Good morning, Hickory.

Catawba Rosenwald students received their diplomas during a ceremony on Thursday.

City Manager Warren Wood delivered the FY 2025-2026 recommended budget totaling $159,075,833 to the City Council on May 20, showing a 9.9% increase over this year’s budget with changes in tax and fee rates for water, sewer, and solid waste services.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 3 at 6 p.m. at the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building—residents can provide input on the funding adjustments.

The City of Hickory is still selling mulch as the Yard Waste Facility is closed today and tomorrow—it will reopen on May 30.

Starting then, single ground mulch will be sold only on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 310 Cloninger Mill Road NE for $25 per 3-yard scoop.

On May 22, the Hickory Crawdads earned a 6 to 1 win over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at LP Frans.

J’Briell Easley (pitching 5.2 innings, giving up one run and striking out five) and hitters Rafe Perich, Maxton Martin, and Erich Alvarez each recorded two hits as the team moved to 2.5 games behind the division leaders.

On May 22, Lenoir-Rhyne sophomore softball players Madison Primm and Lani Warren were named All-Americans by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association—Primm earned second-team honors and Warren earned third-team honors, making them the third pair in school history and the 10th and 11th Bears to be honored.

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.

Halogen Lights & Pseudo Cowboys Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets available — Experience a night of homemade rock from Hickory's finest musical talents.