Good morning, Hickory.

Downtown Hickory will host its 39th annual Oktoberfest from Oct.

9 to 11, featuring live music, beer gardens, and food vendors — Empire Strikes Brass performs from 9:15 to 10:45 while The Deluge plays from 9:15 p.m. to 10:45.

Hickory residents support plans for a new learning center on the Catawba River after a survey showed 89% of households reported unmet environmental education needs; local organizers say design details are pending (further planning is underway).

On Aug. 13, Senator Eddie Settle donated checks to Alexander County fire departments and the Rescue Squad to help buy needed equipment.

Officials said the funds will be divided evenly among the departments, and the Rescue Squad received a check for 20,000 dollars.

Catawba County commissioners accepted a $375,000 grant from the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission to remove debris from streams and authorized the county manager to sign the agreement.

The board also allocated $48,000 in fire-district funds for Bandy’s Crossroads Fire Department (for firefighter gear and radios).

North Carolina Health and Human Services urges families to check that children’s vaccines are current as school resumes this month, since vaccines help lower the risk of measles, meningitis, and whooping cough (ensuring school success).

Local clinics and community centers offer free or low-cost shots.