We Are Mitchell

Fire Danger in the Mountains - Andrew Brewer, Fire Marshal

McDowell County dealt with three wildfires on Wednesday, January 29th which rapidly intensified due to both windy conditions and the fact that there is so much tree and vegetative debris on the ground due to Helene. County Fire Marshal Andrew Brewer joins us to talk about why we will see more fires like this and how you can help prevent their spread.

Tourism Stakeholders Meeting on February 13 - Kelly Jones

Businesses and local leaders will gather on Thursday, February 13 at 8 a.m. at Cross Street in Spruce Pine for updates on recovery efforts from Helene focused on tourism and the businesses and locations that depend on it. Kelly Jones, Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority Director, joins us on the program to talk about the meeting and what will be discussed. The meeting is open to anyone who is interested in tourism. Please email tda@mitchellcountync.gov with questions or to RSVP for the meeting.

Preparing for the Cold Weather - Andrew Brewer

As extremely cold weather arrives in Mitchell County later this weekend, now is the time to make preparations to protect you, your family, pets, and to be prepared if you lose power. County Fire Marshal Andrew Brewer joins us to discuss The Next 72 - how to prepare by having supplies to survive for 72 hours in an emergency situation.

Cold Wave Coming - Meteorologist Jason Boyer

The coldest weather in Mitchell County in several years is coming this weekend, with lows near zero and highs in the single digits at least a couple of days the week of January 20, 2025. WLOS Meteorologist Jason Boyer shares information about what is coming and how you can prepare for the extreme conditions.

Grant Opportunities for Central and Northern Mitchell County - Steve Rowland

Residents and businesses in central and northern Mitchell County have two new opportunities for grants to help rebuild and recover from Helene. Steve Rowland,  Executive Director of the Mayland Business Institute, joins us to talk about these programs and how to apply for them. The deadline for applications in Monday, January 20.

Hazard Mitigation with Brian Haines of North Carolina Emergency Management

Hazard Mitigation is a program that provides grants for homeowners who have had flood damage from Helene. A meeting to discuss the program and help those who want to apply will be held at the Mayland Community College Main Campus in Spruce Pine January 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Brian Haines with North Carolina Emergency Management joins us to talk about the program and about the meeting.

Congressman Chuck Edwards

With the start of the new congressional session, Mitchell County moved back into the 11th congressional district, which is represented by Republican Chuck Edwards. Congressman Edwards joins us on this episode to talk about this move along with details on how his office operates, plus shares information on congressional activity, updates on federal help for Helene, and he closes with information on a virtual town hall he is holding online Tuesday, January 14th, inviting residents to join in the conversation.

Chris Burns, Congressman Chuck Edwards’ District Director

Mitchell County moved back into North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District at the first of January, and that means we have a new Congressman (at least for us). Chuck Edwards is now our Congressional Representative, and his office held the first in-county sessions on January seventh. Chris Burns, District Director for Congressman Edwards, joins us on this episode to talk about this change and how Edwards plans to serve our residents in the U.S. Congress.