We Are Mitchell

It has been a long, hard climb back, but DT's Blue Ridge Java on Lower Street in Spruce Pine is slated to re-open by the end of August. Owner David Niven joins us to talk about the upcoming reopening, what's new and different, and the things they learned by basically rebuilding a hundred year-old building using modern construction practices.

Updates on recovery efforts, including debris removal were the main topics for the August 14, 2025 Town Hall put on my Mitchell County. Here is the audio from the meeting held at 4:30 in the old Bowman Middle School Auditorium. If you have questions or comments, please email [email protected].

Mitchell County Emergency Management is rolling out a new app for phones that is a one-stop for information and updates when there is an emergency or disaster affecting the county. John Masters joins the program to talk about the app, what it features, and why it is a good idea to install Mitchell Ready on your phone.

Private Property Debris Removal is on again in Mitchell County. Allen Cook, County Manager, joins us to discuss the changes in the program and the new phone number associated with it, plus he outlines the process as things proceed.

One aspect of the recovery from Helene that is often overlooked is the mental health of all of us who went through the disaster. June was Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and Hannah Weber along with Jordyn Phipps took some time to talk about how PTSD is very real for a lot of Mitchell County residents after Helene and they give tips on how to deal with stress associated with the storm along with providing resources for those who need more help.

Private property debris removal is beginning soon and County Manager Allen Cook joins us to talk about changes to the debris removal programs that are taking place to prepare for the new program‘s start, plus he updates us on the private road and bridge repair program, which has a deadline for application of August 3rd.

With the recent flooding in Texas and from Tropical Storm Chantal in central North Carolina, it has again been demonstrated the vital importance of paying attention to weather forecasts, watches, and warnings. The National Weather Service has been making changes to forecasts in recent years, adding words to help demonstrate the seriousness of weather situations. WLOS meteorologist Jason Boyer joins us to talk about the words in forecasts like "considerable" and "destructive" and what they mean when you hear them. He also gives tips on how to keep track of what is going on with the weather as we head into the heart of hurricane season in the next 6 weeks.

First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine honors veterans each July 4th with a lunch, and with the recovery from Helene well underway, the church is making a special effort to reach area veterans and their families and inviting them to come to eat and be honored for their service to our country. Church pastor Dr. Rocky Branch recently spoke with WTOE's Bruce Ikard about the dinner and all that is taking place on July 4th at noon.

The July Fourth holiday is a time of being outdoors and enjoying barbecues and other activities. Andrew Brewer, interim Emergency Management Coordinator for Mitchell County, joins us to talk about being extra careful this year. In particular, with the increased risk of fire due to the extensive tree fall in our area, Brewer talks about how we should take this into account when planning outdoor activities. We conclude with a discussion of the start of hurricane season. While there is no immediate threat of another storm, Brewer talks about being prepared in case, and discusses how to develop a preparation kit for the first 72 hours following a disaster.

An in-person survey of Mitchell County residents is taking place on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28. The Sustaining Essential and Community Healthcare organization, better known as SEARCH. is conducting interviews on the effects of Helene on our area and residents. WTOE’s Bruce Ikard had a chance to interview Marvin Rogers with SEARCH about what’s taking place.