Area News

Conversation included testing, public school funding, school vouchers, student mental health, and other topics By ANGELA FARR KING [Editor’s Note: This article recounts the recent meeting of local educators with State Senator Eddie Settle. Times writer and retired teacher Angela King invited the guests and coordinated the discussion, which is described below in a conversational…

  In an effort to help Alexander County students and families, the district will be able to offer free school breakfast and lunch for all students in the 2023-2024 school year. The school system has become a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) district. This federal program allows school districts in low-income communities to apply for eligibility.…

(updated July 26, 2023) Thirteen file for Town Council; Holleman and Emke seeking Mayor’s seat In the the Town of Taylorsville 2023 Municipal election, fifteen candidates have filed to run for office in the nonpartisan races: two for Mayor and thirteen for the four open Council seats, more than anyone can recall in years. Mayoral…

The Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center’s Summer on the Square concert series will present the band Shake Down on Saturday, July 22, at 7 p.m. Shake Down is a local favorite featuring a five-piece variety band. Band members perform popular songs from the past and the present. Band members are known for their beach, shag,…

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners heard a report on the NC Opioid Settlement Funding from David Moose, Compliance and Procurement Specialist, at their meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023. Moose said that in July 2021, NC Attorney General Josh Stein announced a settlement agreement concerning litigation against several pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers for their…

A Hickory woman died after being swept away by a rain swollen creek in the Ellendale Community over the weekend, according to Sheriff Chad Pennell. On Saturday, July 15, 2023, at around 11:27 p.m., the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Ellendale Fire Department, Alexander County EMS, Alexander County Rescue squad were dispatched to the 1300 block…

Funding coming for ACHS ballfield, weight room; stadium upgrade is likely By MICAH HENRY The Alexander County Board of Education gathered on Tuesday, July 11, for a short meeting to hear updates on parent involvement, student testing, and for approval of board policy revisions. Associate Superintendent Dr. Betsy Curry sat in for Superintendent Dr. Jennifer…

Alexander County will host an Independence Celebration on Saturday, July 15, with the second installment of the Summer Concert Series followed by a fireworks display. Mock of Ages – The Ultimate Def Leppard Tribute will perform at 6:30 p.m. on the Rotary Performance Stage at Alexander County Courthouse Park, with pyrotechnics at Alexander Central High…

Pope wins $1,000 spree   Buy Local Challenge 2023 Winners Top Prize winners • Grand Prize, $1,000 Spree – Amanda Pope. • Second Prize, Dollywood passes – Brent Webb. • Third Prize, $100 winner – Roy Bentley. • Merchant winner, trip – Beasley Power Equipment. Individual business prize drawings • Ace Hardware, Julie Deal, $50…

Former Alexander County Commissioner Frederick Earl “Fred” Lackey, 84, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at his home in Alexander County, according to obituary information. Fred graduated from Hiddenite High School in 1957. He then attended Wake Forest University for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force. Soon after enlisting, he…