Local

Toe River Health District announces sixth confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mitchell County

  LEDGER – The Mitchell County Health Department, part of Toe River Health District, was notified at 6:48 a.m. Friday, May 15, that a sixth Mitchell County resident has tested positive for novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The individual is in isolation.

‘Spay-ghetti’ raises record amount for MCAR

SPRUCE PINE – Mitchell County Animal Rescue’s sixth annual “Spay-ghetti” fundraiser took place Saturday, April 18, and proved to be the most successful to date, raising $8,616 to go toward the rescue’s operating costs. “We were very pleasantly surprised,” said Amber Lowery, MCAR director.

Day, voting locations changed for June runoff

BAKERSVILLE – The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has brought many schedule changes in the past few weeks, and the upcoming runoff election is no exception. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, the date has now been moved to Tuesday, June 23.

DEPT. OF SOCIAL SERVICES: Ross touts therapeutic foster care

BAKERSVILLE – The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners held its regular Department of Social Services session Monday, May 4, where DSS Director Sara Ross discussed the possible benefits of therapeutic foster care in the county.

COVID-19 drive-thru testing coming to Harris Middle School

SPRUCE PINE – The Mitchell County Health Department will be conducting a drive-thru testing site for any citizen of Mitchell County to be tested for COVID-19, regardless of insurance status and whether one is showing symptoms.  The drive-thru testing is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

County below state average responding to 2020 Census

The North Carolina Rural Center has partnered with the NC Counts Coalition to ensure every resident, especially those in rural areas, are counted in the 2020 Census.

Some not happy with Class of 2020 graduation options

LEDGER – The options given to Mitchell High School seniors for their graduation drew the ire of some parents who expressed their displeasure on social media.  Mitchell High School principal Mark Woody sent an email to seniors Thursday, May 7, with two state-approved options for graduation.

EXTENDING OUR REACH: Black Vultures becoming problem for some livestock

In various parts of the country, including North Carolina, Black Vultures have become an increasingly significant problem for livestock producers.  There have been several cases of Black Vultures attacking livestock, including newborn calves, resulting in substantial injury and even death.

OBITUARY: Sandra Hise

Sandra Cook Hise, 73, of Beaver Creek Road, Spruce Pine, died Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at her home. Born Feb. 11, 1947, in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mae Webb Street.

OBITUARY: Iris Burleson

Iris Burleson, 92, of Spruce Pine, passed on to her Heavenly Home Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at her home. Born on Jan. 10, 1928, in the Red Hill community of Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Calvin Roscoe and Margie Roberts Garland.