Year In Review: Headlines from January – June 2025

Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of headline articles from January through June 2025. See next week’s issue for a recap of the second half of the year.

JANUARY

Hiddenite residents Jenna and Rodney Roberts delivered 78 Christmas stockings to residents of Swannanoa, N.C., who had been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Gifts for the stockings were donated by members of the Alexander County community, including $1,400, which was used to ensure that every child received toys for the holiday. Additionally, the stockings were hand-sewn by members of Apple City Stitchers.

A family of four in Bethlehem was displaced by a fire on December 23, 2024. According to Bethlehem Fire Chief Ashley Starnes, the fire spread into the home through the house’s HVAC system as firefighters arrived. The family’s Christmas tree and presents were among the items destroyed. Generous members of the community reacted quickly to replace lost Christmas presents for the family’s two young daughters.

The Happy Hub Nutrition opened its doors officially on January 3 in downtown Taylorsville. Owner Jenny Olsen offers energy teas, iced protein coffees, and smoothies.

The Alexander Rescue Squad held their Annual Christmas Party and Awards Banquet on December 7, 2024. The evening was time to recognize milestones and outstanding service, including Patti Nelson with 20 years and Tim Chewning with 40 years. Wes Blackwelder also was recognized as the 2024 Member of the Year.

The Central Alexander Fire Department held its annual Christmas Banquet on December 14, 2024. Chief Matt Jordan presented the Junior Firefighter of the Year award to Bradley “Peanut” Hendren II, Officer of the Year award to Jason Lackey, and Firefighter of the Year award to Patrick Pflederer.

Taylorsville natives Brevan McAlpin and Robert Nieves, both 22, held a grand opening for their new business known as “The Warehouse” on January 4 at the facility in Hickory.

An explosion at Triple T Farms on January 7 resulted in a father and son being airlifted to Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem due to burn injuries. A fire investigation determined that a propane space heater on the ceiling ignited vapors in the air as the men replaced a separate propane tank on a forklift.

Five students addressed the Alexander County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting on January 6. The students are all members of the Alexander Central High School Swim Team and requested that the commissioners consider the construction of a swimming pool for the county.

The Taylorsville Town Council unanimously approved the annexation of approximately 84 acres of land. The property is located east of Happy Plains Road and a representative from Eagle Engineering presented a plan to build a 150 single family housing development on the land.

District Attorney Sarah Kirkman was sworn in for her fifth term on January 1, 2025, by District Court Judge Courtney Marlowe. Assistant District Attorneys were also sworn in during the ceremony.

Courtney Sloane Marlowe was sworn in as District Court Judge for Alexander and Iredell counties on January 1, 2025, at the Alexander County Courthouse
Alexander County received between 2 and 3 inches of snow, sleet, and freezing rain on Friday, January 10. Alexander County Schools implemented virtual learning days on Friday and Monday, with a two hour delay on Tuesday, as a result.

On January 6, multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a search warrant in Taylorsville, seizing 337.8 grams of methamphetamine. James Noble, 41, of Taylorsville, and Abraham Carswell, 25, of Taylorsville, were both charged with trafficking methamphetamine, plus additional charges.

On January 13, two local duck hunters discovered human remains in a wooded area around the 1600 block of Hwy. 16 North, in Taylorsville. Alexander County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation officers, processed the scene that night and began an investigation into the remains.

The Alexander County Board of Education held their regular meeting on January 13. The board considered two proposed school calendars for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to choose the first proposed calendar, which would have the school year begin on August 25 with the end of the school year and graduation taking place on May 22. Mrs. Andrea Robinette, District Finance Assistant, was recognized for completing the NC Association of School Business Officials’ School Business Management Academy Director Certification Program, during the meeting.

West Alexander Middle School students finished loading a trailer, provided by Huntington House, with donations as part of relief efforts to support Asheville in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center opened a celebration of February’s Black History Month with a collection donated by Bonnie P. Miller of Statesville. The collection are sculptures of black history figures by South Carolina artist Marth Holcombe. The collection was scheduled to be on display until February 28, 2025.

