Good morning, Hickory.

Hickory nonprofits are facing fewer donations and federal funding cuts that could force groups like Exodus Homes to reduce services for local residents—Exodus may close a housing unit if repairs cannot be funded.

The funding decline also means that food pantries in the area will pick up supplies less often as they struggle to serve families in need.

25-year-old Luca Tyler Buntic from North Ashe Avenue in Newton was arrested on July 25 by Hickory Police Officers and charged with felony flee to elude arrest, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, failure to heed light or siren, reckless driving with wanton disregard, and resisting a public officer—he is held on a $40,000 bond with his District Court hearing scheduled for today.

39-year-old William Chase Pate of River Road in Morganton was arrested Friday for felony possession of fentanyl at a residence on Joseph Burns Road in Connelly Springs and is also wanted on federal drug indictments for meth trafficking and firearm possession—he is scheduled for his first court appearance today at Burke County Jail.

Court documents show that a GMC Yukon used in the fatal shooting at the Outlaws clubhouse in Newton on June 8 was recovered from a Goose Creek home, and police raided the Pagans clubhouse in Lenoir at about 4 a.m. on June 30—seizing three handguns, cellphones and surveillance equipment after neighbors reported explosions.

Hickory claimed its first series win with a 5-2 triumph at LP Frans Stadium on Friday as Yeremy Cabrera had three hits—including a home run that gave the team the lead—while Garrett Horn and Thomas Ireland held Augusta to 13 hits and Hector Osorio added a solo homer to secure the win.

Braylin Morel hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to help the Hickory Crawdads win 4+1 against the Augusta GreenJackets at LP Frans Stadium on July 27th.

Pitcher Jake Jekielek earned his sixth win while other teammates held the score with key scoreless innings.

On Saturday night, Michael Bumgarner won the 100-lap late model race by 2.4 seconds while Helio Meza, Dexter Canipe III and Carter McMurray secured wins in the limiteds, Carolina Pro Late Model, and modifides contests.

The zMax Cars Touring Series will return at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 2 — offering a $50,000 prize for the Late Model feature and $30,000 for the Pro Late Model feature.

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.

Throwdown Jones & Bad Romeo Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets starting at $17.45 — Enjoy a night of energetic rock music from the vibrant Throwdown Jones band.

Hickory Fair

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds — Cost varies — Enjoy a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, and farming exhibits over six days.