News

Submitted photo. For their project, Mayland’s SkillsUSA competitors identified a real-world problem common to remote-controlled rovers used by SWAT teams: low ground clearance, which limits the rover’s ability to move effectively through rough or debris-filled environments during tactical operations. To solve the issue, the team engineered a custom portal axle system — a design that raises the body of the rover without increasing its overall size.

Submitted photo. For their project, Mayland’s SkillsUSA competitors identified a real-world problem common to remote-controlled rovers used by SWAT teams: low ground clearance, which limits the rover’s ability to move effectively through rough or debris-filled environments during tactical operations. To solve the issue, the team engineered a custom portal axle system — a design that raises the body of the rover without increasing its overall size.

Mayland students win gold at State SkillsUSA with SWAT Rover

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, April 28, 2025
GREENSBORO — A student team from Mayland Community College took first place in the state at the SkillsUSA North Carolina State Leadership and Skills Conference, held in Greensboro.
Submitted photo. Representatives of the Carolina Hurricanes met with members of the Mitchell County Board of Commissions and county staff as they presented the county with $150,000 to help restore the Wade Tipton Memorial Park in Bakersville.

Submitted photo. Representatives of the Carolina Hurricanes met with members of the Mitchell County Board of Commissions and county staff as they presented the county with $150,000 to help restore the Wade Tipton Memorial Park in Bakersville.

Hurricanes donate $450,000 to WNC

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, April 28, 2025
Staff of the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation recently visited Mitchell County to view damage from Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land). The foundation donated $150,000 to the county to restore Wade Tipton Field, according to County Manager Allen Cook.

Mayland selects top 3 candidates

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, April 28, 2025
The Mayland Community College Board of Trustees has selected three finalists for the presidency of MCC. Public forums are ongoing this week (the first was held the afternoon of Tuesday, April 29), and each candidate will participate in a one-hour forum.
MNJ photo/Mariel Williams. A number of vehicles washed away in the September flooding, and Mitchell County authorities are attempting to contact their owners before junking the wreckage.

MNJ photo/Mariel Williams. A number of vehicles washed away in the September flooding, and Mitchell County authorities are attempting to contact their owners before junking the wreckage.

Who has your car?

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, April 21, 2025
Mitchell County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are seeking the owners of various damaged vehicles found in the course of flood cleanup. The county has contracted with the Corps to clean up storm debris on river and creek banks.
MNJ file photo/Rachel Hoskins. Pete Braspenninx, owner of Phyre Forge in Michigan, drew a big crowed as the featured blacksmith for the 2024 Fire on the Mountain in downtown Spruce Pine. This year’s featured blacksmith is Anton Yakushev.

MNJ file photo/Rachel Hoskins. Pete Braspenninx, owner of Phyre Forge in Michigan, drew a big crowed as the featured blacksmith for the 2024 Fire on the Mountain in downtown Spruce Pine. This year’s featured blacksmith is Anton Yakushev.

Fire on the Mountain returns to Spruce Pine

Mariel Williams
Monday, April 21, 2025
The Spruce Pine Town Council approved a permit for the Fire on the Mountain blacksmithing festival this weekend at its meeting last week.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners honored local electric company workers at a meeting last week. Friday is National Linemen Appreciation Day.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners honored local electric company workers at a meeting last week. Friday is National Linemen Appreciation Day.

County honors linemen, dispatchers, firefighters

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners honored local power company employees at a meeting last week in recognition of National Linemen Appreciation Day, which will be Friday.
MNJ Photos/Mariel Williams. Trey Oakley, CEO of Williams YMCA of Avery County, explains the plan for the new facility in Spruce Pine.

MNJ Photos/Mariel Williams. Trey Oakley, CEO of Williams YMCA of Avery County, explains the plan for the new facility in Spruce Pine.

Work continues on YMCA

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Constructions crews are currently finishing up the interior of the YMCA facility connected to the Pinebridge Coliseum in Spruce Pine. No firm date has been set for opening the facility, but it may be available to the community by the end of the summer.