Merry in Mitchell returns for its second season this Christmas and Kelly Jones, Director of the Tourism Development Authority in Mitchell County joins us to talk about this celebration of the Christmas season and how local individuals, businesses, and organizations can get involved.

NC State University and UNC-Chapel Hill joined forces to look at changes in water sources in our region that may be due to Helene's visit in 2024. Today, we talk with Jackie McDonald-Gibson from NC State about POWR, a study on drinking water in Mitchell County that was conducted earlier this year, and we go over general findings the research found in our region.

Mitchell County Cooperative Extension is joining forces with Yancey County Cooperative Extension, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems, and the Mayland Community College Small Business Center to host an Agricultural Summit at the Mayland Community College Yancey Campus on Saturday, November 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. County Extension Director Brandon Pitman joins us to talk about what will be covered and encourages anyone with agriculture interests in the area to attend. Admission is free and lunch is being served. Visit wearemitchell.org for more information.

Mitchell County Government held a town hall meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in the auditorium of the old Bowman Middle School in Bakersville. This is the audio from that meeting, including questions from attendees. We apologize in advance for some of the lower-quality audio present. There were problems with getting audio from audience members asking questions.

A headlining act will be performing in Spruce Pine October 25 when Old Crow Medicine Show takes the stage as part of a benefit to raise money for Helene recovery. Hilloween founder Gina Phillips is the guest on today's program and she talks about how the concert is coming about, sharing tidbits about the band and their music, along with information on how to get tickets.

The threat of wildfire in Western North Carolina has been greatly increased with the tree and foliage damage caused by Helene. On today‘s We Are Mitchell, our guest is Philip Jackson with the North Carolina Forest Service who discusses what happened to our forestlands and how you can prepare your property to help prevent the spread of wildfires. Plus, Jackson has a special request for individuals who fly drones - stay away from active wildfire sites.

Andrew Brewer, Interim Mitchell County Emergency Management Director, released this statement Friday about potential tropical weather impacting the region the week of September 29-October 3.

Remembering Helene is coming up on Saturday, September 27 at three fire stations in Mitchell County. Sophia Phillips gives one last update on what will be taking place, plus we talk about the project to gather stories about Helene that will be recording at each location on Saturday.