Local

APRIL 1, 2020: Cancellations, postponements and other COVID-19-related information

  Note: To ensure all area residents to have important local information about the coronavirus health emergency, the Mitchell News-Journal has lifted its paywall and is providing unlimited access to virus-related articles on our website. We need your support to continue this important work.

State stay-at-home order frequently asked questions

    Note: To ensure all area residents to have important local information about the coronavirus health emergency, the Mitchell News-Journal has lifted its paywall and is providing unlimited access to virus-related articles on our website. We need your support to continue this important work.

THE SECRET LIVES OF WORDS: Bread, circuses and other April follies

Ancient Romans, like modern Americans, loved festivals and had plenty of them.  The Roman calendar included upwards of 150 holidays and public games, with their curious mix of religious rites, chariot racing, and gladiatorial contests.

OBITUARY: Joanne McFalls

Joanne Phillips Hoilman McFalls, 59, of Cane Creek Road, Bakersville, passed away March 23, 2020. She was a native of Mitchell County and the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary Ann Hoilman Phillips. She was previously employed as a CNA at Brian Center Health and Rehab in Spruce Pine.

OBITUARY: Marguerite Johnson Barksdale

Marguerite Johnson Barksdale, 99, of Kaywillia Lane, Spruce Pine, died Friday, March 27, 2020, at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation in Spruce Pine. Born June 21, 1920, in Gibson, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Wayman and Nellie Neal Johnson.

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital hosting community tele-forum

Note: To ensure all area residents to have important local information about the coronavirus health emergency, the Mitchell News-Journal has lifted its paywall and is providing unlimited access to virus-related articles on our website. We need your support to continue this important work.

Mission Health putting up triage tents at hospitals to prepare for COVID-19

Mission Health announced Tuesday, March 31, it is moving forward with standing up tents at its hospitals in the coming days to create additional capacity for triaging patients outside of emergency departments, should it become necessary as the COVID-19 outbreak evolves.

ASK DENISE: Adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic

Dear Readers: I am currently out of town but plan to be back in the first part of April. My weekly columns will return soon after. I will also be returning to work at that time.

UPDATE: Commissioners discuss possible shelter-in-place order at special meeting

This story will appear in the April 1 edition of the Mitchell News-Journal. We have posted it here now with no paywall in our ongoing effort to keep the community informed about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schools begin remote curriculum

LEDGER – Mitchell County Schools began its remote learning curriculum Monday, March 23, in response to the threat of the coronavirus, the same day Gov. Roy Cooper extended school closures until May 15.