During the Taylorsville Town Council meeting on January 21, the council set up a new ABC Board to govern the Taylorsville ABC store, following the dissolution of the 2012 merger with the ABC board of Catawba County. The new board, consisting of Chair Ron Roseman and members Christy Harrington and Jason Durmire, attended the meeting. As part of the process, the Taylorsville ABC Board would purchase the inventory at a cost of $79,915.96. The council also heard from Morgan Coley, of Martin Starnes and Associates, with the Town’s 2023 Audited Financial Statements. The audit was issued an unmodified or “clean” opinion. Public Works Director Aaron Wike noted several improvements made to the Town’s facilities, including new sidewalks, drainage upgrades, and renovations to Matheson Park. There also was a discussion of proposed roundabouts on Main Avenue in Taylorsville.

A cafeteria staff member at Stony Point Elementary School suddenly collapsed and died at the school on January 21. Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin, declined to identify the staff member out of respect to family.

Jessica Cook began her new role as East Alexander Middle School Assistant Principal on January 2. Cook unofficially joined before the Christmas break to familiarize herself with the school. She earned her Masters in Administration in August of 2025 from Appalachian State University. She was a part of the Teaching Fellows Program and received her undergraduate degree from UNC Greensboro in 2011. Cook taught 4th grade at Blackburn Elementary School for 11 years before joining EAMS.

Eric Todd Scott, President of the NAACP Statesville Branch, served as keynote speaker at the Alexander County NAACP’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 20. The event was held at Macedonia Baptist Church on NC 90 East in Taylorsville.

The Alexander County Democratic Party announced that its headquarters would be closing by January 31. According to the landlord, the space is needed for other uses. Chairperson Helen Chestnut noted the party would not be able to hold its annual Franklin Delano Roosevelt Dinner, due to the transition.

The Taylorsville Rotary Club was able to help more than 200 Alexander County School students during its annual Bill shell Memorial Shopping Spree. The charitable event held in December 2024 aimed to help Alexander County children and families by exemplifying the spirit of giving.

Betty Derleth beat out 15 other chili cookers to take home the Golden Ladle in Antioch Baptist Church’s Chili Cookoff on January 18.

Willow Sage Health and Wellness in Taylorsville held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 17.

Alexander County native and ACHS graduate, Krislynn Hawthorne, was named band director at Statesville High School.

FEBRUARY

The ABC store in Taylorsville was set to reopen on February 1. The ABC store closed after a 2012 merger with the Catawba County ABC was dissolved in December 2024. The new Taylorsville ABC Board was appointed by the Taylorsville Town Council. The board hired Diane Martin as manager of the store with staff members Mike Yoder and Eric Goulds. Martin was ready to launch the opening of the store with new tasting events scheduled for February 8 and 15.

Kuwain Moore, 24, and Chyanne Livingston, 26, both of Taylorsville, were charged with felony intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury on January 23.

Horror film “You’re It,” which was filmed, in part, in Alexander County was set to premiere on February 7 in Charlotte before becoming available on streaming. Director Ronald Rossmann, Jr., filmed scenes at the Bentley Cabin in Sugar Loaf, the former Alexander County Jail and inside Alexander Funeral Service.

The Brushy Mountain Boys of Alexander County were heading to Asheville to participate in one of the state’s largest bluegrass festivals on February 15.

The Alexander County Government held its Employee Holiday Luncheon in December. Jeffery Sigmon and April Galloway were recognized for 30 years of service. Lisa Harrington and Jamie Starnes were honored for 25 years of service.

The Taylorsville Times began its Black History Month recognition with a feature on Summa Nell Mayes Watts, 90, of Taylorsville. Summa recalled attending Happy Plains High School, where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1952.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency indicated that out of 989 valid household registrations, 778 were referred to Individual Assistance, due to damage from Helene in 2024. As of the beginning of February, 347 were eligible for Housing or Other Needs Assistance. More than $962,000 was awarded under the combined IA and ONA group to Alexander County residents alone. Twenty-one households from Alexander County were checked into hotels through the Temporary Sheltering Assistance program.

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to move to a four-year property revaluation cycle, during their meeting on February 3. Previously, the county revaluation was on an eight-year cycle. County Manager Todd Herms stated that moving a four-year cycle would result in more staff, but less contracted costs.

