COVID-19

According to the NCDHHS, Mitchell County has been labeled "red tier" meaning the county is experiencing critical community spread.

According to the NCDHHS, Mitchell County has been labeled "red tier" meaning the county is experiencing critical community spread.

Mitchell becomes ‘red tier’ COVID-19 county as cases rise

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — As positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Mitchell County, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has categorized Mitchell as a critical community spread county.
As of Sunday, Nov. 15, Mitchell County had a total of 418 positive cases, with 78 of those active and 335 recovered. Additionally, there have been six deaths. 

As of Sunday, Nov. 15, Mitchell County had a total of 418 positive cases, with 78 of those active and 335 recovered. Additionally, there have been six deaths. 

COVID-19 cases climb as holidays approach

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
SPRUCE PINE — As the holiday season approaches, cases of the novel coronavirus continue to rise in Mitchell County and other rural counties in North Carolina.  As of Sunday, Nov. 15, Mitchell County had a total of 418 positive cases, with 78 of those active and 335 recovered.
As of Wednesday, Oct. 21, Mitchell County had a total of 246 positive cases, with 12 of those active and 232 recovered. Additionally, there have been five deaths. 

As of Wednesday, Oct. 21, Mitchell County had a total of 246 positive cases, with 12 of those active and 232 recovered. Additionally, there have been five deaths. 

COVID-19 case numbers creep upward as citizens get restless

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
SPRUCE PINE —  With an increase in coronavirus cases in recent weeks, Toe River Health Director Diane Creek credits much of the rise to “COVID fatigue.” “People are getting tired of wearing masks and social distancing,” she said. “I get that. I’m tired of it, too. But, we’ve got to keep doing it.
To keep people as safe as possible while voting in person. All poll workers will be wearing PPE, buildings will be sanitized throughout the day with disinfectant, PPE will be provided to voters as needed and they will also offer curbside voting. Photo sourced from Getty Images.

To keep people as safe as possible while voting in person. All poll workers will be wearing PPE, buildings will be sanitized throughout the day with disinfectant, PPE will be provided to voters as needed and they will also offer curbside voting. Photo sourced from Getty Images.

Voting takes on new, unique look amid pandemic

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — As early voting begins across the state this week, Director of the Mitchell County Board of Elections Roycene Jones wants Mitchell County residents to know what to expect when they go to cast their ballot.
Mitchell High School head varsity football coach Travise Pitman talks things over with an official during a 2019 state playoff game. Pitman and his team will return to play in February. (MNJ file photo)

Mitchell High School head varsity football coach Travise Pitman talks things over with an official during a 2019 state playoff game. Pitman and his team will return to play in February. (MNJ file photo)

Mitchell High School football schedule finalized

Cory Spiers
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
LEDGER — The Mitchell High School varsity football team’s 2020-21 schedule is set.  The Mountaineers will play seven games— two nonconference contests and five Western Highlands Conference games.
Director of the Mitchell County Board of Elections Roycene Jones said the county has received 1,130 absentee ballots requests so far. For comparison, the county received less than 400 requests in 2016. (Getty Images)

Director of the Mitchell County Board of Elections Roycene Jones said the county has received 1,130 absentee ballots requests so far. For comparison, the county received less than 400 requests in 2016. (Getty Images)

Absentee ballot requests rising during pandemic

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Requests for absentee ballots in Mitchell County have increased significantly this year compared to previous election cycles. Director of the Mitchell County Board of Elections Roycene Jones said the county has received 1,130 absentee ballots requests so far.

School board approves revised reopening plan

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
LEDGER — The Mitchell County Schools Board of Education met Friday, Sept. 25 to reevaluate and revise the school reopening plan in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.  Under the revised plan, seventh and eighth graders who chose face-to-face learning will return to school on Oct.
As of Friday, Sept. 11, 100 of the 856 offenders housed in the prison had active cases of COVID-19 and three staff members were out of work due to COVID-19.

As of Friday, Sept. 11, 100 of the 856 offenders housed in the prison had active cases of COVID-19 and three staff members were out of work due to COVID-19.

Local correctional institution enduring COVID outbreak

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
There has been a large COVID-19 outbreak at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution in Spruce Pine.  Jerry Higgins, a Communications Officer for Adult Correction at the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, said that as of Friday, Sept.

Local COVID-19 cases decrease, virus still a threat

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Although fewer cases are being reported in Mitchell County, the novel coronavirus hasn’t gone away. “It’s definitely not gone,” Director of Toe River Health District Diane Creek said. “It’s not spreading as much here anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone away and we’re all back to normal.