Good morning, Hickory.

36-year-old Matthew Codi James Hildebran from 37th Street SW in Hickory was arrested Monday, May 19 by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers and faces charges including possession of a firearm by a felon, gun serial number alteration, methamphetamine possession, resisting a public officer and drug paraphernalia while held in the Catawba County Detention Facility on a $15,000 bond (District Court dates are set for today and June 2).

Rayven Franklin Carpenter, 27, from 29th Avenue Lane NE in Hickory was arrested Saturday, May 17 for breaking and entering to a vehicle and larceny—he was held on a $25,000 bond and faced a District Court hearing on May 19.

Jonathan Leslie Blackburn, a 58-year-old man from Conover, appeared in court yesterday on charges of First Degree Attempted Murder and First Degree Kidnapping after he is accused of stabbing his wife multiple times over the weekend— the unidentified victim remains in a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Local law enforcement officials in North Carolina launched the annual 'Memorial Day Click It or Ticket' program on May 19th to remind drivers to buckle up.

Patrols will increase over the next two weeks—enforcing the seat belt law statewide to boost driver safety.

The North Carolina Department of Labor launched a new website today to help hotels and vacation rental managers follow a law to prevent human trafficking.

The law requires staff to complete training and keep records starting July 1, and the site offers free resources—training guides, signage, and reporting instructions—to support these efforts.

On May 19, Governor Josh Stein visited Carolina Domes in Union Mills to propose $891M in extra Hurricane Helene relief funding for western North Carolina.

The budget allocates $260M for economic recovery, $239M for repairing schools and roads, $113M for housing aid, $105M for waterway repairs, $23M for food help, and $152M for disaster improvements—efforts aimed at helping communities rebuild after the storm.

Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley is selling two under construction homes in Hickory’s Ridgeview neighborhood and will hold two public Applicant Information Meetings on June 9 at the Ridgeview Public Library—one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 5:30 p.m. Applications for the Homeownership Program are available at these meetings and other channels until they must be returned by June 27.

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.