Area News

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. for a work session to discuss the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget. Two fire departments presented requests for increases in their respective fire tax rates. Scotty Abernathy, Chief of Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department, said the department’s board of directors is…

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of America, an incredibly special event will be held on May 29, 2026, 7:00 pm, at Rocky Face Park in Hiddenite. Partners Patriots Theater and Studio 3 will bring this performance to life with music and theatrical performances in an open-air setting where actual events portrayed took place. Patriots…

In honor of our community’s veterans and to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, the Town of Taylorsville has begun a Veterans Banner Program. These banners will be used throughout the town during patriotic holidays. Members of the community are encouraged to apply to have their veteran commemorated. Donations will need to be submitted by May 15,…

Among hundreds of vendors and booths, United States Strongman will hold the Apple Blossom Invitational Competition and Exhibition at the Taylorsville Apple Blossom Festival on May 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., said festival director Gina Kay Honosky. Registration invitations have been made but registration is on a first come first served basis and is $50,…

Double Creek Rodeo will hold rodeo events at H&H Arena at 533 Ned Herman Road in the Ellendale Community on Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. daily with the rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults; children age 6 and under are admitted at no…

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…