Year In Review: Headlines from July – December 2025
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of headline articles from July through December 2025. See this page for a recap of the first half of the year.
JULY
Alan Bentley, 67, and his son, Travis, 44, of the Sugar Loaf Community, were interviewed about finding dozens of rhyolite atlatl points and stone blades in a wooded area in Alexander County in late 2021 and early 2022.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, law officers executed search warrants within Alexander County at three local vape shops. This resulted in marijuana and cash being seized. The probe stemmed from citizen complaints made to both the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office and the Taylorsville Police Department over growing concerns over the sale and distribution of illicit vaping products, some of which were discovered within the Alexander County School system.
On June 25, Eric Allen Brewer, age 35, of Hiddenite, was charged with Felony Assault With A Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury, Felony Breaking and Entering, and Misdemeanor Assault on a Female. Robert William Joll, age 38, of Stony Point, was charged with Misdemeanor Assault With a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury. This followed an altercation between the two men.
Also on June 25, Kelly Jerome Warren, age 45, of Taylorsville, was charged with Assault With a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury following James Roger Morton being shot during a domestic disturbance on Hwy. 90 East in Taylorsville.
Nicholas Brock Owens, age 22, of Rutherfordton, was arrested and charged June 26 with one count of Trafficking Opium Or Heroin, one count of Possession With Intent To Manufacture Sell Or Deliver Controlled Substance, one count of Maintain A Vehicle To Sell Controlled Substance, and one count of Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia.
The 48th Annual Vashti Day Celebration was held on June 28 with breakfast being served at the Vashti Fire Department and the parade following.
Taylorsville Police Major Kevin Elder retired from the force on June 30, 2025, after 28 years of service.
Taylorsville Town Manager Nathan Hester recounted his first year in the role in a July newsletter, noting the Town had initiated more than $2.5 million in water, wastewater, and street improvement projects. “We secured over $500,000 in FEMA reimbursements for stormwater repairs following damage from Tropical Storm Helene,” Hester said. “We also made key public safety investments, including the purchase of a new patrol vehicle, soft body armor vests, and new TASER equipment for our Police Department. At Matheson Park, we upgraded playground equipment to provide a safer and more enjoyable space for families.”
The lucky winner of the $1,000 Alexander County Shopping Spree in the 2025 Taylorsville Times/Alexander County EDC Buy Local Challenge was Wayne Jones, of Taylorsville. He chose to take his shopping spree at Mays Meats, S&S Family Restaurant, Giovanni’s, Scotty’s Hometown Grill, and Koto’s. Winner for two passes to Dollywood and a one night stay was Sara Cruz. Gina Bell was drawn as the $500 Town of Taylorsville prize winner. Kermit Sipe was drawn as the $100 winner.
The Shake Down Band, performed at Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center’s Summer on the Square Concert on July 12, at Alexander County Courthouse Park.
Two Stony Point restaurants were forced to close in July after Iredell County officials said the landlord for the businesses failed to adequately address ongoing waste water issues at the locations. The two affected businesses were Captain’s Galley and J’s Pizza.
Charles Vincent Packer, Jr., age 54 of Taylorsville, and Dustin Will Watson, age 34 of Taylorsville, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of Felony Breaking And Entering and Larceny After Breaking And Entering.
On July 7, Mario Mendoza Cazarez, a 24-year-old Hispanic male from Taylorsville, a registered sex offender, was charged with one count of sex offender unlawfully on child premises after it was discovered that he was residing too close to a school in Alexander County.
Twenty-one Alexander Central Beta Club students competed at the National competition June 22-26 and took home top honors. Winners were: Aniston Chapman, Chloe Echerd, Bo Lewis, Aaron McLain, Carter Payne (Spelling and Performing Arts), Pierce Reed, and the Musicology Team (Aaron McLain, Chloe Echerd, Aniston Chapman, and Pierce Reed).
Chris Penley, principal of Newton-Conover High School, was struck by lightning July 12 while at the Brushy Mountain Golf Club for a tournament benfitting the NCHS Football Team.
The oath of office was administered to new Alexander County Elections Director Cheryl Feimster, on July 10.
The bond for defendant Heidi Darlene Wolfe was reduced to $20,000 secured in July 2025 after six years of pretrial detention in the June 15, 2019, murders of five people: Angel Esteban Pacheco, 11, America Dayana Pacheco, 12, their mother, Maria De Los Angeles Calderon, 38, and her two friends, Jose Carlos Mendez-Peña and Luis Fernando Sanchez. Illegal alien Areli Aguirre-Avilez, then age 30 of Taylorsville, and his girlfriend, Wolfe, then age 16, of Wilkesboro, were charged in the murders.
