Area Breaking News

RALEIGH, APRIL 27, 2026 — The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more. “While the rainfall we received over the weekend was…

Drought conditions have expanded in North Carolina. Forty-seven counties are now experiencing extreme drought, and most of the rest of the state is in severe drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC). For counties in extreme drought conditions, or D3, water systems are advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plan…

A Taylorsville man has died following a single car crash in the Bethlehem Community. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, at approximately 2:12 p.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision on Rink Dam Road near Wittenburg Springs Drive, in Alexander County. A 2017 Dodge Durango was traveling East on…

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on Monday, April 20, 2026, to review preliminary projections and priorities for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. County Manager Justin Mundy led the discussion as commissioners examined revenues, expenditures, and capital needs ahead of a formal budget presentation in May. The requested FY 2026-2027…

On April 21, 2026, at approximately 11:03 p.m., the Alexander County 911 Communications Center received a call reporting a civil disturbance at 71 Fairmont Court in Stony Point. The caller disconnected shortly after placing the call, according to Sheriff Chad Pennell. Moments later, a neighbor contacted 911, reporting that they heard yelling followed by several…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…