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Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

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Good morning, Hickory. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Several dozen people rallied in downtown Newton to protest the management of Catawba County Humane Society after former employees and a petition highlighted complaints of toxic leadership and unethical practices. The nonprofit placed executive director Jane Bowers on administrative leave on April 8 plus its board began hiring an outside investigator to address the concerns.  Go Foothills

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Visit Hickory, NC is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week by highlighting travel’s role in boosting the local economy—2023 saw visitors bring over $348 million in spending and support nearly 2,500 local jobs in Catawba County. The campaign emphasizes travel as a key driver of economic strength in our community.  WHKY

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Burke County had a 10.1% teacher attrition rate in 2023-24, which is higher than the state rate and nearby counties. The district explained that many retirements were re-hired to fill vacancies — a move that kept experienced teachers in classrooms although it raised the attrition figure.  Go Foothills

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • On Tuesday, May 6, Hickory City Council approved changes to the traffic ordinance that set the speed limit on Fairgrove Church Road to 45 mph and on 2nd Avenue NW to 35 mph—also voting on a backflow prevention program and plans for work at US 70 and 4th Street Drive SW. The council will meet again on May 20 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.  WHKY
  • On Monday (May 5), the Catawba County Board of Commissioners held a regular session and approved all 11 Consent Agenda items. The board approved projects that include road improvements at Mountain Creek Ridge and Langdon Ridge subdivisions and funding for the Riverbend Park culvert replacement project, which will be reimbursed by FEMA.  WHKY
  • Governor Josh Stein announced more than $63 million in CAB projects to bring high-speed internet to 18,889 homes and businesses in Hickory Metro counties including Catawba, Alexander, Burke and Watauga. The projects—funded by the American Rescue Plan and broadband providers—must be completed by December 31st, 2026 to meet speeds of at least 100 Mbps.  WHKY

SPORTS NEWS

  • Lenoir-Rhyne’s sophomore pitcher Madison Wilson was named the MVP of the SAC Softball Tournament after she pitched three games with a 0.74 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 19 innings on May 6. She helped lead the Bears to their second straight championship — the 10th in program history.  WHKY

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/10/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/17/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/25/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 5/27/25

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  • 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.

    Tue, 6/3/25

    View event
  • AWKN Conference

    7 PM – 1 PM — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — Check event page for pricing — Big adventures await in Hickory, showcasing the local community's heritage and outdoor activities.

    Fri, 6/6/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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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