County Commissioners authorized an application for a building reuse state grant for Urgent Care of Mountain View, to help fund the renovation of part of an existing building owned by Catawba Valley Medical Center at the intersection of Hwy. 16 South and Macedonia Church Road to be leased by UCMV.
The Alexander County Board of Education heard concerns that federal budget cuts to certain programs could chop out nearly 10 percent of all of the state’s federal educational funding.
Vashti Fire District was busy with four fires in two locations on July 9, said Chief Coty Fox.
Alexander County’s Summer Concert Series on the Rotary Performance Stage at Alexander County Courthouse Park in downtown Taylorsville on July 19 featured the Caribbean Chillers, hailed as Florida’s Favorite Jimmy Buffett Tribute show.
On July 10, 2025, Brittany Shea Rector, a 38-year-old woman from Taylorsville, was charged with one count of Trafficking Methamphetamine, one count of Maintaining a Dwelling for the Purpose of Selling a Controlled Substance, and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Susan April Silva, a 46-year-old woman from Taylorsville, was charged On July 10 with one count felony breaking and entering and larceny and one count driving while license revoked.
A number of local churches held Vacation Bible School for children in the area.
Four employees from the Child Nutrition Department of Alexander County Schools were recognized for winning awards at the School Nutrition Association Conference held in Greensboro. ACS School Nutrition Director Kathy Caudle received a $1,500 scholarship to attend the School Nutrition’s Legislative Action Conference, East Alexander Cafeteria Manager Melissa Paisley won first place in the muffins and biscuits category with her pumpkin cream cheese muffins, (she also won the “Best in Show” award for the bread division), and Taylorsville Elementary’s Nancy Craig won second place in the yeast breads category for her orange sweet rolls.
During the last week of June, members of the Rotary Club of Taylorsville marked the 87th anniversary of their organization’s charter date (on June 30, 1938).
Former Alexander Central High School student Luke Kiziah, 21, was taking part in NASA internships in the summer after completing an earlier one in the spring.
At the Alexander County Commissioners’ meeting on July 14, 2025, Sheriff Chad Pennell recognized Greg Foster, Alexander County 911 Communications Director, for being named the 2025 Communications Center Leader of the Year by the NC National Emergency Number Association.
Jordan Phillip Daughaday, age 38, of Taylorsville, died at the scene when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck in Hickory on July 20.
Federal money for Alexander County Schools was released on Monday, July 21, according to Central Office staff. Federal Title IV-B funding for Alexander County Schools in the amount of $120,000 was released that day. This is funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
An article related how Alexander Senior Center in Taylorsville has provided a lifeline for local seniors in need of socialization, activities, exercise, and assistance.
Daniel’s House, located on Wayfound Church Road, opened with mission to meet the needs of those seeking recovery from substance abuse and those exiting rehabilitation and incarceration, said founder Danny McClain.
Robbie Medina, owner of The Rustic Roast, moved his business from its first home inside West Main Antiques to a location at 926 NC Highway 90 East in Taylorsville.
Taylorsville Police Officer Bernard Wingate took the oath of office on July 21, 2025, at Town Hall.
The Dairy Bar, located in Stony Point and owned by the DeJarnette family, celebrated 50 years in business on Saturday, July 26.
David Ray Carswell, a 45-year-old man, of Taylorsville, faced the following charges July 24 after a search warrant was executed on Bolick Lane: two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine, one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, one count of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine, two counts of Maintaining a Dwelling/Vehicle for Controlled Substance, three counts of Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Law Enforcement Officer, one count of Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, one count of Felony Littering Hazardous Waste, one count of Reckless Driving, one count of Driving While License Revoked, one count of Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign, and one count of Resist, Obstruct, and Delay an Officer.
In the above incident, Patrice Steele Fox, a 68-year-old woman of Taylorsville, was charged with one count of Trafficking Methamphetamine, one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, one count of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine, one count of Maintaining a Dwelling for a Controlled Substance, and one count of Resist, Obstruct, and Delay an Officer.
District Court Judge Rob Young wrote a historical article for The Times about Alexander County’s “Bull of the Brushies,” Romulus Z. Linney.
Long time Giovanni’s Pizza owner, Renn Lackey, died July 25, at age 88.
On July 28, authorities arrested two young men for multiple charges, including robbery with a dangerous weapon: Daniel Lee Taylor, Jr., age 19 of Taylorsville, and Nazir Nafis Miller, age 18 of Taylorsville.
Owners Terry Jones and David Barnes opened a motorcycle repair shop, Broken Chains Cycles, for motorcycle service and uplifting conversation to customers. Both men are Christians and aim to spread the Gospel gently through customer outreach.
