News

Severe weather causes early closure of Mitchell schools

BAKERSVILLE — Heavy winds, rain and a tornado warning this past week sent Mitchell County schools into the earliest weather closure in recent memory on Wednesday, Aug. 18 followed by a two-hour delay on Thursday, Aug. 19.

Annual Run for Holland returns

SPRUCE PINE — The annual Run for Holland charity race was in full force on Saturday, Aug. 21, returning to the regular in-person format after being postponed and eventually going virtual amid the pandemic in 2020.

Empty Bowls fundraiser returns to in-person format

SPRUCE PINE — The annual Empty Bowls silent auction and dinner fundraiser was on in full force Saturday, Aug. 14 at Spruce Pine First Baptist Church.  Empty Bowls is the major annual fundraiser for local food bank Shepherd’s Staff.

Brad Ragan pool now open through Labor Day

SPRUCE PINE — The pool at Brad Ragan Park is set to open again through Labor Day after being closed in 2020 due to the pandemic and having its 2021 opening delayed due to equipment issues.  Spruce Pine Parks and Recreation Director Michael Wood talked about the reopening Monday, Aug.

Local artist featured in Crossnore

CROSSNORE — The Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery this past week hosted a special reception for Bakersville artist Germaine Galjour, who showcased her various paintings and creations at the gallery.

Bakersville Town Council is lone contested race

BAKERSVILLE — The race for Bakersville Town Council is the lone contested race in the next municipal elections in Spruce Pine and Bakersville in November.

Commissioners recognize, tout Mitchell 4-H

BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 2 recognized Mitchell County 4-H through a special resolution and thanked the group for their contributions to the area. Chairman Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff read the 4-H resolution to meeting attendees.

New book chronicles history, details of Appalachian Trail

SPRUCE PINE —Local author Peter King’s first book, A Retiree’s Appalachian Trail Adventure, was published earlier this summer and chronicles his journey and life on the trail.

Optional masks, no virtual learning in MCS reopening plan

LEDGER — Mitchell County Schools will return to in-person instruction on Monday, Aug. 16, guided by a district-wide reopening plan that features the traditional five-day per week school schedule while adhering to safety protocols.

MCS officials quell critical race theory rumor

LEDGER — Critical race theory won’t be taught in Mitchell County Schools, the school system said in a press release this past week.