Good morning, Hickory.

On Wednesday, August 6, Corning and Apple said they will expand their long partnership—Apple is paying $2.5 billion to have all cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches made in the U.S. at Corning’s new factory in Harrodsburg—and they will boost work in Hickory and at Apple’s data center in Maiden.

Jacob Aaron Mata, a 31-year-old resident of Eden Lane in Conover, was arrested on Tuesday (August 5) by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers and charged with felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction and misdemeanor probation violation; he is held at Catawba County Detention Facility with a $110,000 bond and is set to appear in court on August 11 and August 19.

Jesse Yang, 37, of 23rd Avenue Lane NE in Hickory was arrested last Saturday, August 2, after officers stopped his car on I-40 Eastbound and found open beer cans; a search found a zip-lock bag with marijuana, bags with methamphetamine, and smoking pipes, and Yang now faces felony charges of possession with intent to sell & deliver marijuana as well as charges for methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and an open container, while another suspect faces misdemeanor charges.

Authorities from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office are seeking help to locate 61 year old Sheila Alice Smith—a white female reported missing after her last communication on August 2 at 4:00 p.m. while waiting for a ride, last seen heading to a house party in Denver and described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 110 pounds with short brown hair, numerous tattoos, and wearing a red and blue striped short sleeve shirt and blue jeans.

31-year-old Carl Lloyd Almany III of Claremont pleaded guilty to property crimes on August 5 in Catawba County Superior Court and received a six- to nine-year prison sentence that will begin after his current DAC custody term—his penalty was enhanced by his habitual felon status and previous convictions.

In Conover, eight candidates are running to fill three city council seats, with six seeking full terms + two running for an unexpired term after former councilman Bruce Eckard’s death.

The mayor is running unopposed and other local offices in Catawba County also are holding elections this fall.

Most North Carolina State Health Plan members who do not receive Medicare will be given a no cost surgical benefit in October through a partnership with Lantern—this benefit will cover 1,500 orthopedic procedures that members normally pay for under a PPO.

Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Basketball coach Brent Owen closed recruitment for the 2025-26 season by adding eight newcomers and retaining nine returners after losing three top scorers from last season — the Bears will open their season on November 1st and 2nd at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Lakeland, Florida — and he expects the new roster to compete with the best teams.

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.