Angela King’s July 30 Education Matters column debated the question of “Is there too much technology in our schools?”
A reprint of a July 1937 Times article featured the Duke Power Company Kelvinator lawn party, held July 15, 1937. A number of Kelvinators were on display, as well as a Hotpoint range and water heater. The lawn was well lighted.
The book, Run Werewolf Run, debuted as the first novel from filmmaker and Taylorsville native Onur Tukel (“Catfight,” “Summer of Blood”), who adapted it from a feature film script he wrote in 2018.
New officers of the Bethlehem Lions Club for 2025-26 were installed: Service Chair John Bowen, Treasurer and Divisional Zone Chair Kathy Bethany, President and Membership Chair Greg Conrad, 2nd Vice President Joe Cleaver, 1st Vice President Sharon Snellings, Lions Tail Twister John Lackey, and Secretary Elizabeth York.
The Rotary Club of Taylorsville hosted a special guest speaker, Retired General J. R. Gorham. Gen. Gorham spoke on “Growing Today’s Leaders the Old-Fashioned Way.”
Fundraising was planned for a memorial scholarship in honor of the late Tod Jones, retired Chief Deputy of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office.
Researcher and third generation beekeeper Brandon Simmons, of Taylorsville, led a workshop on how to pick out larvae from a beehive frame at the NC Beekeepers’ Association Summer Conference in Hendersonville.
On Tuesday, July 22, the choir of Liledoun Baptist Church in Taylorsville struck a memorable note — they sang the National Anthem for the Atlanta Braves at the team’s home game.
Melissa Dula took the oath of office as Deputy Register of Deeds from Register Hines on Monday, July 28.
District Court Judge Rob Young earned an LLM Degree in International Law through Nottingham Trent University Law School in Nottingham, England.
Mrs. Cecil Chapman, of Taylorsville, celebrated her 100th birthday with her family on July 31.
AUGUST
Sanford Teague, a native of Taylorsville, represented the state of North Carolina in the 100 yard dash in the 75-79 year old category in the National Senior Games, held in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners honored the contributions of Buddy McKinney and Nancy Sharpe with the presentation of “Keys to the County” at the Monday, August 4. McKinney had recently retired from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office after 20 years of service. Sharpe had retired from the Alexander County Board of Elections after 20 years of service.
The Taylorsville Town Council on August 5 discussed an amendment to the Town Charter to provide for staggered terms for all Council members (not the Mayor). A public hearing on the issue was set for September 2.
The Alexander County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and The Taylorsville Times partnered again in 2025 to promote local businesses through the Eleventh Annual Alexander County Readers’ Choice Awards.
Alexander County Government leaders announced the hiring of Christopher Hicks as the new Fire Marshal. Hicks began duties on July 28.
The 75th Anniversary of the Hiddenite Fire Department was observed with a special ceremony on August 2. Former Chiefs Grover Sharpe and Tim Keever joined current Chief Scott Mitchell in speaking at the event.
Officer George Smith of the Taylorsville Police Department was recognized by Police Chief Mike Millsaps recently for going above and beyond the call of duty, for helping an elderly woman get relief from sweltering July temperatures.
The Night Move Band performed on August 9 at Alexander County Courthouse Park as part of The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center’s Summer on The Square Concert Series.
Allison Houchins, Director of Education/Gallery Curator for the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center, began an 8-week, “A to Z” series of articles August 6 on the history of the Lucas Mansion, which houses the Center.
Jennifer Herman, Alexander County Finance Director, was selected for the “Heroic Hands” award from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) for her dedication and professionalism. Herman was recognized at the NCACC annual conference on August 21.
Recipients of the Taylorsville Rotary Club’s 2025-2026 Community Grants were: Alexander County 4-H Program, The Bridge Community, Christian Crisis Center, Alexander County Habitat for Humanity, Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center, Alexander County Hospice, Alexander County Family YMCA’s “Bright Beginnings” Program, Shelter Homes of the Foothills, Studio3NC, The Mobile Café, Central Alexander Fire Department, and Hiddenite Community Helpers.
The Alexander County Board of Education (BOE) approved new school voting districts — seven in all — for upcoming elections at their meeting on August 11. From 2001 until 2025, there had been four school voting districts. A referendum passed in 2024 by Alexander County voters brought about the change and also requires that school board members will be elected in partisan elections.
The cancer battle of retired State Trooper Tim Tarleton, of Bethlehem, was outlined in an article August 13.
Kee’Aira Linney Gaines, a native of Alexander County and ACHS 2008 graduate, received recognition by the City of Kings Mountain for being the Head Coach of the Kings Mountain Middle School Patriot Girls Basketball team which, under her leadership, won two conference titles in a row in 2024 and 2025.
