Inspiring Iredell

Real people. Real stories. Real connections.

You pass these neighbors at the grocery store, the ball field, and the farmers market. Here's your chance to actually know them.

From makers and farmers to families whose names have been on these hills for 200 years, every story makes this county feel a little more like yours.

About Our Contributing Writer - Samantha Hill

Samantha Hill is the editor and founder of the Lake Norman Record (LKNR), a free local news outlet serving Statesville, Mooresville and surrounding communities. Her reporting covers public interest news, local theater and music, community organizations and Written Here, LKNR's spotlight on local authors.

Sam joined CONNECT Iredell as contributing writer in 2026, leading the return of the Inspiring Iredell series. Each week, she shares the stories of the neighbors, business owners, volunteers and community builders who make Iredell County what it is.

"Hearing the stories of who and what makes up our community is more important than ever as a growing county," Sam says. "Local journalism plays a vital role in keeping communities informed, connected and strong, both today and for future generations."

You can find more of Sam's reporting at lakenormanrecord.com and follow her Iredell Citizens features at iredellnc.com/iredell-citizens.

Cindy Sutton and Steve Hill smile while holding his book, Statesville After Dark, inside the Statesville Historical Collection.

Local historian and storyteller Steve Hill will celebrate the launch of Statesville After Dark on Friday, October 23, at the Statesville...

CONNECT Iredell welcomes journalist Samantha Hill as contributing editor for the return of Iredell Citizens, featuring local stories beg...

Romance and ballooning go hand-in-hand. When the love of ballooning and the love of a good woman came together, Charles Page didn’t have...

In the heart of Iredell County, North Carolina, a force to be reckoned with is shaping the landscape of the spirits industry. Vienna Bar...

Property Matters was founded by a man who couldn’t believe in the name anymore than he already does, Bryan George. “I love that name,” s...

In October 2019, Rachel started Old Oak Market. She grew very quickly, and is now in 40 stores.

Formerly known as the Statesville Community Theatre, Theatre Statesville has been around since 1958. As the only live theater for adults...

Iredell County is home to many pick-your-own opportunities: berries, pumpkins, and even hemp. “That was my whole start for this”, shared...

Danny Sudman has taken a critical issue our world faces today, one that is dear to his heart, and put the challenge of finding solutions...

David's Market is a true gem in Troutman—and summer is its season to shine!

Troutman Chairs have been handcrafted with the finest woods by experienced, skilled craftsmen, using designs and techniques that have wi...

Some people come into this world as natural leaders, some are trusting souls…they believe in unconditional love.

We might imagine that the entrepreneurs manning these rustic stands are all old-timey, country-grown farmers who work from dawn to dusk ...

We’re a family-owned farm market, and we specialize in regionally sourced, homegrown seasonal fruits and vegetables, with a special nich...

In the late 1700s, William Coplin Linney was the first of a long line of Linneys to settle in North Carolina. Back in the day, pioneers ...

When a community comes together to help care for those in need, the heart of that community expands. At Iredell Adult Day Services, our ...

Healing from the heart. It’s a powerful idea, but how many of us truly experience this? The issues and challenges faced throughout our l...

Krissie Newman has inspired our community to do more for animals by gathering around her compassionate people who love them. She founded...

How many times have you spent too much time thinking about or searching for the perfect personalized gift, custom-made display, keepsake...

It’s tulip-picking time at Howard Family Farm, but this hugely popular cut flower—tulips signify perfect love, you know—won’t last long....

Farms come in many shapes and colors. For Catherine Furlong, operating a small flower business where she can grow and sell heirloom and ...

We see the white pickups around Iredell all the time—PS West Construction Company. The family-owned and operated business has been a fix...

I didn’t know that craft beef jerky is a thing until I met Alvin and Judy Cape. And, although I’ve seen AC’s Yummy Jerky on counters in ...

Imagine having your own private chef…not just a cook…but a European-trained professional with over 35 years of experience at the highest...

Entrepreneurs come in many categories. The farmers at Prevette Family Farm, Doug and Debbie, in true entrepreneurial fashion, have turne...

Two and a half miles northwest of the Town of Troutman lies a family cemetery. It’s over 200 years old. Birth dates among the marked hea...

In 1921, two young men who had met in Washington, D.C. while attending Mortuary School came to Statesville with a burning desire to rend...

While Firefly Balloons has just a handful of employees, these craftsmen and engineers construct and sell a product that, in 2022, celebr...

Iredell County is home to many pick-your-own opportunities: berries, pumpkins, and even hemp. “That was my whole start for this”, shared...

When local Iredell County residents Mark & Marla Faulkenberry started to hear the name “Iredell” pronounced incorrectly, they decided to...

When Christi Ratcliff was celebrating her son’s wedding at Green Gables Farm earlier this year, she had no idea that in just a few short...

Janco Community Farms is working to solve local food accessibility issues. “It’s the brainchild of a long-standing passion”, said Christ...

When you meet Christina Benton, you meet a farmer who not only grows a traditional market farm but goes beyond to think about who might ...

If you visit GG’s Art Frames Gifts, you are sure to find something you like. “We have a little of everything for everybody”, says Gloria...

Mr. Quick: Journey To The Top Of Depot Hill. I was reared by my sister and brother-in-law partly at the Statesville Brick Yard, and late...

Keep On Trucking - Sam A. Byers & Sons Moving Service, Inc. Sam Byers was not an educated man, but he was always kind and loving to his...

William Gaston Kimbrough was born in Kimbrough, Alabama. At an early age he went to Trenton, New Jersey, where he met and married Clara ...

In a world full of toxins, it’s hard to know what’s truly good for you. Tammy Wilcox, owner and creator of A'lia Pure knows exactly how ...

Howard Family Farm - Harmony, NC is a place that changes with every season, but the one thing that never changes is the laughter and joy...

Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” It is ...

Tucked away beautifully in the hills of northern Iredell County, sits a garden oasis in the peace and quiet. Well manicured rows of vine...

In the northern half of the county resides one of the many real life cowboys that calls Iredell home. With an affinity for sports and a ...

From preservation to expansion, Iredell County history has been full of ups and downs. However, for Mason McCullough the bumpy ride of d...

The search to find the one thing that sets your heart on fire, the thing that you wake up everyday excited about, the thing you’re so pa...

Little did William (Bill) P. Pope, Partner and President at Pope McMillan, P.A. - Statesville, NC. in Downtown Statesville - Statesville...

Inspiring Iredell

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