Good morning, Hickory.

A new report from the North Carolina Department of Commerce shows that unemployment rates increased in Hickory Metro and statewide, with Catawba County rising from 3.4 to 3.5 percent and the MSA climbing from 3.3 to 3.5 percent (May data) published today.

Catawba College has created the Gurski Family Endowed Scholarship to support pre-med students, with preference for those with financial need & planning for medical school.

On Monday, June 29, the City of Hickory discharged about 6,080 gallons of untreated wastewater into Lake Hickory at 179 Wildlife Access Rd. following a pump station failure+repairs are complete while the Division of Water Resources reviews the incident.

The City of Hickory announced that its yard waste facility will operate only on Fridays, effective immediately — residents should plan accordingly.

The NCDHHS has shared water safety, heat protection and food safety tips as families prepare for outdoor activities this holiday weekend — guidelines stress active supervision near water and proper food handling.

A national study shows North Carolina leads with the highest venomous snakebite rate at 18.79 incidents per 100,000 people and an estimated 856 bites yearly.

Local residents should stay cautious during warm months when venomous snakes (copperheads and rattlesnakes) are active in yards.

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.

Blakgraz Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — City Walk Brewery & Distillery — Cost Info not listed — Enjoy an evening of live music with 112+ original songs from Blakgraz.