Good morning, Hickory.

The Hickory Crawdads held a fireworks display after their June 6 baseball game and will light fireworks after games on June 20, July 4, July 18, July 25, Aug.

8, Aug. 22, Aug. 23 and Sept. 5. A section of Aviation Walk and 24th Street NW will be closed from 6:00 p.m.—except on July 4 when it will close at 4:00 p.m.—to create a safe launch zone for the displays.

A 20-year-old firefighter died on duty after returning from a fire yesterday, the Hickory Fire Department said—marking a tragic loss for the unit.

Five individuals charged in a gang-related shooting appeared in court in Catawba County, and three were granted bond—one defendant said he joined the incident to boost his gang status.

A Taylorsville man was charged with assault and robbery after firing his gun three times + no one was injured and the shots did not enter a home, the sheriff's office said.

Marcos Torres—batting five-for-five—led the Hickory Crawdads to an 18-2 win over Columbia at LP Frans Stadium on June 6.

Other players helped boost the team’s standing in the Carolina League race.

Alexis Brown was named the USTFCCCA Southeast Region Track Athlete of the Year on June 6 while coaches Paris Vaughan and Kayonna Lewis received regional coach awards — Brown set DII records in the 100 and 200 meter finals and helped lead her team to a strong finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

On June 6, Lenoir-Rhyne baseball’s historic season ended when Central Missouri defeated the Bears 14 to 10 in a rainy game in Cary.

Mackenzie Wainwright went four for six, setting season records — helping the team finish 50 to 15 and fall just one game short of a national championship appearance.

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.

CAPM Certification Training

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hickory, North Carolina — 100% Money Back Guarantee — Engage in 32 hours of interactive classroom training for the CAPM certification with expert guidance.

Framed Felt Bugs Workshop

2-3 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Create fun framed felt bugs in a hands-on crafting session designed for kids aged 9-12.

Color Our World Tiny Canvas Painting Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Get creative by painting your own tiny canvas while enjoying an artistic atmosphere.

Chess Club

6-7 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Enhance your chess skills and strategies while engaging with local enthusiasts of all levels.

All Ages Story Time

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Enjoy an engaging story time with dancing and singing for all ages.

Bottle Cap Art

2-3:30 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Create vivid collages with recycled materials at this fun and artistic event.