Local

Pair of commissioners, Chamber talk Visitor Center

SPRUCE PINE — The Mitchell County Visitor Center won’t receive county funding this fiscal year, a pair of Mitchell County Commissioners confirmed Tuesday, June 29 during a meeting of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Rambo tabbed as next SPMS Head of School

SPRUCE PINE — Jennifer Rambo is the new Head of School at Spruce Pine Montessori. Rambo has lived in Mitchell County for 19 years and has been involved with Spruce Pine Montessori for a decade. The school will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

Senior Center trending toward normalcy

LEDGER — After a year of operating amid the global pandemic, the Mitchell Senior Center is trending toward normalcy. The center’s dining hall will reopen on July 6 and activities, including crafts, billiards and Bible study, are returning with few limitations.

Local officers seize controlled substances after traffic stop

SPRUCE PINE — Aided by its K-9 officer, officers from the Spruce Pine Police Department recently seized nearly 300 grams of controlled substances after a traffic stop. On Thursday, June 10 at approximately 1:20 a.m.

Brad Ragan pool slated to open soon after delay

SPRUCE PINE — The Brad Ragan Park public pool may open by the end of this week, just in time to kick off summer. The pool has had some complications as it attempted to reopen for the first time since the 2019 season. The pool did not open during the 2020 season because of the ongoing pandemic.

Rhododendron Festival draws scores to area

The annual North Carolina Rhododendron Festival returned to Bakersville after being postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The festival, which celebrated its 74th anniversary, started on Friday, June 18 and ran through Saturday, June 19.

Mitchell Medics EMS eying transition of services by July 1

BAKERSVILLE — Mitchell Medics EMS Director Bryant Reid hopes to provide a smooth transition of EMS services starting July 1.

Observatory allows for 'astronomical' discoveries

Willis Observatory founder Chris Ayers is extremely passionate about astronomy and his local observatory is on track to open July 1.

Maniatis joins MNJ as reporter

SPRUCE PINE — Ariana Maniatis joined the News-Journal Monday, June 7 as the paper’s reporter.  Maniatis replaces Juliana Walker, who resigned from the position this past February to take a job with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She had served in the role since March 2020.

New art exhibit showcases father, son

The Toe River Arts Two Generations exhibit showcases the unique art created by artists Ken and Galen Sedberry.  The work of the father and son duo involves the detailed craft of wood firing.