Local

Resident criticizes DSS, local government for inaction

BAKERSVILLE – At the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting, a resident made public comments about the Mitchell County Department of Social Services.

Sheriff’s office K-9, Oscar, retires

BAKERSVILLE – After 10 years of service, Oscar, the K-9 Unit dog for the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department, has retired. Oscar’s handler Lt.

Bridge gets $500K

RALEIGH – State House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, announced this past week the approval of $500,000 for renovations to the historic pedestrian bridge connecting downtown Spruce Pine with the Mayland Community College satellite campus. The initial funding request was made by state Rep.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: Board adopts 2020-21 budget

BAKERSVILLE – The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners approved the 2020-2021 budget on Monday, June 1, at its regular meeting. County Manager Tim Greene read a summary of the proposed budget at the meeting, highlighting some of the larger expenses, revenues and changes from the previous year.

Drive-through COVID-19 testing is Tuesday at Bakersville Community Health Center

BAKERSVILLE – Mountain Community Health Partnership, or MCHP, is offering drive-through COVID-19 testing from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Bakersville Community Health Center, 86 N. Mitchell Ave. in Bakersville. MCHP will determine the need for additional dates and announce them later.

Pitman treated to drive-by retirement celebration after 32 years in the classroom

BAKERSVILLE – Veronica Pitman has retired from teaching after more than 30 years in a classroom, and colleagues, friends, family members, and current and former students bid her farewell Thursday, May 21, in a drive-by retirement ceremony at Bowman Middle School.

Gustoso Ristorante set for early August opening in downtown Spruce Pine

SPRUCE PINE – A new restaurant is coming to downtown Spruce Pine at 159 Locust St., the current location of The Grove Church.

No fireworks, closing pool not easy decisions

Once in your lifetime, or quite possibly never in your lifetime, it will happen. A pandemic – Adjective 1. (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world. (Synonyms: widespread – prevalent – pervasive – rife – rampant – epidemic – universal – global.)  This was the first for me.

STAYING CONNECTED

  GRASSY CREEK – Mitchell House residents and nurses received an outpouring of support Friday, May 29, during a drive-thru parade.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: Board discusses pay plan

BAKERSVILLE – The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners met in special session Wednesday, May 27, to review pay plan and personnel policy recommendations from the Management and Personnel Services Group, or MAPS.