We Are Mitchell

Allen Cook - FEMA Day is December 12th

December 12th has been named FEMA Day in Mitchell County. It is an opportunity for residents to get help with FEMA applications or other issues from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center inside the Mitchell Senior Center on School Road in Ledger. Mitchell County Manager Allen Cook joins us to share more information about what is taking place.

Blair Hyder - Taxes In Mitchell County

There have been lots of questions about property values and taxes in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Blair Hyder, the tax assessor for Mitchell County, joins us to discuss these topics, the postponement of the tax revaluation in Mitchell County, and how his office is working on documenting damage for future tax assessments.

New Life for Spruce Pine’s Market on Oak

Helene may have destroyed many businesses on Locust Street (Lower Street) in Spruce Pine, but four of them have moved into the former Market on Oak Building on Oak Avenue (Upper Street) and reopened to serve customers. On this program, we talk with Cheryl Buchanan of Treasures in the Pines, Kimberly Wise and Stephanie Medford of Spruce Pine Florist, Ginger Letterman with Haircraft, and Lisi Thomas with Treehouse Realty tell their stories from the storm and how they are working to bring life back to downtown Spruce Pine. We remind you to shop local with all our Mitchell County merchants this Christmas!

Donna Stafford - Helens Restaurant

This episode is a sad one. We talk with Donna Stafford, the owner of Helens Restaurant in Bakersville. She shares a brief history of the restaurant that was originally started by Wylie and Helen Hobson in 1956 and has been a fixture of the community ever since. A gathering place for ball teams after practice, local groups, and of course, Rhododendron Festival queens, Helens was tightly woven into the fabric of Bakersville society. Donna shares what happened when Helene paid the visit, and she discusses the limbo she and the restaurant are in since the building has been condemned and the way forward is murky at best.

Brody Miller - Changes in Points of Distribution for Goods in Mitchell County

As we approach the two month anniversary of Helene, things are starting to return to normal. With these changes, the need for multiple points of distribution of water, food, and goods has declined. Brody Miller who has handled the organization of that network for the county visits on this program to share changes coming to locations and days/times that citizens can visit to pick up items.

Andrew Brewer - Check Your Heating Sources Before Winter Weather

With our first taste of winter weather on the way, keeping warm becomes a bigger issue for our residents. County Fire Marshal Andrew Brewer takes a few minutes to remind you that it’s a good idea to check out your heating sources (and maybe even plan for backup ones) now before the cold weather arrives.

Jason Boyer - First Winter Weather of the Season This Weekend

Our first winter weather event of the season will be arriving on Thursday as a strong cold front moves through the air, causing high winds that could down weakened trees and creating low temperatures with wind chill values that could cause problems with structures without proper heating capabilities. Jason Boyer, Chief Meteorologist with News 13 WLOS in Asheville joins us to talk about the incoming weather and preparations you should consider making now for the wind and cold temperatures.

David & Tricia Niven - DT’s Blue Ridge Java

One of the stalwarts of Lower Street (Locust Avenue) in Spruce Pine for the past 24 years has been David & Tricia Niven and DT’s Blue Ridge Java in the Wylie Building. One of the most shocking images from the flood was the total devastation of their business - the front windows blown out and washed away by the flood waters, along with all the contents of DT’s. On this program, we talk with David and Tricia and their daughter Taylor Trabold, who manages the business, about the shock of the destruction, the resilience of the community, and their plans to be a part of bringing Spruce Pine back from what is most likely the greatest catastrophe the town has ever known.