A draft of the state’s long-term transportation improvement plan released in early 2025 for public comment appeared to show a delay in the NC 127 widening project. Originally, the right of way acquisition was scheduled for 2025 with construction in 2026. The draft plan moved acquisition to 2030 and construction in 2034.

The Taylorsville Town Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on February 4. Town Manager Nathan Hester brought up the possibility of selling the building where the Urgent Care of Mountain View is located at 60 2nd Ave. SW. Hester suggested that “as a local government, we don’t need to be property managers.” The Town owns the property and collect rent from the Urgent Care business. The property has a drainage issue, which would cost an estimated $75,000-$100,000 to repair. The council gave Hester direction to proceed with discussing sale of the property with town attorney Monroe Pannell.

During the Alexander County Board of Education’s meeting on February 10, the top two finishers in the Alexander County Spelling Bee were recognized. Noah Wingler, a sixth-grader from WAMS, clinched first place by correctly spelling “zygote.” Daniel Costner, a sixth-grader from EAMS, took the second-place spot. Three teachers: Risa Sink Cook, Annie Hollar, and Kimberly Brown were recognized at the meeting for completing their National Board certifications for the first time. Five additional teachers were recognized for renewing their certifications. Jennifer Bass was recognized as Alexander County’s Exceptional Children’s Educator of Excellence. Chris Marshall was announced as the new head coach for the varsity football team at Alexander Central High School.

Patricia Osborne, of Taylorsville, won the first $5 million top prize in the Millionaire Bucks game with the purchase of a $30 scratch-off ticket.

The Taylorsville Times’ Black History Month feature continued with an article about Dorothy Linney. She was born on January 4, 1937 and grew up wanting to be a secretary or journalist. After graduating as Valedictorian from Happy Plains High School in 1955, she got a job at Southern Devices in Taylorsville, where she worked for 31 years before retiring. She is one of three living members of the HPHS class of 1955.

The Hiddenite Fire Department held its Annual Awards Banquet for 2024 on February 6, 2025, at Westward Farms in Stony Point. Allen Kerley was award Firefighter of the Year, Caroline Ward was named First Responder of the Year, Landon Russ recognized as Officer of the Year, Nathan Boyd received both the Chief’s Award and Most Training Hours award; and Ryker Bumgarner earned the Most Calls Attended award.

Taylorsville Rotary Club inducted new members during their meeting on January 29. President Dr. Dianne Little presided over the induction of new members, which included: Kim Pennell, Kendra Yang, Terri Jenkins, Sharon Bunton, Nathan Hester, and Todd Reid.

Two men were charged in the alleged larceny of Stony Point United Methodist Church on January 26. Deputies discovered that the locks for the church’s gate had been destroyed and copper stripped from the church’s air conditioning unit. After further investigation, the Sheriff’s Office arrested Joseph Lee Proffitt and Joshua Rick Bass, both of whom were charged with multiple counts of breaking and entering place of worship, in addition to other charges.

Land’s Electric closed their repair shop after 55 years of service. The business, which is primarily run by David Land, 64, and son, Tyler, will continue to offer electrical contracting work; installing and servicing residential, commercial, and industrial electric systems on location.

James Henry Hall, 60, of Stony Point was arrested and charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to inflict serious bodily injury. Deputies responded to a call about a shooting in Hiddenite on February 6 and discovered a victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower leg. The victim was transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries and deputies. The shooting was the result of an argument.

School Board Attorney Caryn Brzykcy reported to the Alexander County Board of Education on February 13 that voting districts for members must be redrawn by December 2025. The need to redraw borders was due to census rules in a new State Law, requiring each of the seven Alexander County BOE Voting Districts to have one person that lives in that district elected to the school board. The referendum garnered fifty-three percent of the votes.

The third feature of The Taylorsville Times‘ Black History Month series covered Phillip Bowman, the first integrated basketball coach at Happy Plains School. Bowman, a 1965 graduate of Taylorsville High School, attended Gardner-Webb College before being hired to teach sixth and seventh grade at Happy Plains School in 1967-68. He instilled the importance of getting an education in his students and working hard in his players. Bowman was drafted in 1968 and served as a helicopter pilot for three years.

A Valentine’s Day Luncheon was held at Alexander Senior Center on February 14, sponsored by The Greens and Valley Nursing Center.

