Good morning, Hickory.

Ridgeview Branch Library will host a free Summer Picnic tomorrow from 11 a.m. to noon at the Z.

Ann Hoyle Community Room (706 First Street Southwest), featuring lunch, games, and activities for children, teens, and families to celebrate the end of its summer programming.

Tuesday, families can join a special story time at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. where the Humane Society of Catawba County will share pet care stories; later, Ridgeview Branch Library hosts a free summer picnic with lunch and games from 11 a.m. to noon.

Families in Burke County can once again enroll in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library after new registration was halted in February 2025 due to funding cuts.

Enrollment is now open to boost early literacy among local children.

NC Gov. Josh Stein signed a state budget that allocated over $100 million to boost child care provider reimbursements & start new training programs for early education teachers yesterday.

State leaders said the investments will help working families and improve access to affordable child care, especially in rural areas.

Catawba County Public Health won a Promising Practice Award on July 26 — the honor recognizes its work with the Detention Center and Social Services to help people overcome health challenges after incarceration.

The Hickory Crawdads split a doubleheader on Sunday, July 26 by losing 4-1 and winning 9-2 against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at LP Frans Stadium.

The team will rest today before traveling to Salisbury for a six-game series against the Delmarva Shorebirds.

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.