Mike Conley

1 day ago | mcdowellnews.com | Mike Conley

A Nebo woman was charged with having a large amount of methamphetamine at her home, the McDowell County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies also seized cash and numerous guns from the home. On Wednesday, May 21, drug enforcement detectives executed a narcotics search warrant at the home of 65-year-old Terry Jo Lowery, of Nebo, after assisting the North Carolina Department of Revenue with a tax warrant, according to a news release from McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

1 day ago | mcdowellnews.com | Mike Conley

This weekend, both the town of Old Fort and the city of Marion will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies during Saturday festivals. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies will not be held for the opening of one restaurant, shop or pub. Rather, the ceremonies represent Old Fort, Marion and the rest of McDowell County’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The intention is to let both tourists and local residents know that the business community is open for business.

1 day ago | mcdowellnews.com | Mike Conley

Marion will celebrate the 17th annual Livermush Festival on Saturday. The festival is a celebration of livermush and the history of making it in Marion and McDowell County. The festival will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Marion, according to a news release from the Marion Business Association. Mayor Steve Little will open the festival at 5 p.m. at the City Stage with the McDowell County Chamber of Commerce to cut a ribbon celebrating Marion businesses.

1 day ago | mcdowellnews.com | Mike Conley

On Tuesday, the Marion City Council recognized downtown property owners Crystal and Alan Ledbetter as the Citizens of the Month for June. The Ledbetters were chosen for this honor by Councilwoman Ann Harkey. In 2023, Crystal and Alan Ledbetter were honored as the 2023 Main Street Champions for Marion by the Marion Business Association. “Crystal and Alan Ledbetter are true downtown Marion champions,” reads the statement from 2023.

2 days ago | mcdowellnews.com | Mike Conley

This weekend, McDowell County’s North Carolina Gold Festival will celebrate the area’s history of mining. There will be a coin and currency show as part of the festival. The 21st annual N.C. Gold Festival will be held Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, at Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine, located at 251 Lucky Strike Drive, south of Marion. The festival will be held from 2-9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, according to the event’s website.