Tourist magnet attracts $24 million.

• Position: WESTERN - Sale of Chimney Rock Park - Brief article

In a move hailed by tourism officials, the state agreed to buy Chimney Rock Park in Rutherford County for $24 million, including nearly $2.4 million from a private donor. The Morse family of St. Louis owns the park and had sought $55 million. About 250,000 people visited in 2006, attracted by its 300-foot stone tower, a 400-foot waterfall and other features. Gov. Mike Easley says Chimney Rock's 1,000...