Local

The Spruce Pine Wells Fargo branch will permanently close on Feb. 10, the company confirmed. 

The Spruce Pine Wells Fargo branch will permanently close on Feb. 10, the company confirmed. 

Spruce Pine Wells Fargo set to permanently close in February

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — The Spruce Pine Wells Fargo branch will permanently close on Feb. 10, the company confirmed.  The closing of the Spruce Pine branch will make the Burnsville Wells Fargo, which is roughly 12 miles away, the closest branch for local Wells Fargo customers.
As of Wednesday, Oct. 21, Mitchell County had a total of 246 positive cases, with 12 of those active and 232 recovered. Additionally, there have been five deaths. 

As of Wednesday, Oct. 21, Mitchell County had a total of 246 positive cases, with 12 of those active and 232 recovered. Additionally, there have been five deaths. 

COVID-19 case numbers creep upward as citizens get restless

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
SPRUCE PINE —  With an increase in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, Toe River Health Director Diane Creek credits much of the rise to “COVID fatigue.” “People are getting tired of wearing masks and social distancing,” she said. “I get that. I’m tired of it, too. But, we’ve got to keep doing it.

Commissioners, BOE again talk new school

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — After months focused primarily on the ongoing pandemic, conversations about the new school project are back among the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education.  At the Board of Commissioners regular session on Monday, Oct.
The Mitchell County Chamber’s second annual Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights The Trail of Lights will go from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Bakersville and beyond beginning November 26 and ending on December 26.

The Mitchell County Chamber’s second annual Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights The Trail of Lights will go from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Bakersville and beyond beginning November 26 and ending on December 26.

Chamber details plans for second annual Trail of Lights

Mitchell News-Journal
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce has Christmas on their minds these days.   The Mitchell County Chamber’s second annual Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights The Trail of Lights will go from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Bakersville and beyond beginning November 26 and ending on December 26.
Mitchell graduate Jennings, back row on the far right, was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society at Mars Hill University on Oct. 9.

Mitchell graduate Jennings, back row on the far right, was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society at Mars Hill University on Oct. 9.

Jennings added to Alpha Chi Honor Society

Mitchell News-Journal
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
MARS HILL — The North Carolina Epsilon Chapter 120 of Alpha Chi Honor Society at Mars Hill University inducted new members and installed officers for the fall semester during a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 9.
The orange cones and barricades on U.S. 19E are now gone as the highway widening project is finished. The $64.9 million project widened eight miles of U.S. 19E from Yancey County. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

The orange cones and barricades on U.S. 19E are now gone as the highway widening project is finished. The $64.9 million project widened eight miles of U.S. 19E from Yancey County. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

NCDOT completes 19E widening project

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — The bright orange cones and traffic barrels that have dotted U.S. 19E for months have finally disappeared, marking the completion of the highway widening project.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation officially announced the completion of the project on Friday, Oct. 16.
Republican Hise is seeking a sixth term as a state senator while Wheeler, the Democratic challenger, is challenging Hise for a second straight time. The two clashed in the 2018 senatorial race for District 47 with Hise winning by garnering 68.08 percent of votes.

Republican Hise is seeking a sixth term as a state senator while Wheeler, the Democratic challenger, is challenging Hise for a second straight time. The two clashed in the 2018 senatorial race for District 47 with Hise winning by garnering 68.08 percent of votes.

Hise, Wheeler debate during virtual forum

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — The roster of candidates included in the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce 2020 Candidates’ Forum on Monday, Oct.
Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June.Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June. (Photo sourced from Lifeguard Emergency Services website.)

Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June.Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June. (Photo sourced from Lifeguard Emergency Services website.)

2 commissioners raise EMS questions

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Mitchell County Commissioners Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff and Jeff Harding questioned a representative from the county’s new EMS provider, Lifeguard, about why there are no ventilators and fewer IV pumps on Mitchell County’s emergency vehicles during the regular meeting of the...
Sam Blevins, Tabatha Drum Dickson and Brenda H. Sparks are running for the two open seats on the Board of Education in the upcoming election. (Photos submitted)

Sam Blevins, Tabatha Drum Dickson and Brenda H. Sparks are running for the two open seats on the Board of Education in the upcoming election. (Photos submitted)

Candidate Profiles: BOE candidates bring unique perspectives, ideas to table

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
SAM BLEVINS After three terms on the Mitchell County Board of Education, Sam Blevins wants to continue to work for the children, teachers and families he has served for so long. “I feel like I’ve served and did my best for the school system,” Blevins said.