Burke Buzz: What We're Hearing

GLEN ALPINE: Activity seems to be picking up at the former Glen Alpine Knitting Mill on U.S. Hwy. 70. The car of the developer was recently spied in the parking lot. On another day an open door revealed a small crew working inside with one worker high on a ladder. Two ladies dressed professionally were also seen waiting outside. Could a new business or two be coming? We’re keeping our fingers crossed as new life is desperately needed in the old building, which is being marketed as having six spaces available for lease.

MORGANTON: There’s been long-term buzz asking where does Simply Green’s recycling stuff go? The landfill? Thanks to the tracking technology of a planted Air Tag embedded in a reader’s recycle bin, it can be reported with certainty that the recycling ends up in…. The commercial recycling center in Wilkesboro. Exactly where it should be. Buzz no more.

DREXEL: Buzz continues to build about a new restaurant coming to downtown. Word has it that the new eatery will likely not be open until early summer but details are emerging about its name and its menu. Buzzers tell us the restaurant will be named Nyna’s House Restaurant and it will specialize in upscale Southern cuisine with both vegetarian and gluten-free options. In other buzz about town, we hear that the Heart of the Matter Counseling Group will soon be occupying the old Medical Office Building on Main Street.

VALDESE: Buzz around the Old Colony Players' stomping grounds is that Valdese residents might be able to catch a buzz at some of their future productions. The theater company is requesting approval from the town council during the March 4 regular meeting to be able to sell wine during six upcoming events. More buzz on the potential buzzing will soon come! 

RUTHERFORD COLLEGE: Word has it that the Burke County Chamber of Commerce is bringing its popular “Coffee and Conversation” series to town on Friday, March 8. On that day Mayor Yates Jensen will sit down and talk about the town’s priorities and its future with Chamber members and other interested folk in the community. Buzzers were hoping the Mayor would suit up for the alumni baseball game held at Draughn High School last Saturday, but the former varsity coach said he left the playing to younger men.