Good morning, Hickory.

On April 1, a plane crashed off the side of the runway at Hickory Regional Airport and firefighters responded at about 8 p.m. while the pilot was taken to a nearby hospital (injury details are unknown) as FAA investigators began probing the cause and closed the runway.

A woman charged with murdering a 4-year-old in Catawba County did not receive a bond reduction—defense attorney Cynthia Goelling said she saw no clear evidence to support a change in the bond.

Hickory police will monitor U.S. Highway 127 in April and remind vehicle operators to yield to pedestrians—officials say the effort aims to boost road safety.

Hickory City Council met in regular session Tuesday night to approve meeting minutes, second readings, and nearly all consent agenda items except a resolution on the asset transfer of water and sewer facilities.

The council also voted to lower speed limits on parts of 4th Street NW and 4th Street Drive NW, approved annexation and condemnation resolutions for projects related to water and sewer construction, and set a no-wake zone at Lake Hickory Marina.

A burn ban, which began on March 21, remains in effect in Catawba County despite rain this week—banning all open burning including within 100 feet of a dwelling and carrying fines along with court costs for any violators.

Local fire officials and law enforcement enforce the ban to prevent increased wildfire risks.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging Hickory residents, health care providers and child care centers to update MMR vaccinations as measles cases increased nationwide, even though no cases have been reported in NC in 2025.

Health officials stressed that following vaccination guidelines is vital—483 confirmed cases were reported across the country as of March 27.

Hickory Train Show

12-7 p.m. & 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — $8 for adults, free for kids under 12 — Explore the exciting world of model railroading and expand your collection.

Editing Masterclass by Redhawk Publications

8:30 a.m. — Catawba Valley Community College — $150 fee — Boost your editing and self-editing skills with insights from seasoned professionals Tom Rash and Rebecca Caldwell.

Hard to Handle Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets from $17.45 — Experience a night of live music with Hard to Handle and Hammer Down.

SAFe® 5.1 Product Owner/Product Manager Classroom Training

9 AM-1 PM — Hickory North Carolina — Early Bird Price: $1199 | Gain your SAFe® PO/PM certification with interactive sessions and hands-on learning.

Trial by Fire - Journey Tribute

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets from $17.45 — Experience the music of Journey as TRIAL BY FIRE transports you back to their iconic 1996 era.

Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville

7:30-10 p.m. — The Green Room Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a tropical musical journey filled with favorite Jimmy Buffett hits and island vibes.