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,…
Read MoreLona 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…
Read MoreAlexander 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…
Read More“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…
Read MoreSchool 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,…
Read MoreBera Lucille Dagenhart Stevenson
Bera Lucille Dagenhart Stevenson, 98, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Alexander County on Monday, September 15, 2025. Born on Friday, June 3, 1927, in Iredell County, Bera lived a life filled with love, laughter, and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of…
Read MoreLaura Eaton
Laura Eaton, 77, of Taylorsville, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at her home. Laura was born March 4, 1948, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Pervie Otis Burgess and Mozelle Harrington Burgess. Laura had worked for Southern Devices until her retirement and was of the Lutheran faith. She enjoyed reading, listening…
Read MoreJames (Jim) Karr Rogers
James (Jim) Karr Rogers, 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving and devoted daughters, Debbie, Susan, and Kim. Jim was born on October 29, 1929, in Taylorsville, the son of the late D. Roy Rogers and Gussie Chapman Rogers. After graduating from high school at the age of 15,…
Read More2nd Chance Ministries opens
By MICAH HENRY At the newly opened 2nd Chance Ministries in Taylorsville, co-founders Shane and Jennifer Simpson believe in building people back up. The husband-and-wife team have come through a rough several years, which involved addiction and domestic violence. Shane said he had been in and out of the criminal justice system since he was…
Read MoreMary Lackey is turning 100
By ANGELA FARR KING Mary Lackey is the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. This chapter in the Bible is known for listing the characteristics of a virtuous woman. Proverbs 31:28 states, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her.” When meeting Mrs. Mary Lackey and her daughter,…
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