Local

President of Mayland Community College John Boyd shows off architecture plans for the soon-to-be Three Peaks Enrichment Center. The old Pine Bridge complex and hotel are both under construction to become part of Mayland’s campus.

President of Mayland Community College John Boyd shows off architecture plans for the soon-to-be Three Peaks Enrichment Center. The old Pine Bridge complex and hotel are both under construction to become part of Mayland’s campus.

Pinebridge project: Mayland President talks about progress

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Slowly but surely, progress is being made on the project that will turn the old Pinebridge Coliseum into Mayland Community College’s Three Peaks Enrichment Center.
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors food ministry has found a new home in Spruce Pine. The building sits ready for visitors with the ministry van parked outside. Photo by Cory Spiers/MNJ.

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors food ministry has found a new home in Spruce Pine. The building sits ready for visitors with the ministry van parked outside. Photo by Cory Spiers/MNJ.

Local food ministry finds new home

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Food Ministry has a new home at 14192 Highway 226 South in Spruce Pine.  The ministry moved into its new location this past week. The building is located just past Walmart and Burger King.
Blueberry Heaven in Bakersville is ready for business again. 

Blueberry Heaven in Bakersville is ready for business again. 

In blueberry heaven

Mitchell News-Journal
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Blueberry Heaven is ready for business again.  Blueberry Heaven, a self-service blueberry farm located at 1845 Blevins Branch Road in Bakersville, had to wait longer than usual to open, but on Monday, July 13, visitors flocked to the business as it officially opened for the season.
A decorative planter in Bakersville sits without flowers after being vandalized. (Submitted photo)

A decorative planter in Bakersville sits without flowers after being vandalized. (Submitted photo)

Decorative planters vandalized, Bakersville resident says

Mitchell News-Journal
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Decorative planters on the bridge along Highway 226 in Bakersville were vandalized Wednesday, July 8, said Germaine Galjour of Bakersville.  Several days before that, hanging baskets placed in the gazebo at Cane Creek Park were stolen, Galjour added.
Class attendees stretch out their arms with exercise bands during an exercise class led by Mitchell County Director of Recreation Brock Duncan at the Senior Center. Pictured Left to Right: Mila Black, Jean Newton and Mattie Sparks. Photos by Juliana Walker/MNJ

Class attendees stretch out their arms with exercise bands during an exercise class led by Mitchell County Director of Recreation Brock Duncan at the Senior Center. Pictured Left to Right: Mila Black, Jean Newton and Mattie Sparks. Photos by Juliana Walker/MNJ

Getting physical: Mitchell County seniors stay fit with exercise classes

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
LEDGER — Mitchell County Senior Center Director Kathy Garland presses play on a workout playlist and suddenly the smooth voice of George Jones sings out the lyrics to “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”  Now the 30-minute exercise class can begin.
Former Mitchell News-Journal reporter Cory Spiers, 27, has taken the position of Editor/Publisher.

Former Mitchell News-Journal reporter Cory Spiers, 27, has taken the position of Editor/Publisher.

Spiers to lead MNJ

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — The Mitchell News-Journal has a new publisher and editor. Former News-Journal reporter Cory Spiers, 27, has taken the position, Community Newspapers Regional Publisher Rachel Hoskins announced.

Bakersville increases taxes

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Property taxes in Bakersville are going up for the first time in several years.  On Monday, June 29, the Bakersville Town Council approved its 2020-21 fiscal year budget which includes a five-cent tax increase, from $0.41 to $0.46 per $100 valuation based on real property values.
The Confederate Monument, named the “Mitchell County Confederate Dead,” sits outside of the historic county courthouse in Bakersville. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

The Confederate Monument, named the “Mitchell County Confederate Dead,” sits outside of the historic county courthouse in Bakersville. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Monument should be protected say Sons of Confederate Vets

Mitchell News-Journal
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — In the wake of Confederate monuments and statues being removed across the country, the Confederate monument in Mitchell County was discussed Monday, June 29 during the regular Bakersville Town Council meeting.