Local

County requests suspension of short-term rentals to combat spread of COVID-19

    The Mitchell County Government announced Tuesday, March 24, the suspension of all short-term rentals until further notice due to the threat of coronavirus.

Golden LEAF deploys $15M in funding to launch NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program

  ROCKY MOUNT –  The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Walker joins News-Journal staff as reporter

SPRUCE PINE – Mitchell News-Journal publisher and editor Brandon Roberts announced Spruce Pine native Juliana Walker has joined the staff of the Mitchell News-Journal as a reporter.

TOWN OF SPRUCE PINE: Fine for littering could be increased in town limits

SPRUCE PINE – People who litter within Spruce Pine town limits could soon be subject to stiffer fines.  The Spruce Pine Town Council, at its regular meeting Monday, March 9, discussed the possibility of increasing the penalty for city litter citations.

Hey now, you’re an all-star

    LEDGER – Mitchell High School senior Hannah McMahan has been selected to play in the annual Blue-White All-Star Game as a member of the girls’ blue team.  McMahan is the first Lady Mountaineer to participate in the game since Morgan Buchanan in 2017-18.

U.S. Small Business Administration grants disaster declaration for NC business owners

RALEIGH – The U.S. Small Business Administration has granted Gov. Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for small businesses that are suffering due to COVID-19.

A note from AMY Wellness Executive Director Luke Howe

Dear AMY Wellness Foundation Partners, I hope this letter finds you well during this time of uncertainty. As you know, AMY Wellness Foundation is committed to the health and well-being of our region.

High Peaks suspends group hikes over coronavirus

    The NC High Peaks Trail Association will suspend all hikes for the next few weeks on the advice of public health officials who say groups of more than 10 should not gather even for healthy recreational activities.

SECU branches transitioning to drive-thru only service for member, employee safety

RALEIGH – Effective Thursday, March 19, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) branches statewide will temporarily transition to drive-thru only for the majority of its services to reduce the possibilities of transmission of the coronavirus to members, their families and SECU employees.

Regional funders partner to award emergency grants in response to COVID-19

A coalition of regional funders has come together to support an Emergency and Disaster Response Fund activated and administered at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC).