Best VRC Podcasts (2025)

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VRC-LTRG Merger - Stephanie Pitman 8:11

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22d ago8:11

8:11

Mitchell County‘s Volunteer Resources Center, which was formed shortly after Helene struck the area last year to organize volunteer groups and match them with needs is merging with the Mitchell County Long-Term Resiliency Group as of September 1st. While the Center is going away in name, its staff and services are continuing. Stephanie Pitman, who …

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Remembering Helene (Part 2) - Sophia Phillips 6:08

8h ago6:08

6:08

A special series of events are planned for Saturday, September 27 to commemorate the 1st anniversary of Helene striking our region. Sophia Phillips joins us again to talk more about what is happening on that special day.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Remembering Helene - Sophia Phillips 5:26

17d ago5:26

5:26

There is a special set of commemorative events scheduled for September 27 at three fire departments in Mitchell County. Under the collective name Remembering Helene, these gatherings will feature food, giveaways, prizes, a speaker, and more. Sophia Phillips joins the podcast to discuss the plans for each event and to share general information about…

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The Night Sky in 2024 - Dr. Dan Caton 21:52

16d ago21:52

21:52

While the focus of our podcast has been the recovery from Helene‘s fury, there was more going on in the sky in 2024 than the hurricane. There was a solar eclipse, two auroras, and a comet that all appeared in our region last year. And the capper happened a month before Helene: a meteor exploded over Spruce Pine and Altapass setting off a big boom i…

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Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine - Spencer Bost 6:39

22d ago6:39

6:39

The first Hellbender Festival is coming to downtown Spruce Pine August 30. WTOE‘s Bruce Ikard caught up with Downtown Spruce Pine Director Spencer Bost for a quick discussion of the festival and all the events taking place.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Debris Update - Allen Cook 12:21

26d ago12:21

12:21

There has been confusion over the Private Property Debris Removal program that is trying to get started up in Mitchell County. Allen Cook joins us to try and help clear up some of the confusion and explain what is going on with that program, the public debris collection site in Bakersville, and details on how you can report debris that still needs …

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DT's Reopening - David Niven 9:44

1M ago9:44

9:44

It has been a long, hard climb back, but DT's Blue Ridge Java on Lower Street in Spruce Pine is slated to re-open by the end of August. Owner David Niven joins us to talk about the upcoming reopening, what's new and different, and the things they learned by basically rebuilding a hundred year-old building using modern construction practices.…

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Mitchell County Town Hall - August 14, 2025 1:01:20

1M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Updates on recovery efforts, including debris removal were the main topics for the August 14, 2025 Town Hall put on my Mitchell County. Here is the audio from the meeting held at 4:30 in the old Bowman Middle School Auditorium. If you have questions or comments, please email [email protected].…

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New Emergency Management App - John Masters 8:05

1M ago8:05

8:05

Mitchell County Emergency Management is rolling out a new app for phones that is a one-stop for information and updates when there is an emergency or disaster affecting the county. John Masters joins the program to talk about the app, what it features, and why it is a good idea to install Mitchell Ready on your phone.…

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Private Property Debris Removal Update - Allen Cook 18:59

1M ago18:59

18:59

Private Property Debris Removal is on again in Mitchell County. Allen Cook, County Manager, joins us to discuss the changes in the program and the new phone number associated with it, plus he outlines the process as things proceed.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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PTSD and Helene - Hannah Weber and Jordyn Phipps 16:52

2M ago16:52

16:52

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…

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Debris Removal Update - Allen Cook 9:35

2M ago9:35

9:35

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.…

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Weather Forecast Words - Jason Boyer 12:54

2M ago12:54

12:54

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 weath…

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July 4 Veterans Dinner - Rocky Btanch and Bruce Ikard 1:34

3M ago1:34

1:34

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 B…

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Fourth of July Safety and Hurricane Preparedness - Andrew Brewer 5:16

3M ago5:16

5:16

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 shoul…

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SEARCH Helene Interviews - Marvin Rogers and Bruce Ikard 8:35

3M ago8:35

8:35

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 w…

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Private Road and Bridge Repair - Allen Cook 9:46

3M ago9:46

9:46

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 r…

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MARC and the Long-Term Resiliency Group Update - Stephanie Pittman 8:17

3M ago8:17

8:17

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 Resilien…

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The Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain - Alexandra Davidson 11:05

3M ago11:05

11:05

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 …

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NC Rhododendron Festival is June 20 & 21 - Misti Silver 7:16

3M ago7:16

7:16

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.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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2025-2026 Budget - Allen Cook 18:51

4M ago18:51

18:51

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.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Sibelco and the Sibelco Spruce Pine Foundation - Jac Fourie 14:53

5M ago14:53

14:53

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 emer…

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Forest Recovery Workshop - Brandon Pitman 11:38

5M ago11:38

11:38

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 Direc…

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The Orchard at Altapass - Beth Hilton and Sam McKinney 23:38

5M ago23:38

23:38

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 St…

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Public Vegetation Disposal Site - Allen Cook 8:31

5M ago8:31

8:31

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 ques…

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Barbecue Fundraiser and Benefit Concert at Mitchell High - Angie Holtzclaw 14:03

5M ago14:03

14:03

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 …

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What is the MARC? - Lisy Thomas 7:41

5M ago7:41

7:41

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 brin…

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Firefighter Appreciation Day - Stephanie Pitman and Brian Brewer 10:08

5M ago10:08

10:08

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…

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Spruce Pine Alien Festival Returns - Sherry Sautner 10:00

5M ago10:00

10:00

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.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Mitchell County Long-Term Resiliency Group - Stephanie Pitman and Starli McDowell 10:30

5M ago10:30

10:30

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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Carolina Hurricanes Grant to Mitchell County - Brock Duncan and Shane Willis 4:49

