2025 Buy Local Challenge winners named
Buy Local Challenge 2025 Winners The following winners were drawn in the 2025 Buy Local Challenge, brought to you by Alexander County Economic Development Corporation, The Town of Taylorsville, The Taylorsville Times, and local businesses: Top Prize winners • Grand Prize, $1,000 Spree – Wayne Jones. • Second Prize, Dollywood passes – Sara Cruz. •…
Read MoreJudith Jay Cagle
Judith Jay Cagle, age 72, of Statesville, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Judith was born April 5, 1953, in Salem County, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Thomas Jay and Tessie Cagle. Judith worked as a sander for Century Furniture and was a member of Hiddenite Baptist Church.…
Read MoreEmma Jean Hollar
Emma Jean Hollar, 84, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Taylorsville House following a brief illness. Emma Jean was born August 18, 1940, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Hyder R. Bowman and Chancy Bowman Bowman. She was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church. She finished Cosmetology classes,…
Read MoreRandy Lee Nichols
Randy Lee Nichols, known as “Cracker,” 62, passed away on July 4, 2025, at his home in North Wilkesboro. Randy was born on December 3, 1962, in Wilkes County to Gene Clayton Nichols and Dollie Ellen Wyatt Nichols. He enjoyed fishing at the river and watching movies. Randy is preceded in death by his parents…
Read MoreBarbara Wier Jenkins
Barbara Wier Jenkins, 95, of Taylorsville, departed for her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. Barbara was born in Taylorsville on December 3, 1929. She was the only child of the late Frank and Johnsie Wier. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Paul P.…
Read MorePhyllis Ann Robinette Fox
Following a strong and courageous seven-year battle with cancer, Phyllis Ann Robinette Fox has been reunited with her beloved daughter, Nicole, and is now worshipping with her at the feet of Jesus. Phyllis Ann left this world for her heavenly home on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Mrs. Fox…
Read More48th Annual Vashti Day held June 28
By ANGELA FARR KING The 48th Annual Vashti Day Celebration was held on Saturday, June 28, and it was as festive and patriotic as it always is! The day began with breakfast being served at the Vashti Fire Department from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The parade started at 11:00 a.m., with participants lining up…
Read MoreFather, son find over 260 Native American artifacts
By MICAH HENRY “Like father, like son” — that saying holds true for Alan Bentley, 67, and his son, Travis, 44, of the Sugar Loaf Community. Both are avid relic hunters, and their attention to the observing the ground around them has netted many interesting local discoveries. Alan recalls that, as a boy, he found…
Read MoreBruce Elmore Benfield
Bruce Elmore Benfield, 90, of Taylorsville, passed peacefully on July 2, 2025, at Carolina Caring Hospice in Newton. He was born on August 24, 1934, to the late Carris and Effie Benfield in Alexander County. Bruce was a loving and devoted husband, and amazing father and grandfather. He lived a life full of kindness and…
Read MoreMichael Collin Annas
Michael Collin Annas, 63, of Delta Junction, Alaska, formerly of Granite Falls, passed away on July 1, 2025. He was the son of the late Floyd and Jeanette Annas. Michael served as Director of Maintenance for the Delta Greely School District and spent over 20 years as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and first responder. He…
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