Skyline Village Inn

01/08/2025

It has been 102 days since Helene devastated western North Carolina. State officials have now released a list naming the 104 people in NC who were killed by the storm. This list does not include age, cause of death or location of death. May they Rest In Peace. 🙏🏼

The names are as follows:
1. Vicki Lynn Allen
2. James Ernest Andrews
3. Keith Max Arvey
4. Robert Bruce Athey
5. Marsha Lynn Ball
6. Cathy Jo Blackburn
7. Lisa Peeler Brady
8. Billy Joe Calloway
9. Patricia Craine Carey
10. James Ryan Carroll
11. Brian Hilbert Carter
12. David Allen Carver
13. Molly Ashleigh Chandler
14. Rocco Vincent Chieco
15. Kathleen Egitto Chieco
16. William Carl Cordell
17. Angela Leigh Craig
18. Sandra Elizabeth Craig
19. Ronald Jesse Craig
20. Robert Jack Davis
21. George Frank Dixon
22. Judy Gail Dockery
23. James Olver Dockery
24. Madge Louise Downs
25. George Wesley Drye
26. Michael Warren Drye
27. Nora Drye
28. Micah Ashton Drye
29. Christopher Sylvester Haywood Dunbar
30. Patricia Elaine Fleming
31. Thomas Mitchell Freeman
32. Luna Jade Gaddis
33. Brian Christopher Gaddis
34. Chase Edward Garrell
35. Tony Ray Garrison
36. Janicke Therese Glynn
37. Gabriel Gonzalez Gonzalez
38. Jacqueline Lum Goodrich
39. May Colette Greene
40. Melissa Sue Guinn
41. James Harbison
42. Gordon Dean Hargrove
43. Cheryl Lynn Hart
44. Jody Nyle Henderson
45. Joseph Charles Hoyle
46. Lula Bell Jackson
47. John David Keretz
48. Omar Farooq Khan
49. Jessica Lynn Kirby
50. Charles James Lau
51. Melissa Marlene Lawrence
52. Victoria Rose Leger
53. Julie Ann le Roux
54. Jeffrey Alan Mackay
55. Shirley Maureen Mains
56. Juan Martin
57. Phyllis Ann Matheson
58. Michael Gene Matheson
59. Angela Ruth Maybin
60. Elizabeth Rose Mayes
61. Lyn Dale Mcfarland
62. Norman McGahee
63. Patrick Andrew McLean
64. Calvin Michael McMahan
65. Jeffrey Lee Merry
66. Nick Hartwell Mitchell
67. Jimmy Issac Moore
68. Timothy Lee Moore
69. Sean Michael O’Connor
70. Freddie James Pack
71. Teresa Kim Pack
72. Knox Emerson Petrucci
73. Lisa Renee Plemmons
74. Todd Joseph Proffitt
75. Michelle Lynn Quintero
76. Patricia Ruth Radford
77. Nola Lee Ramsuer
78. Robert Lee Ramsuer
79. Shirley Anne Ray
80. Brittany Rosann Robinson
81. Sandra Lynn Rogers
82. Robert Butch Ross
83. Robert Brandon Ruppe
84. David Eric Russell
85. James Michael Scroggs
86. Anastasiia Novitnia Segen
87. Dmytro Segen
88. James Scott Sieminski
89. Lois Edith Souther
90. James Willard Souther
91. Kim Kutscher Stepp
92. Bobby Dewayne Stokely
93. Susan Strickland
94. Anthony Ernest Taylor
95. Bruce Eugene Tipton
96. Danny Van Huffman
97. Michael Gordon Whitehouse
98. Charlene Wilber
99. Lucas Odhran Wisely
100. Felix Alexander Wisely
101. Evelyn Lorrine Wright
102. Daniel Lunnie Wright
103. Samira Jordan Zoobi
104. Christopher John Zserai

Photo by Marcia Martin near Asheville

01/08/2025

🌄☕

01/06/2025

🙁

01/06/2025

*click & drag to see al 360˚ of photo
Mt Mitchell Community, Yancey County, NC
post hurricane helene 1/5/25

that house at the bottom, among many others here, are absolutely destroyed. MANY others here.

