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Principals for the 2024-25 school year.

Principals for the 2024-25 school year.

Principals named for 2024-25 school year

Mitchell County Schools has named principals for the 2024-25 school year in preparation for the opening of Mitchell Elementary School and Mitchell Middle School. Mitchell Elementary School (Grades 3-5): Kristie Autrey will serve as Principal of Mitchell Elementary School.
Courtesy of the YMCA.  Renderings of the Mitchell County YMCA, slated to open in Summer 2025, promising a new era of community health and wellness.

Courtesy of the YMCA. Renderings of the Mitchell County YMCA, slated to open in Summer 2025, promising a new era of community health and wellness.

Mitchell YMCA eyes 2025 opening

The Mitchell County YMCA is making significant strides toward its grand opening in the Summer of 2025. Trey Oakley, CEO of the Williams YMCA of Avery County and the future Mitchell County YMCA, shared insights on the anticipated impact and progress of this vital community project.
MNJ graphic.

MNJ graphic.

911 call transcript details request for a wellness check

The 911 dispatch call transcript from an incident at the Spruce Pine Walmart last week sheds light on the initial moments leading to Dillon Ledford’s arrest and charges by the Spruce Pine Police Department. This call took place at 8:59 p.m., and set in motion the events of Feb. 16.
Photo submitted.  Emergency response teams worked diligently to clean up a hazardous materials spill in Buladean.

Photo submitted. Emergency response teams worked diligently to clean up a hazardous materials spill in Buladean.

Accident causes hazardous spill

A tractor-trailer tanker accident on Wednesday, Feb. 21, has put Mitchell County’s emergency preparedness to the test, with a comprehensive response to a hazardous materials spill along NC Highway 226 in the Buladean community.
Photo submitted A video from the incident shows the yellow Mini driven by Ledford surrounded by police cars.

Photo submitted A video from the incident shows the yellow Mini driven by Ledford surrounded by police cars.

Medical crisis leads to arrest

Sarah Quintas editor@mitchellnews.com An incident at a local Walmart on Feb. 16 has sparked intense scrutiny after a K9 officer with the N.C. Department of Corrections was arrested and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest during what appears to have been a diabetic crisis.
MNJ graphic.

MNJ graphic.

Candidates seek to govern county

As Mitchell County gears up for local primary elections, the community’s focus sharpens on the candidates vying for positions on the Board of Commissioners. Early voting commenced Feb. 15 and concludes on March 2.
Photo/stock. While convenience centers throughout the county make dropping off garbage easy, area roadsides tend to be littered with plastic bottles and food wrappers. The state Adopt-A-Highway program helps, but some folks are advocating for stricter fines for people caught littering.

Photo/stock. While convenience centers throughout the county make dropping off garbage easy, area roadsides tend to be littered with plastic bottles and food wrappers. The state Adopt-A-Highway program helps, but some folks are advocating for stricter fines for people caught littering.

Litter bugs

A growing concern has emerged that challenges the cleanliness and environmental integrity of Mitchell County: the need for more frequent trash pickups.
MNJ photos/Sarah Quintas.  A mosaic by Emma Cadman was installed at City Drive In and features City Kitty.

MNJ photos/Sarah Quintas. A mosaic by Emma Cadman was installed at City Drive In and features City Kitty.

City Kitty

Amidst the vibrant colors of Lakeview Nursery, lives a cat of legend—City Kitty. His journey from a wanderer to a beloved town mascot is a story of community love and a bit of feline mischief.