Local

MNJ Photos/Steffen Silvis. Top: Kurt Anderson at work in his Spruce Pine studio on the Toe River Arts Studio Tour. Bottom: Art enthusiasts gather for an opening night reception at Kokol Gallery downtown Spruce Pine. The reception kicked off Toe River Arts Studio Tour this past weekend.

MNJ Photos/Steffen Silvis. Top: Kurt Anderson at work in his Spruce Pine studio on the Toe River Arts Studio Tour. Bottom: Art enthusiasts gather for an opening night reception at Kokol Gallery downtown Spruce Pine. The reception kicked off Toe River Arts Studio Tour this past weekend.

A landscape filled with art

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Steffen Silvis MNJ Contributor   Fast approaching its 50th anniversary, Toe River Arts has been supporting and promoting Mitchell and Yancey County artists since 1976.
MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. Richard and Marjean Benton, who live in Bakersville, enjoy a meal at the Senior Center.

MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. Richard and Marjean Benton, who live in Bakersville, enjoy a meal at the Senior Center.

Feeding Mitchell

Noreen Nikolas
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
According to statistics from Feeding America, many adults and children in Mitchell County lack enough food to eat. To tackle the issue, county residents, churches, and local businesses provide free food through community gardens, food pantries, food banks, and meal programs.
Submitted photo. Mitchell High School principal Cole Chester, right, introduces Mitchell High’s 2025 class valedictorian Ivy Young, left.

Submitted photo. Mitchell High School principal Cole Chester, right, introduces Mitchell High’s 2025 class valedictorian Ivy Young, left.

Class of ‘25 says goodbye

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, June 2, 2025
Steffen Silvis MNJ Correspondent   A capacity audience filled the Mitchell High School gymnasium for the class of 2025’s graduation last Friday evening. One hundred and eight seniors filed in to receive their diplomas, representing the end of 13 years of formal study.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Downtown Worship featured musical performances from area church groups.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Downtown Worship featured musical performances from area church groups.

Faith & Family

Mariel Williams
Monday, June 2, 2025
Local families filled Upper Street (Oak Avenue) last Wednesday for the fourth annual Downtown Worship event in Spruce Pine. Every year Downtown Worship brings members of the community together for Christian music.

County committed to EMS staff, commissioners say

Mariel Williams
Friday, May 23, 2025
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners discussed rumors that Mitchell Medics, the private contractor that runs emergency medical services in Mitchell County, might merge with another organization, at the board’s regular meeting last week.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Page Cash, a disaster-recovery volunteer from Virginia, speaks to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Page Cash, a disaster-recovery volunteer from Virginia, speaks to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.

County commissioners discuss storm recovery

Mariel Williams
Friday, May 23, 2025
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners discussed disaster recovery and other county business at its meeting last week.   Public comment Page Cash came before the commissioners to discuss disaster recovery needs.

Budget hearing

Mariel Williams
Friday, May 23, 2025
There will be a public hearing on a proposed $28 million Mitchell County budget Monday, June 2 during the Board of Commissioners’ meeting at 6:30 p.m.