Members of the Taylorsville Rotary Club distributed Valentine’s Day gift bags to residents of the Taylorsville House and for children in the Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Pediatric Department.
A home in Bethlehem was destroyed by a fire on February 20. The structure initially suffered moderate damage from a fire caused by a woodstove, but the fire rekindled a few hours after firefighters extinguished it. The home was declared a total loss. The occupant, Rebecca Ann Davis was not injured.

Jason Scott Chapman, 24, of Stony Point, died on February 22 following a collision on NC 16at Alspaugh Dam Road. The vehicle driven by Chapman failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, Jose Guadalupe Gutierrez Estrada, 35, of Taylorsville and other passengers were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The NAACP and the Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center hosted a Black History Celebration and Banquet on February 22. The Rev. Sterling Howard, president of the Alexander Chapter of the NAACP was emcee for the event at the Hiddenite Center Education Complex. Minister Chad Beam, from Shelby, N.C., was the guest speaker.

Steven Anthony Wine, W/M, 37, of Taylorsville, was arrested after a road rage incident in which shots were fired into a vehicle in Bethlehem. Deputies responded to a call about the incident and located the victims and found two gunshots in the vehicle, which resulted in no injuries.Wine was charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle, one count of violation of a release order for a domestic violence case, and more.

A private garage in Stony Point was destroyed due to an explosion and subsequent fire on February 23. Firefighters from Stony Point, Hiddenite, Wittenburg, West Iredell, and Taylorsville fire departments extinguished the blaze, which was believed to have started outside of the structure. Alexander County Deputy Fire Marshal Garrett Huffman said the investigation determined the fire was likely due to an electrical cord that supplied power to the building, which did not have dedicated power.

Stony Point Global Methodist Church held its Annual Chili Cook-off, Soup, and Dessert Fundraiser on February 22, in the church’s fellowship hall. Funds raised from the event were presented to the Stony Point VFD. Lee Ann Sherrill won best dessert, Jeremiah Richards won best tasting soup, and Aaron Richards won most creative chili.

A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification was filed with the NC Department of Commerce on February 20 concerning the planned closure for the Timken (American Roller Bearing) plant in Hiddenite. The first round of layoffs were planned for July 31 and would continue through the end of the year eliminating 58 jobs.

As of February 28, there were nine grass and wood fires, plus more than five illegal burns, in the previous five days.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office and Taylorsville Police Department executed a search warrant at 14 Willow Court in Bethlehem and found approximately 52 pounds of marijuana. Dalton Lindsey, 25, of Taylorsville, and Jamie Singleton, 25, of Taylorsville, were both arrested and charged with one count of trafficking marijuana plus additional charges.

MARCH

During the Town of Taylorsville’s regular meeting on March 4, the council voted unanimously to approve a bid for a culvert replacement and street improvement project. The winning bid was from County Boy Landscaping who will perform the sidewalk project for $222,750 and subcontract to JT Russell & Sons with a 10% overhead fee for the culvert project. The total amount of the project will cost $1,210,302.50. Town Clerk Yolanda Prince was given a standing ovation during the meeting, which will be her last in the position. Prince was to retire at the end of March after 27 years of service. Nicole Mayes, who worked in Accounts Payable and Billing Department for the Town will take over the role.

The Pearls of Wisdom Extension Community Association collected items to create four kitchen kits to help families moving back into homes affected by Hurricane Helene.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Davis was sworn into her position on March 3 in Iredell County Superior Court.

Taylorsville welcomed its newest business on March 1 as Back Roads Ink held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tattoo artist Savannah Huffman opened the shop at 15 Linneys Mountain Road on the east side of the former Hotel Alexandria building.

Charles Andrew Harmon, 60, of Taylorsville, was arrested on one count of felony first degree statutory rape. Harmon was arrested on March 1, following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Eugenia Bryant opened Bryant’s Bookkeeping Services in Stony Point. Bryant has more than 20 years experience in accounting along with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She offers bookkeeping, payroll, consulting, accounting, sales & use taxes, and more.

