Local

Key meetings for area seniors coming soon

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
LEDGER — Mitchell High School has a new College Advising Counselor and she is already beginning the process of helping local seniors reach their post-secondary goals.  Burnsville native Molly Riddle has taken the position.
174 Amethyst Street, Spruce Pine

174 Amethyst Street, Spruce Pine

Pair of Spruce Pine police officers involved in fatal shooting

Cory Spiers
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Two officers from the Spruce Pine Police Department were involved in the fatal shooting of a suspect on Sunday, Sept. 6.  The victim has been identified as 54-year-old Verlon Billy Stiles, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
A group sits and listens Tuesday, Aug. 25 during the special meeting of the Mitchell County Commissioners at the Poplar Community Building. (MNJ Photo/Juliana Walker)

A group sits and listens Tuesday, Aug. 25 during the special meeting of the Mitchell County Commissioners at the Poplar Community Building. (MNJ Photo/Juliana Walker)

Community meeting draws scores to Poplar

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
POPLAR — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners held a contentious special meeting at the Poplar Community Building on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Just Local Market Owner Megan Bell smiles underneath her mask as customers approach the window of her store to place an order on Thursday, Aug. 27. Just Local, located in Bakersville, sells fresh products from area farmers, many of which are from Mitchell County. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

Just Local Market Owner Megan Bell smiles underneath her mask as customers approach the window of her store to place an order on Thursday, Aug. 27. Just Local, located in Bakersville, sells fresh products from area farmers, many of which are from Mitchell County. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

Just Local Market supports area farmers

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — For Megan Bell, local food is very important.  Megan Bell and her husband Raymond Bell own and operate Just Local Market in Bakersville.  Located at 431 South Mitchell Ave.

Local COVID-19 cases decrease, virus still a threat

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Although fewer cases are being reported in Mitchell County, the novel coronavirus hasn’t gone away. “It’s definitely not gone,” Director of Toe River Health District Diane Creek said. “It’s not spreading as much here anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone away and we’re all back to normal.
Run for Holland Organizer Adam Burleson takes off and leads the children’s portion of the annual Run for Holland charity race in this file photo from 2019. The annual event was originally delayed until Sept. 19 and has now moved into a virtual format due to the ongoing pandemic. Runners will complete their treks on their own time and submit their times online. The event will still benefit the local special needs community and participants can still win prizes. (MNJ file photo)

Run for Holland Organizer Adam Burleson takes off and leads the children’s portion of the annual Run for Holland charity race in this file photo from 2019. The annual event was originally delayed until Sept. 19 and has now moved into a virtual format due to the ongoing pandemic. Runners will complete their treks on their own time and submit their times online. The event will still benefit the local special needs community and participants can still win prizes. (MNJ file photo)

Annual Run for Holland charity race goes virtual as pandemic continues

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — The annual Run for Holland charity race will take on a new form this year due to the ongoing pandemic.
The first wave of vehicles that were part of the Maggie’s Ride convoy leaves the parking lot of the Spruce Pine Walmart Saturday, Aug. 22. Each vehicle in the convoy paid $20 to ride and all proceeds went to the Maggie Young Memorial Scholarship fund. The event raised nearly $2,000. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

The first wave of vehicles that were part of the Maggie’s Ride convoy leaves the parking lot of the Spruce Pine Walmart Saturday, Aug. 22. Each vehicle in the convoy paid $20 to ride and all proceeds went to the Maggie Young Memorial Scholarship fund. The event raised nearly $2,000. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

ONE SWEET RIDE: Dozens ride to honor legacy of late local student

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — The memory of the late Maggie Young lives on through the annual Maggie’s Ride fundraiser and the 2020 edition of the event proceeded as planned despite the ongoing pandemic.  During the second year of Maggie’s Ride on Saturday, Aug.