News

New EMS service is recruiting staff

Friday, December 19, 2025

Mitchell County said last week that there is still a need for emergency medical technicians to staff the new Mitchell County Emergency Medical Service, which officially took over from Mitchell Medics Dec. 16.

Spruce Pine says goodbye to departing leaders

Mariel Williams

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

The Spruce Pine Town Council devoted the much of its meeting last week to honoring outgoing Mayor Phillip Hise and outgoing Council Member Jackie Rensink, as well as recognizing a number of past leaders who attended in the audience. State Sen.

New Spruce Pine government takes office

Mariel Williams

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

New Mayor Beth Holmes and two new Town Council members were sworn in at a Spruce Pine council meeting last week. Tessa Taylor and Larry McKinney (who has served as a council member before) joined the council, having been elected with Holmes in November.

MNJ Photo/ Steffen Silvis. Rhonda Gunter and Jaime Shrier discuss genealogy at the Mitchell County Historical Society open house.

Living history

Steffen Silvis

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

“Here’s a story, but it can’t be printed.” Dan Barron is the Chair of the Mitchell County Historical Society’s board and an accomplished storyteller, who has spent his life collecting local lore.

MNJ Photo/Jaren Gragg. More than 100 people helped put together Bakersville’s Journey to the Manger last weekend.

Journey to the Manger

Mitchell News-Journal

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Jaren Gragg Contributor Journey to the Manger brought the community of Bakersville and event attendees together, bringing the Christmas story to life and reminding everyone of the “reason for the season.” The annual two-night event was held over the weekend, at Bowman Middle School.

County takes over EMS service

Mariel Williams

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Mitchell County will be officially taking over the local emergency medical service on Tuesday. The county has previously used a private contractor for ambulance services.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Lines of festive cars join the Bakersville Christmas Parade.

Bakersville: County seat’s parade has longtime fans

Steffen Silvis

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

In the crowd for Bakersville’s annual Christmas Parade last Saturday were two veterans of the town’s holiday celebrations: sisters Laura Slagh and Amy Ferguson, who live in different areas near Greenville, South Carolina.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Regular Santa appeared last Saturday, while Big Foot Santa, arrives in Buladean this coming Saturday.

Buladean: Small community turns Christmas into big event

Steffen Silvis

Monday, December 8, 2025

In the lead-up to the Buladean Christmas Parade Saturday, viewers huddled in their cars to avoid the freezing temperatures, with vehicles lining the parking lots and fields along N.C. Highway 226 into the community.

Vines, Buchanan recognized by HCC

Mitchell News-Journal

Monday, December 8, 2025

Three local officials were recognized at the 50th Annual Banquet of the High Country Council of Governments held at Appalachian State University in Boone Oct. 10. Mayor Charles Vines of Bakersville was recognized by the Council as the 2025 Outstanding Executive Board Member.

Harding remains chair after dispute

Mariel Williams

Monday, December 8, 2025

After several divided votes, the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners elected incumbent Jeff Harding to serve another year as board chairman last week. Initially, the board struggled to reach a firm majority on the question of the 2026 chair.