Good morning, Hickory.

38-year-old Kurtis James Yearwood, previously convicted in Caldwell County for indecent liberties with a minor, was arrested on July 30 at U.S. 70 in Hickory for felony failure to register as a sex offender and is held on a $4,500 bond with a District Court hearing set for today—his offenses date back to 2009.

31-year-old Jalen Rumeale Barber from South Ervin Avenue in Newton was arrested today in Catawba County on charges of felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, common law robbery and assault on a female—he is held at the Catawba County Detention Facility with no bond and faces a District Court appearance scheduled for today.

Newton Performing Arts Center announced its 2025-2026 season with the Village People performing Friday, September 12 and Def Leppard’s Journey tribute band on September 19.

The center at 60 West 6th Street will also host additional concerts, comedy shows and special performances throughout the season+ promising a varied lineup for local audiences.

Unemployment rates increased in all four Hickory Metro counties based on a report released July 30 by the North Carolina Department of Commerce Labor & Economic Division.

The June numbers show rises in Catawba, Alexander, Burke and Caldwell counties – and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA went from 3.6 to 3.9 percent from May.

Doug Johnson, retired chief executive officer of Blue Ridge Energy, received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Board President Jeff Joines during a board meeting.

He spent 47 years improving energy service and community aid—he said serving others is the greatest work of life.

The Hickory Crawdads had three hits in a 5-0 loss at Fayetteville on July 30.

Star hitter Yeremey Cabrera (who got his first hit and stole his 35th base) and teammates Ben Hartl and Paulino Santana (earning the other hits) left the team at 53-44 overall.

Tisha England was promoted to Director of Athletic Operations & Intramurals for Red Hawk Athletics at CVCC on July 30th.

Nikkyana McCaskill, a longtime assistant & CVCC alumnus, was named head women's basketball coach.

Local middle school students attended basketball camps at NC State in Raleigh and UNC in Chapel Hill this summer using all-expense-paid scholarships from Blue Ridge Energy.

The scholarships, awarded based on academic and extracurricular achievements, helped more than 50 students experience college life—teaching skills they can use both on and off the court.

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.