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Local temperatures plummet amid nationwide arctic blast

Christmas in Mitchell County felt like it did across much of the nation this past Sunday— frigid. An arctic cold snap swept across much of the nation this past week, and Mitchell County was not spared. On Thursday, Dec.

Master gingerbread builders

The Mitchell County Public Library’s annual Gingerbread House Contest is now over and the winners stand alone. In the Kids’ Division, Gloria Buchanan took home first place (pictured). Brooklyn Hollifield won in the Teen Division. Olivia and Amanda Biddix won the Adult Division.

10 feel-good moments from 2022 in Mitchell County

Editor’s note: From new faces in influential positions to events that made locals smile, the following are 10 moments that made many readers smile during 2022. The list is not exhaustive, as there was plenty of positive news in 2022.

Journey to the Manger brings Christmas story to life

More than 750 sojourners gathered at the Bakersville Creek Walk earlier this month to obey the decree to register for the census. They were greeted by a priest (Dr.

NFN packs care packages, officers deliver to elderly

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is doing its best to make sure that area seniors are warm, happy and healthy this Christmas. The food ministry earlier this month packed holiday care packages full of socks, blankets, winter hats, puzzles and more to give to area seniors.

Toys for Tots brightens Christmas for 353

A large fundraising effort culminated earlier this month when 353 Mitchell County children experienced a Merry Christmas and received gifts through the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Toys for Tots is organized by Mitchell County’s own Mark Thomas. The mission of the U.S.

Shop With a Cop serves 65

The Spruce Pine Walmart buzzed with activity on Wednesday, Dec. 7 during the latest edition of the annual Shop With a Cop event. Law enforcement officials, volunteers and area kids packed the entrance lobby, waiting for Shop With a Cop to begin.

Planetarium now has laser light shows

The Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium at Mayland’s Earth to Sky Park in Burnsville is now offering laser light shows. These laser light shows take traditional light shows to the next level. Laser beams shoot across the planetarium’s dome to the beat of popular music.

MHS FBLA students show out at regionals

Mitchell High Future Business Leaders of America students earlier this month traveled to Haywood Community College to represent Mitchell County in the FBLA Western Regional Competition. Students participate in various events including tests, interviews and speaking events.

Structure fire rips through Mitchell Glass building

A structure fire on Thursday, Dec. 1 ripped through Mitchell Glass and left smoke billowing into the cold air even into the morning of Friday, Dec. 2.  The fire broke out in the building at 34 Cabin Road just after 8 p.m. on Dec.