Good morning, Hickory.

Hickory Public Library is set to host a ribbon-cutting for the new outdoor stage at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library on Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. Immediately after, Giving Tree Music will lead a community drum circle — offering instruments to all ages — at the library located at 375 Third Street NE.

A home at 1038 12th Street NE sustained heavy damage in a fire on May 5 when firefighters arrived shortly after 7:30 p.m. and controlled the blaze by 8:12 p.m. — the building was emptied safely and an electrical issue was determined to be the accidental cause — while one firefighter suffered a minor injury and the Red Cross assisted the residents.

46-year-old Christopher Phillip Ervin of Boone has been charged with felony murder in connection with the death of 40-year-old Darian Lee Edwards—who was found unresponsive on May 4 at about 11:40 p.m. after an assault on Health Center Drive and White Laurel Lane—and is held on a $1,000,000 bond with a District Court date set for May 9.

Throughout June, Catawba County agencies and organizations will host a series of Juneteenth events that include live music, dances and community discussions at libraries, parks and community centers—honoring the day when federal troops proclaimed freedom for enslaved people.

The planned events give local residents several ways to join in the celebration.

Burke County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.8% in March from 4% in February while the workforce in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area fell from 172,035 last March to 170,417 this March.

Local employers are seeking workers in government, food, retail and manufacturing—job openings include positions at Walmart, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and other businesses.

The Catawba County school board plans to add much-needed classroom space in a 10-year project costing $626 million—data shows many schools may soon exceed full capacity—officials say further details will be shared as plans develop.

Lenoir-Rhyne Softball earned a #3 seed in the NCAA Southeast Regional by winning their second consecutive SAC Championship and will face Lincoln Memorial in the opening round.

The regional will be hosted by North Georgia in Dahlonega, Ga. from Thursday — Saturday.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association finalized the 2025 Baseball Playoffs brackets on May 5, and the first round begins today with later rounds set on May 9, 13 and 16, Regional Finals from May 20 to May 24 and the State Championships from May 30 to May 31.

The Championship Series will be held at Burlington Athletic Stadium and Ting Stadium—matchups by classification will be announced soon—.

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.

The Chain - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hum — Tickets available — Experience the exceptional sounds of Fleetwood Mac brought to life by The Chain featuring Dani Kerr from America's Got Talent.

Swingin’ Under The Stars

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Sails on the Square — Free entry — Experience the Hickory Jazz Orchestra performing beloved big band classics under the night sky.

37th Annual Spring Fling

9 AM – 3 PM — Catholic Conference Center — $17 — Engage in crafts, educational sessions, and activities like line bingo for a fun and informative day.

On-Site Tour of Senior Living Facilities

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Greens at Hickory — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living facilities committed to quality care and engaging activities.