Hickory
Morning News
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Hickory. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wittenburg Access Swim Beach in Bethlehem reopens for the summer tomorrow, May 23, operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days a week through Labor Day; food trucks + concessions and updated amenities will be available while officials note no lifeguard on duty. WHKY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Newton-Conover held its graduation ceremony at Gurley Stadium to honor 180 students — a milestone that signals new beginnings for graduates and their families. The event showcased local pride in the achievements of its young scholars. Hickory Daily Record
- ➤ Bandys senior Wyatt Spencer addressed his classmates during graduation + urging them to embrace life and take control of their futures. Hickory Daily Record
- ➤ The City Commission hosted the Great College Teachers Workshop at App State Hickory campus on Tuesday, May 12 — expert faculty from Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State and Catawba Valley Community College shared teaching practices to improve local higher education. Go Foothills
- ➤ Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan was named the 2027 Regional Superintendent of the Year by NWRESA in recognition of his innovative leadership and focus on student success. He leads initiatives in academic rigor, workforce readiness, and community partnerships while preparing for a statewide award competition. Go Foothills
- ➤ CCC&TI presented the 2026 Trustees’ Student Awards of Merit to graduates Jaylen Golston and Aterea Melvin at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, and Golston earned an associate in science and certificate while playing basketball while Melvin maintained a 3.92 GPA and volunteered at her church and on cleanup projects. Go Foothills
- ➤ Fred T. Foard High School graduated 245 seniors yesterday amid rain showers. The ceremony celebrated the students' academic achievements. Hickory Daily Record
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ USACE announced that drought-induced low water levels forced the closure of swim beaches at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir (water levels have dropped to 1,027.67 feet, below the normal 1,030 feet) until significant rainfall returns. The closure affects Berry Mountain Park, Boomer Park, Fort Hamby and Bandit’s Roost. Go Foothills
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Frye Regional Medical Center named Angela Gouge as its 2026 Mercy Award recipient. The social worker, recognized for her care in behavioral health and oncology, was honored for her community service & nominated as part of Lifepoint Health’s annual program. WHKY
- ➤ Catawba Valley Health System has opened a community pharmacy in Hickory today. Located on Fairgrove Church Road Southeast — part of the health system campus — the pharmacy offers prescription services to hospital patients and local residents. WHKY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Hickory Crawdads lost 5-4 to the Charleston RiverDogs on Wednesday after a late rally fell 90 feet short of tying the game (starting pitcher Jesus Lafalaise struggled before lefty Aidan Deakins is set to start game three on Thursday at 1 p.m.). WHKY
- ➤ On Wednesday, May 21, Hickory FC beat North Carolina FC 3-1 in Raleigh — Tomas Pollachi scored two late goals to secure the win. The team is 2-0 so far and will host South Carolina United Bantams for its home opener Saturday. WHKY
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Charleston RiverDogs vs. Hickory Crawdads
6:30-9:30 p.m. — L. P. Frans Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game featuring the Charleston RiverDogs and Hickory Crawdads.
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PMP Certification Training in Hickory, NC
9 AM – 5 PM — Hickory North Carolina — $1599 — Enhance your project management skills with comprehensive PMP certification training over four days.
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Hank Williams Jr Tribute Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets starting at $20.78 — Experience high-energy performances of Hank Williams Jr.'s classic hits by a top tribute band.
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Furniture Manufacturing Expo 2026
Trade Show — June 3-4 — Hickory Metro Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Explore the latest innovations in furniture manufacturing with over 300 exhibitors.
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Candlelight Concert Series in Hickory
7-8 p.m. — Hickory, NC — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy an intimate musical experience in a candle-lit setting.
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Concerts by Candlelight
7-8 p.m. — Hickory North Carolina — Ticketed event — Experience an intimate musical performance illuminated by candlelight in a historic venue.
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Reveal the authorAbout Hickory Morning News
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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