Appalachia Daily Update for November 24, 2025

North Carolina dwelling insurance hike worries mountain homeowners and rental hostsA new filing from the North Carolina Rate Bureau asks for an average sixty eight point three percent increase in dwelling insurance rates over the next two years, which could hit mountain homeowners and short term rental owners especially hard. Local rental hosts say they may be forced to raise rates or rethink their business plans, while the State Insurance Commissioner prepares for a formal hearing process that could approve, reduce, or reject the proposal.* Dwelling policies often cover cabins and second homes commonly used as rentals in Western North Carolina.* Higher premiums could put pressure on tourism economies that depend on affordable lodging.* The public will have opportunities to comment as the review process moves forward.Sources* https://wlos.com/news/local/north-carolina-proposed-68-percent-insurance-hike-stirs-concern-short-term-rentals-wnc-western-airbnb-vacation-rental-investment-economy-tourism-homes-house-condo-crews-money* https://www.facebook.com/News13/posts/a-request-from-the-north-carolina-rate-bureau-to-raise-dwelling-insurance-premiu/1146838104319588Fire danger check and safe leaf burning guidance for Cherokee County areaDry and mild weather continues across far Western North Carolina to start the week, with highs in the sixties and light winds ahead of a wetter system arriving Monday night into midweek. While there are no statewide burn bans in effect, the North Carolina Forest Service continues to warn that debris burning remains the leading cause of wildfires, and state fire danger tools show conditions that can allow fires to start from many accidental causes.* Use only natural yard waste in small piles when burning leaves.* Keep water and tools nearby, and never leave a fire unattended.* Check the daily fire danger map and local forecast before striking a match.Sources* https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=NCZ060* https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=CI&glossary=1&issuedby=mrx&product=AFD&site=NWS* https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/fire-control-and-prevention/sit-report* https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/fwip/nc_danger* https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-compliance/open-burningLake Lure marks completion of major Helene debris cleanup missionIn Lake Lure, town leaders and the U S Army Corps of Engineers have announced the completion of a large scale debris removal and lake restoration mission following Hurricane Helene. The effort included months of work pulling storm debris from the lake surface and bottom, and officials describe it as one of the biggest and most complex debris missions in Western North Carolina since the storm.* A final walk through at Morse Park marked the formal closeout of Corps operations.* Debris removal improves safety for boaters, anglers, and lakefront property owners.* Town officials say the work sets the stage for long term restoration of recreation and tourism.Sources* https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/lake-lure-storm-recovery-updates-and-more-112025* https://www.townoflakelure.com/news* https://www.facebook.com/USACESAD/posts/1306890074811691* https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsHelene recovery grants rebuild business infrastructure across Western North CarolinaA fresh wave of Helene recovery grants is sending more than a dozen million dollars into nineteen projects across Western North Carolina, aimed at repairing sidewalks, streets, utilities, and other infrastructure that local small businesses rely on. Administered through the state’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant program and related Helene initiatives, the funding is meant to help downtowns and commercial districts fully recover from storm damage.* Grants support projects such as sidewalk reconstruction, sewer and water repairs, and streetscape improvements.* Local governments in Helene impacted areas can still apply for certain disaster relief and mitigation funds.* These new awards build on earlier rounds of small business infrastructure grants announced this summer.Sources* https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/recovery-resources/small-business-infrastructure-grants-local-governments-smbiz* https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/catalog-category/local-governments* https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-helene-grants-will-cover-infrastructure-repairs-in-biltmore-village-other-communities* https://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40519-14-million-in-wnc-small-business-grants-announced* https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/07/10/governor-stein-announces-73-million-will-help-small-business-recovery-western-north-carolinaAmerican Legion Post 317 reopens one year after Helene damageIn Madison County, American Legion Post three seventeen is open again after Helene severely damaged its building and forced a long closure. The post, which has served veterans and the local community since the nineteen fifties, relied on ...