Latest Updates

First COVID-19 Death in McDowell County

McDowell County Health Department has announced the death of an 83 year old coronavirus patient. The person died at Mission Hospital McDowell from complications associated with the virus on Sunday, April 19th. This is McDowell County’s first fatality from the virus. Health officials said there are 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in McDowell County. Nine individuals are in quarantine and 11 ...(more)

Need A Mask?

Some of your most fantastic neighbors and friends are working hard to put together locally manufactured Masks for our safety.  Many are for our brave men and women who are front line workers in retail establishments and restaurants and other essential workers in our communities and now some are being made available to the general public.  To find out more check out you can our Facebook News ...(more)

Yancey County Bridge Loan Program to Assist Local Small Businesses during Pandemic

Meeting in Special Session on Monday, 20 April 2020 the Yancey County Board of County Commissioners approved a motion to move forward in a partnership with the Yancey County Economic Development Commission to create the “Yancey County COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund”; a bridge loan program designed to assist local small businesses cope with the economic impacts of the pandemic health ...(more)

Mitchell Sheriff’s Report 4/10 – 4/18/20

Phillip Kalum Franklin, 31, of 480 Upper Hanging Rock Rd. Spruce Pine, NC. Deputy R. Bishop arrested Franklin for misdemeanor second degree trespass and injury to personal property. He was issued $2,500.00 bond and scheduled to appear in court on 6/3/2020. Citations issued: Derek Edward Carpenter, 36, of 349 Fairground St. Apt. E 21, Spruce Pine, NC. Deputy D. Buchanan cited Carpenter for ...(more)

Investigation Leads To Arrest of Paroled Felon

On Wednesday, April 8th, fifteen cars and trucks were broken into at a local auto repair business. One car was stolen from the business. On Thursday, April 16th, the investigation into the break and entering of the cars and trucks along with the one theft lead to the arrest of Cody Edward Clymer, 33 of Burnsville. At the time of his arrest Clymer was on Parole as a convicted Felon. Clymer ...(more)

Fifth COVID-19 Case in Mitchell County

The Mitchell County Health Department announced yesterday that they were notified at 11:20 am that a Mitchell County resident has tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual is in isolation. An investigation was initiated to identify close contacts to contain the spread of disease.  To protect individual privacy, no further information about the case will be ...(more)

Fifth Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Mitchell County

(Mitchell County Health Department News Release) The Mitchell County Health Department, part of Toe River Health District, was notified at 11:20 am today that a Mitchell County resident has tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual is in isolation. Public health staff have already initiated an investigation and will be identifying close contacts to contain the spread of ...(more)

Virtual Substance Abuse Clinic to Open in Asheville

Eleanor Health, the first addiction and mental health services provider designed to deliver whole-person, long-term substance abuse treatment focused on patient recovery outcomes and modeled on value-based care delivery and payments, opened a virtual clinic in Asheville today. “We are in unprecedented times in our nation as North Carolinians are encouraged to stay at home. Quarantine, ...(more)

Most of WNC Parkway Closed

The National Park Service is reporting that most of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina is closed. In the April 15 announcement, the Park Service said the closure to vehicular traffic is part of “a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.” The road closures are in addition to the previously announced ...(more)