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners approved a bid for the American Rescue Plan Act water line expansion project. The commissioners approved the low bid from Bell Construction Company for $4,081,668, plus five percent for contingency. The project includes areas where an interest in water service has been expressed, utilizing ARPA funds allocated to Alexander County in 2021. Approximately 42,500 linear feet of waters lines will be installed in the 12 project areas. Josh Mitchell, Director of Public Works & Facilities, presented bid information for the EMS Base #1 project to the commissioners who approved the low bid submitted by David E. Looper, Inc. for $1,445,153. The project will include a five-bay climate-controlled garage, 4,800 square feet for office space and training, storage for medical records and supplies. The project is funded by a state grant and leftover ARPA funds.

A house fire in Stony Point displaced a family of eight on March 10. The family consisted of seven adults and one toddler, which rented the home. The structure was uninsured and declared a total loss.

District Court Judge Bryan Corbett resigned in March, according to Chief District Court Judge Edward L. Hedrick, IV. Hedrick announced Corbett’s resignation in a letter to the 32nd Judicial District Bar, saying that Corbett claimed it was for personal reasons without elaborating further to Hedrick.

The Alexander County Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled meeting on March 10. During the meeting, the most Beta Club students in Alexander County High School history were recognized for placing at the state level. Griffin Duncan was recognized for being one of only two students in the state to win the Hannah Leitner Scholarship, which is named in honor of the first National Beta Club sponsor.

Powersports dealer PowerMaxx, owned by Brandon Prokupek, opened its Taylorsville location March 11 in the former Schronce Powersports shop on NC 16 South, at the overpass on the corner of US 64.

Fire claimed a chicken house in Vashti on the night of March 17. No chickens were housed in the structure at the time and no humans were injured while brining the blaze under control. According to Vashti Fire Chief Coty Fox, the fire was caused by an electrical problem.

Molly Grantham, author and former longtime WBTV news anchor, spoke to a packed audience of ladies at The Emerald Hill on March 13.

Michael Underwood, of Taylorsville, hitting a $1.16 million jackpot in the N.C. Education Lottery on March 15.

Melissa Stewart was sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney by Superior Court Judge in Iredell County Superior Court.

After being closed for several years due to COVID and a family crisis, Nickel Pickles Sweet Treats, planned to reopen on March 22. The shop originally opened in 2019 as the first store front bakery in Taylorsville.

Multiple fire departments and NC Forest Service members battled a structure fire involving a mobile home at 15 Pennell Lane, off McDuffie Court, which spread to nearby woods behind Little River Baptist Church on Thursday, March 20. This occurred in the Sugar Loaf Fire District, north of Taylorsville.

The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office issued a local open Burn Ban due to extreme fire danger conditions throughout Alexander County, effective Friday, March 21, at 5:00 p.m.

Bethlehem accounting firm Price, Breazeale & Chastang, PA, abruptly closed its office due to a civil issue between the accounting firm and the property landlord. Customers were instructed to call the landlord in order to arrange to pick up their records or to arrange to be served by a new CPA.

The Wagon Wheel Turkey Shoot, in Ellendale, held on Fridays during certain months to help benefit the Tri-State Baptist Children’s Home in Bristol, TN, was featured in an article March 26.

On March 28, Samuel Jarrett Killian, 35, of Taylorsville, killed in a motorcycle crash with a car on NC 16 at Millersville Road. A passenger was also thrown from the motorcycle and transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Audi, Lane Neal Tevepaugh, 18, of Taylorsville, was not injured. No charges were filed in the case.

Robbie Medina opened The Rustic Roast coffee shop inside West Main Antiques in mid-March.

The Bethlehem incorporation group pulled their application from the Local Government Commission on March 31 in order to review necessary items and resubmit at a later date.

APRIL

The Alexander County Board of Education agreed to hire the Western Piedmont Council of Governments staff to redraw voting district lines for school board elections for 2026. This stemmed from a November 2024 referendum which voters approved, stipulating the voting districts would be redrawn to match the 2020 Census and that school board elections would be by political party instead of non-partisan.

On April 1, Taylorsville Town Council voted for the Town to begin their own Planning and Zoning on July 1, ending a contract the city had for several years with Alexander County government to provide planning and zoning.

Bethlehem Park officially reopened on April 1, after more than a year of renovations. Improvements at Bethlehem Park include a new 30×96-foot restroom/concession/picnic building, which represents a significant upgrade from the previous structure.

