Dr. Jamon Flowers, ACHS alumni, is Professor at UGA
A reader recently brought The Times’ attention to Dr. Jamon Flowers’ career and accomplishments, and the educator obliged us with a phone interview. From ACHS to Higher Education Dr. Jamon H. Flowers, age 48, is a proud Alexander County graduate who attended Taylorsville and Stony Point Elementary Schools and East Junior High before earning his…
Read MoreBoard of Education adopts 2025-26 Budget
By ANGELA FARR KING The Alexander County Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 13. The highlights of the evening were the approval of the audit of last year’s financial report and the approval of the budget for the 2025-26 school year. Sharon Mehaffey, the Chief Financial Officer for…
Read More35th Apple Festival is Saturday
The 35th Annual Taylorsville Apple Festival will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in downtown Taylorsville. This year’s festivities will include crafts, fun, food, live music, and, of course, apples grown here in the Brushy Mountains. The Main Stage will have an Opening Ceremony at 8:00 a.m. with…
Read MoreN.C. Chief Justice visits Alexander County
On Monday, October 13, 2025, North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby, his wife, Macon, and Administrative Office of the Courts representatives 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 joins…
Read MoreIda Marlene Martin Austin
Ida Marlene Martin Austin, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Valley Nursing Center in Alexander County. She was born on Thursday, September 22, 1938, in Watauga County, to the late Della VanDyke Martin. Marlene worked as a sewer at Clayton Marcus Furniture before her retirement. She was a member of Millersville…
Read MoreYouth cattle team brings home National Title
Recently, three local Alexander County young men travelled to Athens, GA, to compete in the first annual National Youth Cattle Working Contest. They were representing North Carolina as the 2025 State Champions. During the September 17 competition, they were tasked with vaccinating, tattooing, ear tagging, DNA sampling, and deworming two cows and one calf. They…
Read MoreState Committee visits Alex. Fire Academy
Members of the State Education and Workforce Innovation Commission (EWIC) met on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Alexander Central Fire Academy, located in the former Sugar Loaf Fire Department building. The EWIC group, appointed by state and Department of Public Instruction leaders from across the state, has generously supported Alexander County through grants in…
Read MorePlacida Brazinski Montgomery
Placida Brazinski Montgomery, 95, of Beaufort, South Carolina, formerly of Taylorsville, and Allisonia, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Placida was known by friends and family as Pal. Pal was born on October 11, 1930, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the daughter of Adolph B. and Agatha (Stevens) Brazinski. She was a sister to…
Read MoreLonnie L. Shew
Lonnie L. Shew, 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Alexander County on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was born on Saturday, February 20, 1933, in Wilkes County, to the late Rev. T.R. Shew and Beulah Porter Shew. Lonnie was of the Baptist faith. He owned and operated Lenoir Woodcarving with his wife, Carfene…
Read MoreBryson Andrew Self
Bryson Andrew Self (aka Bright Sun), 76, of Lincolnton, passed away on October 14, 2025. Born in Gastonia on May 28, 1949, he was the son of the late John Lester Self and Bonnie Lou Mclean Self. Bryson worked in the pest control industry from the age of 18 until retirement. His greatest love was…
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