Local

Grassy Creek land now part of Overmountain Victory Trail

A section of land in Grassy Creek with plots owned by Byron Phillips, Sibelco, The Quartz Corp. and Doug Wiseman is now part of The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. The move became official on Tuesday, Aug. 16 during a special trail donation and dedication ceremony.

WAMY director celebrates 30 years

WAMY Community Action’s executive director Melissa Soto this past month was honored for her 30 years of service to the organization during a surprise party at The Beacon in Boone.

Community is a specialty for local police chief

For Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin, his job is about more than just arresting people and writing tickets. It’s also about the community. On any given day, Summerlin goes about his regular police duties and works cases.

Commissioner Masters opens up about property tax rate, revaluations

Some locals opening their latest property tax bills were met with sticker shock, but commissioner Harley Masters said any increases are primarily the result of property tax reappraisals.

Discount store has new name

Nicholas Duke, local resident and manager of the newly-named Uplifting Deals, discovered the discount shop as a way to bond with his grandmother. “She had a lot of grandkids that she had to keep happy, so she became the queen of discount places,” Duke said. “She would find a new one all the time.

Summer Christmas?

Christmas twice a year? That was the case this past month when Bakersville’s Christmas ‘Neath the Roan Program and Mitchell County Cooperative Extension 4-H teamed up to create “Christmas in July” for two groups of area kids. The program offered courses for 5-7-year-olds and 8-12-year-olds.

Riverside to get splash pad, Brad Ragan tabbed for new equipment

Changes are coming to Spruce Pine parks. The town this past week announced that the two playgrounds at Brad Ragan Park will be replaced and a splash pad will be added to Riverside Park. Both projects are slated for 2023 with the splash pad targeting a Memorial Day opening.

Second Grateful Girl Gathering to feature speakers, DIY sessions

The Grateful Girl Gathering Christian Women’s Conference returns to the Cross Street Commerce Center on Aug. 27 to encourage women with speakers, worship music, DIY sessions and a time to connect. During its first year in 2021, women from Western North Carolina and other states attended.

Local teens go global during community trip to Europe

Twelve teens and three chaperones earlier this summer went global during a community trip to London and Paris. It was the first international experience for all 12 teens. The trip aimed to give area students a chance to experience different cultures through international travel.

From salesman to owner, Carroll now leading Buck Stove

Buck Stove of Spruce Pine is under new ownership but the company’s core values are unchanged. Ronald Carroll is the new owner but for him, it’s familiar. He took over the business this past April and prior to that, he spent two decades as a salesman under Robert Bailey.