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(Writer's note: There are several one year anniversary ceremonies planned this week to commemorate the resilience of Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Western North Carolina. Check details inside.)
When a 30 foot wall of water came rushing down the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock Village on September 27, 2024, the Village and Lake Lure were devastated as Hurricane Helene destroyed the infrastructure, homes were lost, lives were forever changed and it would be the costliest flood in history for the area.
Hurricane Helene "peeled them up one by one," said Village Councilman and firefighter Buck Meliski, describing the businesses and restaurants in the Village as he saw them wash down the river a year ago.
From the fire department where he was that morning, Meliski witnessed the brewery, Highlands Restaurant and other structures demolished and washed away. It was beyond belief and description.
Residents were being evacuated, some literally running up the street to the fire station, before Main Street was four feet under water.
The hurricane tore out all the bridges in Chimney Rock Village, including the entrance to Chimney Rock State Park, and destroyed all infrastructure leaving residents without power or water for days. The fire station was the only structure with power and water.
Barbara Meliski was at the couple's home on Boys Camp Road as the rains continued and as she watched the waters rise in the lake, she knew the storm was "going to be bad."
There was no communication between the Meliskis that day and not until Friday evening near dark, when Buck was able to walk the distance from the fire station back home, did he know Barbara was okay and the house was standing. On the walk home, Meliski said he had to dodge fallen trees and utility lines that were across the roads.
Chimney Rock Village Mayor Peter O'Leary was on vacation on Tybee Island with his family when the storm hit.
"I got a call from Buck (Meliski) at about 10am Friday saying 'Main Street was a raging river.' It was hard to comprehend and understand because that was not something we had ever seen before," he said.
When he arrived in Chimney Rock Village, "The first sights were unbelievable and surreal. I had seen pictures but to actually see the devastation was something else. Ann (wife) and I had many emotional conversations about the future of our business, Bubba O'Leary's General Store, and whether we could rebuild," O'Leary said.
"It was a process but the support of everyone throughout this year has been amazing and is what has convinced us and the whole Village that the future can be rebuilt and Chimney Rock will come back stronger than ever."
Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett, who is from Louisana and Texas, was accustomed to the impact of many hurricanes, but she had never seen anything to compare to Hurricane Helene.
"When I first saw the devastation...my heart sank. It was like a part of our town's soul had been torn away. The beauty of Lake Lure-our infrastructure, homes, businesses, our beloved Flowering Bridge, our history, our community-had been battered in a way that words can hardly describe," Pritchett said. "But even in those first moments of heartbreak, what struck me most was the quiet courage of our residents and our staff. First responders risked their lives to save others without hesitation. Neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteers from all over the country came to Lake Lure to lend a hand, cook a meal, clear roads, and restore homes. That's when I knew: we would rebuild-not just the structures, but the spirit of this town. Because Lake Lure is more than a place. It's a family. And families stand together through the storm."
Pritchett continued, "There were definitely moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable - when the skies grew dark, not just with weather, but with uncertainty. But what pulled me - and all of us - through, was the resilience rooted deep in this town. In every handshake, every neighbor helping another, every small gesture of hope, I found a reason to keep going. Lake Lure has always been more than just a place - it's a spirit. And when that spirit is tested, we don't walk away. We rise," said Pritchett.
A year later, as O'Leary and Pritchett look ahead, they see a bright future.
"My hope is that we continue to find balance - between growth and preservation, between welcoming visitors and nurturing the soul of our community," Pritchett began. "The Hickory Nut Gorge is a place of ancient beauty, and it deserves careful protection. I want to see us remain good stewards of the exquisite splendor of our land while creating opportunities for future generations to live, work, and flourish here with a sound infrastructure."
"I dream of the day we celebrate together on the shoreline - not just a reopened lake, but a revitalized sense of unity. I picture families returning to the water, children learning to swim, fishermen fishing, rowers rowing, kayaks gliding at sunrise, and visitors discovering the magic of Lake Lure all over again. I want that day to be a turning point - one that marks the beginning of a new, sustainable chapter for our town."
O'Leary said, "Most proud of the people here and their positive attitude. So many people are just pouring so much into the rebirth of our Village. The spirit, ideas, energy, and attitude of the community to bring Chimney Rock back is encouraging and energizing. I feel like this group is on a mission and that is the strongest force to have. The mission to rebuild Chimney Rock Village back better than before is what is driving this community and it is amazing to be a part of it. I hope we have the energy, will, stamina, and drive to complete this mission."
There are literally hundreds of volunteers and community partners for which the town leaders and residents are most grateful.
O'Leary personally thanks Steve Duncan, Don Cason, Barbara Meliski, Spokes of Hope, Shane Zoccole, the Amish Community, the Village Council, the Village TASK Force, DOT, Governor Stein, Secretary of commerce Lee Lilly, Sharon Decker, Tryon Equestrian Center, Precision Grading, CR Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Lure and all their departments, FEMA, and "the thousands of volunteers from all over the country, the people who shopped at our 'pop up' in TIEC and are shopping here today, Chimney Rock State Park."
Pritchell, too, is grateful, for all those who have helped and are still working every day to restore the lake and community.
"Our first responders who ensured our safety. The engineers, environmental experts, FEMA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, AshBritt Environmental, and all the local contractors and crews working on the lake restoration project, Pritchett began. "The local business owners who believe in this town even when the odds feel heavy. The volunteers who gave of their time, talents, and resources to support Lake Lure in a time of need. And above all, the residents - for their patience, their advocacy, and their unwavering belief in the future of Lake Lure. Our residents are the heartbeat of the Town of Lake Lure."
Lead disaster recovery team member, Sharon Decker (appointed by Gov. Josh Stein) said, "We have so many reasons to give thanks a year after and there is so much work still to be done," said Decker, who is helping to lead disaster recovery in WNC with GROW NC. "I have been amazed and so grateful for so many people across WNC who have helped their neighbors volunteer in their communities and are making a difference every day. Please don't stop. There is still so much more to be done," she said.