The Christian Crisis Center (CCC) of Alexander County was granted $35,000 from the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Anheuser-Busch and National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) generously donated emergency drinking water (delivered by R.H. Barringer Company) to the Ellendale Volutneer Fire Department to help keep firefighters hydrated during wildfires and extended responses in extreme heat.
Paul Watts, of Taylorsville, won a $100,000 prize on a NC Lottery a $20 scratchoff ticket.
Brock Anthony Rennicker, 40, of Taylorsville, reportedly threw a large rock at a marked patrol vehicle August 12. He was charged with one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, one count of Assault on a Female, one count of Interfering with Emergency Communication, one count of Resisting Arrest, one count of Damage to Government Property, and one count of Littering.
On August 18, the Alexander County Schools Opening Session was held with a NASCAR theme at the Alexander Central Auditorium.
The Mane Suite Hair Salon, owned by Katie Mellon, celebrated its third year of operations. The salon is located at 124 Main Ave. Drive, in Taylorsville.
The Rustic Roast was host for the August 14 evening Business After Business networking event. More than 40 professionals attended.
Glenn Deal, Jr., of Taylorsville, took the oath of office to become the newest member of the Alexander County Board of Elections.
Taylorsville Savings Bank leaders honored employees for their years of service on August 18, at the bank’s annual meeting: Sharon Bowman, 25 years; Chairman Tim Keever; Jesse Lamberth, five years; Joan Jones, 40 years; Penny Galliher, 10 years; and Riley Davis, five years.
Roots music duo Zoe & Cloyd released their newest single, “The Road That Might Have Been,” on August 22, written by award-winning songwriter and Bethlehem native, John Cloyd Miller.
Alexander County Sheriff Chad Pennell recognized six officers with promotions in August 2025: Hunter Riddle – promoted to Sergeant, Robert Witten – promoted to Sergeant, Matthew Loudermilt – promoted to Sergeant, TJ Osorio- promoted to Corporal, Cole Weitzel – promoted to Detective, and Zachary Stevenson – promoted to Detective.
One man died and another was hospitalized after a dispute which led to a shooting on Never Mountain Road in the Ellendale Community on August 20. Robert Alan Carpenter, age 65 of Taylorsville, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second individual who sustained a gunshot wound was injured and hospitalized. The men had argued with Joey Albert Williams, age 74, of Taylorsville, a neighbor of Carpenter, when an exchange of gunfire involving Carpenter and Williams led to multiple shots being fired.
The new school year began for students in public schools in Alexander on Monday, August 25.
Wittenburg resident Buddy Isenhour lost his home and a dog to a fire on August 24.
The Alexander County Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Coalition, Alexander County Post Overdose Recovery Team (PORT), and Alexander County Emergency Services hosted their first Overdose Awareness Day on August 26.
Bethlehem Community Fire & Rescue was among four departments receiving part of nearly $150,000 from the Gary Sinise Foundation and American Tire Distributors (ATD) for new equipment at an August 28 ceremony at the fire station.
Local shop Impressions Screenprinting and Graphics closed August 29 after 15 years in business. Owners Tosha and Joey Brown said the services they offered would continue through employees Dana Fox Yoder and Kirsten Pierce, who operate their own businesses, Foxie Frames and Engravables and Kirk’s Fresh Prints LLC, respectively.
Taylorsville Walmart associates celebrated a Grand Re-Opening at the store on August 29 after recent remodeling.
On August 30, Jacob Elijah Huffman, 17, of Hiddenite, succumbed to his injuries after his pickup crossed the centerline and collided head-on with another pickup on Sharpe Mill Road. The driver of the other pickup, Kimberly Smith Bebber, 56, of Taylorsville, was transported to an area hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.
The Taylorsville Police Department welcomed Ralph Harper to its team during August.
SEPTEMBER
A large crowd attended the Town Council meeting on September 2, many of whom were interested in the possible sale of 9.157 acres of vacant property in the Northwood Park area. The acreage had been donated to the Town in 2016.
Mrs. Nancy B. Warta, of Bethlehem, celebrated her 100th birthday on September 2.
Taylorsville Rotarians delivered gifts to Faith Assisted Living residents on September 3.
East Alexander Middle School celebrated the 2024-25 End of Grade test scores on September 3. For the first time in four years, the school met their expected growth and their overall grade as a school jumped from a “D” to a “C.”
Rose Cotrich, 55, of Taylorsville, died in a car crash September 4 in Wilkes County on NC 16 near the Alexander County Line.
