Good morning, Hickory.

A regional committee will develop strategies to boost economic growth — providing a tool that helps guide smart investments and policies to benefit local businesses and citizens.

The YMCA Greater Catawba Valley program helped local kids with school supplies by giving each a $150 gift card and pairing them with a T-Mobile volunteer for a Belk shopping trip.

This effort aimed to make school preparedness more affordable.

Catawba County schools resumed classes on Monday as about 21,800 students attended the three districts (enrollment was confirmed as of Aug.

11).

On Monday, the Western Piedmont Council of Governments continued its court pursuit of over $278K in unpaid debt from Nu-Dimensions, a debt tied to local housing units (a judge confirmed the amount remains outstanding).

NCDHHS advises families to update children's vaccines during school visits as back-to-school begins; vaccines for measles, meningitis and whooping cough are available at local providers+ clinics, and uninsured children can get free shots through the Vaccines for Children program.

Bunker Hill delivered an 8-0 win over West Caldwell on Monday night while Patton secured a 1-0 shutout against Freedom and both St. Stephens and Lincolnton played to a 2-2 draw; Draughn won 2-1 on the road and Fred T.

Foard went scoreless with Brevard.

On Monday, Aug. 17, local high school volleyball saw Hickory win in straight sets over Hendersonville, Hibriten beat West Wilkes in four sets, and Alexander Central win over Newton-Conover (remaining unbeaten).

Freedom earned their first win against East Burke.