BANNER ELK, N.C. (WTVD) -- Hurricane Helene claimed 108 lives in North Carolina, but that number doesn't include those still missing. Among them is Kim Ashby, a wife, mother, grandmother, and longtime teacher from Sanford.

Kim's husband, Rod, says he lives with the loss every day. "There's always constant reminders," Rod said. "Someday, hopefully, it'll get easier - but not yet."

When Helene threatened western North Carolina, the Ashbys left their Sanford home for their mountain cabin in Elk Park, near Banner Elk, to make sure it would withstand the storm. That cabin was more than just a retreat - it was where the couple planned to spend retirement once Kim finished her career at Sanlee Middle School in Lee County.

"She was one year from retirement," Rod said.

Rod, along with construc

See Full Page