The Spruce Pine Town Council voted to approve the Toe River Valley Regional Library System agreement last week.
This summer, Yancey County will be leaving the AMY (Avery Mitchell Yancey) Regional Library, and the new Toe River Valley agreement will go into effect in place of the AMY agreement.
Giving Gardens
Executive Director Christine Hodel gave a presentation about Mitchell Giving Gardens. Hodel said she wanted to update the council on the garden’s activities in the past year and express her gratitude for the continued space her organization has been given in Riverside Park.
Mitchell Giving Gardens gives out free produce at its Harvest Table events throughout the summer. Hodel said that the organization has been expanding its reach in the past year, and she was able to give out 1,200 pounds of vegetables in 2024.
“So, 2024 was our best year to date until that fateful day in late September when everything came to a halt,” Hodel said. “That was actually going to be our final Harvest Table of the season — It was scheduled for Sept. 27.”
On Sept. 27, 2024, Mitchell County experienced catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land), and Riverside Park, where Giving Gardens grows much of its produce, was washed away.
The organization was also able to double the number of Harvest Table distributions it held last year, hosting four events in Spruce Pine and four in Buladean.
“I’m just glad you’re here—it’s such an addition to the park,” council member Jackie Rensink said.
Manager’s report
Town Manager Daniel Stines gave a report on recent town business. Stines said he has been interviewing candidates to replace the town clerk, who left for another opportunity recently.
Stines said that plans are underway for an expanded Independence Day celebration, with new activities planned for the period between the usual parade and fireworks.
Stines also noted that the Public Works Department has been busy repairing a sewer leak downtown near DT’s Blue Ridge Java.
“Every time I go out … they’re in a hole somewhere,” he said.