Montreat Minute for May 15, 2026

May 14, 2026

Bear Aware Reminder

We’ve had a recent uptick in bear activity around town. While it may seem harmless, feeding bears (intentionally or not) creates long-term problems for both residents and wildlife. Please remember to secure all trash, remove bird feeders, and never leave food outside. A fed bear is a dangerous bear—and one that often has to be relocated or euthanized. If you encounter a black bear…

…In a building, by a dumpster, or around the corner

  • Give the bear a clear escape route (do not corner it).
  • Leave any doors open as you back away from the bear.
  • Do not lock the bear in a room.

…In your yard

  • From a safe distance, make loud noises, shout, or bang pots and pans together.
  • When the bear leaves, remove potential attractants such as garbage, bird seed, or pet food.
  • Ask neighbors to remove attractants.
  • Check your yard for bears before letting out your dog.

…In the woods

  • If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction.
  • If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.

Special thanks to BearWise for this information.

Road Work Continuing

Road construction around town is ongoing. You’ll continue to see heavy equipment in the area, so please use caution, slow down, and give crews plenty of space to work safely. If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, consider leaving a few minutes early to avoid delays.

Dates to Remember 

At each Town Council meeting, Mayor Helms reads the “Dates to Remember” for the upcoming 30 days. Because there was no May meeting yesterday, we are providing a list of the upcoming Dates to Remember: 

  • Town Office will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026
  • Board of Adjustment will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in Town Hall
  • Stone Bridges Advisory Committee will hold a regular Meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Town Hall
  • Town Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Town Hall 

Updates and Reminders 

  • Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list! 
  • Do you receive Montreat CodeRED alerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane? If not, CLICK HERE to register and ensure you will be contacted in the event of an emergency. 
  • There is a new resource sheet with various options for bear resistant containers as well as permanent bear resistant solutions. For a copy of the list, CLICK HERE. If you have questions about the ordinance or anything related to being bear ready, email trash@townofmontreat.org or call 828/669-8002, ext 1. 
  • If you’re traveling, submit a Montreat Police Department House Check Request form. MPD will periodically check your home during your absence to ensure all is well. The form is on the website. CLICK HERE for a quick link.

Questions or Comments? 

Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angela Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Have a good weekend! 

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