Good morning, Hickory.

On May 14, a resident trapped on the second floor of an apartment at 225 9th Avenue NW was rescued by Hickory firefighters using ladders—fire officials said the blaze, caused by a faulty extension cord, damaged one unit and led to minor injuries with the occupant taken to a local hospital.

A Jenkins Elementary teacher was named Teacher of the Year by Hickory City Schools for her dedication and positive impact on students — school officials praised her as an amazing educator and a huge benefit to the students.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on May 21 at 8 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Meeting Room on the second floor of the Catawba County Justice Center at 100 Government Drive in Newton to conduct budget hearings with departments, schools, and outside agencies — they will hold a second meeting on May 22 at 7 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing and wrap-up of the proposed FY2025-26 budget.

Today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that more than one million children received SUN Bucks benefits with $121 million distributed to eligible families through debit-like cards that give $120 per child.

Cards were mailed from May 9 to May 11 and funds will start loading on May 22; families who have not applied yet can still register.

Newton-Conover graduate Holt Allison was named a PING All-Southeast Region Honoree by the GCAA Wednesday — he finished his senior season with seven top-10 finishes in 11 events and helped lead the Bears to their second straight NCAA Regional.

On May 14, Marvin Ridge beat South Caldwell 4—0 in a 4A baseball playoff game, ending the Spartans' season with a 25—3 record.

Two Catawba Valley Community College softball players were named to the Region 10 second team after the 2025 regular season.

Red Hawk outfielder Miranda Valerio and freshman infielder Gionna Merhtens — who posted .435 and .417 averages respectively — earned their honors despite the team finishing 11-26.

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.

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.

ACCW Live Wrestling Event

6-9 p.m. — Brookford Community Building — Tickets available now — Experience an epic Steel Cage Showdown for the Apple City Championship in Hickory.

Furniture Manufacturing Expo

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — Complimentary tickets available — Discover the latest innovations and solutions for furniture manufacturing.