Good morning, Hickory.

A woman and a juvenile lost their lives on Thursday in a Catawba County crash when a car crossed the center line, drove off the left side of the road, turned over and hit several trees—21-year-old driver was charged with DWI.

Burke County Sheriff's Office charged two men—26-year-old Ethan Trae Kistler of Wilson Heights Avenue and 24-year-old Kevin Blaine Jenkins of US 70—for armed robberies reported early on July 17 in Connelly Springs; Kistler will appear in court today while Jenkins was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

A 31-year-old local has filed to run for mayor—challenging incumbent Hank Guess and noting that growing up in Hickory instilled a deep connection to the city.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed a lawsuit on July 16 against FEMA after the agency canceled the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program that brings over $200 million to safeguard North Carolina’s infrastructure from storm damage.

He asks the court to issue a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop FEMA from reallocating funds— a demand that follows a bipartisan letter from Representative Chuck Edwards and Senator Thom Tillis.

Newly sworn Hickory Police Chief Bryan Adams said having a heart for serving others is essential for good police work.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Strength and Conditioning program, led by Trent Caldwell (hired in 2019), helped the school finish in the top-35 in the Learfield Directors Cup for four years while opening the Neill McGeachy Performance Center in September 2019.

The program also launched a summer internship to teach athletes proper strength and nutrition techniques.

Big Bang Boom!

10-11 a.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly rock concert perfect for kids of all ages in a cozy library setting.

Furniture Festival & Clearance Sale

9 AM – 6 PM — Hickory Furniture Mart — Free entry — Discover amazing discounts on furniture while enjoying artisan displays and demonstrations.

Sunny Ledfurd Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — No cover — Enjoy an eclectic mix of tunes from Sunny Ledfurd's broad musical influences.

Summer Heat Mixed Moneyball Tournament

5:30 AM — Carolina Pickleball Club - Hickory — Competitive entry — Enjoy an exciting day of mixed doubles pickleball action under the summer sun.

ASICS XC Night

6-8 p.m. — Fleet Feet Hickory — Free entry — Gear up for your XC season with exclusive insights and gear at Fleet Feet.

Metallica & Guns and Roses Tribute

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — $17.45 - $519.00 — Experience a night of classic rock as tribute bands King Nothing and Appetite for Illusion rock out to legends Metallica and Guns N' Roses.