Good morning, Hickory.

On August 12, The Corner Table received a $2,000 Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation to support its hunger-relief programs in Catawba County.

Local Starbucks employees nominated the nonprofit after observing its work delivering hot meals + weekend food bags to families.

Consumer prices in Hickory and the region increased 3.2 percent over the past 12 months with energy (gas up 26.4 percent) and groceries pushing costs higher while wages grew 4.1 percent statewide; the next inflation report is due on Sept.

11.

Prysmian North America announced a $1B expansion of its Claremont facility — promising over 385 new jobs and an extra 900,000 sqft for production and R&D.

A public hearing is set for Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. to review local incentives with work expected to finish by 2030.

The City of Hickory is hosting its second public meeting today for the CREEC project at Highland Recreation Center (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).

Residents can share ideas to help shape a center for outdoor learning and recreation.

AMOREM was named a Hospice Elite for scoring above national benchmarks on all 22 evaluated questions—this first-time award highlights its long-standing commitment to quality care for patients and families.

The American Red Cross reports that a blood shortage continues and local drives need three extra donors to help stabilize the supply.

Officials say additional donors could ensure that patients in Hickory receive lifesaving care & keep hospitals ready for emergencies.

Tuesday, Aug. 11 marked the start of high school girls volleyball in the Western Foothills Athletic 4A/5A Conference (Hickory and Fred T.

Foard each won three matches while West Iredell and Bunker Hill lost). Storms disrupted play in parts of Hickory Metro.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, the Hickory Crawdads scored three runs in the ninth inning at Atrium Health Ballpark but lost 5+4 to the Cannon Ballers after a double play ended their rally, with Pablo Guerrero going 3-for-4 to lead the comeback effort.

The Hickory Crawdads won a 3-1 game on Aug.

12 with Marco Argudin’s three-run home run providing their only scoring hit (the team managed just two hits) at Atrium Health Ballpark, while strong pitching helped limit Kannapolis to one run amid rain delays.