We Are Mitchell

August 3, 2025 is the deadline to apply for the State of North Carolina‘s program that repairs or replaces private roads and bridges damaged by Helene. County Manager Allen Cook joins us to talk about this program that doesn't just provide money to repair damage. It provides engineers to evaluate and design the repair project along with crews and resources to complete the work.

Visit wearemitchell.org to learn more about the program and to access the link to apply or call the NC Disaster Management at 844-746-2326 for assistance.

Even though we are nine months out from the devastation caused by Helene, there are still volunteers and resources available for county residents to get help with repairs. Stephanie Pittman is our guest today, talking about the Multi-Agency Resources Center, which is located in Bakersville at the old Bowman Middle School, and the Long-Term Resiliency Group, an organization that is marshaling resources and volunteers for needs in Mitchell County.

There is exciting news that the famous Rhododendron Gardens atop Roan Mountain. For the first time since 2023, the general public will be able to tour the gardens while they are blooming this week (June 20, 2025). We talk with Alexandra Davidson of the Forest Service about the double challenge of completing a renovation project years in the making on Roan Mountain, only to have Helene come through and make a mess on the mountain. She shares a status report and what plans are moving forward in terms of re-opening Roan Mountain to visitors for the first time in nearly 2 years.

Helene has not dampened the optimism for the 78th North Carolina Rhododendron Festival which is June 20 and 21 in Bakersville. Misti Silver joins us on the program to talk about the events planned and some changes in times and locations for what's happening.

Mitchell County has released a proposed 2025-2026 budget. County Manager Allen Cook joins us on the podcast to go over the budget message and talk about the changes Helene has made to the budget. The public hearing on the budget is June 2nd and the County Commission will vote on it later in June.

Like everyone else in our region, Sibelco, one of the main producers of High Purity Quartz in the world, had to scramble to recover business operations and help the area get back on its feet. Jac Fourie, Executive Vice-President Operations High Purity Quartz and South America, is our guest on this episode. He discusses how Sibelco responded to emergency situations in the community following the storm, providing manpower and materials to assist in roadbuilding and other projects; the first months of recovery for their business; and the Sibelco Spruce Pine Foundation, which is providing businesses and individuals with financial assistance to recover from the storm. To learn more, visit www.sibelcosprucepinefoundation.org.

Over 800,000 acres of timberland in Western North Carolina have been destroyed or adversely affected by Helene. Now comes the cleanup. Mitchell County Cooperative Extension is offering a special program to anyone with timber on their property to learn about programs to help clean up and manage these resources. Brandon Pitman, County Extension Director, joins us to talk about the Forest Recovery Workshop scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 at the old Bowman Middle School in Bakersville from 1 to 4 p.m. The workshop is free and open to all, but Brandon asks that you register to come by calling (828) 688-4811 this week to sign up.

The Orchard at Altapass not only survived Helene, it is preparing to open for the 2025 season. On this episode, Beth Hilton, Executive Director and Sam McKinney, the Mission and Sustainability Manager join us today to talk about the damage the storm brought to the farm, how they worked over the winter to recover, and the 2025 season of “The Good Stuff” they will be sharing with visitors this summer.

Mitchell County has announced a location for county residents to haul to and dispose of vegetative debris from their property. County Manager Allen Cook joins us to talk about the new disposal site, which is the Wade Tipton Field on Cane Creek Road in Bakersville. It is open seven days a week, 8 AM to 6 PM. If you need more information or have questions, please contact the Post-Helene Communication Center at 828-537-1441 (phone or text message) or by email at [email protected].

Mitchell High visual and performing arts students are holding two events April 26 to raise money for projects. A barbecue dinner is taking place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., providing a way for students to raise money for their trip to New York City later this year. At 7:00, the Duane Melton Band with John Stallings as Johnny Cash takes the stage for a benefit concert to raise money to provide heating resources to Mitchell County residents. Angie Holtzclaw, English and Theatre teacher at Mitchell High School, joins us to tell about these events and how you can support them.