A child was bitten by a snake September 4 while on the playground at New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center in Stony Point.
Jeremy Thomas Nelson, age 37 of Hickory (in the Bethlehem Community), was charged with one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor on September 6.
The 4th Annual Sam’s Walk for Cancer took place on September 6 at Salem Park in the Sugar Loaf Community. Founder Samantha King said it was especially poignant because she lost her father, David Bentley, to cancer earlier in the year.
The Alexander County Summer Concert Series had “Tribute – A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band” September 6 at Alexander County Courthouse Park.
Alexander County would receive additional opioid settlement funding to support the county’s efforts to curb the opioid epidemic and resulting overdoses, it was announced at the September 8 meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners.
Sharon Correll was sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney on September 8.
2nd Chance Ministries co-founders Shane and Jennifer Simpson, husband and wife, were interviewed September 13 about their community outreach.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Taylorsville held its annual Festival Kermés on Saturday, September 13.
Mary Lackey, of Hiddenite, turned 100 years old on September 14.
Redhawk Publications announced the release of Prosecutor Boy, a compelling new memoir authored by Jason Parker, a retired attorney and former prosecutor for the State of North Carolina.
Local runner Mike Harrison, 65, was accepted by the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation to run the fundraiser London Half Marathon in England on April 12, 2026.
Basic Finance, Inc., in Taylorsville, marked 25 years in business on September 10.
West Alexander Middle School was recognized at the September 15 School Board meeting for exceeding growth on their 24-25 end of grade test results, according to scores released by the state.
Alexander County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) announced the addition of a second ambulance to EMS Station 2 (Bethlehem base) in response to a growing number of emergency calls in the southwest region of the county. A total of eight paramedics were hired to staff the new ambulance, which was put into service on September 15.
At the September 15 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin shared the new logo for the Alexander County Schools system and the meanings of each symbol in the design.
“Eliminator,” a ZZ Top tribute band, performed September 20 at Alexander County Courthouse Park as the final installment of the 2025 Alexander County Summer Concert Series.
Alexander County launched a new public input survey and invites residents, businesses, and members of nearby communities to provide feedback on the county’s new branding project in an extensive discovery process led by HAVEN Creative.
Carson Chapel Church celebrated the church’s 152nd anniversary on Sunday, September 21.
The Alexander County Junior Rescue Competition Team (Wyatt Johnson, Kade Church, Coley Whitener, and Hunter Dancy) competed in the NC EMS Junior Rescue Competition in Fayetteville and placed second in the state.
Cory Earp, sixth grade teacher at Newton-Conover Middle School, won $100,000 on the TV show “Wheel of Fortune,” which aired September 19.
Edgar Tovar Pantiga, age 22 of Hiddenite, was arrested September 14 after he passed officers at a high rate of speed on U.S. Highway 64. This led to the following charges: Flee/Elude Arrest, Reckless Driving to Endanger, Speeding, Driving While License Revoked, and Failure to Maintain Lane Control.
The Alexander County Senior Center hosted a Senior Health Fair at East Taylorsville Baptist Church on Sept. 19.
An unnamed Taylorsville woman suffered burns when an explosion and flash fire happened in her camper on September 19 at 563 Deal Valley Court.
Emmanuel Saddler, age 30 of Taylorsville, allegedly pulled his pants down and exposed himself on school property on September 20. He was charged with Indecent Exposure and Possessing A Weapon On Educational Property and, later, Simple Assault, Assault On A Government Official, and Resisting A Public Officer.
Dr. Stanley Alan “Stan” Frye, age 77, of Taylorsville, a long-time pastor and missionary, and cofounder of Gateway International Missions, Inc., died September 23.
Redbird Ridge Estate, a retreat and event venue in the Ellendale Community, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on September 26, at 171 NC Highway 127 North.
Maggie Taylor, LCSW, began offering Mental Health Therapy at Family Care Center of Taylorsville.
The 44th Annual Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts took place on September 27.
During the summer, Main Avenue Music moved half a block from its location across from the Alexander County Courthouse to 74W Main Avenue, the former Wells Fargo bank.
Also during the summer, Manifesting Visions Photography moved into from an office in the Walker building on Main Avenue Drive to the space on Main Avenue formerly occupied by Main Avenue Music.
On September 30, Scottie Cook, Ag Mechanics teacher at Alexander Central High School, was presented a rolling tool chest and a $50,000 award ($35,000 to ACHS and $15,000 to Cook) as one of 25 teachers honored across the United States in the Harbor Freight Tools For Schools Prize For Teaching Excellence.
Vaughn Paul Mitchell, III, age 34, of Claremont, faced charges for leading officers on a chase across three counties on Sept. 30.
