Elizabeth “Beth” Barnes Fox
Elizabeth “Beth” Barnes Fox, born on June 3, 1940, in Alexander County, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. A devoted educator, Beth dedicated over 50 years of her life to teaching and retired as an Assistant Principal in the Alexander County School System, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to education and the well-being of children.…
Read MoreKim Elaine Cloer Reitzel
Kim Elaine Cloer Reitzel, of Taylorsville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025. There will be a Celebration of Life held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Sapphire Hills Event Center in Conover. Spoken words of remembrance will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Eric Hauss officiating. Please…
Read MoreMan dies in crash Oct. 30
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at approximately 2:24 p.m. the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision on US 64 near Liberty Grove Church Road in Alexander County. A black 2010 Dodge Nitro drove left of center and collided head on with a 2020 Freightliner tractor-trailer, according to Senior Trooper K.…
Read MoreEdward Allen Johnson “AJ”
Edward Allen Johnson “AJ,” 80, of Stony Point, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at home. AJ was born in Caldwell County on December 29, 1944, to the late Troy Johnson and Beatrice Chester Johnson. He was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two…
Read MoreDaisy Lee Dunlap Williams
Daisy Lee Dunlap Williams, 78, of Statesville, passed away at home surrounded by her family on October 30, 2025, following an extended illness. Daisy was born April 16, 1947, to the late Annie Ruth Marlowe and stepfather Vance Speaks Link. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Spurgeon Williams…
Read MoreSuma Bumgarner Hicks
Suma Bumgarner Hicks, 91, of Newton, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at The Greens of Hickory. Suma was born on April 26, 1934, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Chaunce Bumgarner and Sadie Deal Bumgarner. Suma worked in textiles for most of her working career for Newton Glove and also Carolina…
Read MoreFederal government shutdown may disrupt DSS food benefits
The North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services and the Alexander County Department of Social Services have received a letter from the federal government indicating potential disruptions for Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits in November, if the government shutdown persists. State and local staff are currently working to understand the full implications of…
Read MoreSugar Loaf School Media Center ribbon cutting held
By ANGELA FARR KING On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new media center at Sugar Loaf Elementary School. This has been a project in the works since 2023 and it was definitely worth the wait. The new media center is housed in what was formerly the gymnasium at…
Read MoreThe hands that keep Alexander County running
Public Works & Facilities Department staff go the extra mile When vehicles break down, lights burn out, or public spaces need care, there’s a team quietly making sure everything runs smoothly. With 34 full- and part-time employees, the Alexander County Public Works & Facilities Department — including Public Works Administration; Buildings, Grounds & Maintenance; the…
Read MoreLocal Girl Scout earns highest honor
Emily Haas, of Granite Falls, a 2025 graduate of Alexander Central High School, has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for a community leadership and service project focused on teaching elementary school students about plants and biodiversity. To inform local children, the Girl Scout Ambassador partnered with Alexander County Soil and Water for her project,…
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