News

County officials, MCC develop solution to hotel taxing question

BAKERSVILLE — Starting next year, Mayland Community College plans to make an annual contribution from its Pinebridge Inn revenue to both Mitchell County and the Town of Spruce Pine to provide something in return for the services both entities provide.

Panic at the pumps leaves some area gas stations dry

SPRUCE PINE — Long lines at gas stations in Mitchell County were a common sight this past week as panic-buying put a blitz on fuel shortages in the wake of a cyberattack that put the Colonial Pipeline offline earlier this month.

Students get hands-on with butterflies

Students in Sarah Woody’s second-grade class at Gouge Elementary got hands-on with their curriculum on insects.  During the unit on insects, Woody’s class started talking about and researching several native North Carolina butterflies.

Dylan Johnson named next Mitchell High principal

LEDGER — Dylan Johnson is set to become the next principal at Mitchell High School.  Johnson, who is entering his eighth year in education, will take over for Mark Woody, who is retiring after 13 years as principal at Mitchell High. Johnson will officially begin his duties on July 1.

Local author to publish first children's book

Local author Chelsea Wilson Thayer is set to make her children’s book debut with the June 1 release of The Patchwork Princess.  The 32-page hardcover children’s picture book is published by Write Now Press, LLC and will retail for $17.99.

Winchester tabbed as second county employee of the month

BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting on Monday, May 3 honored its latest employee of the month, Mitchell County Building Inspector Tommy Winchester.

Anita's Atelier finds new home

BAKERSVILLE — Anita’s Atelier of Bakersville is on the move.  After two decades in downtown Bakersville directly across from the Historic Mitchell County Courthouse, local artist Anita Connelly is moving her gallery across town to the Cardinal Insurance building near Bowman Middle School.

ER trip inspired girl's love for nursing

A sharp pain in her side alerted 16-year-old Rachel van Brederode that something was not quite right.  She quickly told her father and local physician Robert van Brederode about the pain.

Pair of Greensboro men arrested after pharmacy break-in

BAKERSVILLE — A pair of Greensboro men were arrested and charged in connection with the Saturday, May 8 break-in of Roan Mountain Pharmacy in Bakersville.  Dilion Janquan McCain, 18, and Keyshawn Ramiro Keaton, 18, were arrested after being directly linked to the burglary.

Area businesses are hiring, but search remains hard for some

SPRUCE PINE — Take a drive around Mitchell County and you’ll see plenty of beautiful sights ranging from nature scenes like tranquil rivers and streams to the well-kept storefronts of small businesses.