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Submitted graphic. Smartphone users can scan this QR code to download the new Mitchell Ready app, a program designed to offer emergency alert information in real time.

Submitted graphic. Smartphone users can scan this QR code to download the new Mitchell Ready app, a program designed to offer emergency alert information in real time.

“Mitchell Ready” app offers emergency alerts

Mariel Williams
Monday, August 18, 2025
Mitchell County is now offering an app for smartphones to help residents stay aware of emergency events. Mitchell Ready is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, according to a Mitchell County Emergency Management release.
Submitted photo. SBI Agent Sarah Robinson often works with her K-9 partner, Kiraa, a human remains detection dog.

Submitted photo. SBI Agent Sarah Robinson often works with her K-9 partner, Kiraa, a human remains detection dog.

K-9 and commitment

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, August 18, 2025
Sarah Atkins seatkins05@gmail.com   Full of energy, Kiraa greets those she meets with a wagging tail and a smile. She loves to play, but she also loves working with her handler, Sarah Robinson. Robinson is a special agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. The majority of state troopers who attended the dedication ceremony were from Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and Madison counties.

MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. The majority of state troopers who attended the dedication ceremony were from Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and Madison counties.

N.C. Highway Patrol honors one of its own

Noreen Nikolas
Monday, August 18, 2025
Family, friends, and colleagues filled Grassy Creek Baptist Church in Spruce Pine recently to dedicate a bridge as well as celebrate the life of Master Trooper Brandon C. Peterson, N.C. State Highway Patrol (NCSHP).
Downtown Spruce Pine will host the Hellbender Festival on Aug. 30.

Downtown Spruce Pine will host the Hellbender Festival on Aug. 30.

Council approves pay plan

Mariel Williams
Monday, August 18, 2025
The Spruce Pine Town Council voted to approve a new compensation schedule in its meeting last week. Council Member Rocky Buchanan voted against the new scheme, saying after the meeting that he does not agree with it.
Submitted photo. Thomas Johnson, Chief Cares, associate director, Heidi Chan, AmeriHealth, market president, John Blackburn, AMY Wellness Foundation, executive director, and Luke Howe, AMY’s executive director hold a check for $10 million.

Submitted photo. Thomas Johnson, Chief Cares, associate director, Heidi Chan, AmeriHealth, market president, John Blackburn, AMY Wellness Foundation, executive director, and Luke Howe, AMY’s executive director hold a check for $10 million.

$10 million investment slated to build housing

Noreen Nikolas
Monday, August 11, 2025
Representatives and community leaders recently gathered to recognize the $10 million fund that AmeriHealth Caritas, N.C., granted to the Chief Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm and developer of the Blue Haven housing community in Avery County.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Gloria Thomas of Poplar speaks to the Mitchell Board of Commissioners about her experiences living across from the controversial new Horizon 30 mine. The commissioners’ meeting last week was packed with citizens concerned about the mine.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Gloria Thomas of Poplar speaks to the Mitchell Board of Commissioners about her experiences living across from the controversial new Horizon 30 mine. The commissioners’ meeting last week was packed with citizens concerned about the mine.

Un-permitted mining in Poplar breeds anxiety, distrust

Mariel Williams
Monday, August 11, 2025
At the beginning of last week’s meeting of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners, Board Chair Jeff Harding asked County Manager Allen Cook to read a statement about a mining operation in the Poplar community that has continued in spite of a lack of official certification and multiple...

Town council considers new compensation plan

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
The Spruce Pine Town Council voted 3-1 last week to approve the first reading of a new policy on employee compensation. The new policy will be subject to a second reading and a second vote before it becomes official. Council Member Rocky Buchanan was the lone opponent of the new policy.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. After being closed for some time for storm repairs, the Penland Post Office is back in action, and Postmaster Rebecca Davis has returned to her home away from home.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. After being closed for some time for storm repairs, the Penland Post Office is back in action, and Postmaster Rebecca Davis has returned to her home away from home.

Neither snow nor floods

Steffen Silvis
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Friday, July 11 was a particularly busy day at Penland’s U.S. Post Office, as artists and instructors leaving the Penland School of Craft’s latest two-week session descended on the building with packages of artwork that they wanted to mail home.