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Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

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Good morning, Hickory. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Microsoft announced a new plan for technology companies to cover utilities costs at its expanding data centers near Hickory, Conover and Maiden today. The tech giant will invest $1B in local development and detail strategies including rate adjustments, water conservation + job training.  Go Foothills

CULTURE NEWS

  • The Hickory Downtown Development Association invites local artists to join the Fall Downtown Hickory Art Crawl at downtown businesses. The event will run Thursday, Sept. 17 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm — artists must set up by 4:30 pm, and applications are due by August 1.  WHKY

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Catawba County Board of Education candidates discussed a potential plan to merge the three school districts (aiming to streamline education) during recent campaign forums.  Hickory Daily Record
  • A Grandview Middle School student won Hickory City Schools' spelling bee (earning top honors) and will compete regionally next, marking a high point in the school's academic program.  Hickory Daily Record

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are now accepted online from individuals and groups, with county coordinators reviewing entries for local spring presentations + top honorees receiving the Governor’s Medallion Award in Raleigh.  WHKY

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Thu, 1/22/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 1/31/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 2/7/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 2/14/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.

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About Hickory Morning News

Welcome to the Hickory Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Hickory, North Carolina community. If you like the Hickory Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Hickory.

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