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Mitchell County primary election winners

Mitchell County primary election winners

Vance wins sheriff’s seat in primary

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Unofficial results are in for the March 3 primary election, in Mitchell County and across the state. The local race with the most candidates was the Republican primary for the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards recently visited Spruce Pine to present a check for new water infrastructure. From left are Town Manager Daniel Stines, Town Council member Tessa Taylor, council member Wayne Peight, Edwards, Mayor Beth Holmes and council member Rocky Buchanan.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards recently visited Spruce Pine to present a check for new water infrastructure. From left are Town Manager Daniel Stines, Town Council member Tessa Taylor, council member Wayne Peight, Edwards, Mayor Beth Holmes and council member Rocky Buchanan.

Spruce Pine receives $4 million for water infrastructure upgrade

Mariel Williams
Monday, March 2, 2026
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards presented the Spruce Pine Town Council with a ceremonial $4 million check for water infrastructure last week. Edwards visited Spruce Pine Town Hall the morning of Feb. 17 for the presentation.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Kaitlyn Sillman as Maizy LaBird and Riley Carver as the Cat in the Hat perform in “Seussical Jr.”

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Kaitlyn Sillman as Maizy LaBird and Riley Carver as the Cat in the Hat perform in “Seussical Jr.”

A TRIP TO WHOVILLE

Steffen Silvis
Monday, March 2, 2026
“The show must go on” is a classic theatrical motto conveying that, whatever problems or disasters a troupe confronts, the curtain will rise when it’s scheduled.

Two Republicans seek clerk of court seat

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Both candidates for the position of Mitchell County Clerk of Court spoke at the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum Thursday. Shana Buchanan and David Wheeler are both running in the Republican primary election Tuesday. In her opening statement, Buchanan highlighted her experience.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum to judicial candidates S. Justin Ray, left, and Eric Eller.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum to judicial candidates S. Justin Ray, left, and Eric Eller.

A matter of justice

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Both candidates for the position of District Court Judge attended the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum Thursday. Eric F. Eller and S. Justin Ray are both running in the Republican primary for North Carolina District Court District 35 Seat 1.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Several dozen people turned out for the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum Thursday.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Several dozen people turned out for the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum Thursday.

Chamber hosts political forum

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Several local and one federal candidate aired their views at the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum Thursday. “Thank you for exercising your right to be a part of the electoral process,” Chamber Executive Director Bill Slagle said to the crowd.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Bob Hensley moderated a forum featuring Mitchell County sheriff candidates Thursday. From left are Cecil Hobson and Shane Vance.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Bob Hensley moderated a forum featuring Mitchell County sheriff candidates Thursday. From left are Cecil Hobson and Shane Vance.

Hobson, Vance seek sheriff’s office

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Candidates Shane Vance and Cecil Hobson discussed the future of the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office at a forum last Thursday. The forum was organized by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum to candidates for the Board of Commissioners. From left are Vic Burleson, Becky Grant, Jeff Harding, Harley Masters, Steve Pitman and Donald Street.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Moderator Bob Hensley explains the rules of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum to candidates for the Board of Commissioners. From left are Vic Burleson, Becky Grant, Jeff Harding, Harley Masters, Steve Pitman and Donald Street.

Commissioner candidates speak out

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The six candidates for three seats on the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners laid out their vision for the county at a Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce forum Thursday.