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Woman injured in camper explosion

A Taylorsville woman was burned when an explosion and flash fire happened in her camper on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. Alexander County Deputy Fire Marshal Garrett Huffman said the incident occurred about 11:20 p.m. at 563 Deal Valley Court, off Church Road in the Wittenburg Fire District. Wittenburg, Ellendale, and Bethlehem fire department personnel responded…

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Dr. Stanley Alan Frye

Dr. Stanley Alan Frye, most commonly and lovingly referred to as “Pastor Stan,” made his heavenly journey from the Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice House, surrounded by his loving wife of 60 years (September 25, 1965), children, and grandchildren on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after a brief period of declining health. The family will receive…

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Jackie Lee Tayes King

Jackie Lee Tayes King, 61, of Lexington, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center following an extended illness. Jackie was born in Iredell County on September 6, 1964, to the late Jay Tayse and Mildred Campbell Tayse. Survivors include two daughters, Tabitha James of Statesville and Angie Woody of Mt.…

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Douglas Wayne Paige

Douglas Wayne Paige, born on May 12, 1962, in Catawba County, left this world peacefully at his home in Valdese on September 23, 2025. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched the lives of many with his kindness and passion for life. Douglas dedicated much of his career…

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Charles Larry Jones, Sr.

Charles Larry Jones, Sr., 77, of Taylorsville, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Charles was born May 2, 1948, in Putnam County, Florida, the son of the late Margaret Jones Dowling and step-dad, Lonnie Dowling. Charles proudly served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam Era. He was…

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Rev. Lewis Wetzel Beckett Jr.

Rev. Lewis Wetzel Beckett Jr., 75, a loved family man and dedicated community member, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Carolina Caring in Catawba County. Born on Wednesday, January 11, 1950, in Logan County, West Virginia, Lewis was raised in a nurturing environment that instilled in him the values of love, faith,…

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Lona Belle Poole Lackey

Mrs. Lona Belle Poole Lackey, 103, of Hiddenite, entered her heavenly home on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville. Born on September 29, 1921, in Alexander County, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Harrison Poole and Bertha Irean (Irene) Watts Poole. In her early years, Mrs. Lackey worked in…

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Alexander County launches survey for branding project

Alexander County has launched a new public input survey and invites residents, businesses, and members of nearby communities to provide feedback on the county’s new branding project. The 10-minute survey can be accessed at brandingalexandercounty.com and will remain open for responses until early October. “Our goal with this project is to create a compelling, authentic…

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“Eliminator” ZZ Top tribute concert is Saturday

ZZ Top fans should make plans for the final installment of the Alexander County Summer Concert Series on Saturday, September 20, 2025. “Eliminator” will perform at 7:00 p.m. on the Rotary Performance Stage at Alexander County Courthouse Park in downtown Taylorsville. A ZZ Top tribute band from Chicago, “Eliminator” has played from coast to coast…

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School Superintendent unveils new logo, strategic plan

By ANGELA FARR KING The Alexander County Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m. During his Superintendent’s report, Dr. Bill Griffin shared about the recent “rebranding” of Alexander County Schools. Dr. Griffin shares new logo and Strategic Plan Griffin shared that a team of teachers, administrators,…

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