Local

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum to judicial candidates S. Justin Ray, left, and Eric Eller.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum to judicial candidates S. Justin Ray, left, and Eric Eller.

A matter of justice

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Both candidates for the position of District Court Judge attended the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum Thursday. Eric F. Eller and S. Justin Ray are both running in the Republican primary for North Carolina District Court District 35 Seat 1.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Several dozen people turned out for the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum Thursday.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Several dozen people turned out for the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum Thursday.

Chamber hosts political forum

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Several local and one federal candidate aired their views at the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum Thursday. “Thank you for exercising your right to be a part of the electoral process,” Chamber Executive Director Bill Slagle said to the crowd.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Bob Hensley moderated a forum featuring Mitchell County sheriff candidates Thursday. From left are Cecil Hobson and Shane Vance.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Bob Hensley moderated a forum featuring Mitchell County sheriff candidates Thursday. From left are Cecil Hobson and Shane Vance.

Hobson, Vance seek sheriff’s office

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Candidates Shane Vance and Cecil Hobson discussed the future of the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office at a forum last Thursday. The forum was organized by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum to candidates for the Board of Commissioners. From left are Vic Burleson, Becky Grant, Jeff Harding, Harley Masters, Steve Pitman and Donald Street.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum to candidates for the Board of Commissioners. From left are Vic Burleson, Becky Grant, Jeff Harding, Harley Masters, Steve Pitman and Donald Street.

Commissioner candidates speak out

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The six candidates for three seats on the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners laid out their vision for the county at a Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce forum Thursday.
Mitchell County Clerk of Court candidates, Shana W. Buchanan and David Wheeler.

Mitchell County Clerk of Court candidates, Shana W. Buchanan and David Wheeler.

Two seeking Clerk of Court position

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Mitchell County Clerk of Court Shana W. Buchanan is facing challenger David Wheeler in the race for the Clerk of Court’s seat in the March Primary. Both are running on the Republican ticket. Early voting for all positions opened last week and runs thru 3 p.m., Feb. 28. Polls are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.
Mitchell County Sheriff candidates, Cecil Hobson and Shane Vance.

Mitchell County Sheriff candidates, Cecil Hobson and Shane Vance.

Two vie for sheriff’s position

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
When Mitchell County residents vote in the March 3 Primary, they will likely be deciding who will hold the highest law enforcement position in the county. Shane Vance and Cecil Hobson Jr. are Republican candidates seeking to fill the Mitchell County Sheriff’s seat.
MNJ Photos/Laz Aguayo. From left: Luke Forbes escorts Carolynn Forbes in royal purple at “A Night to Shine.” Tammy Scott graces the red carpet with a bedazzled red gown and crown.

MNJ Photos/Laz Aguayo. From left: Luke Forbes escorts Carolynn Forbes in royal purple at “A Night to Shine.” Tammy Scott graces the red carpet with a bedazzled red gown and crown.

NIGHT TO SHINE

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
On the evening before Valentine’s Day Mitchell Middle School became a gathering place for the community as it hosted the community’s inaugural “Night to Shine.

Candidates vie for commissioner seats

(not verified)
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The Mitchell News-Journal asked candidates for the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners questions about their plans for our community. Primary elections for the Democratic and Republican parties will be held Tuesday, March 3.   EARLY VOTING Early voting will begin on Thursday, Feb.