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Harris Middle School earlier this month released its list of the latest winners of the Harris Award, which goes to students with the highest average in their group for math, reading, social studies or science.

Harris Middle School earlier this month released its list of the latest winners of the Harris Award, which goes to students with the highest average in their group for math, reading, social studies or science.

Harris Middle finalizes latest list of award winners

Mitchell News-Journal
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
SPRUCE PINE — Harris Middle School earlier this month released its list of the latest winners of the Harris Award, which goes to students with the highest average in their group for math, reading, social studies or science.
Kivo, the newest K-9 Unit dog for the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department, sits in Riverside Park and listens carefully for the next instructions from his handler, Lieutenant Jesse English. Kivo replaces Oscar, who served as the K-9 Unit dog for 10 years. Oscar now lives with English. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Kivo, the newest K-9 Unit dog for the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department, sits in Riverside Park and listens carefully for the next instructions from his handler, Lieutenant Jesse English. Kivo replaces Oscar, who served as the K-9 Unit dog for 10 years. Oscar now lives with English. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

KIVO REPORTING FOR DUTY: Mitchell’s newest K-9 officer settles into his role

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
SPRUCE PINE — One of the newest hires at the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department is not your typical employee. Kivo, the new K-9 Unit dog, joined the force this past June and he’s now starting to settle into the job.
COVID-19 cases in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties continue to rise into the New Year.

COVID-19 cases in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties continue to rise into the New Year.

Calendar flips to new year as COVID-19 follows

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
LEDGER –  Although it’s a new year, COVID-19 is still here.  The most recent numbers for the tri-counties were reported by the Toe River Health District (TRHD) on Tuesday, Dec. 29. Mitchell County had 123 active positive cases and, as of Jan. 5, had 23 COVID-related deaths as of Dec. 29.
“I think we have a lot to be proud of in this little town of ours,” said Sharon Runion Rowland, a primary organizer of Christmas 'Neath the Roan.

“I think we have a lot to be proud of in this little town of ours,” said Sharon Runion Rowland, a primary organizer of Christmas 'Neath the Roan.

Christmas ‘Neath the Roan events deemed successful

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
BAKERSVILLE – Although it was a different holiday season, Christmas ‘Neath the Roan was ultimately called a success at the Bakersville Town Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

Beam tabbed as Bakersville Clerk

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
BAKERSVILLE – The Town of Bakersville has a new town clerk.  Mitchell County native Kelli Beam started in the position Monday, Jan. 4. Beam replaces Abby Garland, who was sworn into office in July of last year. At the Bakersville Town Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec.
This banner outside Bakersville was posted by SEARCH volunteers Risa and Howard Larsen with help from Charles “Chuck” Vines in an effort to boost local census numbers. (Submitted)

This banner outside Bakersville was posted by SEARCH volunteers Risa and Howard Larsen with help from Charles “Chuck” Vines in an effort to boost local census numbers. (Submitted)

Census efforts result in gift to Mitchell County

Mitchell News-Journal
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Participating in the US Census is crucial to the state and federal funding that our county government receives. On average, $1,800 per person per year comes into our county from those sources.
Richard Canipe (seated) is surrounded by his co-workers in his office earlier this month. Canipe announced that he will retire as town manager at the end of the month. Darlene Butler (left) will take over the position after serving more than two decades as town clerk. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Spruce Pine)

Richard Canipe (seated) is surrounded by his co-workers in his office earlier this month. Canipe announced that he will retire as town manager at the end of the month. Darlene Butler (left) will take over the position after serving more than two decades as town clerk. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Spruce Pine)

Canipe retires, Butler in as Spruce Pine Town Manager

Juliana Walker
Thursday, December 31, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — After serving as Spruce Pine Town Manager for 21 years, Richard Canipe is retiring.  At the Spruce Pine Town Council’s regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 14, Mayor Darla Harding thanked Canipe for his service to the town.
Bruce Ikard, who has served as the primary announcer for WTOE for the majority of the past four decades, sits in the WTOE control room during a normal day in the office. WTOE recently added an FM station in an effort to expand its coverage to more people in the region. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Bruce Ikard, who has served as the primary announcer for WTOE for the majority of the past four decades, sits in the WTOE control room during a normal day in the office. WTOE recently added an FM station in an effort to expand its coverage to more people in the region. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

A NEW WAVELENGTH: WTOE radio station adds FM station to expand its coverage

Juliana Walker
Thursday, December 31, 2020
The 65-year-old WTOE AM radio station can now also be found on 101.1 FM.  The oldies rock station made the jump to FM on Dec. 1 and, according to Manager Mike Sink, the move will help the station reach parts of the region more easily and consistently.
Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin reaches out to say hello to a resident of one of the county’s assisted living facilities on Friday, Dec. 18. Summerlin, dressed as Santa Claus, went around and spread holiday cheer via the windows, due to the ongoing pandemic. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin reaches out to say hello to a resident of one of the county’s assisted living facilities on Friday, Dec. 18. Summerlin, dressed as Santa Claus, went around and spread holiday cheer via the windows, due to the ongoing pandemic. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Summerlin dons Santa attire, spreads cheer at local assisted living facilities

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
In an effort to help spread some holiday cheer, Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin, adorned in Santa Claus attire, visited the local assisted living facilities on Friday, Dec. 18.