Conservation urged for local water customers
Communities throughout the Catawba River Basin are asking customers to conserve water due to reduced lake storage across the region, decreasing streamflows, and current drought conditions. Both the Town of Taylorsville and the City of Hickory have requested their water customers to reduce their water use. Town of Taylorsville statement Due to the serious drought…
Read MoreExplosive devices found after officers stop erratic driver
On April 17, 2026, deputies with the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black Ford Mustang on U.S. Highway 64 East after observing erratic driving. During the stop, deputies determined that the driver’s license was suspended. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several improvised explosive devices.…
Read MoreLandon Makhi “Khi” Alexander Barker
Landon Makhi “Khi” Alexander Barker, 20, of Hiddenite, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Alexander County. Khi was born August 20, 2005, in Iredell County, the son of Corey Debar Barker and Latasha Gray. Khi was currently working in the shipping department for IFS in Conover. He was a member of Love…
Read MoreRobert Lee Connolly
Robert Lee Connolly, 85, a member of Carson Chapel and cherished family man, passed away unexpectedly on April 21, 2026, in Alexander County. Born on September 10, 1940, in Alexander County, Robert dedicated much of his working career to crafting samples for Daniels Woodcarving, showcasing his skill and dedication to his trade. Robert was a…
Read MoreAlma Jean Payne
Alma Jean Payne, 93, a cherished attendee of the Parson of the Hills Christian Outreach, passed away peacefully at Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation in Wilkes County on April 19, 2026. She was born to the late George Washington Payne and Emma Sue Flowers Payne on March 23, 1933, in Rowan County. She is survived…
Read MoreMyrtle Lillian Carroll Ingle
Myrtle Lillian Carroll Ingle, 97, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, at her home in Alexander County. Born on March 6, 1929, in Yancey County, Myrtle’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and warmth that radiated from her heart to everyone fortunate enough…
Read MoreBob Tannehill
Bob Tannehill, 95, of Winston-Salem, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Bermuda Commons. Bob was born April 14, 1931, in Alexander County, the son of Stanley Tannehill and Estelle Smith Tannehill. Bob was a native of the Brushy Mountain section of Alexander County, where he lived around his grandparents and great-grandparents during his…
Read MoreHealth Dept. moving to appointment-only visits
Effective May 10, 2026, in order to better serve the community and minimize wait times, Alexander County Health Department is moving to an appointment-based system for all services, including immunizations, TB skin tests, and outside labs, said Health Director Billie Walker. Call 828-632-9704 to schedule an appointment. “We appreciate all understanding and look forward to…
Read MoreDuncan receives high Scouting honor
Robert Duncan, a retired teacher and Taylorsville resident, has been awarded the Silver Beaver Award. This distinction represents the highest honor a local Boy Scout council can grant to an adult volunteer. Presented by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America upon nomination by the local council, the Silver Beaver Award recognizes registered…
Read MoreStatewide burn ban and enforcement continue
Drought, warmer temperatures and low humidity expected to persist over next 7-10 days RALEIGH – Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, 2026, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn…
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