Good morning, Hickory.

Carolina West Wireless announced on Thursday it will transition its network to Verizon and stop service on September 30 so customers must transfer their accounts to keep their numbers; the provider served the community for 35 years and is making the change to meet evolving technology demands.

Alexander County’s Summer Concert Series and Independence Celebration is scheduled for Friday, July 18 at Alexander County Courthouse Park.

The Extraordinaires perform at 7 p.m. on the Rotary Performance Stage while fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. at Alexander Central High School, with food trucks on site.

Local officials confirmed Microsoft will invest at least $1 billion over 10 years to build four data centers in Catawba County.

The project, which uses about 1% of the city's water capacity (under Community-First Infrastructure principles), aims to boost local tax revenue and support essential services.

StrongLead honored the 2026 graduating class of the High Performance Leaders Program today in Hickory — a program that invests in developing local leaders and bolsters a sustained commitment to growth.

Catawba County Public Health urges families to schedule well-child visits and update school-required vaccinations before classes begin this fall.

Health Supervisor Marianne Vogel says getting immunizations now will help protect children and reduce avoidable absences (and support essential screenings).

The Hickory Crawdads overcame an early five-run deficit to win 11-10 against the Hill City Howlers Tuesday night at LP Frans Stadium; game two is scheduled for 7 pm Wednesday at the same venue.

4th of July Music Festival and Fireworks

5:30-11:30 p.m. — L. P. Frans Stadium — $25-$30 — Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a vibrant concert and a spectacular fireworks show.