Chamber Director Proud of Historic Courthouse Investment

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members via the SECU Foundation have provided a $200,000 investment to the Mitchell County Courthouse Foundation for renovations to the historic courthouse, making way for the SECU Virtual Learning and Communication Center. The Center will house a state-of-the-art telecommunications and public access computer system, providing area residents access to educational, cultural, and economic development opportunities that are not currently possible.

Located in Bakersville in the mountains of western North Carolina, the Mitchell County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior. The renovation and restoration process, coordinated by the Mitchell County Courthouse Foundation, is designed to transform the existing property into a place that can serve the area citizens, while still preserving the historic significance of the building.

Dr. Daniel Barron, Mitchell County Courthouse Foundation Chairman states, “The SECU Foundation’s investment towards the Mitchell County Historic Courthouse has enabled this small rural community to access education and opportunities it would not have been able to otherwise. The receipt of this funding was the most critical part of our campaign and without it this project could have been held back for well over the next year or possibly longer. This is all possible through the SECU Foundation’s belief in our project.”

Shirley Hise, Chairman of SECU’s Spruce Pine Advisory Board, and Director of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce comments, “We are pleased and excited to have the SECU Foundation members’ support for a Mitchell County project. This courthouse is a landmark in our area and the Mitchell County Courthouse Foundation has worked very hard to make the redevelopment one which will benefit all the citizens in this county. The SECU Foundation funding will aid in the preservation of this historic site.”

Pictured above left to right: Janet Cook-Spruce Pine SECU Advisory Board, Shirley Hise-Spruce Pine SECU Advisory Board, Dr. Daniel Barron-Mitchell County Courthouse Foundation Chairman, Kim Gouge- SECU VP of Spruce Pine, Chris Smith-Spruce Pine SECU Advisory Board and Robert Gault-Spruce Pine SECU Advisory Board. (Photo: Business Wire)

Bakersville Community Market Begins.

The Bakersville Community Market began Memorial day weekend to kick off the season for 2009.

Last year was the beginning of the event created by John Lara of Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville. The premise of the market is to bring community members together to use the new Bakersville pavilion constructed with grants and donations in 2007. The market provides a forum for bakers, farmers, potters, painters and artisans in any field from Mitchell or Yancey counties. It also provides a forum for performance art and exhibits relating to area art and craft. Best of all, it's free!

The first day of market included some beautiful paintings by Tracy Booth, jewelry by Germaine Galjour and John Lara, some great jade plants and a yarn spinning demonstration. This weeks market will include pottery by Tracy Dotson and the Bakersville Garden Club will be selling some beautiful hanging baskets and other plants too. We have room for many more vendors and shoppers will find some great deals on local art, craft, vegetables, flowers, plants, prepared foods and much more. Stop on by!

The market will open each Saturday from Memorial day through the last Saturday in October from 9am to 1pm. For more information or to request an application contact John Lara at 828-688-3599 or email entkwest@aol.com.