Good morning, Hickory.

James E. Strates Shows brings a classic carnival to Hickory today at Motor Speedway, where the Summer Fair runs through June 29 and features over 25 rides including the Sky Flyer and Dream Wheel—families can enjoy free parking, free entry for children and ride tickets priced at 50 cents each with adult admission at $5.

Hatch Sandwich Bar closed temporarily after a fire damaged its kitchen, and owner Zach Harkins said all cooking equipment was lost — the restaurant will assess repairs before reopening.

On June 18, 2025, 32 year old Ashton Durrell Farley of Hickory and 46 year old Thomas Eugene Ikard of Lenoir were sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and meth—Farley got 235 months in prison with five years of supervised release while Ikard was sentenced to 60 months with four years following a ten month investigation by the ATF and local police.

On June 16, 24-year-old Cody Dean Limbo from Airport Rhodhiss Road in Hickory attempted to flee from a deputy during a medical evaluation at UNC Health Blue Ridge and was quickly subdued with hospital security's help—he faces charges for felony escape, misdemeanor assault on a government official and resisting a public officer with a $100,000 secured bond while awaiting his District Court appearance on June 27.

At Tuesday night meeting—Hickory City Council honored outgoing police Chief Reed Baer, who said, 'It’s been an honor and a privilege to do it'—as he prepares to enter civilian life.

Hickory is seeking a $2 million grant to improve the intersection at Startown Road and Catawba Valley Boulevard—this location was identified as a high priority in the local Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Safety Action Plan.

AMOREM was named a 2025 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst & the agency met national benchmarks by scoring above required performance measures.

The local nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider has served patients and families for over 40 years.

At the North Carolina Amateur last weekend at Cardinal by Pete Dye in Greensboro, Lenoir-Rhyne's Holt Allison tied for 10th and rising junior Matthew McDougall finished three strokes behind—he posted a second round 65 that tied for the event's second lowest round.

Two Lenoir-Rhyne sophomores, Madison Primm and Lani Warren, were named the 10th and 11th Academic All-Americans in softball history; Primm earned first-team honors while Warren was recognized as a second-team catcher.

They joined seven SAC honorees this season with strong academics (Primm is a marketing major with a 3.89 GPA) and performance credentials (Warren is a psychology major with a 3.97 GPA).

Marcos Torres hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning on June 18 to give the Hickory Crawdads a 6-4 win over Delmarva at LP Frans Stadium+ Delmarva jumped out with four runs in the first two innings before Hickory rallied late.

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.