01/05/2025

A brisk and icy start to the new year here in the WNC mountains. However, the bright stars and clear skies do offer some solace. ✨

01/02/2025

Today, we took action to help the people of western North Carolina after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. These executive orders are our first step to get people the relief they need as quickly and efficiently as possible. I will bring urgency, focus, transparency, and accountability to this work.

Read more about the executive orders: https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/01/02/governor-josh-stein-signs-five-helene-recovery-executive-orders-first-action-governor

01/01/2025

01/01/2025

This article from the Oct 9th Mitchell News-Journal is perfect. Still applicable, still don’t have a good answer to this question yet, unfortunately.
----------------------------
"What do you need?"

Well, electricity, mostly.

As dreadful as Hurricane Helene has been, the outpouring of generosity from both home and abroad has been heartwarm-ing. Food, water and supplies have flooded into the tri-county area. We've had the opportunity to meet and learn from both professionals and volunteers who dedicate a large portion of their lives to just this kind of disaster, and everywhere we hear the question: "What do you need?"

We need time - every little essential daily activity that we used to take for granted takes so much time now - time to figure out a safe route to travel; time to carry and heat water; time to charge batteries and travel to somewhere with an internet connection; time to get everything done before dark.

Locally, we've been impressed by the hidden talents and ingenuity of neighbors who have worked to clear and repair roads, grade washed-out driveways, and check on shut-ins and those stranded in the back hollers - "What do you need?" We need breathing space from chaos; a break from having to stop and think and figure out a new way to do every single thing that has to be done in an ordinary day. We need predict-ability. We need routine - even if it's a new routine, if we could just get used to something happening in regular, easily-anticipated way.

Further afield, friends and family check in constantly, wanting to know what they can send, where they can send it, and if they should drive up here and get you — "What do you need?" We need to go back in time, and try a new approach to persuading stubborn residents to evacuate vulnerable homes. We've thought of new arguments; we just need a chance to share them.

"What do you need?"

We need patience with spouses and family members and neighbors and "helpers" who maybe haven't given much thought to the unintended cost of un-asked for interference with damaged property. We need to take a breath and remember that everyone is rattled and tense and overwhelmed and not thinking clearly.

"What do you need?"

We need wisdom, sometimes in a really big hurry, as we try to decide which damaged and maybe repaired-a-little roads are safe to drive over.

We also need to go back to following the actual laws of the public highways - they're not like what fork to use at a banquet, guys, they actually serve a purpose, even in a state of emergency.
A non-functioning traffic light is to be treated like an all-way stop. Abruptly pulling out in front of people was not safe before and it's not safe now. You can't block traffic to randomly shout at people you know because you're glad to see they're safe, or at people you don't know who might need a case of water that they're not currently asking for, on account of how they're otherwise engaged in operating a motor vehicle.

Unnecessary accidents have already happened, with injuries straining an overburdened hospital system. If that is not sufficient deterrence, know that the North Carolina Highway Patrol has brought in reinforcements from the coast and they are handing out tickets.

"What do you need?"

Of course we also need patience with drivers who are anxious, distracted, and driving slow in order to be prepared for obstacles they might not had the opportunity to identify yet.

"What do you need?"

Sometimes we're not entirely sure. We've never done this before."

01/01/2025

As we sit here on the 95th day since Hurricane Helene and with just 2 minutes until 2025, the impact of the storm still lingers over us like a heavy cloud. Our lives in Western North Carolina have been marked by heartbreak, resilience, and a newfound unity.

To everyone who came from across the nation, sent donations, and dedicated your time and energy—thank you. Your compassion and generosity have been our lifeline during these difficult times. Words cannot fully express our gratitude.

