Local

New courses prepare locals to save a life

Mitchell Medics is doing its part to ensure that Mitchell County citizens are prepared to save a life. The organization recently launched a series of free hands-only CPR training at the EMS base in Bakersville.

Give Kids a Smile provides free dental care to 37 area children

More than three dozen area children brightened up their smiles with free dental care on Friday, Feb. 3 at the East Carolina University Dental Community Service Learning Center in Spruce Pine.

Let's see your skills

As part of its quest to offer students hands-on learning opportunities, Mitchell County Schools Career and Technical Education recently offered a unique way to experience skilled labor.

Mitchell County websites, emails have new names

Mitchell County Government started off 2023 with a major change to its online presence. After using the internet domain name mitchellcounty.org for years, county government websites and e-mail addresses have been switched over to mitchellcountync.gov.

Skate for Kids’ Sake raises critical funds

It’s time to start planning to Skate For Kids’ Sake on April 1. The event will raise important funds for the mentoring programs coordinated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties.

DT’s, Sweet Creek Construction combine to honor first responders

Local first responders got a free lunch at DT’s Blue Ridge Java in downtown Spruce Pine on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Mitchell County-based Sweet Creek Construction took care of the lunches for any law enforcement officer who dropped into the restaurant during regular business hours.

‘Natural High’ offers tools to help kids avoid substance abuse

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has increased its efforts to help its Littles avoid substance abuse by making available age-appropriate videos by Natural High, a drug prevention nonprofit organization. Natural High (naturalhigh.

WAMY’s Santa for Seniors serves more than 1,400

This past month marked WAMY Community Action’s fourth Santa for Seniors gift drive through which the organization distributed more than 1,400 holiday gift bags to senior citizens through the support of local businesses, organizations and individuals.

NC attorney general announces bid for governor

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein this past week announced that he is running to serve as North Carolina’s next governor. In an announcement video, Stein highlighted the need to fight for a North Carolina “rooted in our shared values of freedom, justice and opportunity for everyone.

Deyton’s Fortner tabbed finalist for beginning teacher award

Samantha Fortner, a third-grade teacher at Deyton Elementary, is one of 27 finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching’s 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. NCCAT announced the list of 27 finalists this past week.