News

Final suspect convicted in Buchanan murder trial

Cory Spiers
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Regina Pittman was sentenced Tuesday, July 21 to serve a term of 50 to 72 months with 1,346 days of jail credit by the Hon. Gary Gavenus, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge.  Pittman is the final defendant connected to the September 2016 murder of Joshua Emmanuel Buchanan.
Former Mitchell News-Journal reporter Cory Spiers, 27, has taken the position of Editor/Publisher.

Former Mitchell News-Journal reporter Cory Spiers, 27, has taken the position of Editor/Publisher.

Spiers to lead MNJ

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — The Mitchell News-Journal has a new publisher and editor. Former News-Journal reporter Cory Spiers, 27, has taken the position, Community Newspapers Regional Publisher Rachel Hoskins announced.

Bakersville increases taxes

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Property taxes in Bakersville are going up for the first time in several years.  On Monday, June 29, the Bakersville Town Council approved its 2020-21 fiscal year budget which includes a five-cent tax increase, from $0.41 to $0.46 per $100 valuation based on real property values.
Spruce Pine United Methodist Church Rev. Rick Schilling gives a sermon at the church’s first in-person service since the stay-at-home order went into place in late March. (Photo/Tim Drum)

Spruce Pine United Methodist Church Rev. Rick Schilling gives a sermon at the church’s first in-person service since the stay-at-home order went into place in late March. (Photo/Tim Drum)

An act of faith

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
As state restrictions regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic have eased, many local church congregations have been resuming in-person worship services.  However, these services definitely look different than before.
MNJ photo/Michael Vess - The Bradshaw Fire Department refurbished the old playground at the former Tipton Hill School.

MNJ photo/Michael Vess - The Bradshaw Fire Department refurbished the old playground at the former Tipton Hill School.

Childs play: Bradshaw FD refurbishes playground

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
TIPTON HILL – The children of Tipton Hill have a playground again. The Bradshaw Fire Department finished repairs on the playground next to the former Tipton Hill School to make it functional for local kids.
MNJ Photos/ Juliana Walker: Robbie Bell, owner of Speckled Dog Pottery, said he has sold a decent amount of his work online during the past three months.

MNJ Photos/ Juliana Walker: Robbie Bell, owner of Speckled Dog Pottery, said he has sold a decent amount of his work online during the past three months.

The business of art

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
BAKERSVILLE – As local art galleries reopen their doors, local artists are looking forward, and backward, at how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic affects them.

When will kids go back to school ?

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
LEDGER – The Mitchell County Board of Education met Monday, June 29 to discuss possible plans to reopen schools in the fall. In early June, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) released requirements and recommendations for schools to reopen for the 20-21 school year.
Front row (left to right): Ra’naa Gray, Autumn Staubitz, Brandy Laws, Hanah Evans, and Tiana Thomason. Back row (left to right): Catherine Honeycutt, Whitney Harding, Tabithia Shelton, Brittney Hughes, Brooke Buchanan, Jesse Miller, and Faith Stewart. (Photo submitted by Faith Stewart)

Front row (left to right): Ra’naa Gray, Autumn Staubitz, Brandy Laws, Hanah Evans, and Tiana Thomason. Back row (left to right): Catherine Honeycutt, Whitney Harding, Tabithia Shelton, Brittney Hughes, Brooke Buchanan, Jesse Miller, and Faith Stewart. (Photo submitted by Faith Stewart)

MCC nursing students celebrate, reflect on accomplishments

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
SPRUCE PINE – After postponing for more than a month, Mayland Nursing Program graduates held their pinning ceremony Friday, June 12.