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Submitted photo. The new 2026 NC Rhododendron Queen Kaylyn Fairchild and Junior Queen Kimber Ostrander were crowned Saturday. From left are Scout Stevenson (congeniality), GraceLynn Lovick (second runner up), Eliza Bray (first runner up, evening gown, talent) Kimber (junior queen and interview), Kaylyn (queen, and also winning interview and swimsuit), and Gracyn Strickland (first runner up, talent and congenitally winner).

Submitted photo. The new 2026 NC Rhododendron Queen Kaylyn Fairchild and Junior Queen Kimber Ostrander were crowned Saturday. From left are Scout Stevenson (congeniality), GraceLynn Lovick (second runner up), Eliza Bray (first runner up, evening gown, talent) Kimber (junior queen and interview), Kaylyn (queen, and also winning interview and swimsuit), and Gracyn Strickland (first runner up, talent and congenitally winner).

Rhododendron Festival blooms again amid flood recovery

Mitchell News-Journal
Monday, June 23, 2025
Sarah Atkins mnjreporter@gmail.com   “Nine months ago, we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to do this,” said Charlie Burleson to the large crowd that had gathered for the Rhododendron Street Dance Friday night.
Submitted photo. Storm victims Stephen and Alena Ayers washed away in Relief during Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land). Alena has been missing since Sept. 27, 2024, and was the catalyst for what became “Alena’s Law.”

Submitted photo. Storm victims Stephen and Alena Ayers washed away in Relief during Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land). Alena has been missing since Sept. 27, 2024, and was the catalyst for what became “Alena’s Law.”

‘Alena’s Law’ proposed

Noreen Nikolas
Monday, June 23, 2025
Eight months after Relief residents Stephen and Alena Ayers were swept away in Helene flood waters, Kelly White, Alena’s cousin, manages her grief by keeping busy and moving forward.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Hundreds filled downtown Spruce Pine Saturday for the annual Spruce Pine Alien Festival. The festival featured a wide variety of merchandise for sale, including T-shirts, costumes and original art. Festive attire at the festival ranged from simple “alien eyes” sunglasses to full costumes.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Hundreds filled downtown Spruce Pine Saturday for the annual Spruce Pine Alien Festival. The festival featured a wide variety of merchandise for sale, including T-shirts, costumes and original art. Festive attire at the festival ranged from simple “alien eyes” sunglasses to full costumes.

There is life out there

(not verified)
Monday, June 16, 2025
Steffen Silvis MNJ Contributor   In equal parts market and carnival, the fourth annual Alien Festival took control of Oak Street in downtown Spruce Pine Saturday, with hundreds of people enjoying what is billed as the largest UFO/alien festival in North Carolina.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Long-time Spruce Pine resident Susan Larson speaks to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners. Larson was one of several citizens to bring concerns about a new regional library agreement to both the county board and the Spruce Pine Town Council recently.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. Long-time Spruce Pine resident Susan Larson speaks to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners. Larson was one of several citizens to bring concerns about a new regional library agreement to both the county board and the Spruce Pine Town Council recently.

Retired librarians concerned about new regional contract

Mariel Williams
Monday, June 16, 2025
Several people signed up for public comment at both the Spruce Pine Town Council last week and the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners before that, concerned about provisions in a proposed contract for the new Toe River Regional Library.
MNJ Photos/Steffen Silvis. Top: Kurt Anderson at work in his Spruce Pine studio on the Toe River Arts Studio Tour. Bottom: Art enthusiasts gather for an opening night reception at Kokol Gallery downtown Spruce Pine. The reception kicked off Toe River Arts Studio Tour this past weekend.

MNJ Photos/Steffen Silvis. Top: Kurt Anderson at work in his Spruce Pine studio on the Toe River Arts Studio Tour. Bottom: Art enthusiasts gather for an opening night reception at Kokol Gallery downtown Spruce Pine. The reception kicked off Toe River Arts Studio Tour this past weekend.

A landscape filled with art

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Steffen Silvis MNJ Contributor   Fast approaching its 50th anniversary, Toe River Arts has been supporting and promoting Mitchell and Yancey County artists since 1976.