Alexander County

Areli Aguirre-Avilez is scheduled for court this week on five counts of first-degree murder and first-degree arson relating to the deaths of three adults and two children. He has been in jail since June 2019 following murders that took place north of Taylorsville. Heidi Wolfe was also charged, despite having confessed to the crimes before later recanting.

A fire destroyed an abandoned chicken house in Alexander County. Firefighters responded to a large column of smoke and the blaze.

A swim beach in Alexander County, North Carolina, reopened after over 6,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into Lake Hickory's Wittenburg Access area due to a pump station equipment failure. Water quality tests showed slightly elevated bacteria levels, but officials confirmed the beach would remain open through the week.

Alexander County leaders hope to reopen Wittenburg Swim Beach in Bethlehem after a sewage spill caused by a lightning strike leaked 6,000 gallons of wastewater into Lake Hickory. Water testing results will determine if the beach can reopen before the Fourth of July, with mixed reactions from residents.

Over 6,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into Lake Hickory near the Wittenburg Access boat ramp due to a pump station equipment failure. The beach was temporarily closed, and water quality monitoring is ongoing. Officials reported the equipment has been repaired.

A pair from the Hickory area has been accused of methamphetamine trafficking in Alexander County. Deputies found 201 grams of methamphetamine during a search of their vehicle.