Mary Louise “Wheezie” Baney Young
Mary Louise “Wheezie” Baney Young, a beloved educator and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully at her home in Catawba County on January 11, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on November 21, 1944, in Davidson County, Mary Louise’s life was an inspiring journey marked by her unwavering faith in God, devotion…
Read MoreDonna Heafner Millsaps
On January 10, 2026, Donna Heafner Millsaps was delivered into the presence of our great Savior. She was born on May 13, 1959, to Lander Heafner Jr. and Polly Heafner in Lincolnton. She was a devoted wife to her loving husband, a cherished mother to her three children, and a proud grandmother to six grandsons,…
Read MorePamela Joy Sigmon Wooten, “Pam”
Pamela Joy Sigmon Wooten, “Pam,” 67, passed away at Gordon Hospice House after an extended illness on January 10, 2026. She was born on June 22, 1958, to the late Harry Ross Sigmon and his wife, Helen. Pam was a member of the Landmark Church of God in Statesville. During her lifetime, she worked as…
Read MoreMelissa Daniels Byrd “Moe”
Melissa Daniels Byrd “Moe,” 60, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Melissa was born January 28, 1965, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Bobby Daniels and Colleen Richards Daniels. Melissa worked in retail for over 20 years, also for Alexander County Schools in the cafeteria…
Read MoreWayne Eugene Elder
Wayne Eugene Elder, 82, of Taylorsville, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Wayne was born in Alexander County on February 16, 1943, to the late Maurice and Mano Elder. Wayne was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorsville. He retired from Gulf State…
Read MoreYear 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…
Read MoreTown Hall will have new operating hours
By ANGELA FARR KING The Taylorsville Town Council met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The Council was asked to consider changing the operating hours of Town Hall to accommodate for daily depository best practices. Mayor George Holleman asked the Director of Public Works, Aaron Wike, to explain the need…
Read MoreAlexander County adopts new branding package
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners adopted a new branding package at the January 5, 2026, meeting. Public Information Officer Gary Herman said part of the branding initiative includes a new logo and a tagline of “Space to Grow,” according to a press release. Herman said the county entered into an agreement with Haven Creative…
Read MoreArrest made in 2022 murder case
On January 7, 2026, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, arrested Tony Elias Swaney in connection with the murder of Bethany Lee Brown, stated Sheriff Chad Pennell. On April 10, 2022, at approximately 9:50 a.m., the mother of Bethany Brown reported her missing to…
Read MoreEmory Kate Sweet
Emory Kate Sweet, made her brief yet profound arrival on January 7, 2026, before returning to her heavenly home. She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Tyler Addison Sweet and Hannah Brooke Sweet. Emory is also survived by her brothers, Isaac Luke Sweet and Noah Blake Sweet, and her sister, Mila Faith Sweet; and her…
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