Local

Private property debris removal stalled

Mariel Williams
Monday, March 16, 2026
Counties across Western North Carolina are struggling to get approval to remove debris from private property more than a year after Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land), according to a report at a recent Mitchell County Board of Commissioners meeting.
MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. The Quartz Corp’s headquarters is in Drag, Norway. Its history in Spruce Pine began in 1957, and after several name changes and acquisitions became The Quartz Corp in 2011. According to the company, it mines exceptionally pure quartz used in solar panels, semiconductors, and fiber-optic cables. Another co-product of its quartz processing is the naturally occurring mineral sodium feldspar used in ceramic tile, sanitary ware, and glass manufacturing.

MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. The Quartz Corp’s headquarters is in Drag, Norway. Its history in Spruce Pine began in 1957, and after several name changes and acquisitions became The Quartz Corp in 2011. According to the company, it mines exceptionally pure quartz used in solar panels, semiconductors, and fiber-optic cables. Another co-product of its quartz processing is the naturally occurring mineral sodium feldspar used in ceramic tile, sanitary ware, and glass manufacturing.

Quartz workers split on ousting union

Noreen Nikolas
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
On Oct. 14, 2025, union workers at The Quartz Corp in Spruce Pine filed a petition to decertify the United Mine Workers Local 0140 as their bargaining representative.
Submitted photo. Local activist Scott Ashcraft has filed a lawsuit to protect what he believes are important archaeological sites in local forests.

Submitted photo. Local activist Scott Ashcraft has filed a lawsuit to protect what he believes are important archaeological sites in local forests.

Saving sacred sites

(not verified)
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Kiesa Kay MNJ Correspondent   For thousands of years, the soil and rocks of Western North Carolina have been mined for minerals. Rivers foamed white with runoff and silicosis, white lung choked miners.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Mica Gallery President Robbie Bell helms a busy register.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Mica Gallery President Robbie Bell helms a busy register.

For the love of animals

Steffen Silvis
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
“Well, it was there a minute ago.” Artist Vicki Essig had just pointed out a piece donated for the annual Art for Animals’ Sake fundraiser by a renowned local glass artist, but it had just been quickly whisked off to the cash register at Burnsville’s Mica Gallery.
Mitchell County primary election winners

Mitchell County primary election winners

Vance wins sheriff’s seat in primary

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Unofficial results are in for the March 3 primary election, in Mitchell County and across the state. The local race with the most candidates was the Republican primary for the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards recently visited Spruce Pine to present a check for new water infrastructure. From left are Town Manager Daniel Stines, Town Council member Tessa Taylor, council member Wayne Peight, Edwards, Mayor Beth Holmes and council member Rocky Buchanan.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards recently visited Spruce Pine to present a check for new water infrastructure. From left are Town Manager Daniel Stines, Town Council member Tessa Taylor, council member Wayne Peight, Edwards, Mayor Beth Holmes and council member Rocky Buchanan.

Spruce Pine receives $4 million for water infrastructure upgrade

Mariel Williams
Monday, March 2, 2026
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards presented the Spruce Pine Town Council with a ceremonial $4 million check for water infrastructure last week. Edwards visited Spruce Pine Town Hall the morning of Feb. 17 for the presentation.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Kaitlyn Sillman as Maizy LaBird and Riley Carver as the Cat in the Hat perform in “Seussical Jr.”

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Kaitlyn Sillman as Maizy LaBird and Riley Carver as the Cat in the Hat perform in “Seussical Jr.”

A TRIP TO WHOVILLE

Steffen Silvis
Monday, March 2, 2026
“The show must go on” is a classic theatrical motto conveying that, whatever problems or disasters a troupe confronts, the curtain will rise when it’s scheduled.

Two Republicans seek clerk of court seat

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Both candidates for the position of Mitchell County Clerk of Court spoke at the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum Thursday. Shana Buchanan and David Wheeler are both running in the Republican primary election Tuesday. In her opening statement, Buchanan highlighted her experience.
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.