After 20 years in Alexander County’s Maintenance Division, Alexander County Government leaders wished a happy retirement to George Herman.
OCTOBER
Rev. E. Ervin Millsaps, Taylorsville native, was honored with street named for him in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Alexander County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Larry Yoder was appointed to the Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Board of Trustees.
A crowd of several hundred people gathered October 5 at Alexander County Courthouse Park in memory of conservative Christian political activist Charlie Kirk, founder of youth organization Turning Point USA.
Courts in Alexander County would undergo a historic transformation with the implementation of the eCourts computer system on October 13.
Forgiven Ministry, co-founded by Jack and Scottie Barnes, recently celebrated 25 years of ministry.
The Taylorsville Town Council failed to pass a charter ordinance October 7 that would establish staggered terms of service for all council members other than the mayor.
Jeff Herman, of Ellendale Fire Department, was named 2025 Firefighter of The Year by the Alexander County Fire Auxiliaries at the local event for National Night Out on October 7.
The Business After Business networking event on October 9 was hosted by Taylorsville Savings Bank.
Members of the State Education and Workforce Innovation Commission (EWIC) met October 10 at the Alexander Central Fire Academy, located in the former Sugar Loaf Fire Department building.
Alexander County Emergency Management purchased a new utility terrain vehicle (“side-by-side”) with a $50,000 grant that was provided by the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate.
Larry Schronce, age 84, businessman and civic leader, died on October 11.
The Rustic Roast, a coffee shop located at the time on the east end of Main Avenue in Taylorsville, held a Fall Market for its vendors on October 11.
The Alexander County Board of Education approved the system’s 2025-2026 budget Oct. 13. The total budget for the year is $60,378,765 with State funds of $36,700,247, General Expense Funds: $8,195,355, Federal Funds: $3,541,582, Capital Outlay Funds: $3,159,277, Child Nutrition Funds: $3,880,750, Child Care Funds: $309,346, and other revenues: $4,592,208.
On October 13, North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby, his wife, Macon, visited the Alexander County Courthouse to meet with the Clerk of Court staff. The state-level court officials told the local staff they were on the cutting edge of technology as Alexander joined the rest of the state in the eCourts system, allowing expanded access to court records for the public.
Durham County Department of Public Health’s Bria Miller, a Taylorsville native, was honored as one of the 40 Under 40 in Public Health Award on October 14, in recognition of her work as Partnership for a Healthy Durham Coordinator.
North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek paid a visit to the Alexander County Republican Party meeting on October 14.
An October 15 article outlined the academic achievements of Dr. Jamon Flowers, formerly of Taylorsville, who is an Assistant Professor in the Educational Administration and Policy Program at the University of Georgia.
The 31st Alexander Environmental Field Days were held October 15-16 at H&H Arena and Herman Farm in Ellendale.
Taylorsville resident and CMSgt. Mike Annas (USAF retired) was honored on October 16 for more than 40 years of membership in the American Legion and for his service to the veterans of Alexander County.
William Marshal Shook, a 32-year-old man from Claremont, was arrested in Ohio for the October 7 murder of his girlfriend, Jamie Suzette McCloud, 54, of Taylorsville.
The 35th Annual Taylorsville Apple Festival was held on October 18.
Dollar General announced its store at 7050 Millersville Road in Taylorsville was officially open, with a grand opening event set October 18.
Pastor Ty Michaux and the congregation of Macedonia Baptist Church, on Highway 90 East, Taylorsville, invited the public to worship with them on October 19, as they celebrated the 165th Anniversary of the church.
Members of the Alexander County Board of Education visited all the county’s public schools over two days, Monday and Tuesday, October 20-21.
On October 21, the Taylorsville Town Council decided to keep the Town Charter as it currently stands for municipal elections, instead of changing the Council elections to staggered terms. Also, Council members did not choose to switch the election to coincide with Presidential election and mid-term (even number) years, which had been suggested at the last few meetings.
On October 22, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new media center at Sugar Loaf Elementary School.
Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. (MSA) was recognized by Accounting Today and ADP as the #1 Best Firm to Work For (Mid-Sized Category) for 2025, marking the third time MSA has received this honor. In addition, MSA has been named one of the 2025 Best Firms for Women, also celebrating its third appearance on the prestigious list.
The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center invites the public to experience the Lucas Mansion with candlelight tours October 24.
The Apple City Street Rodders held a Halloween Cruise In on October 25 at Scotty’s Hometown Grill for waitress Diane Alberts, a cancer patient.
