Local

County sets proposed budget for 2023-24

Mitchell County’s proposed budget is finalized for the fiscal year 2023-24, totaling $24,538,302 to meet the projected needs of the county while keeping the property tax rate of 56 cents per $100 of valuation intact from the previous year.

L&L Furniture expands with pair of new showrooms

L&L owner Walton Shepherd has expansion on his mind.  The local furniture company earlier this month announced the addition of two more showrooms on Upper Street, including one showroom that will feature a full outdoor center via a partnership with Buck Stove.

Mitchell High students enjoy educational trip to Washington, D.C.

Forty Mitchell High School juniors visited Washington, D.C. earlier this month for an educational multi-day trip. The first day was spent touring Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Upon arrival in D.C.

Warren goes back-to-back

Mitchell High School junior Connor Warren is the 1A individual state golf champion for a second straight year.

Southwest Trading building to become new country store

Significant changes are coming to Upper Street in downtown Spruce Pine.  Gregg and Lisa Henline, longtime owners of Southwest Trading Company, recently retired, leaving a prime business location open.

Time to pass the torch

There’s a new police chief in Spruce Pine.  Bill Summerlin retired from the position this past week after nearly three decades with the Spruce Pine Police Department and handed the gold badge to Bakersville native Kasey Cook.

MCAR gets $15,000 grant from Petco Love

Mitchell County Animal Rescue will receive a $15,000 grant from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of lifesaving work for animals in Mitchell County.

Toe River Arts Studio Tour returns June 2-4

The annual Toe River Arts Studio Tour returns June 2-4 to showcase the diverse range of art in the region. The art is as diverse as the artists with the tour featuring the work of glassblowers, jewelers, printmakers, potters, fiber artists, ironworkers, painters, sculptors and woodworkers.

Run for Holland wraps through Spruce Pine for 10th year

The annual Run for Holland charity race was back in full force on Saturday, May 6.

Downtown Worship returns

Chilly weather didn’t stop the sound of preaching and singing from ringing out on Upper Street on Wednesday, May 3 during the second annual Downtown Worship organized by L&L Furniture.  The first event, held in June 2022, featured hot summer weather.