Good morning, Hickory.

On April 9, the Humane Society of Catawba County placed its Executive Director on administrative leave — the Board began an independent investigation to address complaints.

A petition calling for changes has gathered over 1,000 signatures, adding pressure for reform.

A 27-year-old man from Elkin was killed in a three-vehicle crash on I-77 South near I-40 exit 52 in Iredell County on April 9 at about 6:35 a.m.—excessive speed was cited as a factor, and another driver sustained minor injuries.

A Hickory woman was shot and injured on 18th Street SW—no arrests have been reported.

A Hickory man, identified as Bradly Brady (45), was stabbed to death at an apartment complex in Kinston on April 9 after police responded to a 7:00 a.m. call, and no arrest has been made.

A report from the North Carolina Department of Commerce Labor & Economic Analysis Division released April 9 showed that unemployment rates dropped across Hickory Metro and statewide in February compared to January.

Catawba County’s rate fell to 3.5 percent while the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA declined from 4.0 percent to 3.7 percent — with 95 counties lowering rates and four counties seeing an increase.

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting for the new emergency services training facility, which will open on Monday, April 14 at 4:00 p.m. at 175 Fairgrounds Road in Taylorsville—an event led by the Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office using FEMA funds to support local fire training.

The IRS reminded individuals and businesses in disaster-declared areas affected by Hurricane Helene that their 2024 federal income tax returns and payments will be due on May 1 for those in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Juneau and Chaves County.

Taxpayers needing more time must file electronically by April 15 to request an extension until Oct. 15—tax payments remain due by May 1.

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.

Charlotte Grappling & BJJ Championship

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hickory Metro Convention Center — Registration fees apply — Experience the excitement of one of the largest mixed grappling tournaments in the world.