Mitchell County Commissioners

At the board’s regular session on Wednesday, Feb. 10, commissioners unanimously approved a decision to begin negotiations for a contract with Watauga Medics, which would be called “Mitchell Medics” if hired by the county. (Photo by Juliana Walker/MNJ)

At the board’s regular session on Wednesday, Feb. 10, commissioners unanimously approved a decision to begin negotiations for a contract with Watauga Medics, which would be called “Mitchell Medics” if hired by the county. (Photo by Juliana Walker/MNJ)

Commissioners closing in on next EMS provider

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners have made a significant step toward hiring a new EMS provider.  At the board’s regular session on Wednesday, Feb.
Watauga Medics Director Craig Sullivan (left) listens as Board of Commissioners Chair Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff asks questions. The board approved a decision to terminate Lifeguard as the county’s EMS provider and Watauga Medics is a possibility to become the next provider. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Watauga Medics Director Craig Sullivan (left) listens as Board of Commissioners Chair Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff asks questions. The board approved a decision to terminate Lifeguard as the county’s EMS provider and Watauga Medics is a possibility to become the next provider. (MNJ photo/Juliana Walker)

Commissioners terminate county EMS provider

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
After months of contention, the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners terminated Lifeguard as the county’s EMS provider at its regular session on Tuesday, Jan. 19.  After a lengthy closed session, commissioners emerged and began questioning Lifeguard Representative Josh Spencer.  On Jan.

Commissioners talk goals at special session

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Friday, Jan. 22 to set short-term and long-term goals. “I think it’s a good process,” Board Vice Chair Steve Pitman said at the opening of the discussion.

EMS issues, questions continue into new year

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
BAKERSVILLE — After resolutions appeared to have been made in December, the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners laboriously questioned representatives from Lifeguard EMS Service about an array of issues at the board’s regular session on Monday, Jan. 4.

Commissioners talk EMS during regular meeting

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Since Mitchell County Commissioners presented concerns in past meetings regarding Lifeguard’s performance as the county’s new EMS provider, some major resolutions have been made.  At its regular session on Monday, Dec.

Commissioners OK funding for Mayland project

Juliana Walker
Thursday, December 10, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a decision to provide $150,000 to Mayland Community College to be used for costs in the ongoing renovations to the Pinebridge Inn. At the meeting, President of Mayland Community College Dr.

Public hearing focuses on Pinebridge project

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 23 to receive input on the proposed allotment of $150,000 to Mayland Community College to be used for costs in the ongoing renovations to the Pinebridge Inn. President of Mayland Community College Dr.
Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June.Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June. (Photo sourced from Lifeguard Emergency Services website.)

Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June.Lifeguard took over as the county’s EMS provider in July after the contract with Mission Health ran out at the end of June. (Photo sourced from Lifeguard Emergency Services website.)

2 commissioners raise EMS questions

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
BAKERSVILLE — Mitchell County Commissioners Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff and Jeff Harding questioned a representative from the county’s new EMS provider, Lifeguard, about why there are no ventilators and fewer IV pumps on Mitchell County’s emergency vehicles during the regular meeting of the...
In interviews with MNJ Reporter Juliana Walker, Mitchell County Board of Commissioners candidates explained their backgrounds, qualifications and ideas for the future of the county. From Left to Right: Jeff Harding, Harley Masters and Brandon Pittman.

In interviews with MNJ Reporter Juliana Walker, Mitchell County Board of Commissioners candidates explained their backgrounds, qualifications and ideas for the future of the county. From Left to Right: Jeff Harding, Harley Masters and Brandon Pittman.

Candidate Profiles: Commissioners candidates boast variety of backgrounds, ideas

Juliana Walker
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
JEFF HARDING After two years on the board, Commissioner Jeff Harding wants to continue serving the citizens of the county he loves. “I have a true heart for Mitchell County and I want to see it succeed and do well,” he said.