Good morning, Hickory.

Furniture makers in Hickory are adjusting to tariffs that have raised the cost of fabrics from China, which has led to higher furniture prices and pressured local manufacturing jobs.

Executives at Rock House Farm and Valdese Weavers say customers are shifting to domestic products & the industry may see long-term job improvements if trade rules stay steady.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson has warned North Carolinians today about scam texts impersonating the NCDMV that demand payment for unpaid tickets, threatening suspended licenses or vehicle registrations + the DOJ has reported a spike in consumer calls about these scams.

On June 8th, Catawba County authorities responded to a standoff on the 6900 block of Springs Road when an individual barricaded himself inside a home—triggering dispatch of the STAR Team and closure of Springs Road at Highway 16 due to a reported accident.

One person was killed and another critically injured in a shooting at the Outlaw Motorcycle Club House on North Main Avenue in Newton early on June 8 — police confirmed no arrests in the active investigation — as families await further notification.

Kendra Mack attended court on Friday to support her son Ke’andre Mack, 19, charged with attempted murder for a June 1 pool party shooting that killed one and injured 11, & she said she only wants justice served as further hearings and grand jury indictments are expected.

Maxton Martin hit a three run homer in the ninth inning that led the Hickory Crawdads to a comeback 9 to 7 win over Columbia Sunday afternoon at LP Frans Stadium.

Jekielek earned the win as the team remains 1.5 games behind Kannapolis & 0.5 behind Augusta in the standings.

Alexis Brown, a junior from Mableton, Georgia, was named the SAC Outdoor Women’s Track & Field Athlete of the Year after record setting performances at the national championships in Pueblo on June 8.

She broke NCAA Division II records in the 100 and 200 races and earned eight national championships during her career.

On Saturday evening, the Columbia Fireflies beat the Hickory Crawdads 5-3 at LP Frans Stadium as they scored single runs in five consecutive frames.

Brennon McNair broke the tie with his fifth home run of the season—helping Columbia build a 4-0 lead before Hickory narrowed the gap late in the game.

Hickory FC defeated Appalachian FC 1–0 on June 8 when Antonio Pineda scored two minutes after the break—putting the team five points clear in the Southeast Conference.

The match also set a new record for home attendance at Moretz Stadium.

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.

Story Time with Hickory Police Department

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Learn about safety from Officer Null while enjoying story time at the library.