Mariel Williams
editor@mitchellnews.com
Employee of the Month
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners honored Josh Nelson of the 911 Communications Department as Employee of the Month for August at its meeting last week.
Board Chair Harley Masters said Nelson “goes above and beyond” in executing his duties as a dispatcher. Nelson, Masters said, has been noted for a recent 911 call he took regarding an unconscious baby.
“It involved an infant that was reported … as not breathing and changing colors,” Masters said. “Josh without hesitation assisted the parents with verbal instructions on positioning the infant, opening and clearing the airway. This action immediately resulted in a crying infant and avoided the need for CPR.”
Nelson stayed on the phone with the child’s parents until EMS arrived and transported them to the hospital.
“Josh is a natural at assisting citizens in distress at all levels,” Masters said.
Animal shelter
Masters gave the board an update on upcoming changes at Mitchell County Animal Shelter, which is moving to a new location.
“We did decide on a name, and a logo — they did decide on County Line Animal Shelter and Services,” she said.
The new shelter will be on the Mayland Community College Campus and will serve both Mitchell and Avery counties.
Transportation
Masters also gave an update on the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee of the High Country Council of Governments.
“The timeframe on the sidewalks at the high school is projected to be complete in 2026,” she said. “That is good for both us and the school board, and everybody that walks to football games.”
Masters noted that the Transportation Board does not have plans to replace a troublesome bridge on the outskirts of Bakersville.
“The bridge at Bonnie & Clyde’s [restaurant on State Hwy. 226]—that is not projected to be replaced any time soon,” she said.
“Is that the one that everyone keeps hitting?” board member Brandon Pittman asked.
“Yes,” said Masters.
Construction update
County Manager Allen Cook said that the county’s new Law Enforcement Center should be finished in October, with a ribbon cutting tentatively scheduled at the end of that month.
“Hopefully mid-October we’re looking to [be] moving into that thing,” Cook said.
The new recreation center should be built by next fall, Cook said.