mitchell county

The pure white sand seen in the bunkers at Augusta National Golf Club, the location of the 2020 Masters Tournament, is made of granulated quartz sourced from Mitchell County. (Photo sourced from Quartz Corp website)

The pure white sand seen in the bunkers at Augusta National Golf Club, the location of the 2020 Masters Tournament, is made of granulated quartz sourced from Mitchell County. (Photo sourced from Quartz Corp website)

Augusta’s unique bunker sand originates locally

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Anyone who tuned into the 2020 Masters Tournament this past week at Augusta National Golf Club may have noticed the uniquely-colored sand bunkers on the course.
The cover of the new book from Mitchell County native E.T. Biddix. The book is a collection of short stories and poems. (Submitted photo)

The cover of the new book from Mitchell County native E.T. Biddix. The book is a collection of short stories and poems. (Submitted photo)

Mitchell native releases book of short stories

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — Throughout his life, Mitchell County native Edwin “ET” Biddix has always kept notebooks of his writings, but after retiring in 2003, he got really serious about writing.

DSS Board dismisses director

Juliana Walker
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Sara Ross has been removed as Director of the Mitchell County Department of Social Services. In a special session on Tuesday, Aug. 25 the DSS Board unanimously voted to dismiss Ross. The motion passed 4-0 as board member Danny Burleson was not present at the meeting.
The driveway up to the Richmond Inn in Spruce Pine sits ready for visitors to venture up for a stay. Owner Maggie Haskell said the pandemic has changed things drastically for her and her business. She said the pandemic cost her business several of its seasonal regulars. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

The driveway up to the Richmond Inn in Spruce Pine sits ready for visitors to venture up for a stay. Owner Maggie Haskell said the pandemic has changed things drastically for her and her business. She said the pandemic cost her business several of its seasonal regulars. (MNJ photo/Cory Spiers)

Local hospitality industry perseveres through pandemic

Juliana Walker
Thursday, August 20, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — As restrictions regarding the ongoing pandemic ease and people are treating their cabin fever with vacations, the local hospitality industry is slowly but surely getting back on its feet after a big blow earlier this year.

Commissioners approve steps to dismiss DSS head

Juliana Walker
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
BAKERSVILLE – Steps to dismiss Mitchell County Department of Social Services Director Sara Ross have been approved by the DSS Board. Ross’s dismissal is pending a formal dismissal hearing on Monday, Aug. 24. In a special session on the morning of Tuesday, Aug.

Bakersville cyclist sets sights on record

Juliana Walker
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Bakersville resident Marc Poland is aiming to break a cycling world record. On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Poland, 62, will attempt to break the current world record for “masters” cyclists (those over 50 years old) in an individual time trial.  It is a solo ride of 62 miles at Bristol Motor Speedway.