Good morning, Hickory.

The City of Hickory will host its annual Kidfest on Saturday, Sept.

13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kiwanis Park—inviting children to enjoy free crafts, games and face painting. The event is sponsored by The Salvation Army, Kiwanis Club and Taylorsville Savings Bank—promising a fun day for local families.

A weekend shooting at a Hickory apartments damaged three cars — no injuries were reported.

On August 9, authorities arrested 32-year-old David Enoch McClellan and 51-year-old Frances Leeanna McClellan from Claremont on felony drug charges following a vehicle stop that led to a search—recovering marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms, cash and drug paraphernalia—and both are set to appear in District Court on August 25.

An 18-year-old from Morganton wrecked there and was taken to Hickory to face seven counts of attempted murder for an April shooting—he has been charged with the incident.

A new nursing scholarship has been set up for WPCC students in the four-year RIBN program with Lenoir-Rhyne, created by Dr. Thomas Franklin Jr. and his sister Nancy Sue Franklin in honor of their mother Mabel S.

Franklin — the first award will be given this fall.

This week, Renew NC surpassed 1,000 applications for its Single-Family Housing Program that assists homeowners whose houses were damaged by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina—aiming to help low- to moderate-income families.

Construction on the first home will begin within the next month as program teams connect with residents through local intake centers and on-site assessments.

Governor Josh Stein announced on August 12th that North Carolina received a $4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Pathway Home program to help incarcerated individuals gain job skills before returning to society.

The Division of Workforce Solutions—partnering with three local Workforce Development Boards—will run programs for pre-release training and post-release support in Hickory Metro facilities.

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.

Hickory Bot Battles Combat Robot Competition

September 12th & 13th — Carpenter Hall — Entry details TBA — Get ready for an exciting showdown of combat robots at the 8th annual Hickory Bot Battles.