Due to recent rainfall, the NC Forest Service lifted the statewide burn ban on April 2 at 8:00 a.m. In addition, the Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office lifted the local open burn ban at the same time.

Alexander County Commission Chairman Marty Pennell releasd an essay regarding the question of Bethlehem Community incorporating into a town.

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center hosted its annual Steak Dinner Fundraiser on April 11.

Taylorsville ACE Hardware grand opening set for April 10-12, with a ribbon cutting April 11.

Michelle Hartness, of Hartness Hometown Properties in Taylorsville, presented a check for $3,500 to Kristen Hicks, founder of The Blessing Project in Swannanoa, NC, which provides relief for those affected by Hurricane Helene. The funds were raised during the recent Stronger Together women’s event held in Hiddenite in Feburary.

Catawba Science Center held a month-long Alexander County scavenger hunt in April in conjunction with the annual North Carolina Science Festival.

Dr. Alisha Cloer was among 39 distinguished school and district leaders across the state to graduate from the ninth cohort of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) Aspiring Superintendents Program.

Matthew Douglas Roop, 34, of Taylorsville, was sentenced to serve 10 to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to death by distribution during Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday, April 3. This was in connection with the overdose and death of a 35-year-old male victim who was not identified in the release.

Alexander County Commissioners approved County-initiated rezoning April 7 for 67 parcels of land. These had been requested by landowners, most for allowing the placement of singlewide mobile homes on the land.

On April 4, Christopher Jason Kistler, W/M, age 41, of Taylorsville, was charged with two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine among other charges. Daphne Regina Walsh, W/M, age 43, of Taylorsville, was charged with one count of Trafficking Methamphetamine, among other charges.

Students in Charley Kerley’s sixth grade science class at East Alexander Middle School conducting a science experiment facilitated by visiting scientist, Dr. Leslimar Ríos-Colón.

Eva Jennings, resident at Faith Assisted Living in Taylorsville, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 10.

A ribbon cutting was held at the new Alexander County Emergency Services Training Facility at 175 Fairgrounds Road in Taylorsville on April 14.

Multiple charges were filed against Dr. Richard Dean Jordan, W/M, age 31 of the Bethlehem Community, after investigators received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding the distribution and possession of possible child pornography. He was charged with four counts of Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor on April 4. On April 11, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office charged Jordan with one count of First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and one count of Indecent Liberties with a Minor. He also faced seven counts of Secret Peeping in Iredell County.

Codi Lynn Sharp, W/M, age 53 of Taylorsville, was charged in April with eleven counts of Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

The Times’ Easter Coloring Contest winners were Everly Mitchell, Brinley Shatley, Kinley Shatley, Jaxon Moretz, Clara Haithcox, and Grayson McDaniel.

Taylorsville Town Manager Nathan Hester and Urgent Care of Mtn. View owner Brian Bechtol debated issues with the medical clinic’s lease of the Town-owned property in the April 16 issue.

Certified Nursing Assistant students recently graduated at CVCC Alexander Center on April 8 included Morgan Scholtz, Katie Brittain, Jenny Schuck, Madison Lail, Kaitlyn Peeler, Kendal McJunkins, Ngao Xiong, Tiffanie Shelton, Kaylin Brown, and Tyler Patterson.

Alexander County Manager Todd Herms resigned, effective April 30. He had been hired on August 12, 2024.

Attorney Joel Harbinson was named “Icon of Law” by NC Lawyers Weekly as well as “NC Super Lawyer” for the fifth year in a row.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office arrested Chanceler Timothy Johnson, W/M, a 25-year-old from Taylorsville, following a disturbance and standoff in the Bethlehem Community.

Alexander County Partnership for Children held the 2025 Spring Fling at the Alexander County Courthouse Park on April 17, with over 90 community volunteers. Some 246 children ages birth to five years and 165 children age six and older registered, among 183 families.

Keri Jerrell, the Director of the Alexander County Department of Social Services (DSS), and Tennille Hileman, the District Administrator for the Guardian Ad Litem Programs in Iredell and Alexander Counties, were interviewed for National Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 23.

957 Mobile Café in Taylorsville celebrated ten years of being a local food outreach ministry.

Harold Dagenhart, Benny Sharpe, Jr. and former Alexander County Commissioner Wes Bolick, were named to the Alexander County Republican Party Hall of Fame on April 12. Party member Nancy Sharpe received recognition for her 20 years of service on the Alexander County Board of Elections, 2005-2025.

