Good morning, Hickory.

On June 11, a funeral procession for firefighter Jake Bridges started at 8:30 a.m. at Bennett Funeral Service on NC 16 in Newton, and his memorial began at 11 a.m. at the Hickory Metro Convention Center as family requested no media—neighbors were advised to expect traffic delays.

On June 10, a collision on Conley Road near Arthur Mull Road in Burke County sent three children ages 7, 8, and 9 in critical condition when a 2007 Chevrolet HHR pulled into the path of a 2017 Nissan Altima — Hickory driver Haley Erin McCorkle was charged with failure to yield and the roadway was closed for about two hours.

The investigation into the mass shooting on Walnut Acres Drive in Mountain View that occurred on June 1 continued as eight people were charged—one person was killed and 11 injured—and police asked anyone who lost a cell phone at the scene to call 828-464-3112.

Catawba County officials updated the Unified Development Ordinance to amend zoning, overlay maps, and floodplain standards—community workshops, surveys, and interviews will provide input before draft amendments go to the Planning Board and County Board of Commissioners for review.

The update aligns the ordinance with the county's comprehensive plan and new state regulations.

Today, the NCDHHS is asking the public to review and give feedback on its Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2026-2030), which is designed to improve mental health care statewide.

The plan, created with the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Violence Prevention and the Department of Public Instruction, outlines new strategies to reduce suicide risks among youth, veterans, and Black youth, with feedback accepted until July 9.

Nearly 70 athletic trainers, coaches, emergency medical professionals and health care providers gathered on Tuesday at Lenoir-Rhyne University for a sideline emergency management training event.

The event was sponsored by Frye Regional Sports Medicine—bringing together over 40 local agencies to practice key techniques for handling high school sports emergencies.

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.

Scanography: Plant Collages

6-7 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Materials provided — Create beautiful art using greenery and florals using only a flatbed scanner.

House of Hair 80's Metal

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — $17.45+ — Experience a blast from the past with an electrifying tribute to 80's Hair Metal.