Area News

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…

Due to the serious drought situation affecting the entire State of North Carolina, The Town of Taylorsville requests that all water customers practice voluntary water conservation, said Nathan Hester, Town Manager. Specifically, customers are asked to reduce their water usage by at least 5% by limiting non-essential water use by: • Limit watering of lawns,…

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell stated that on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Iredell deputies responded to a breaking and entering in progress on White Oak Branch Road in northern Iredell County. The homeowner reported coming face-to-face with a suspect actively stealing items and loading them into a pickup truck. When confronted, the suspect, dressed in…

Stony Point Fire Department, along with Hiddenite and Taylorsville, were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 375 County Line Rd. on Wednesday, April 8, involving a chicken house, said Alexander County Fire Marshal Chris Hicks. The call came at about 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, said Stony Point Fire Chief Scotty Abernathy. Upon arrival, crews found…

By MICAH HENRY Alexander County leaders heard positive news from a representative of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) during the County Commission meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026. Garrett Wyckoff of EDPNC appeared before commissioners with Michael Worley, Alexander County Economic Development Director, and explained the work being done with the NC…

Entries for the 2026 Taylorsville Times’ Mother of the Year Essay Contest are being accepted until Thursday, April 30, at 5 p.m. To enter The Times’ 37th Annual Mother of the Year Essay Contest, simply write an essay on why your nominee should be Mother of the Year. The winner will receive a $50 food…