Good morning, Hickory.

Burke County Sheriff’s Officers arrested 18-year-old Kylee Latod Simpson last Friday after deputies responded to calls of a suspicious vehicle and an overturned car on Belmont Drive — he was treated at UNC Health Blue Ridge before being turned over to Hickory Police on the Burke/Catawba line and now faces extradition for two counts of attempted first-degree murder while held on a $400,000 bond at the Catawba County Detention Facility.

Today, Catawba County is studying whether to merge all three school systems, including Hickory City Schools, by reviewing enrollment data and building capacity.

Officials said past efforts in 1997 faced public pushback and any merger must include all systems & follow state rules.

Today, Catawba County Schools announced a three-year initiative in a new partnership with AI for Education—supported by a state-funded grant—to implement generative AI at its 28 schools and build AI literacy among students, educators, administrators and caregivers for an AI-driven future.

Starting Monday, August 18, 12th Avenue NW in Hickory will be closed from Old Lenoir Road NW to Sixth Street NW for storm drain repairs — the detour route will be clearly marked and the road will reopen by end of day Friday, August 22.

Newton is building a new fire station in the Startown community to improve response times and give firefighters the resources they need to keep families and businesses safe — officials also announced plans for a new city park nearby.

Former Lenoir-Rhyne baseball standout Justin Dean made his MLB debut on August 11 with the Dodgers after playing seven seasons and 680 minor league games—becoming the first Bear in modern Major League Baseball.

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.