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…
Read MoreAlexander County Schools offers multiple pathways to student success
By ANGELA FARR KING There was once a time when students had more limited options when enrolling in Alexander County Schools. They could choose either a college path or a career path and those paths did not overlap or cross very often. As 2026 approaches, a team of school leaders recently sat down to discuss…
Read MoreShop With a Cop event brightens childrens’ days
During Taylorsville Police Department’s Annual Shop with a Cop event, held Dec. 22, 2025, students were selected from each city school (Taylorsville Elementary School, Alexander Central High School, Student Success Center, and Alexander Early College) and met officers at Walmart for a special day of shopping and connection. “Thanks to the generosity of Walmart, the…
Read MoreJudy Carrigan Treadway
Judy Carrigan Treadway, 78, of Taylorsville, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Judy was born March 1, 1947, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Monroe Carrigan and Dorothy Loudermelk Carrigan. Judy was a member of the Taylorsville Church of God, where she enjoyed all church activities. She…
Read MoreCalvin Brucke
Calvin Brucke, 71, of Conover, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Calvin was born July 1, 1954, in Dade County, Florida, the son of the late Mack McClure Brucke and Mary Lucille McCall Brucke. Calvin helped organize Thomas Street Church of God in Stony Point and also Fellowship…
Read MoreBobby Eugene Beasley
Bobby Eugene Beasley, affectionately known as Gene, passed away peacefully at his home in Alexander County on December 28, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born on January 9, 1932, in Etowah County, Alabama. Gene’s life was characterized by his unwavering dedication to both his family and his country; he proudly served in…
Read MoreGloria Waldron Fine
Gloria Waldron Fine, 82, of Statesville, passed away December 28, 2025, at The Greens at Maple Leaf following an extended illness. Gloria was born on October 11, 1943, to the late Ralph Waldron and Leah Covert. Survivors include a daughter, Kristine Moose of Statesville. Services are incomplete at this time. Chapman Funeral Home is serving…
Read MoreBobby Jean Elder
Bobby Jean Elder, 95, of Taylorsville, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. Born November 2, 1930, in Mooresville, she was preceded in death by her parents, Maggie and Perry Pennell; her devoted husband, Harold Elder; daughter, Gail Hurt; and sister, Hazel Hefner. She is survived by her son, Kim Elder of Hickory; grandchildren, Merredith…
Read MoreJames Ray “Jimmy” Crawford
James Ray “Jimmy” Crawford, 77, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory after a period of declining health. Jimmy was born on July 24, 1948, in Rutherford County, to Jay Crawford and Clariene Bridges Crawford. He graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School in 1966 and from the University…
Read MoreEdward “Jr” Wright
Edward “Jr” Wright, 72, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Edward was born June 28, 1953, in Alexander County, the son of the late Luther Dula and Edna Allen Wright. Edward had worked for Arthur C. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, for over 30 years. He…
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