Hickory
Morning News
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Hickory. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mya Gurule, an eighth grader at East Burke Middle School, won the Middle Division in the Youth Art Month Flag Design contest yesterday, Jan. 14; she and her teacher will receive a prize package of art supplies and a gift certificate from Blick Art. WHKY
- ➤ The NC Department of Public Instruction announced ($197,929) in grants to 10 school districts for homebuilding CTE programs, including a grant for a Hickory Metro system on Jan. 14. The funds will help students gain real-world skills (such as earning industry credentials). WHKY
- ➤ Governor Josh Stein announced on Tuesday, Jan. 13 that the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education released its 2025 report with six recommendations to make care affordable and accessible statewide. The task force will develop action plans at upcoming meetings (open for public streaming). WHKY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City offices, library branches, and recreation centers will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (the police department’s Records Division is closed but crash reports stay available online; waste collection runs on schedule). WHKY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Taylorsville native Harry Gant earned a spot as a 2026 inductee to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and will be honored on Friday, Jan. 23 (joining Kurt Busch and Ray Hendrick) after a career with 18 Cup Series and 21 Xfinity Series wins. WHKY
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Collin Raye Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Newton Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience soulful country ballads from the passionate Collin Raye.
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L.A.T.E. Night On the Go: Mona's Eyes
5-7 p.m. — My Chapter House — $60; $50 Members — Engage in a book and art club featuring a heartfelt journey through art and family bonds.
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Poison'Us & Kings of Noise
7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets starting at $17.45 — Experience the ultimate Poison tribute and rock out with Kings of Noise playing the greatest hits.
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Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Drendel Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the magic of tribute performances in a unique candlelight setting.
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Love Music: An Evening of Romance and Strings
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Drendel Auditorium — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a romantic night of candlelit music with the WPS Maestro's Quartet.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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