Local

MECHS tech club giving students valuable experience

“The theme for this session is brainstorming,” Waymo Product Operations Manager and 2009 Mitchell High graduate Jacob Martinez says to a group of Mayland Early College High School students. Martinez was in his home in the Bay Area as he convened a recent session of the tech-focused student club.

Bowman students get to work as part of NC Students@Work Month

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed March 2022 as Students@Work Month in North Carolina. Now in its 12th year, students are exposed to numerous careers in our area and can experience first-hand what is expected from employers.

Grant would help officers fight internet crimes against children

The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department has applied for a grant to aid its fight with crimes against children.

Bakersville Greene building getting new life

One of the oldest buildings in Bakersville is being given a new life. Locals refer to it as the Greene building because it was built by David McDonald Greene and his son Frank. The Looking Back feature in this week’s News-Journal goes deeper on the history.

Area students ready to hit stage for production of Matilda JR.

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination. This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

Cheers to 21 years

It’s the end of an era and the dawn of a new one for the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. After 21 years with the chamber, longtime director Patti Jensen is retiring. She was honored this past week with a drop-in retirement ceremony at the Market on Oak in downtown Spruce Pine.

Commissioners OK Cook as newest county manager

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting this past week confirmed Bakersville resident Allen Cook as the county’s newest manager. Cook takes over for Lloyd Hise, who has been serving in an interim capacity since the retirement of the previous manager Tim Greene on Dec.

Town set to repave Locust Street

Locust Street in downtown Spruce Pine will soon get smoother. The Town Council during its regular meeting on Monday, March 14 unanimously approved a decision to repave Locust Street at the request of Town Manager Darlene Butler. Butler brought up the topic during her regular report.

Babe’s Pizza opens Spruce Pine location

Ask Bob Myers about his pizza and he’ll tell you “the proof is in the pudding.” Myers boasts more than three decades of experience making fresh pizza by hand and already owns and operates Babe’s Pizza and Treats locations in Burnsville and Weaverville. Add a third location to the list.

Riverside Park could house skatepark, town council says

The Spruce Pine skateboard park project discussed just weeks ago during a regular meeting of the Spruce Pine Town Council is already progressing. The council met again on Monday, March 14 and discussed the project again.