Good morning, Hickory.

On Wednesday, August 6, the Hickory Police Department and the Hickory Crawdads will host National Night Out at L.P.

Frans Stadium starting at 6 p.m.—local officers from several units will answer questions and invite people to vote for the best patrol car. At 7 p.m., the Crawdads will face the Columbia Fireflies while children 12 and under receive free tickets, meal vouchers, and amusement passes.

Tyrus Terrill Sanders, 48, was sentenced to serve 20 to 26 years in prison—after a Catawba County jury found him guilty of trafficking fentanyl—and he must also pay a $1.5 million fine.

The Town of Long View announced its new Chief of Police Justin Reid effective August 1 — he brings 15 years of law enforcement experience and will lead with a focus on community safety.

The North Carolina Department of Labor recovered over $2.5 million in unpaid wages from thousands of complaints that involved overtime shortfalls, withheld commissions, and unpaid final paychecks—Labor Commissioner Luke Farley said the recovery demonstrates the department's commitment to ensuring workers receive the wages they are owed.

North Carolina Emergency Management announced that residents in Helene disaster-declared counties must submit project interest forms by August 31 for the NC-PRB program—this program will also start a formal application process in early September to offer reimbursements of up to 50 percent for qualifying private road and bridge repairs. Officials said more than 5,100 forms have been received since mid-March, and repair work has already started in several affected counties.

The Lenoir-Rhyne football team was voted to finish first in the South Atlantic Conference preseason poll and is relying on returning talent and new transfers as they prepare to open the season on August 29 against West Florida — seven players, including James Ussery, are named as players to watch.

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.