News

Burn ban rescinded

Mariel Williams
Monday, December 1, 2025
The Mitchell County Fire Marshal’s Office rescinded a burn ban last week. Mitchell County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Director Andrew Brewer had originally issued the burn ban on Nov. 18, because of dry weather conditions. However, the Nov.
Submitted photo. Mitchell County Manager Allen Cook, left, accepts the 2025 Outstanding Local Government Manager award from the High Country Council of Governments.

Submitted photo. Mitchell County Manager Allen Cook, left, accepts the 2025 Outstanding Local Government Manager award from the High Country Council of Governments.

Cook named 2025 Outstanding Local Government Manager

Mariel Williams
Monday, December 1, 2025
Mitchell County Manager Allen Cook was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Local Government Manager in the High Country region. Cook was honored by the High Country Council of Governments at its annual banquet.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. The Grinch makes one of many appearances in the Spruce Pine Christmas Parade.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. The Grinch makes one of many appearances in the Spruce Pine Christmas Parade.

Christmas is coming

Steffen Silvis
Monday, December 1, 2025
Floats lit up an icy winter night for the Spruce Pine Christmas Parade Saturday. With the temperature dipping just below freezing, Spruce Pine’s parade goers employed different methods to keep warm.

New sheriff coming to town

Mariel Williams
Monday, November 24, 2025
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners voted last week to offer the next sheriff a salary commensurate with his or her experience and training. Candidate filing for sheriff and other North Carolina elected offices begins in December.
MNJ Photo/Lorie Shaffer. Taste & See Bakery, one of a number of new businesses helping to fuel a recovery in downtown Spruce Pine, had a grand opening Friday. The bakery sells cupcakes and other sweet treats.

MNJ Photo/Lorie Shaffer. Taste & See Bakery, one of a number of new businesses helping to fuel a recovery in downtown Spruce Pine, had a grand opening Friday. The bakery sells cupcakes and other sweet treats.

After the storm

Mitchell News-Journal
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Jaren Gragg MNJ Contributor   In late September of 2024, Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land) struck the High Country and Western North Carolina, causing close to $60 billion worth of damage statewide.
MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. State Sen. Ralph Hise speaks at the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce annual member dinner.

MNJ Photo/Mariel Williams. State Sen. Ralph Hise speaks at the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce annual member dinner.

Chamber unveils Hello Mitchell

Mariel Williams
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual member dinner last week. The Chamber used the event as an opportunity to announce its new app, Hello Mitchell. The app will offer users business listings, a calendar of community events, and many other features.
MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Painter Carmen Grier, left, chats with three Charlotte art collectors while wrapping their purchases. The biannual Studio Tours bring in a number of art fans from outside the area.

MNJ Photo/Steffen Silvis. Painter Carmen Grier, left, chats with three Charlotte art collectors while wrapping their purchases. The biannual Studio Tours bring in a number of art fans from outside the area.

A Tour of Studios

Steffen Silvis
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Toe River Arts’ second of its biannual Studio Tours was launched with a customary reception Friday night at the Kokol Gallery in downtown Spruce Pine.