MAY

On May 1, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Debra Bechtel as Interim County Manager, following the resignation of former County Manager Todd Herms on April 30.

Aaron Keever, of Taylorsville, won $10,000 in the 2025 APA 9-Ball Shootout Pool Championship held May 1-3 in Las Vegas.

H&H Indoor Arena, located at 533 Ned Herman Road, in Taylorsville, hosted Double Creek Pro Rodeo on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3.

Worship in the Foothills, a Christian prayer and praise event, took place during the evenings of May 5-6 at Alexander County Courthouse Park, said co-organizer Ryan Beckham.

Kristi Tucker, an Alexander County native, wrote the winning essay in The Times’ 2025 Mother of the Year essay contest, about her grandmother, Evelyn Lackey, of Taylorsville.

Recreation Director Jon Presnell told Alexander County Commissioners May 5 that the department offers three athletic seasons in the fall, winter, and spring. In the fall of 2024, there were approximately 800 participants on 67 teams. In the winter, there were 75 basketball teams. This spring, there are 92 teams and 1,100 participants in baseball, softball, and soccer.

The Rotary Club of Taylorsville gained an unprecedented level of recognition by winning three awards at the Rotary District 7680 Conference held at the Statesville Civic Center during May 1-2. The awards were: “Best Small Club Award,” “Best in Increasing Impact Award,” and the “Best in Expanding Reach Award.”

Alexander County School Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin announced that Hiddenite Elementary Principal Amy Daigle would be moving to West Alexander Middle School at the end of the school year. Jacob Lail, principal at ACHS, would move into district administration after the school year.

Rev. Joel Simpson, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Taylorsville, was one of five faith leaders arrested in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday, May 5.

A May 14 article detailed the talents of Karen Canter “KC” Setzer, age 62, as evidenced during various phases of her life: juggler, athlete, teacher, mother, ambidextrous writer, and artist.

The Hometown Heroes section May 14 put a spotlight on law officers, EMS, and Rescue Squad members in observance of Police Week and EMS weeks.

Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin announced the Community Eligibility Program, which feeds all school children (elementary, middle, and high school students) at no cost during the school year, would only be available for elementary students in 2025-26.

Retired Taylorsville insurance agent A. R. “Richard” Walker, 94, of Taylorsville, passed away on Thursday, May 8. Active in civic circles and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Walker was presented the 1998 Alexander County Citizen of the Year Award by the Chamber of Commerce.

The former Ellendale Farms property reopened in Spring 2025, now known as Redbird Ridge Estate, a wedding and event venue owned by Daron and Alisa Dwyer.

Alexander Central High School’s FFA Chapter had two teams compete at the state level Cattle Working Competition in Laurel Springs. The Alexander Cattlemen’s team of Weston Brown, Micah Chapman, and Brennen Little won first place and the ACHS FFA team made up of Allie Lackey, Hadleigh Houser, and Laurel Mitchell took fourth place.

The Apple City Street Rodders’ 32nd Annual Car and Truck Show was held May 10 at Scotty’s Hometown Grill in Taylorsville.

The first Annual SpringFest was held at the new park in Bethlehem on Saturday, May 17.

Urgent Care of Mountain View announced a temporary relocation of its Taylorsville clinic to the Belle Hollow shopping center on North Center Street (NC 127) in Hickory, as it prepared to begin construction on a brand-new facility located on Macedonia Church Road.

On Friday, May 23, Governor Josh Stein announced the appointment of Statesville attorney Ms. Jessie Conley to the District Court for Judicial District 32, serving Alexander and Iredell counties. Conley filled the vacancy created after the Honorable Bryan Corbett resigned in March.

A May 28 article interviewed Stony Point resident and Vietnam veteran Sgt. Terry Miller, 77, and several of his Army buddies who visited him and were fellow Scout Dog handlers in the war.

The Alexander County 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony was held Monday, May 26, at the Veterans Building (DAV Chapter 84) on Carrigan Road in Taylorsville.

The 2025 Buy Local Challenge officially kicked off May 28, offering local customers a chance to win big prizes from fifty participating businesses.

