Local

Submitted photo. Executive Director Bill Slagle is the new leader of the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission.

Submitted photo. Executive Director Bill Slagle is the new leader of the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission.

EDC director looks to grow jobs, housing and new businesses

Noreen Nikolas
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
With a new executive director, Mitchell County’s Economic Development Commission is looking to create a foundation that ensures the success of the county’s business sector and furthers the community’s economic goals.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Emergency preparedness aside, the National Field Day is an opportunity for ham radio operators to learn technical skills from each other.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Emergency preparedness aside, the National Field Day is an opportunity for ham radio operators to learn technical skills from each other.

Preparing for disaster on the radio

Steffen Silvis
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Members of the Mayland Amateur Radio Club met at the Springmaid Mountain Resort in Spruce Pine last weekend to partake in the annual National Amateur Radio Field Day, which occurs every year on the last full weekend in June.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. New Town Manager Daniel Stines reflects on the challenges facing Spruce Pine’s recovery, surrounded by artwork donated to his office by his children.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. New Town Manager Daniel Stines reflects on the challenges facing Spruce Pine’s recovery, surrounded by artwork donated to his office by his children.

Spruce Pine Town manager says focus is on moving forward

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, June 23, 2025
A few weeks into his new position as town manager, Daniel Stines is eager to help Spruce Pine along the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land).
Submitted photo. The new 2026 NC Rhododendron Queen Kaylyn Fairchild and Junior Queen Kimber Ostrander were crowned Saturday. From left are Scout Stevenson (congeniality), GraceLynn Lovick (second runner up), Eliza Bray (first runner up, evening gown, talent) Kimber (junior queen and interview), Kaylyn (queen, and also winning interview and swimsuit), and Gracyn Strickland (first runner up, talent and congenitally winner).

Submitted photo. The new 2026 NC Rhododendron Queen Kaylyn Fairchild and Junior Queen Kimber Ostrander were crowned Saturday. From left are Scout Stevenson (congeniality), GraceLynn Lovick (second runner up), Eliza Bray (first runner up, evening gown, talent) Kimber (junior queen and interview), Kaylyn (queen, and also winning interview and swimsuit), and Gracyn Strickland (first runner up, talent and congenitally winner).

Rhododendron Festival blooms again amid flood recovery

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, June 23, 2025
Sarah Atkins mnjreporter@gmail.com   “Nine months ago, we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to do this,” said Charlie Burleson to the large crowd that had gathered for the Rhododendron Street Dance Friday night.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Hundreds filled downtown Spruce Pine Saturday for the annual Spruce Pine Alien Festival. The festival featured a wide variety of merchandise for sale, including T-shirts, costumes and original art. Festive attire at the festival ranged from simple “alien eyes” sunglasses to full costumes.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Hundreds filled downtown Spruce Pine Saturday for the annual Spruce Pine Alien Festival. The festival featured a wide variety of merchandise for sale, including T-shirts, costumes and original art. Festive attire at the festival ranged from simple “alien eyes” sunglasses to full costumes.

There is life out there

(not verified)
Monday, June 16, 2025
Steffen Silvis MNJ Contributor   In equal parts market and carnival, the fourth annual Alien Festival took control of Oak Street in downtown Spruce Pine Saturday, with hundreds of people enjoying what is billed as the largest UFO/alien festival in North Carolina.