated to receive the following Division of Water Infrastructure’s Helene grants to support the sewer system in Lake Lure:
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$464,000 for new bulk chemical storage at the Water Treatment Plant
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$6,636,349 for an emergency waterline
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$5 million for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant outside the floodplain
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West End Sewer Project: Staff began smoke testing lakeside manholes to identify leaks along the lake banks. The inspections are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the Town’s sewer system and prevent environmental impacts.
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Water and Sewer Operations: Public Service staff inspected and closed the penstock at the dam and successfully commissioned the SCADA system at Pump Station 34, improving the Town’s water management capabilities. Downtown manholes and sewer lines were cleaned and cleared of debris, ensuring continued safe and reliable sewer operations.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING UPDATE
The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process in the summer of 2025, in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission. Since that time, we have held three in person public input sessions. One was a virtual session, one was in a traditional format at "The Landings", our temporary Town Hall, and one was held in a open Round Table Forum at the same location.
We plan to hold one more public input session on 2/25/26 at 10:00 at The Landings. Please make plans to attend!
Additionally, two focus groups have been held. One was with the Lake Advisory Board and one with the Parks and Recreation Board. A third focus group session is being held with the Planning and Zoning Board. Two more focus groups will be held following this one with residents.
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An online public input survey has been shared in various forums. 580 of Lake Lure's residents have completed the survey. The Foothills Regional Commission advises that this is a very good response rate compared with other municipalities. It is difficult to get high survey responses these days, but for a Town of our size they are very pleased. The vast majority of responses are from full and part-time residents.
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If you have not taken the Comprehensive Planning Survey, the deadline has been extended to allow for additional submissions. Please click here to take the survey.
- A report will be prepared in the spring compiling all of the public input later in 2026. This report will be widely shared once it is published.
MEETING THE MARK
You may review a summary of the Town Council Regular Meeting and Public Hearing Summary - Tuesday, January 13, 2025
Review the February Town Meeting Calendar here.
IN THE NEWS
The following is a summary of some of the relevant news coverage Since the last report.
- Repairs on Lake Lure dam remain on track for completion in February, by Deanna Sipe, Sat, January 31, 2026 at 12:54 PM
LAKE LURE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Town of Lake Lure has shared a recent update on the Lake Lure dam.
According to a social media post, Lake Lure's dam is filling back up, approximately 15 to 16 feet below the current pond level.
RISING AFTER HELENE: LOCAL BUSINESSES ANTICIPATE ECONOMIC BOOST AS LAKE REFILLS
Repairs to the dam remain on schedule and are set to be completed sometime in February.
The town's officials are working closely with representatives of the State Mitigation and Recovery Team program and the state to finalize contract parameters for shoreline debris removal.
According to the post, finalizing contract parameters has taken longer than anticipated, but the contract is moving forward.
The town is hopeful to reopen for the May 2026 summer season; however, an exact date for reopening cannot be confirmed.
The town says the timeline for refilling will depend on weather conditions.
- Lake Lure, NCDOT, NC Emergency Management to get $233 million from FEMA, George Fabe Russell, Hendersonville Times-News, Jan. 30, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET
HENDERSONVILLE – The Town of Lake Lure, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and N.C. Emergency Management are set to receive $233 million in new Tropical Storm Helene recovery aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Town of Lake Lure, in Rutherford County, will get nearly $1.8 million to rebuild its marina docks, which were severely damaged in Tropical Storm Helene. The money will also go toward making the docks more resilient against potential future disasters.
- Iconic movie filmed in North Carolina to get sequel decades later - “Dirty Dancing” sequel to bring original actress back as “Baby”, By Luke Tucker, Published: Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23 PM EST
LAKE LURE, N.C. (WBTV) - An iconic movie filmed in North Carolina back in the 1980s is getting a sequel.
“Dirty Dancing” was released on the big screen in 1987, with many of its famous scenes filmed in the Lake Lure area.
