Local

Quartz severance tax not possible, local officials say

BAKERSVILLE — A severance tax on the local quartz mining industry won’t be coming to Mitchell County any time soon.

Poppy's Farm will offer variety of organic produce to locals in need

Local small business owner Kim Hageman is taking concrete steps toward battling food insecurity in the community through the establishment of Poppy’s Organic Farm in Bakersville.  Poppy’s Farm, a 10.

Fire on the Mountain Festival to continue virtually

SPRUCE PINE — The annual Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival will still happen later this month but it will take on a new format amid the ongoing pandemic.

Chamber event will encourage local shopping

SPRUCE PINE — The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce will encourage shoppers to stay local during May through a special promotion.  As part of the promotion, which will run from May 1 through May 31, shoppers who visit participating local businesses can pick up a special card.

Spring craft, garden show delivers Easter spirit

SPRUCE PINE — Visitors filed into the Cross Street Commerce Center throughout the day on Saturday, April 3 for the Easter Egg-Stravaganza Craft and Garden Show presented by Spruce Pine Southern Shows.  The show, which ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Town Council OKs decision to apply for PARTF grant

SPRUCE PINE — The Spruce Pine Town Council during its regular meeting on Monday, March 22 held a public hearing regarding its decision to apply for a $100,000 North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant to help fund several key improvements to Brad Ragan Park.

Town will help fund story trail displays, audio

SPRUCE PINE — The Spruce Pine Town Council during its regular meeting on Monday, March 22 received an update on the Riverside Park Story Trail and unanimously approved the allocation of $6,000 to the project for book displays and audio stations.

Hygiene hub helps locals meet basic needs

Thinking inside the box isn’t typically associated with something positive, but it’s exactly what the Spruce Pine Library is doing with its newly-implemented little free hygiene box.

Grateful Girl Gathering offers local women times of fun, encouragement

Nearly 100 women filled the Cross Street Commerce Center Saturday, March 20 for the Grateful Girl Gathering, a conference designed for a sisterhood of women that featured times of study, worship, encouragement and fun.

Commissioners OK resolution for EDC membership

BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Economic Development Commission will be able to add up to three non-voting members after the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting on Monday, March 15 unanimously approved a new resolution at the request of County Attorney Lloyd Hise.