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Paul David Dover, 67, of Spruce Pine is facing federal child pornography charges after being arrested in Yancey County.

Paul David Dover, 67, of Spruce Pine is facing federal child pornography charges after being arrested in Yancey County.

Man in child porn case has local ties

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Mariel Williams editor@mitchellnews.com Paul David Dover, 67, of Spruce Pine is facing federal child pornography charges after being arrested in Yancey County. According to the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office, Dover was arrested in the parking lot at the McDonald’s in Burnsville March 14.
Submitted photo. Noah Daniel Garrett of Conover has been charged with obtaining property by false pretense. He reportedly called himself “John Griffin” and claimed to be the owner of “Lakeside Construction Services,” and offered fraudulent cleanup services, sometimes via Facebook.

Submitted photo. Noah Daniel Garrett of Conover has been charged with obtaining property by false pretense. He reportedly called himself “John Griffin” and claimed to be the owner of “Lakeside Construction Services,” and offered fraudulent cleanup services, sometimes via Facebook.

Hurricane recovery sees increase in scams

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Mariel Williams editor@mitchellnews.com As predicted five months ago when disaster struck, the process of recovering from Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land) has attracted scam artists and bad actors.

Downtown calls for concert vendors

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, March 10, 2025
Local craft and food vendors are invited to apply to operate at the Oliver Anthony Benefit Concert on Saturday, April 5, according to an announcement from Downtown Spruce Pine. (This is for consideration for the event and does not guarantee a spot.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Many Mitchell County waterways have excess flood debris on banks and stream beds. County residents can now apply for waterway and private property debris removal by calling the Helene Hotline at (828) 537-1441.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Many Mitchell County waterways have excess flood debris on banks and stream beds. County residents can now apply for waterway and private property debris removal by calling the Helene Hotline at (828) 537-1441.

Requests open for debris removal from waterways, private property open

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, March 10, 2025
Mariel Williams editor@mitchellnews.com “So, of course, the world I live in is the world of debris,” said Allen Cook as he began his county manager’s report last week.

Spruce Pine hires new Finance Officer

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, March 3, 2025
Mariel Williams editor@mitchellnews.com The Spruce Pine Town Council voted last week to hire Christy Young as the town finance officer. Young previously was employed by Mitchell County as a finance specialist. She will start work Thursday with an annual salary of  $75,000.
MNJ Photos/Noreen Nickolas. Volunteer Roby Summerfield, on left, shows Sonny Smith how to make a poster with a letterpress, while his father, Eric Smith watches.

MNJ Photos/Noreen Nickolas. Volunteer Roby Summerfield, on left, shows Sonny Smith how to make a poster with a letterpress, while his father, Eric Smith watches.

Penland opens up to community

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, March 3, 2025
Noreen Nickolas MNJ Correspondent It took several months after Helene to remove trees from 14 buildings, repair roofs, and clear blocked roads, but with help from the community and staff, Penland School of Craft in Bakersville was able to resume normal operations, and open its doors to the public...