5M ago4:49

4:49

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.…

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A Look at Helene and This Year‘s Weather - Jason Boyer 15:38

5M ago15:38

15:38

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.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Mitchell Senior Center - Kathy Garland 7:22

6M ago7:22

7:22

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…

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Agriculture Disaster Crop Loss Program - Brandon Pitman 14:12

6M ago14:12

14:12

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 …

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The Report on Hurricane Helene - Mark Sudduth 25:35

6M ago25:35

25:35

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 …

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Town Hall Meeting #4 - March 28, 2025 1:29:48

6M ago1:29:48

1:29:48

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.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Oliver Anthony Concert - Spencer Bost 8:14

6M ago8:14

8:14

Downtown Spruce Pine is starting to see signs of life return as businesses are repairing the damage from Helene and are making plans to reopen. In the midst of all this activity, singer Oliver Anthony has started the Rural Revival Project, and he is coming to Spruce Pine to do his first concert of 2025 on Lower Street on April 5th. Spencer Bost wit…

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Statewide Burn Ban & New County Burn Ordinance - Andrew Brewer 4:38

6M ago4:38

4:38

North Carolina has a burn ban in place as of 8 AM Friday, March 21 due to dry, windy conditions. County Fire Marshal Andrew Brewer joins us to discuss the burn ban along with providing information about a new county ordinance that strengthens Mitchell County's burn ban capabilities in extreme conditions.…

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Town Hall Meeting March 27, 2025 - Kelly Jones 4:39

6M ago4:39

4:39

Mitchell County Government will hold its fourth Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the former Bowman Middle School in Bakersville. Kelly Jones joins the podcast to discuss the meeting and some of the topics that will be covered. You can submit questions to be answered at the Town Hall here.…

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VRC Move to Bakersville - Stephanie Pittman 3:55

6M ago3:55

3:55

The Volunteer Resources Center is on the move from its location at the Mitchell Senior Center in Ledger to the campus of the former Bowman Middle School at 410 Mitchell Avenue in Bakersville. Stephanie Pittman, Director of the VRC, joins us to talk about the move plus she goes over the services available to county residents through the VRC.…

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Spring Fire Season is Underway - Andrew Brewer 7:37

6M ago7:37

7:37

We are squarely in the middle of one of the times each year that wildfires stand the greatest possibility of happening, and in 2025 that danger is multiplied tremendously with the downed trees and vegetation from Helene. Andrew Brewer, Mitchell County Fire Marshal, is our guest and he talks about the fire in Loafer‘s Glory that burned 133 acres las…

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Rivers, Streams, and Recreational Fishing in Our Area - David Goodfred 10:13

6M ago10:13

10:13

David Goodfred, a biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, joins us to discuss what happened to the aquatic life in our rivers and streams after Helene hit, the health of these systems at this time, and what the Commission plans in the way of stocking streams in the area for recreational fishing in 2025.…

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February Town Hall Part 2 21:13

7M ago21:13

21:13

The February 20, 2025 Town Hall meeting was cancelled due to weather, but information that was to presented at the session is available on this podcast. This is Part 2 of the meeting information, and it focuses on debris removal and stream debris cleanup. Allen Cook, County Manager, shares information on these topics and introduces private property…

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February Town Hall Part 1 45:42

7M ago45:42

45:42

The February Town Hall meeting was cancelled due to weather on February 20. This is the first of two podcasts featuring information that was going to be presented at that meeting. Gabriel Johnson with the North Carolina Department of Transportation discusses road closures and other DOT projects underway in the county; Stephanie Pittman of the Volun…

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Rhododendron Festival Returns - Misti Silver 5:02

7M ago5:02

5:02

More good news! The North Carolina Rhododendron Festival will make its 78th appearance in Bakersville this June. Misti Silver with the committee organizing the event joins us to share what’s happening and the new locations of some of the events due to damage from Helene.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Blacksmith Festival Returns - Spencer Bost 6:07

7M ago6:07

6:07

The 19th Annual Blacksmith Festival is returning to Lower Street in Spruce Pine April 26th. Spencer Bost with Downtown Spruce Pine joins us to discuss why the festival is coming back even with the damage to the buildings on Lower Street.By Mitchell County, NC Government

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Bakersville’s Future - Andy Palmer 12:51

7M ago12:51

12:51

Many are wondering what the future may hold for areas of Mitchell County. A group of interested citizens in Bakersville are meeting Thursday and Friday, February 20 and 21, to talk with the Design Assistance Team, a group of experts who are working with the community in rebuilding and the recovery process. Andy Palmer, co-owner of In Tandem Gallery…

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Hospitality House - Sean Morris & William Holley 15:01

7M ago15:01

15:01

Homelessness has been a big problem in our region for quite some time, and Helene has only made it worse. Today, we talk with Sean Morris and William Holley of the Hospitality House, a Boone, North Carolina-based agency that works with the homeless in Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey Counties. They share what their organization does, how to get help, an…

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NC DOT Road Update - Gabriel Johnson & David Uchiyama 17:01

8M ago17:01

17:01

One of the most impressive feats pulled off during the recovery from Helene has been how rapidly the North Carolina Department of Transportation got roads opened and functioning again. On this program, we get an update on the roads in Mitchell County with DOT representatives Gabriel Johnson & David Uchiyama. In addition to the update, they note upc…

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Thoughts on Helene - Mark Sudduth 37:25

8M ago37:25

37:25

Helene’s wrath was surprising to many people, and Mark Sudduth who is a professional researcher of hurricanes and other weather, along with a serving as a reporter on Fox Weather, joins the podcast to share his thoughts on the storm. Mark’s parents, Doug and Billie Ruth Sudduth, lived in the Ledger area for 30 years, so he has been to our region qu…