We recognize the weight of our collective sorrow. At times, our sadness may appear as frustration, anger, or hopelessness. Please be patient with us. We are all exhausted, mentally and physically, whether we weathered the storm here or have been working tirelessly to help rebuild.

Thank you, especially to our guests who stayed with us through the storm, and to the community that came together in those first few month-long days directly following. We all lived without power, water, internet, and not one mention of politics or who should be president. It was quiet and somber, and our lives and minds were forever changed, whether we admit it or not. When everything else was taken away and all we had was each other, there was no other option but to lend a hand and an ear, and literally the shirts off our backs if that was needed. You are no longer just neighbors; you are family, and you know who you are.

And thank you to our new Project Skyline family of misfits, you guys have been here and given everything you have to be here to help. We're all in this together now.

Although we have made significant progress, the journey ahead is long, but we are committed to supporting each other every step of the way. If you need help of any kind, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here for our crew. We've got your back.

As we share photos of the last sunset of 2024 from this humble and historic Inn, let these images serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Together, we will rise and rebuild. Let's do this.

-Tamara & Kevin & all of us here at Skyline

12/31/2024

An old Skyline regular 😔

Lenny Ski performs "South of the Border" at Mostyum Studio near Spruce Pine, North Carolina on May 1, 2012.

12/27/2024

Very helpful info!

McDowell County Emergency Operations Center
Hurricane Helene Update for 12/27/24

Heavy rainfall possible through Sunday:
The National Weather Service is currently forecasting the potential for 3-4 inches of rain with isolated higher amounts near the Blue Ridge Escarpment through Sunday. Residents living in flood prone areas and near recent landslides should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. Residents should monitor weather forecasts through the weekend and have a way to receive weather warnings.

FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center Remains Open:
Citizens are urged to file for disaster assistance at the local Disaster Recovery Center located on the lower level of the McDowell County Senior Center at 100 Spaulding Rd. in Marion. The Disaster Recovery Center is open Monday - Friday from 8AM-6PM and on Saturday from 9AM-2PM. The DRC is closed on Dec 31st and Jan 1st.

Apply for Personal Property Debris Removal (PPDR):
Owners who cannot take their debris to the right of way (ROW) for pickup and who do not have debris removal insurance or have inadequate debris removal insurance may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property for FREE through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.

How long will the process take?

The PPDR program requires a very thorough process to determine eligibility. Hurricane Hurricane Helene created a significant amount of debris across McDowell County, impacting both public and private properties. Debris removal will be a lengthy process and we appreciate everyone’s collaboration as we begin to clean up our homes and communities.

What types of debris and demolition are eligible under the PPDR program?

Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property.
Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.
What is NOT eligible under the program?

Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas.
Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock.
Residents can apply for Personal Property Debris Removal by visiting the following link: https://mcdowellgov.com/debris

Need help filling out the application? Visit McDowell County Emergency Services Headquarters Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM and a member of the Emergency Management team will assist you. Emergency Services Headquarters is located at 129 Barnes Rd. in Marion just off US 221 South. For more information contact the Hurricane Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241.

12/27/2024

Heavy Rainfall is likely for WNC late Saturday night and early Sunday morning as a strong front passes through. Most places look to get close to 2" of rainfall, so this will be our first extended rainfall event since Helene. It is going to give storm drains and ditches their first real test, and I expect flash flooding throughout the city. Many locations just haven't had the time to clean their drains properly, and the heavy rain Sunday morning will likely overwhelm the system in its current state. Travel will be hectic on Sunday morning around WNC, so if possible it would be wise to stay at home. This 2" of rain will not cause dramatic flooding, but it will be enough to create ponding on the roadways and some streams and rivers could leave their banks temporarily. As Sunday progresses we will see some clearing late in the afternoon/early evening. Below is the most recent GFS model precipitation projection. Please use the next day to clean out storm debris in storm drains to minimize isolated flooding around WNC.