Good morning, Hickory.

On March 31, Burke County deputies stopped a Toyota 4Runner on Eldred Street in Valdese and arrested Hickory residents Matthew James Griffith and William Trace Dyer after a K–9 alert led to the discovery of psilocybin mushrooms, suspected fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia—Griffith faces felony charges for possession while Dyer is charged with trafficking and possession.

On April 2, NC Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley announced a $500,000 Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund for local workforce boards to help businesses in Western counties lessen the damage from layoffs caused by Hurricane Helene.

Eligible companies with at least two years of operation may soon receive up to $10,000 in grants if they meet the program's rules — the fund aims to keep jobs and support local businesses.

Fifth grader Donavan Nieland from Viewmont Elementary and fourth grader Ali Vue from Long View Elementary were sworn in as honorary police officers in a ceremony led by Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer—who administered the oath in a formal event honoring their commitment to community service.

Two Hickory elementary students took part in a police experience event where they dressed in SWAT gear and met a police canine.

They tested their strength by lifting a battering ram and closing heavy cell doors—an interactive demonstration of law enforcement duties.

Firefighters and public utilities personnel in Hickory will start the annual hydrant inspection and maintenance program to check over 2,000 hydrants over the next two months—mainly on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists are asked to slow down when near an operating hydrant for safety.

Hickory police lieutenant and Navy veteran was promoted to captain of criminal investigations and will lead the unit in charge of investigating serious cases.

Today, the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded a $4.8 million contract to improve nearly 21 miles of roads in Catawba County—contractor Maymead Inc. may begin milling, resurfacing and rebuilding shoulders on a 2.6-mile segment of N.C.

10 with overnight lane closures and is set to upgrade 53 secondary road sections by fall.

The Hickory Police Department announced that its April P.A.C.T. (Pay Attention in City Traffic) enforcement will be held on Hwy 127 from 29th Avenue Drive NW to 1st Avenue SE, targeting following too closely, distracted driving, and red-light violations, and all road users (motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians) are urged to obey traffic signals for their safety.

Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s Lacrosse won a 19-4 game over Mars Hill on April 3rd, giving them six straight victories with key plays from freshman Jessica Mikesell.

The Bears will travel to Newberry on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for an important SAC matchup.

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.

Derby Day Celebration

Afternoon — Salt Block Foundation — Ticket includes two drink vouchers — Dress in festive Derby attire and enjoy live music, Southern cuisine, and best-dressed contests.