Changes underway on US 64 West
Federal judge upholds NC Voter ID law
Loretta C. Biggs, Senior United States District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina, on March 26, 2026, upheld the NC Voter ID law, which was passed in 2018. In a 118 page decision, Judge Biggs gave the following final conclusion. “This Court’s consideration of the preliminary injunction record, the limited evidence Plaintiffs presented…
Read MoreHundreds of items among unclaimed property at Alexander Sheriff’s Office
Many items are being held by the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office as unclaimed personal property. Sheriff Chad Pennell explained that the items may be claimed by their rightful owners by Saturday, April 4. The items came to the Sheriff’s Office from many different ways, Pennell said. This includes evidence from old cases, items found by…
Read MoreJacqueline “Jackie” Barnes
Jacqueline “Jackie” Barnes, 88, went to her heavenly home on Monday, March 30, 2026, at her home. Jackie was born May 27, 1937, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Bryce C. Brookshire and Gertrude Elder Brookshire. Jackie worked in the furniture industry for most of her working career and was a faithful member…
Read MoreBurn ban issued for Alexander
Due to the dry conditions, low humidity, and the winds, Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office put into effect a burn ban which began at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office has been in contact with the NC Forestry Service, Alexander Division, and will follow a statewide burn ban…
Read MoreLori Ann Hollar
Lori Ann Hollar, born to Dennis Charles Hollar and the late Rebecca Ann Hamby Hollar on September 11, 1971, in Caldwell County, peacefully passed away on March 29, 2026, at Autumn Care in Burke County. For 27 years, Lori worked at Walmart. She was a member of Dudley Shoals Baptist Church in Granite Falls. Survivors…
Read MoreRhea Jean Smith Corley
Rhea Jean Smith Corley, 87, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Valley Nursing Center. Born on October 28, 1938, in West Virginia, Rhea’s life was enriched by her love for reading and her gentle appreciation of the natural world, particularly enjoying the serene beauty of watching birds. She…
Read MoreHelen Barnes Smith Keever
Helen Barnes Smith Keever, 90, of Hiddenite, passed away peacefully at Gordon Hospice House on March 27, 2026. She was born on March 25, 1936, in Statesville, to Helen Campbell and Jackson Oren Smith. She grew up surrounded by a loving family and community. Helen graduated from Hiddenite High School and attended Appalachian State Teachers…
Read MoreCounty names new Assistant Fire Marshal
Alexander County has hired Hunter Winkler as its new Assistant Fire Marshal, effective Monday, March 23, 2026. Winkler brings 14 years of fire service experience to the role, including serving as chief of Little River Volunteer Fire Department in Caldwell County and working 10 years with the Lenoir Fire Department, where he advanced to fire…
Read MoreRotary Club announces Community Grants availability
The Rotary Club of Taylorsville is pleased to announce the availability of 2026-2027 Community Grants for local nonprofit organizations. Funded by the club’s Rotary Foundation, Community Grants assist area nonprofits in their efforts to improve the lives of Alexander County residents. Applicants are asked to design a project that reflects Rotary’s core values of service,…
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