Maureen Wurtz

2 weeks ago | qcnews.com | Maureen Wurtz

MITCHELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — “Nothing about this is normal.”There is an island of debris that divides the North Toe River in Mitchell County. That’s new. It’s loud here — that’s different too. “It’s a lot different, not a good different,” said Nick Honeycutt. When there’s no construction, it is quiet. But not like before. This quiet isn’t peaceful. “You can see stuff in the water,” said Nick. Nick grew up on these banks. He knows this river — or rather, knew it.

2 weeks ago | qcnews.com | Maureen Wurtz

MITCHELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — The railroad tracks that roll through downtown Spruce Pine, North Carolina, brought in people and their dreams when they were first laid down back in the early 1900s. “It’s depressing; that’s why I don’t come here,” said Cheryl Buchanan. In 2024, the dreams of all those who owned businesses on Lower Street were washed away when Hurricane Helene came through.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Maureen Wurtz

Maureen WurtzWed, April 9, 2025 at 1:57 PM UTC2 min readMITCHELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — The memories. “It took all that pipe out.”The sense of safety. “Most of it’s up and down the creek.”And the life Lanny Wright built has all crumbled. “I’m kind of disgusted. I worked 55 years for this,” said Lanny. “So… it ain’t much.”Though it’s been months, Hurricane Helne keeps taking more of what little he has left. “Everywhere you look, it’s just bad,” said Lanny.

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Maureen Wurtz

ASHE COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — “It all started around that grill.”No matter where we live or how we grew up, there are some experiences we all share. Likely, just the sight of a grill is enough to awaken your taste buds—and your memories. We can say with certainty that people love to gather around a grill. “She thought this was where she needed to be,” said Carla Young, Lora’s mom. It wasn’t food that drew Lora Young to the grill, but rather people.

3 weeks ago | qcnews.com | Maureen Wurtz

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