Local

Bakersville Town Council is lone contested race

BAKERSVILLE — The race for Bakersville Town Council is the lone contested race in the next municipal elections in Spruce Pine and Bakersville in November.

Commissioners recognize, tout Mitchell 4-H

BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 2 recognized Mitchell County 4-H through a special resolution and thanked the group for their contributions to the area. Chairman Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff read the 4-H resolution to meeting attendees.

New book chronicles history, details of Appalachian Trail

SPRUCE PINE —Local author Peter King’s first book, A Retiree’s Appalachian Trail Adventure, was published earlier this summer and chronicles his journey and life on the trail.

Medlin will lead MHS girls' basketball

LEDGER — The Mitchell High School varsity girls’ basketball team will be coached next season by former Newton-Conover assistant Colton Medlin. Medlin, 25, replaces Zack McCartha who earlier this summer was hired to lead McDowell High’s varsity girls’ team.

Optional masks, no virtual learning in MCS reopening plan

LEDGER — Mitchell County Schools will return to in-person instruction on Monday, Aug. 16, guided by a district-wide reopening plan that features the traditional five-day per week school schedule while adhering to safety protocols.

MCS officials quell critical race theory rumor

LEDGER — Critical race theory won’t be taught in Mitchell County Schools, the school system said in a press release this past week.

Outdoor gem show draws scores of visitors

The 37th annual Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show made its way this past week to the Upper Skyview Circle property behind Spruce Pine Chevy.

NC Mineral and Gem Show returns after 2020 cancelation

SPRUCE PINE — The annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival brought scores of people to the former Roses building this past week, resuming after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. The indoor festival ran from Thursday, July 29 through Sunday, Aug. 1.

Officials talk law enforcement center during workshop

BAKERSVILLE - The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during a special workshop on Monday, July 19 continued to discuss the development of a law enforcement center in Mitchell County, mainly working through questions about location and cost.

Local massage practice aims to reduce stress, anxiety

BAKERSVILLE – Peaceful Soul Natural Massage, a new massage therapy practice, has made its way to Bakersville. Owner Lena McEachern, a registered nurse, saw the benefits of massage firsthand before she opened her practice. “I got started really when I was a floor nurse,” McEachern said.