Area News

Closures implemented, tips for staying healthy are listed In a proactive move, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Commissioners held an emergency meeting with county staff on Tuesday, March 17 to discuss the virus and ways to contain the spread of the illness locally. Commissioners heard reports…

Alexander County Schools is providing free student lunch meals on weekdays. This began Tuesday, March 17, and will run through Monday, March 30, 2020. Any child ages birth to 18 years will be eligible for meals. The meals will be available weekdays, 10 AM – 1 PM, beginning Tuesday, March 17, through Monday, March 30,…

Leaders at the Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center announced Monday that the facility will be closed for remainder of month. “The Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center will be closed until April 1, 2020,” stated Donna Gant Latham, Executive Director. “At that time we will reassess. It is our desire to keep staff, members, and the…

The Taylorsville Police Department continues to investigate a staggering number of vehicle break-ins that were reported Thursday night, March 12, 2020, and pre-dawn hours of Friday, March 13. More than 30 vehicles were entered (all unlocked) according to Police Officer Gordon Knight. One vehicle was reported stolen from the parking lot of Ridgecrest Apartments on…

After much thoughtful consideration for the health of our members, staff, and community as a whole, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina will temporarily close all facilities effective March 16 through at least the end of the business day on Sunday, March 29. “As we navigate these challenges ahead, please know that we never make…

Dr. Jeff Peal, principal of Millersville Christian Academy in Taylorsville, made the following statement Saturday, March 14: “We, at MCA, want to do everything we can to keep our students and staff safe. While we hoped to have more time before we had to make this decision, current circumstances have dictated otherwise. MCA will be…

On March 14, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper ordered all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to COVID-19. The Executive Order also bans gatherings of more than 100 people. North Carolina currently has 23 people in 12 counties who have tested positive for COVID-19. “We do…

Chief Justice Cheri Beasley of the North Carolina Supreme Court held a press conference on Friday, March 13, 2020, to announce new Judicial Branch measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) among members of the public who have business before the state courts. The Chief Justice ordered local court officials to schedule or reschedule…

In response to the recommendations from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Governor’s Office, local officials encourage organizations, businesses, and citizens to exercise caution to help contain the spread of the virus.   At 3:00 p.m. on March 13, President Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency to free…

(This article was updated March 17 to reflect the expansion of the food drive to include all types of food items.) A Food Drive is planned by the Hiddenite Community Helpers. Collecting food items is important, said Heather Davis of the Helpers group. Due to the Coronavirus concerns, with school being closed for a period…