We Are Mitchell

Mitchell County now has a one-stop location for help with Helene Recovery. The new Multi-Agency Resources Center (MARC) is the name for the old Bowman Middle School in Bakersville, and it has services to help most any recovery issue from Helene. Lisy Thomas, a member of the Long-Term Resiliency Group, joins us to talk about the MARC and how it brings options and opportunities for residents to get help. Plus, she talks about a special event May 10 from 10 AM to 2 PM where you can come learn more about the MARC and the agencies providing services through it.

May 3, 2025 has been declared Firefighter Appreciation Day in Mitchell County. Stephanie Pitman of the Volunteer Resources Center and Brian Brewer, Mitchell County Assistant Fire Marshal and member of the Bakersville Volunteer Fire Department join us to discuss the upcoming recognition and what life has been like for firefighters since September 27, 2024 and Helene‘s visit.

The 4th Spruce Pine Alien Festival is returning this June. Sherry Sautner, festival organizer, joins us to talk about it and the decision to return after the devastation of Helene.

The Mitchell County Long-Term Resiliency Group has been formed to assist county residents with their recovery from Helene, providing a marshaling of resources to help rebuild and re-establish that which was destroyed by the hurricane. Stephanie Pitman and Starli McDowell join us to discuss what the Group is and how it can help.

Mitchell County has received a $150,000 grant from the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team to help rebuild baseball fields in Mitchell County that was damaged by Helene. We talk with county recreation director Brock Duncan and Shane Willis with the Hurricanes about the grant, how it happened, and what will be done with the money.

WLOS Television meteorologist Jason Boyer shares his thoughts about the Helene report from the weather service along with his thoughts on the upcoming hurricane season and a discussion of the wildfire season in 2025.

The Mitchell Senior Center became a major lifeline for the county during the days following Helene‘s visit. Its central location and accessible entrances made it an ideal place for disaster recovery. But now as we are moving into the rebuilding phase, the Center has returned to its main mission of serving the seniors of our county with food service, wellness checks, and the ability to gather and socialize. Director Kathy Garland joins us to talk about the firs few months after Helene and the good things that are now returning to the Center for residents.

The North Carolina General Assembly recently appropriated $300 million to aid in recovery from natural disasters in 2024 for farmers and agriculture producers in the state. Brandon Pitman, Mitchell County‘s Extension Director Brandon Pitman joins us to discuss the program and how to apply for it, plus he shares updates on challenges agriculture is facing in Mitchell County following Helene along with information on programs that Cooperative Extension is bringing back in 2025.

The National Hurricane Center released their report on Hurricane Helene a few days ago, and Mark Sudduth joins our program today to talk about its findings, including some surprises about the storm. He also shares his thoughts on the 2025 Hurricane Season, which begins officially on June 1st.

You can read the report on Helene here and keep up with Mark on his YouTube channel.

On the 6 month anniversary of Helene striking our area, Mitchell County Government held its fourth Town Hall Meeting to discuss where we are at in several areas of recovery. This podcast is the audio from the first segment of the meeting before it broke into individual discussions.