Angela King’s monthly column, “Education Matters,” interviewed Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin May 28 on his first year as leader of the local public schools.

A patriotic concert celebrating the greatness of America was planned by Studio3 on Friday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Davis Hall in the Taylorsville First Baptist Church.

Emma Leigh Garwood, 22, of Taylorsville, was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed in a crash on I-77 in Iredell County on May 31.
The NC Regional Group of the Horseless Carriage Club of America visited The Hiddenite Center’s Lucas Mansion on the morning of May 31.

JUNE

The Sugar Loaf Fire Dept. Truck and Tractor Pull was held on Saturday, June 7.

The Town of Taylorsville held a Community Economic Visioning Workshop on June 10 at Celebrate You, 34 West Main Avenue, in Taylorsville.

In Alexander County Schools personnel matters, Brian Lewis, CTE Director in Caldwell County Schools, was named principal at Alexander Central High School; Jennifer Miller, assistant principal at Alexander Central High School, would guide Ellendale Elementary, and Dina-Marie Spataro from Iredell-Statesville Schools would helm Hiddenite Elementary. Dawn Leary was named principal at Sugar Loaf Elementary and Joe Mabry moved from Sugar Loaf to be the ACS Transportation Director.

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2025-2026 budget June 2 totaling $60,586,611. The property tax rate remains at 65 cents per $100 valuation.

The Taylorsville Town Council adopted the 2025-2026 Budget (General Fund amount $2,877,255 and Enterprise Fund is $3,066,755) on June 3 with tax rate to remain at .35 per $100 valuation of property.

Lucinda Land Morin wrote the winning essay in The Times’ 2025 Father of the Year Contest, about her dad, James “Jim” Nowell Land. Jim, a retired electrician, resides in the Ellendale Community.

East Alexander Middle School was awarded a Golden LEAF Grant June 5 in the amount of $1.8 million dollars to be dispersed over the next five years for instructional support, a new math curriculum with a math coach, a data coach, money for teachers to attend conferences, and more.

The Alexander Central High School 2025 Graduation Ceremony, held Friday, June 6, at Cougar Stadium, with 310 seniors matriculating.

Noah Lackey, from Bethlehem Scout Troop 275, chose to update the Larry Sharpe Nature Trail, located behind Wittenburg Elementary School, as his Eagle Scout project. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the newly refurbished trail to the public on June 14.

Local authorities made five arrests in two separate visits to a local home in a single day on June 16. Dustin Shane Jenkins, Tiffany Danielle Rector, Kirston Ashleigh-Dawn Smith, Amanda Nan Daniel, and Robert John Britting were charged with Breaking and Entering and some received further charges.

A June 18 article told of the opening of Dream-Love Saze Ministry, a domestic violence shelter founded by Ruby Smyre in Stony Point.

A ribbon cutting was held June 20 for New restaurant Little Japan, located at the corner of Rink Dam Road and NC 127 in the Bethlehem Community.

Patrick Wike, Alexander County Elections Director, was presented with an engraved keepsake box for nearly 12 years of service to the county at a special luncheon on June 20 at Brushy Mountain Golf Club. Wike had announced his resignation as he had accepted a planning position with the City of High Point.

Jimmy Lewis Moore, 87, a Bethlehem business leader, died on June 22. He was instrumental in building three companies: Vanguard Furniture, Craftwork Guild, and Hancock & Moore.

Chief Coty Fox of Vashti Fire-Rescue, Inc., invited the community to come out to the 48th Annual Vashti Day Celebration on June 28.

New attorney Jenna Faire Brzykcy, daughter of John and Caryn Brzykcy, of Taylorsville, was sworn in as an attorney. She received her Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law in 2024 and passed the NC State Bar exam in February 2025.

Lance J. Thick, of Troop 383, earned Eagle Scout Rank earlier this year and was honored by his parents, Sara and Graham Thick, with a ceremony held at Reformation Lutheran Church.

Ziva Sothoron, from East Alexander Middle School, won the eighth grade 2025 Soil and Water Conservation Speech Contest in Alexander County, won again at the Area level, and took part in the State competition as well.

Three local stores selling vaping products were raided and contraband was seized on June 26 when the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with other agencies, executed multiple search warrants within Alexander County.