Now, decades later, the classic flick will get a part two, according to reports from E! News and other sources.
The original movie starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey as Johnny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman. In the sequel, the 65-year-old Grey will reportedly retake her role as Baby. Swayze died in 2009 after a battle with cancer.
“The role of Baby has held a very deep and meaningful place in my heart,” Grey said in a statement obtained by E! News. “I’ve long wondered where we might find Baby years later and what her life might be like, but it’s taken time to assemble the kind of people that I felt could be entrusted to build on the legacy of the original film.”
While there has been no indication of when the “Dirty Dancing” sequel could come out, E! News reported that production is supposed to start in the coming months.
In addition to playing Baby, Grey will also be an executive producer of the new film.
Reports did not say where the new “Dirty Dancing” will be filmed. Many of the original movie’s filming locations in the Lake Lure area have not survived the nearly 40-year wait.
- FEMA to release more funds to Western NC for Helene relief - Watch the News Coverage here.
THEY WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!
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Mildred W. "Barnett" Loud Obituary (2026) - Lake Lure, NC - Crowe's Mortuary and Crematory
In Loving Memory of Mildred "Millie" Barnett Loud September 21, 1937 - January 1, 2026 Lake Lure, NC – Mildred Barnett Loud, age 88, passed away on January 1, 2026 at her home in Lake Lure, where she was a resident for over forty years.
Born on September 21, 1937 in New Smyrna Beach, FL, Mildred was the daughter of Richard Elmo "Chic" Barnett and Emma Gertrude Gillies (Barnett) Wall. She grew up in Jacksonville, FL and was known for her love of sports and water skiing. Mildred dedicated many years of her life to working at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. Outside of her professional life, she had a passion for golf, her friends, and travel. She was a champion golfer and avid marathon runner. She was a faithful member of Fairfield Mountains Chapel and will be remembered by many as the greeter who welcomed everyone with a smile.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Kent Loud; and her parents. Mildred is survived by her sisters, Barbara Sandiford (Olive Branch, MS) and Sandra "Sue" Forsyth (Jacksonville, FL), her brother Richard Eugene "Gene" Barnett (Ruby) (DeLand, FL); her sister-in-law Gail (Loud) Lamb (Plymouth, MA); 11 nieces and nephews, 13 great nieces and nephews, and 13 great-great nieces and nephews. Her legacy of love, dedication and perseverance will continue to live on through them.
- Colonel "Ret" Robert B. Bourne U.S. Air Force
Robert "Bob" B. Bourne age 83, of Lake Lure, NC, died Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Robert B. Bourne, son of the late Robert Bruce and O'Neal Branch Bourne, was born on March 3, 1942, in Birmingham Alabama. He was raised in Raleigh, NC, graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1960 and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from NC State University in 1964. The day after graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. The next day Bob and Teresa Updegraff were married and started their 28 years of military service together, adding two children along the way.
He furthered his education over the years obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University and a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from Central Michigan University. Bob flew as a T-38 Instructor Pilot at Vance AFB in Oklahoma and Moody AFB in Georgia. He flew 199 combat missions as an F-100 Fighter/Bomber pilot in Vietnam. His courage and skill earned him some of this nation and Vietnam's highest honors. Col. Bourne was selected for the Air Force Institute of Technology Program.
He flew as a test pilot and managed the Electro Optical Branch of Flight Test engineering at Wright Patterson AFB, OH helping to develop laser countermeasure systems to defend future aircraft from heat seeking missiles. He then transferred to the Space Launch Operations managing contractor performed operations in the launch of payloads on the Titan and Space Shuttle launch systems. He commanded the Air Force's three Space Launch Groups in launch of communications, weather and surveillance payloads. He retired from the Air Force in the rank of Colonel.
