We Are Mitchell
The podcast for Mitchell County, North Carolina, featuring information on the recovery from Hurricane Helene.
Episodes
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 resou...
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 for...
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 discuss...
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.
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 progra...
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 Mi...
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. S...
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 materia...
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...
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 ...
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 reside...
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 speci...
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.
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