News

COLUMN: A pirate looks at 40

In a sermon at church one Sunday, my pastor, Rocky Branch, was talking about the overall decline of people attending church. He asked for everyone in the congregation under 40 years old to stand up. So, I did. A much older (wink) Hank Phillips turned around, looked at me and snickered a little.

EDITORIAL: Know what’s going on in the community? Thank your local newspaper

A recent study titled “Losing the News: The Decimation of Local News and the Search for Solutions” sounds the alarm about the existential threat facing local watchdog journalism and proposes big-picture solutions for its revitalization.

EXTENDING OUR REACH: How does Extension work?

Welcome to “Extending Our Reach,” a twice-a-month news column provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mitchell County Center.  How does Extension work?  It is a dynamic organization that is challenging to explain.

ASK DENISE: Child’s behavior putting strain on lifelong friendship

Editor’s note: Writer’s answers do not reflect those of the Mitchell News-Journal and are not meant to replace medical or mental health care.   Dear Denise: I have a dear friend of whom I am very fond. We have been friends since grade school and we are now in our 30s.

Amber Lowery named new MCAR director

SPRUCE PINE – Members of the Mitchell County Animal Rescue board announced Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, that Amber Dale Lowery has been named its executive director, effective Jan. 1.

Top 10 stories of 2019

The following stories were selected using single-copy sales numbers, website clicks, Facebook shares and comments, and general feedback.   1. DSS head will keep moving allowance The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners in a 4-1 vote Tuesday, Oct.

Certified teachers recognized

LEDGER – When it comes to teachers with certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Mitchell County Schools is in rare company.  Mitchell County is one of 81 school districts in the nation to have at least 20 percent of its teachers certified through the NBPTS.

Investigation ongoing after body found in ditchline

BAKERSVILLE – Police have identified a man found dead the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 17, in Bakersville.  Mitchell County Sheriff Donald Street said the body of Mark Edward Street, 60, of Hillside Drive, Bakersville, was found by a passerby around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec.

Schools district gets positive audit

LEDGER – Mitchell County Schools received a positive financial audit for fiscal year 2018-19.  The Mitchell County Board of Education at its regular meeting Tuesday, Dec.

BOE chooses chair, vice chair

LEDGER – The newly appointed Chair and Vice Chair of the Mitchell County Board of Education officially began their terms Tuesday, Dec. 17, during the board’s regular meeting.  Brandon Pitman was re-appointed as Chair and Kathy Young was appointed as Vice Chair.