Following his military career Col. Bourne worked for Lockheed Martin again launching government payloads into space and served as Launch Director for the International Cassini Space probe to the planet Saturn. Col. Bourne retired in 2002 and moved to NC where he immersed himself in volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. He was an active member of Fairfield Mountains Chapel including as a member of the choir. Col. Bourne concluded his military retirement speech with these four simple words, "I did my best". Those whose lives have been touched by Bob know that he never did less.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Bonnie Davis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Teresa, his son, Daniel, his sisters, O'Neal Shipp, and Gerry Stamm (John), grandchildren, Rob Davis, and Julia Isakson, great-granddaughters, Layton and Laine Isakson, sister-in-law, Mary Gregg (Buddy), brother-in-law, Paul Updegraff (Ruth), and numerous nieces, and nephews.
The service will be held Saturday February 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Fairfield Mountains Chapel, 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd. Lake Lure, NC 28746 with Pastor Kevin Anderson officiating. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will provide full military honors. The family will greet friends in the fellowship after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity, 269 W. Main St. Forest City, NC 28043, The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or a charity of your choice. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
LAKE LURE DAM
Lake Lure Dam by Stephanie Ansley
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Spillway Repairs: The Tainter gate seal repair project on the spillway has begun. The lake will be maintained at about 975.5 MSL (or 15 feet below full pond) for the duration of the project which is expected to be completed by mid February 2026. Town Staff worked with Schnabel Engineering to submit a grant application through the NC DEQ Dam Safety Office to help offset costs associated with this project.
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30% Design Project for the Lake Lure Replacement Dam: The Town received confirmation of grant funding for $484,471. Staff coordinated with Schnabel Engineering to obtain an updated Work Order (#10) for $910,900, and Town Council approved the work order and budget amendment. This project has begun and is expected to take 6– 8 months. This is a major step forward in the process of constructing the new dam.
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Detailed Design: Submission for the detailed design phase of the replacement dam (Work Order 10B) occurred in February 2024. Total project costs are $3,500,000, with the Town responsible for a 35% match ($1,225,000) and grant funding requested for the remaining 65% ($2,275,000). Project awards are pending completion of prior grant projects.
CONTRACTOR INFORMATION
Only approved contractors may access properties from the lake, by boat or barge, but any contractor or property owner may work on lake structures (with permits) if accessing from land. This includes sea wall construction or restoration (again, with required permits). You may emailkmartin@townoflakelure.com"> kmartin@townoflakelure.com with any questions.
Click here for additional information on contractors.
KEEP IT IN THE ROAD!
Highway 64/74A Beyond Chimney Rock Village: Highway 64/74A heading West beyond Chimney Rock Village remains closed to the public at large. It is open to "locals", which is defined as those who live and work in the area. Please do not use this road if you do not have to, as contractors have to stop their work to allow for passage when cars go by, slowing the recovery process.
NC DOT updates on Highway 64: A temporary road is expected to be open between Chimney Rock and Hendersonville was extended to June 30, 2027 (YES, 2027). For more information, visit NC DOT’s Drive NC link: https://drivenc.gov/?type=incident&id=715074
From South Carolina: From I-26 towards Asheville take Exit #66, then take the first exit for Highway 108). Turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).
From Asheville: From I-26 towards Spartanburg - Take Exit #67 (Rutherfordton - Highway 108), once you exit, turn left onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight). Turn left onto Highway 9 North. Go 8 miles to the stop sign (Lake Lure will be in front of you).
Proctor Road: Paving is complete. Jersey Barriers will be installed. Thank you to the residence for their patience as this work was completed.
West End Paving: Once paving is complete on Proctor Road, the crew will shift to work on the West end.
Charlotte Road: Public Works projects paving and repairs on Charlotte Drive should be done by the end of the year.
Boys Camp Road Bridge: This project is anticipated to be complete by spring 2026.
Road, Drainage, and Signage Maintenance: Public Works crews provided routine maintenance throughout the Town included leaf blowing and the initiation of side arm mowing. Staff constructed a protective berm at the top of the slope on the dam’s north abutment to prevent erosion.
FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENTS RECEIVED
The following is a summary of the financial reimbursements the Town of Lake Lure has received following the destruction of Hurricane Helene.
Key: Categories A: Debris Removal, B: Emergency Protective Measures and Permanent Work, Categories C-G: Roads, Water Control, Buildings, Utilities, Parks
- $862,186.69 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative, C&D, and White Goods debris from Lake Lure and waterways
- $754,185.81 – Category B (Emergency Protective Measures): Town-wide
- $65,390.00 – Category A (Debris Removal): Vegetative debris from ROW and public property
- $503,580.00 – Category C (Roads and Bridges): Design of permanent Boys Camp Road Bridge
- $118,323.67 – Category B: Temporary hydroelectric plant emergency repairs
- $8,250.00 – Category B: Temporary Town Hall Facility
- $13,255.75 – Category A: Dumpster rentals
- $28,531.78 – Category B: Temporary Relocation Costs – Town Hall Facility
- $9,681.02 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply Damage – 100% Complete Work
- $745,485.13 – Category B: Emergency Access Restoration at Dam
- $8,913.73 – Category F: Municipal Water Supply System Damage – Boys Camp Road Bridge Waterline
- $977,417 – Category F: WWTP A&E
The Town is currently awaiting reimbursement for several projects, including the Temporary Emergency Wastewater Treatment Plant Repair in the amount of $118,943, the Lakeshore River Sand Washout project in the amount of $5,250, and the newly obligated Sediment Pond Culvert project in the amount of $101,487.47.
VISIT THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE!
While visitors should be mindful of ongoing recovery efforts, several local businesses and recreation areas have reopened. There are a number of attractions that are open in the area. Lake Lure hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts, and our amazing restaurants are open for business! Our local businesses greatly appreciate your patronage! Please visit the area and encourage others to visit as well.
Download the Travel Guide here.
Please visit the Local Restaurant Guide
And here are some of the amenities that are currently open to the public.
- Morse Park, New Playground, and the Lake Lure Gazebo
- Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails
- Disc Golf
- Lake Lure Green Space
- Pool Creek Picnic Park
- Check out the New Flowering Bridge Education Center and Gardens as they are being created
These amenities are in Lake Lure and are open to the public.
- Youngs Mountain
- Rumbling Bald Golf Courses
- Chimney Rock State Park (But reservation only)
- Chimney Rock State Park – Rumbling Bald Access - Click here to reserve your tickets!
Additionally, horseback riding is available in the area along with zip lining, escape rooms, a candy cabin, and so much more!
Buffalo Creek Park/Weed Patch Mountain Trail/Upper Boulders Trail: Ongoing work is also taking place at Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain, and the Upper Boulder Trails by the National Guard, Carolina Climbers Coalition, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, EcoForesters, and AmeriCorps. We cannot thank them enough for their time and support! Progress continues to be made on Upper Boulders Trail, and a small section may be opening soon. The Town received a grant of $50,000 to assist with restoration. Please stay tuned for updates!
Turtle Rock Trail: A new trail is being created near Pool Creek Picnic Park. Please stay tuned for updates!
Upcoming Events and Meetings:
- 1/13/26 at 5:00 pm: Town Council Meeting
- 1/28/26 at 8:30 am: Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting
- 2/10/26 at 5:00 pm: Town Council Meeting
- 2/24/26 at 8:30 am: Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting
- 2/26-3/26: Collegiate Rowing Teams
- 3/10/26 at 5:00 pm: Town Council Meeting
- 3/24/26 at 8:30 am: Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting
- 3/6-8/26: Carolina Climbers Coalition 2026 Rumble (Climbing Competition)
- 4/24/26: Arbor Day Program at the Lake Lure Gazebo
QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS
You may review previous Storm Recovery Updates in Town News at www.townoflakelure.com
For questions or suggestions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com
