Rutherford County Sheriff Speaks on Chimney Rock Recovery

Following Homeland Security Secretary's visit to Chimney Rock on April 7, Rutherford County Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg said it reinforced that Rutherford County remains a priority in Washington. 

Ellenburg met Markwayne Mullin at the Chimney Rock Fire Department when Senator Ted Budd led a roundtable discussion with elected and appointed officials to discuss progress and concerns about Hurricane Helene recovery, which hit the area nearly 19 months ago. It was Mullin's first official trip since becoming DHS Secretary, appointed by President Donald Trump.

“When you call 911 in Chimney Rock, that’s the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responding,” Ellenburg said, noting that nearby Lake Lure operates its own police department but works closely with county authorities.

The small town of Chimney Rock Village is patrolled by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, with cooperating agreements with the Lake Lure Police Department, the Chimney Rock State Park Rangers, NC Highway Patrol, and, since Helene, Apex, a private security firm. 

“Lake Lure is a huge benefit to us. They’re always willing to help, and we’re the same way with them,” he said. “It’s a great working relationship.”

Ellenburg also pointed to the storm’s economic toll, particularly on tourism, a key driver of Rutherford County’s economy.

“Chimney Rock is a major tourist attraction, and that loss has hurt financially,” he said. “It’s going to take time to rebuild, but it is coming back.”

While visitors have begun returning, he said infrastructure challenges — including limited parking and land loss — continue to complicate recovery for local businesses.

“There are people willing to come, shop and spend money,” Ellenburg said. “But it’s going to take time. There’s still a lot to figure out.”

According to a notice on the town's website, "The Chimney Rock Village Council will have a Special Called Council meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the Chimney Rock Fire Department Community Meeting Room. The Agenda will include: Village Budget Workshop, adopting Village Hazard Mitigation Plan, Village Annual 2025 Audit and DEQ Resolutions."

The town council includes Mayor Peter O'Leary, Mayor Pro-Tem Buck Meliski, Bruce

Godzik, April Schick, and Patrick Warnke. The long-time village administrator is Stephen Duncan.