Local

COMMISSIONERS: Fire chiefs discuss concerns, problems

BAKERSVILLE – The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting Monday, Jan. 6, received reports from members of the Mitchell County Fire Association leading to a conversation that started quietly but escalated when tempers flared over staffing issues.

SOCIAL SERVICES: Ross blames paper, Facebook for lack of foster homes in county

BAKERSVILLE – The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners at its regular Department of Social Services session Monday, Jan. 6, discussed the need for in-county foster homes and reasons for their recent decrease.

Commissioners meet with TRHD

BAKERSVILLE – Mitchell County will likely remain a member of the Toe River Health District. The commissioners had a special-called meeting Tuesday, Jan. 9, with representatives from the Toe River Health District to hear about the District’s programs, funding and future endeavors.

County’s drug court has first 3 graduates

BAKERSVILLE – About a year after it was established, the Mitchell County Drug Treatment Court recognized its first three graduates in a ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Mitchell County Courthouse.

ASK DENISE: Child’s behavior putting strain on lifelong friendship

Editor’s note: Writer’s answers do not reflect those of the Mitchell News-Journal and are not meant to replace medical or mental health care.   Dear Denise: I have a dear friend of whom I am very fond. We have been friends since grade school and we are now in our 30s.

Amber Lowery named new MCAR director

SPRUCE PINE – Members of the Mitchell County Animal Rescue board announced Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, that Amber Dale Lowery has been named its executive director, effective Jan. 1.

Top 10 stories of 2019

The following stories were selected using single-copy sales numbers, website clicks, Facebook shares and comments, and general feedback.   1. DSS head will keep moving allowance The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners in a 4-1 vote Tuesday, Oct.

Certified teachers recognized

LEDGER – When it comes to teachers with certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Mitchell County Schools is in rare company.  Mitchell County is one of 81 school districts in the nation to have at least 20 percent of its teachers certified through the NBPTS.

Investigation ongoing after body found in ditchline

BAKERSVILLE – Police have identified a man found dead the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 17, in Bakersville.  Mitchell County Sheriff Donald Street said the body of Mark Edward Street, 60, of Hillside Drive, Bakersville, was found by a passerby around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec.

Schools district gets positive audit

LEDGER – Mitchell County Schools received a positive financial audit for fiscal year 2018-19.  The Mitchell County Board of Education at its regular meeting Tuesday, Dec.