Local

Buladean: Small community turns Christmas into big event

In the lead-up to the Buladean Christmas Parade Saturday, viewers huddled in their cars to avoid the freezing temperatures, with vehicles lining the parking lots and fields along N.C. Highway 226 into the community.

Vines, Buchanan recognized by HCC

Three local officials were recognized at the 50th Annual Banquet of the High Country Council of Governments held at Appalachian State University in Boone Oct. 10. Mayor Charles Vines of Bakersville was recognized by the Council as the 2025 Outstanding Executive Board Member.

Burn ban rescinded

The Mitchell County Fire Marshal’s Office rescinded a burn ban last week. Mitchell County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Director Andrew Brewer had originally issued the burn ban on Nov. 18, because of dry weather conditions. However, the Nov.

Cook named 2025 Outstanding Local Government Manager

Mitchell County Manager Allen Cook was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Local Government Manager in the High Country region. Cook was honored by the High Country Council of Governments at its annual banquet.

FEMA: Most challenging

The Spruce Pine Town Council heard an update on disaster recovery at a recent meeting.

School board reflects on student safety, future plans for Harris

At a recent Board of Education meeting, Mitchell County Schools Superintendent Chad Calhoun praised district staff members for their efforts to track down a student kidnapped recently. Earlier this month, Christopher Biederman, 32, was arrested in Ohio for kidnapping a Bakersville 15-year-old.

Driver killed on 226 near Summit Avenue

A man was killed last week while attempting to pass another vehicle on N.C. Highway 226 near Summit Avenue. According to a Spruce Pine Police Department, on Nov.