Good morning, Hickory.

Today, the I-40 Exit 111 bridge over Carolina Street Southeast in Valdese is closed for maintenance and repairs—motorists must use Exit 112 and Eldred Street SE to access Carolina Street SE.

The project will continue until Friday, July 11th.

Four search warrants reveal that cellphone and social media records show charged suspects discussed planning the June 1 pool party shooting during a May 30 meeting at a Waffle House—this attack at Walnut Acres Drive resulted in one death and 11 injuries.

Catawba County officials plan to force merge Newton-Conover City Schools into Catawba County Schools at a July meeting after notifying the district on June 6; the Newton-Conover Board of Education will oppose the move today at 5:30 p.m. at the city schools administrative office on 605 N. Ashe Ave—public comment sessions are open to local residents.

Hickory City Council will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Julian G.

Whitener Municipal Building to receive an update on the Public Housing Authority’s lawsuit against Nu Dimensions — which seeks $278,183.99 — and to review the 2025-2026 fiscal budget that includes a 9.9% increase and a rise in property taxes. The agenda also lists awarding a $5,985,858 sewer extension contract and applying for a $2,500,000 grant for safety improvements on Catawba Valley Boulevard.

Frye Regional Medical Center hosted the 2025 Eastern Division Patient Experience Summit today where nursing leaders attended interactive workshops — such as role-play training and bedside shift report escape rooms — to learn new skills and improve patient care.

The summit focused on overcoming challenges and sharing success stories to enhance quality care.

The Lincoln Charter Chaotic Angels beat the Mill Creek Avengers 18—12 in the Modern Nissan Unifour Girls Flag Football Championship at Athletes Lab in Maiden on Thursday.

The win marks a key moment in the league and sets up the teams for a competitive finish to the season.

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.