Emily Haas, of Granite Falls, a 2025 graduate of Alexander Central High School, earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for a community leadership and service project focused on teaching elementary school students about plants and biodiversity. The Girl Scout Ambassador partnered with Alexander County Soil and Water for her project.
An October 29 article outlined the efforts of Alexander County’s Public Works & Facilities Department staff.
Several Craftmaster Furniture employees in Hiddenite dressed up as Judy Wilson for Boss’s Day in October and collected over 500 pounds of food in her honor for the Hiddenite Community Helpers Food Pantry, which Wilson oversees.
Alexander County Sheriff Chad Pennell congratulated SRO Deputy Shawtae Watts for receiving her Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate during October 2025.
Stony Point Volunteer Fire Dept. held its Eighteenth Annual Cruise-In during October.
Taylorsville Rotarians joined President Jennifer Hefner to present the Rotary Club’s $2,000 PolioPlus Fund donation to District Governor Donna Moffett.
On October 30, Jesse Wayne Walker, 42, of Hickory, died when his Dodge Nitro drove left of center and collided head on with a tractor-trailer on US 64 near Liberty Grove Church Road. The driver of the truck, Harvey Matthew Fritts, 51, of Hudson, was not injured.
Brushy Mountain Apples returned to the NC State Fair after a 30 year absence. Deal Orchard apples won first place in three categories, second in one, and fourth in three others.
NOVEMBER
Judge Ashleigh Parker, daughter of Jason and Elizabeth Parker, of Hickory, and granddaughter of the late Wade Parker, Sr., and Sarah Mayes Parker, of Taylorsville, was guest speaker at Catawba County NAACP’s Freedom Fund Luncheon and Award Ceremony on November 1.
Following the closure of the county’s only urgent care, Peoples Drug Store opened Peoples Express Care to provide medical assistance without an appointment.
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners announced it had selected Justin Mundy as the new County Manager, following a comprehensive search and interview process. Mundy would officially begin his duties on December 1.
Springs Group, an Alexander County non-profit organization formed in 2024, hopes to address poverty and help people working through recovery from substance abuse and other obstacles. Dr. Lori Mason, an educator and an Alexander County native, is founder of Springs Group.
On November 5, officials at Food Lion in Taylorsville held a ribbon cutting to mark the recent renovations inside the store.
A road rage incident on November 6, which authorities say stemmed from a drug deal gone wrong, resulted in the arrest of three men: Robert Morgan Galle, age 35, of Taylorsville; Brian Keith Brown, age 45, of Conover; and Albert Dennis Schroeder, age 42, of Conover.
A Veterans’ Day article by Dr. Warren Hollar featured the career of Sgt. James Adair, an 85-year old retired Army veteran with 20 years of global service.
Nancy K. Sharpe of Taylorsville was inducted into the North Carolina Republican Party Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on November 8, representing the 5th Congressional District.
Master Gunnery Sgt. John U. Irwin, USMC Retired, of Sparta, was guest speaker at the 2025 Veterans’ Day event on Nov. 11.
In the November 12 issue, the Alexander County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and The Taylorsville Times recognized local businesses in the Twelfth Annual Alexander County Readers’ Choice Awards.
Also in that issue, District Court Judge Rob Young wrote an article about late Alexandrian, Atwell McIntosh (1859-1939), an attorney, legislator, and college professor.
The Alexander County Christmas Parade Committee announced it had selected Mr. George Herman as the 2025 Grand Marshal.
The Alexander County Board of Education recognized students Nov. 10 from East Alexander Middle School who won in various categories during Rocket Day, held earlier at the school.
The Career and Technical Education Department (CTE) of Alexander Central High School hosted a Career Day at East Alexander Middle School on November 13 and at West Alexander Middle School on November 14.
Multiple Alexandrians stayed up late to view the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, as solar and atmospheric conditions brought them unusually far south for a few days.
The many services of the Alexander County Health Department were spotlighted in an article on November 12.
Angela Reid Brown, 63, of Hiddenite, was ejected from her vehicle and succumbed to her injuries after her car struck a tree on Rocky Springs Road on November 14.
Former Alexander County Recreation Director William Richard “Bill” Glad, 74, passed away November 15.
Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin reviewed his first year leading Alexander County Schools with a presentation at the North Carolina School Board Association in Greensboro.
A November 19 article by Angela King interviewed ACHS Principal Brian Lewis about his new position as school leader.
Robbie Medina, barista and owner of The Rustic Roast, moved his coffee shop to downtown Taylorsville at 103 E. Main Avenue, where he opened on Nov. 19.
Zach Tyner spoke to The Times about his electrical business, Electric Service Pros, which provides electrical work in Bethlehem and surrounding communities.
