The last week of September 2024 in North Carolina’s western Appalachian area will always be remembered. Not for the normal panoramic views of the mountains and changing of leaves, but for what North Carolina’s Governor says was the deadliest and costliest storm in the state’s history. Hurricane Helene caused some 53.6 billion dollars in damage, responsible for some 98 deaths, with dozens still missing. Besides the strong winds from the Hurricane, a significant amount of rainfall destroyed homes and infrastructure, cutting off power, transportation, and communications to many towns for prolonged periods.  

And that’s not all. Several dams were breached, and then there were the mudslides. Neighborhoods, businesses, and schools were destroyed and/or significantly damaged.

In the meantime, the work continues to heal Western NC. We have folks in the studio and on the phone today who know first-hand the effects of Hurricane Helene and they have been ‘boots on the ground’ has been and continues to be. 

GUESTS:

Lexee Zutz, Vice President of Carolinas Construction & Development at Stream Realty Partners,  a Small business owner and Community advocate

David  Katzenmaier, Senior at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC 

Kim Effler, President & CEO – McDowell Chamber of Commerce 

Jennifer Blanchard, Director of Community Relations, Food Lion

WAYS TO HELP Western NC:

• Hope Mill https://hopemill.org/
• Samaritans Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org
• Wild South https://wildsouth.org/
• GoFundMe (funds to support Western NC neighbors)
   https://www.gofundme.com/f/hurricane-helene-support-for-mcdowell-county-nc