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Photo/Mitchell County Government. Mitchell County officials, Lloyd Hise, Brock Duncan, Stan Cook, Christy Young and Allen Cook review bids for construction of the new recreation center.

Photo/Mitchell County Government. Mitchell County officials, Lloyd Hise, Brock Duncan, Stan Cook, Christy Young and Allen Cook review bids for construction of the new recreation center.

County awards rec center bids

en bids for the construction of the new Mitchell County Recreation Center in Bakersville.
Photo/Chris Garland. The Northern Lights dazzle above the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a rare celestial spectacle not seen since 2005.

Photo/Chris Garland. The Northern Lights dazzle above the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a rare celestial spectacle not seen since 2005.

Northern Lights grace Mitchell

Residents across North Carolina experienced a rare celestial treat as the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, became visible on the night of May 10, continuing into the early hours of May 11 and the night of May 12.

Budget talks

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education recently convened for a joint meeting to review and synchronize the financial strategies necessary for the upcoming new middle school, set to open in August 2024.
MNJ photos/Madison Smith. The Penland Post Office was originally built as Bailey Lumber Company offices but is also fondly remembered by the community for its time as a general store.

MNJ photos/Madison Smith. The Penland Post Office was originally built as Bailey Lumber Company offices but is also fondly remembered by the community for its time as a general store.

Postal transformation

Madison Smith MNJ Intern The Penland Post Office and General Store is undergoing a remarkable transformation, led by the resilience of a community-driven initiative.
Photos/Mitchell County Government. Fire crews at work in Grassy Creek, where a mulch fire was successfully contained after a joint effort.

Photos/Mitchell County Government. Fire crews at work in Grassy Creek, where a mulch fire was successfully contained after a joint effort.

Mulch fire contained

On Sunday, April 28, a mulch fire occurred at the Wood Waste Recycle Center and McClure Construction and Gravel Yard in Grassy Creek.
Photos submitted. Left: Ricky McPeters. Right: Caius Peterson Arrington and Janet Leierzapf.

Photos submitted. Left: Ricky McPeters. Right: Caius Peterson Arrington and Janet Leierzapf.

Guilty plea

Ricky McPeters, a 67-year-old resident of Yancey County, entered a guilty plea this last  week to two counts of felony death by vehicle along with possession of methamphetamine. The charges stem from a tragic accident on July 6, 2023, on U.S.
MNJ photos/Rachel Hoskins. Pete Braspenninx, owner of Phyre Forge in Michigan, was the featured blacksmith for the festival.

MNJ photos/Rachel Hoskins. Pete Braspenninx, owner of Phyre Forge in Michigan, was the featured blacksmith for the festival.

Fire on the Mountain heats up Spruce Pine

Rachel Hoskins rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com The sounds of metal hitting metal vibrated through the streets of Spruce Pine Saturday morning as the 17th annual Fire on the Mountain Festival kicked off the arrival of spring. As demonstrators and vendors lined Locust Ave.
Photo/Courtesy of the Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority. Blacksmiths demonstrates traditional techniques at Fire on the Mountain in 2023.

Photo/Courtesy of the Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority. Blacksmiths demonstrates traditional techniques at Fire on the Mountain in 2023.

Spruce Pine hosts annual blacksmithing festival

aturday, April 27, in Spruce Pine, for a unique celebration of blacksmithing artistry at the annual festival organized by Spruce Pine Main Street, Penland School of Craft, Toe River Arts, Haywood Community College, Arthur Morgan School, and local smiths.
MNJ photo/Sarah Quintas. Just Local Market was saved by the community.

MNJ photo/Sarah Quintas. Just Local Market was saved by the community.

Community rallies to save Bakersville Market

kersville is facing potential closure, prompting a heartfelt call to the community for support. Just Local, known for its commitment to local farmers and high-quality, sustainable produce, has exceeded its fundraising goal in a spirited effort to remain a vital part of the community.