Local

Josh McKinney sits in his new recording studio, Josh McKinney Studios. The studio opened last month and McKinney has already had a local gospel group, Contenders for Faith, record their most recent album in the space. The studio has allowed McKinney to turn his musical passion into a business. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Josh McKinney sits in his new recording studio, Josh McKinney Studios. The studio opened last month and McKinney has already had a local gospel group, Contenders for Faith, record their most recent album in the space. The studio has allowed McKinney to turn his musical passion into a business. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

MOVED BY MUSIC: Local music lover opens new public recording studio

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Josh McKinney has loved music for as long as he can remember.  “I’ve been into music my whole life,” McKinney said. “It seems like it’s always sort of defined who I am. I mean, I love it.
Mitchell County Department of Social Services Program Director Shawn Block, Adoption and Licensing Worker Donna Davis and Hollifield’s Christian Child Care Center Director Donna Woody pose for a photo with one of the purple tote bags the children’s center donated to DSS. The tote bags will go to children in DSS custody so they don’t have to move their belongings in trash bags when they move to a new home. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Mitchell County Department of Social Services Program Director Shawn Block, Adoption and Licensing Worker Donna Davis and Hollifield’s Christian Child Care Center Director Donna Woody pose for a photo with one of the purple tote bags the children’s center donated to DSS. The tote bags will go to children in DSS custody so they don’t have to move their belongings in trash bags when they move to a new home. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Local child care center donates 100 tote bags to Mitchell DSS

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Hollifield’s Christian Child Care Center donated 100 purple tote bags to the Mitchell County Department of Social Services on Thursday, Sept. 24. The tote bags will go to children in foster care and entering DSS custody so they don’t have to use trash bags to move their belongings.

School board approves revised reopening plan

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
LEDGER — The Mitchell County Schools Board of Education met Friday, Sept. 25 to reevaluate and revise the school reopening plan in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.  Under the revised plan, seventh and eighth graders who chose face-to-face learning will return to school on Oct.
Mitchell House residents Ruth Archer (102) and Mabel Elberta Wing (99) (front) were honored by the High Country Area Agency on Aging during a special ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21. In the back, from the left, celebrating with the duo is Norma Duncan, Charles Duncan, Tim Greene, Darla Harding, Richard Canipe, Charles Vines and Jeff Harding. (Submitted photo)

Mitchell House residents Ruth Archer (102) and Mabel Elberta Wing (99) (front) were honored by the High Country Area Agency on Aging during a special ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21. In the back, from the left, celebrating with the duo is Norma Duncan, Charles Duncan, Tim Greene, Darla Harding, Richard Canipe, Charles Vines and Jeff Harding. (Submitted photo)

Oldest Mitchell House residents honored during special ceremony

Mitchell News-Journal
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Mitchell House residents Mabel Elberta Wing and Ruth Archer were honored by the High Country Area Agency on Aging during a special outdoor ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21.

Local real estate market booming amid pandemic

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Despite the negative economic impact the ongoing pandemic has had on many markets, the local real estate market has seen a significant rise. Co-owner of Tree House Mountain Realty Vicki Greene said it’s been a surprisingly busy time.
Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin places his lunch order at DT’s Blue Ridge Java on Friday, Sept. 11. Local law enforcement officers were provided free meals at DT’s during the day courtesy of Sweet Creek Construction. Summerlin said the gesture means a lot to him. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin places his lunch order at DT’s Blue Ridge Java on Friday, Sept. 11. Local law enforcement officers were provided free meals at DT’s during the day courtesy of Sweet Creek Construction. Summerlin said the gesture means a lot to him. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Local officers get treated to free meal

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Local law enforcement officers were treated to a free lunch at DT’s Blue Ridge Java in downtown Spruce Pine on Friday, Sept. 11. Mitchell County-based Sweet Creek Construction bought the lunches for any law enforcement officer who dropped into the restaurant during business hours.