Suma 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,…
Read MoreSamuel Everette Jenkins
Samuel Everette Jenkins, affectionately known as Sam, was born on September 8, 1935, in Jefferson County, Kentucky. He passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at Valley Nursing Center in Alexander County at the age of 90. Sam was a man deeply devoted to his family and faith. He cherished the moments spent with loved…
Read MoreDavid William Maupin
David William Maupin, known affectionately as Dave or “Papa,” passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones and hospice caregivers at the age of 87 on Monday, October 27, 2025. Born on the Fourth of July in Zanesville, Ohio, Dave’s life was marked by quiet strength, quick wit, and an unending curiosity about the…
Read MoreJerry Mayes
Jerry Mayes, 83, of Taylorsville, departed this life during the early morning hours of Monday, October 27, 2025, at his home with his loving wife by his side. Jerry was born September 14, 1942, in Alexander County, the son of the late Nellie Mildred Mayes. Jerry was a graduate of Happy Plains High School and…
Read MoreBetty Jean Sprinkle Patterson
Betty Jean Sprinkle Patterson, 98, of Taylorsville, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville. Betty was born March 11, 1927, in Alexander County, the daughter of Hugh Paul Sprinkle and Ida Belle Adams Sprinkle. Betty graduated from Hiddenite High School during World War II (1944). After high school, she…
Read MoreKay F. Barker
Kay F. Barker, 81, of Taylorsville, transitioned from this life on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Iredell Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. Kay was born on December 2, 1943, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Cecil Barker and Hattie Hines Barker. Kay was a 1962 graduate of Happy Plains High School, Taylorsville.…
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