News

MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. Richard and Marjean Benton, who live in Bakersville, enjoy a meal at the Senior Center.

MNJ Photo/Noreen Nickolas. Richard and Marjean Benton, who live in Bakersville, enjoy a meal at the Senior Center.

Feeding Mitchell

Noreen Nikolas
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
According to statistics from Feeding America, many adults and children in Mitchell County lack enough food to eat. To tackle the issue, county residents, churches, and local businesses provide free food through community gardens, food pantries, food banks, and meal programs.
Submitted photo. Mitchell High School principal Cole Chester, right, introduces Mitchell High’s 2025 class valedictorian Ivy Young, left.

Submitted photo. Mitchell High School principal Cole Chester, right, introduces Mitchell High’s 2025 class valedictorian Ivy Young, left.

Class of ‘25 says goodbye

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, June 2, 2025
Steffen Silvis MNJ Correspondent   A capacity audience filled the Mitchell High School gymnasium for the class of 2025’s graduation last Friday evening. One hundred and eight seniors filed in to receive their diplomas, representing the end of 13 years of formal study.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. This panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Parkway washout near Little Switzerland distorts the width of the hole slightly in order to get the full scope of the damage in view.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. This panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Parkway washout near Little Switzerland distorts the width of the hole slightly in order to get the full scope of the damage in view.

Parkway repairs may be delayed beyond 2025

Mariel Williams
Monday, June 2, 2025
Mitchell County officials are concerned that the National Park Service has yet to schedule Blue Ridge Parkway repairs in the areas closest to the county.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Downtown Worship featured musical performances from area church groups.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Downtown Worship featured musical performances from area church groups.

Faith & Family

Mariel Williams
Monday, June 2, 2025
Local families filled Upper Street (Oak Avenue) last Wednesday for the fourth annual Downtown Worship event in Spruce Pine. Every year Downtown Worship brings members of the community together for Christian music.

County committed to EMS staff, commissioners say

Mariel Williams
Friday, May 23, 2025
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners discussed rumors that Mitchell Medics, the private contractor that runs emergency medical services in Mitchell County, might merge with another organization, at the board’s regular meeting last week.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Page Cash, a disaster-recovery volunteer from Virginia, speaks to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Page Cash, a disaster-recovery volunteer from Virginia, speaks to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.

County commissioners discuss storm recovery

Mariel Williams
Friday, May 23, 2025
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners discussed disaster recovery and other county business at its meeting last week.   Public comment Page Cash came before the commissioners to discuss disaster recovery needs.

Budget hearing

Mariel Williams
Friday, May 23, 2025
There will be a public hearing on a proposed $28 million Mitchell County budget Monday, June 2 during the Board of Commissioners’ meeting at 6:30 p.m.