Meeting to be held at Catawba Valley Community College: Alexander Center beginning at 6:00pm. Meeting will be broadcast live on 860wacb.com
County Offices Closed in Observance of Good Friday Holiday
Alexander County Offices will be closed Friday, April 3 in observance of the Good Friday holiday.
County parks, landfill, and convenient sites will operate on a regular schedule.
Open burn ban issued in Alexander County, effective March 28 at 6:00 p.m.
The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a local open burn ban due to extreme fire danger conditions throughout Alexander County, effective Saturday, March 28, at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of this burn ban is to protect life and property.
In addition, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide.
Pursuant to the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code 2018 Edition (307.1.1 Prohibited Opening Burning), open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Violators of the local burn ban will be subject to a $50 citation from the Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office for the first offense, which doubles per subsequent offense.
If you have questions regarding the burn ban, please contact the Alexander County Fire Marshal’s office at 828-352-7706.
Opening reception for America 250 Patriotic Art Exhibition is May 7
The Alexander County America 250 Committee invites the public to attend the opening reception of the America 250 Patriotic Art Exhibition on Thursday, May 7, at 5:00 p.m. The reception will be held at the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center’s Lucas Mansion, located at 316 Hiddenite Church Road in Hiddenite.
The juried exhibition features patriotic artwork created by sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from East and West Alexander Middle Schools in Alexander County. The exhibit commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Students were guided through the creative process by art teachers Mandy Reid of West Alexander Middle School and Sarah Bowman of East Alexander Middle School, developing their artistic skills through this themed contest. A panel of three judges will evaluate the artwork, with first-, second-, and third-place winners receiving ribbons and monetary awards.
Taylorsville Town Councilwoman Tamara Odom, a member of the America 250 Committee, organized the Alexander County Middle Schools Patriotic Art Contest.
“I am so glad to be a part of this art exhibit, which will showcase the talent and creativity of our middle school students,” said Odom. “Hopefully, more opportunities like this will be available to our students in the future.”
The exhibit will remain on display at the Lucas Mansion through May 21.
Alexander County Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Yoder, who also serves as Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission and America 250 Committee, said, “We are proud of the artwork created by our next generation of citizens as they explore our nation’s history through the commemoration of America’s 250 years.”
Refreshments will be served following the announcement of the winners. Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
To view additional America 250 events in Alexander County, visit visitalexandernc.com/calendar.
The Alexander County America 250 Committee includes Commissioner Larry Yoder, Helen Chestnut, Nancy Coley, Betty Long, Tamara Odom, and Lisa Lowe.
Alexander County welcomes new Assistant Fire Marshal
Assistant Fire Marshal
Winkler brings 14 years of fire service experience to the role, including serving as chief of Little River Volunteer Fire Department in Caldwell County and working 10 years with the Lenoir Fire Department, where he advanced to fire engineer. He also worked part-time at the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department, where he became familiar with the Alexander County community.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve Alexander County and be part of this team,” said Winkler. “My focus is on working with county departments, emergency services, and the community to help keep people safe every day.”
In his new role, Winkler will conduct fire investigations and inspections, and assist with emergency management efforts across the county.
Fire Marshal Chris Hicks said Winkler brings valuable experience and a good attitude to the position.
“Hunter has a strong background in the fire service, along with the professionalism and people skills this role requires,” said Hicks. “He’s going to be a great addition to our team and to the community.”
Winkler, 30, is a Caldwell County native and currently resides in Hudson with his wife, Hannah, and their three children, including a four-year-old son and 14-month-old twins.
Alexander County announces 2026 Summer Concert Series
Alexander County is pleased to announce the 2026 Summer Concert Series on the Rotary Performance Stage at Alexander County Courthouse Park in downtown Taylorsville.
The free concert series will feature five bands on the following dates:
• May 9 – On The Border (Eagles tribute)
• June 6 – Harvest Moon (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute)
• July 18 – The Extraordinaires (Independence Celebration commemorating America 250 with fireworks)
• August 22 – Play It Again (Luke Bryan tribute)
• September 19 – All My Rowdy Friends (Hank Williams Jr. tribute)
Back by popular demand on May 9 is On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute. The band delivers an authentic concert experience, performing everything from ballads like “Desperado” and “Lyin’ Eyes” to rock hits such as “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Heartache Tonight.” With stunning guitar work, multi-lead vocals, and six-part harmonies, audiences will feel like they’re attending an actual Eagles concert.
On June 6, Harvest Moon, a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute band, takes the stage. Formed in 2018 by veterans of the Atlanta music scene, the group recreates the iconic harmonies and distinctive sound that made CSN&Y and Neil Young legendary. Harvest Moon offers an authentic journey through decades of unforgettable music.
The July 18 concert features The Extraordinaires from the Hickory/Charlotte area. Formed in 2003, the band blends classic hits and rhythm & blues into a high-energy performance that gets crowds dancing. From powerful horn sections to the smooth lead vocals of Kara Renner, The Extraordinaires promise an electric live show. This concert is part of Alexander County’s Independence Celebration and will conclude with a fireworks show at Alexander Central High School at approximately 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are funded in part by an America 250 grant, a program of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Play It Again, a Luke Bryan tribute band, will perform on August 22. This band brings modern country hits to the stage, including Luke Bryan favorites such as “Play It Again,” “Country Girl,” “Drink a Beer,” and many more, along with songs from similar contemporary country artists. Lead singer Scott Jordan is also known as the NBC announcer for Monster Jam.
Closing out the series on September 19 is All My Rowdy Friends, a Hank Williams Jr. tribute. Frontman Frank Morrow captures the sound and stage presence of “Bocephus,” keeping the family tradition alive with a high-energy performance. The band has toured nationally since 2009, performing at festivals, casinos, theaters, and corporate events.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks will be on site for each concert. Please note that coolers and tents are not permitted. All park rules and regulations apply.
Alexander County Courthouse Park is located at 101 West Main Avenue in Taylorsville and is owned and operated by Alexander County Government.
For more information and to view the concert flyer, visit https://alexandercountync.gov/concerts.