Doctors, nurses, and staff of the former Alexander County Hospital gathered at event venue Celebrate You in Taylorsville on Nov. 12, for a luncheon provided by Dr. Han Choong and Dr. Russell Faulkenberry.
Sonny Waugh and Lewis Alexander were among Iredell Museums volunteers who greeted visitors at the 1820 Templeton Cabin during a living history event Nov. 15. Both are from Alexander County.
The Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) of the Alexander County Emergency Medical Services was recognized by Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Joseph Crosswhite Nov. 20 at the Alexander County Courthouse, for their work in helping defendants break the cycle of substance use.
Jose Louis Ramirez-Berreto, age 25, of Newton, was arrested November 22 and faced multiple charges after leading officers on a nighttime vehicle chase in Alexander and Caldwell counties.
Three persons, Steven Douglas Brown, White, age 49, of Taylorsville, Dezarae Lyn Merritt, age 34, of Taylorsville, and Felicia Marie Elwell, age 40, of Taylorsville, were charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine and other crimes.
A fire damaged the Statesville Pallet Company plant in Hiddenite on November 24.
A November 26 article featured Terry Hill, 50, Alexander native and the Director of the Jersey City Free Public Library system.
Crossroads Community Theater’s Christmas presentation, entitled “Christmas at the Cricket County Café,” was held Nov. 28-30 at Fellowship Advent Christian Church.
DECEMBER
The Taylorsville Town Council unanimously approved a resolution December 2 to apply for a grant from the Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Helene Program for critical water infrastructure needs.
Over 160 community members attended the Taylorsville Rotary Club’s December 2 “Tour of Homes.”
On December 2, the N.C. Local Government Commission members approved a statement related to the potential incorporation of the community of Bethlehem, finding the planned town budget is likely to be financially viable and that the community has indicated a commitment to sound fiscal policies and safeguards. However, the LGC statement is neither a recommendation for nor against incorporation.
Five generations of the Miller Walker family of Taylorsville were pictured in our Dec. 3 issue.
The 2025 Hometown Christmas events began on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Alexander County Courthouse Park, with a tree lighting ceremony and live music.
Taylorsville Police School Resource Officer John Rowe was promoted to Sergeant.
The 78th Annual Alexander County Christmas Parade was held December 6 in downtown Taylorsville.
Alexander County Commissioners presented the Key to the County award on Dec. 8 to former residents Bud and Judy Caywood for their service to the county and the Bethlehem Community. The board also approved bids for the Three Forks Church Road water line extension project and the Bethlehem booster station project.
Winter weather got an early start in Alexander as schools used remote learning and court closed Dec. 5. The threat of icy roads on Dec. 8 postponed the school board meeting.
County officials encouraged residents to get ready for the cold Dec. 7-13 during Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
The Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center hosted their annual Christmas Open House at the Lucas Mansion on December 5.
Local resident Guy Mundy was injured in a hunting accident and friends rallied around him to raise funds for his medical expenses.
Springs Group founder Lori Mason penned an opinion piece December 10 entitled, “Second chance hiring is a workforce strategy Alexander County can’t afford to ignore.”
Children and their families gathered on the front porch of the Lucas Mansion for a reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg on December 11.
Nathan Daniel Smith, 36, of Taylorsville, and Bradley Dwayne Smith, 49, of Taylorsville, were arrested and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Cocaine, and other drug charges.
It was announced that the Alexander County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) had voted to dissolve earlier in the year, due to lack of financial support from the Alexander County Commissioners.
The Christmas in Bethlehem Drive-Thru Drama was held at Fellowship Advent Christian Church during the weekend of December 12-14.
The Alexander County Board of Education met on December 15 and approved the calendar for the 2026-27 school year and new school hours. Winners of the 2025 ACS Christmas Card Contest were announced: Cali Mullens (6th-8th grade category), Hallie Rowe (K-2nd grade category), Raelyn Rowe (3rd-5th grade category), and Angelique Jeorgie Carico (9th-12th grade category).
Alexander County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Station #1 recently received an expanded garage, office, and training area. A ribbon cutting was held to mark the opening of the facility on Dec. 15.
Bethlehem woodcarver Dean Wright’s Nativity scene was displayed inside Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Filing closed on Dec. 19 and dozens of Alexander Countians became candidates to run for positions in the 2026 Election.
On Dec. 22, Taylorsville Police Department held its Annual Shop with a Cop event at Walmart, assisting students from each school inside the city limits with special gifts, essential items, and Christmas meals, in conjunction with the Taylorsville Apple Festival and Mt. Herman Baptist Church.
Taylorsville Savings Bank Vice President of Lending, Robin Bumgarner, retired after 41 years of serving customers.
