Good morning, Hickory.

The Art in the Park Silent Auction is open for bids, showcasing stunning artwork, handcrafted pieces & one-of-a-kind treasures donated by local artists.

Residents can check local postings for event details and join the community celebration of creativity.

Visitors spent more than $363 million in Catawba County in 2025, supporting 2,551 jobs and generating about $90.77 million in payroll plus $27.47 million in tax revenue, equating to an average of $161.56 per resident.

Regional spending also supported 4,200 tourism jobs in four counties.

Due to Monday evening storms, N.C.

Forest Service closed Tuttle Educational State Forest. Officials will reopen the site after damage assessments and safety checks are completed + more updates will follow.

State Farm announced its largest-ever cash-back dividend at $5 billion for auto policyholders in North Carolina who had an active policy in 2025 & the average payment will be around $100 per vehicle this summer with some already mailed.

Catawba Valley Community College announced that Hickory native Jovan Hoover will join its women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach.

He brings over 10 years of coaching experience from high school and collegiate programs + a strong local connection.

Tuesday night, the Hickory Crawdads overcame a 5-0 deficit with 12 late runs and 16 hits to win 12-5 over the Delmarva Shorebirds at LP Frans Stadium.

Pablo Guerrero hit a three-run homer to help his team lead the series.

Delmarva Shorebirds scored four in the ninth to defeat the Crawdads 9-5 on Wednesday night at LP Frans Stadium.

Hickory's Seong-Jun Kim made his debut with two scoreless innings + game three is set for 7 p.m. Thursday.

Hickory swept unbeaten Fred T.

Foard on Tuesday, Aug. 18, extending the Tornadoes’ winning streak to 17 matches in conference play. Other games saw Maiden sweep West Iredell & South Caldwell win a five-set county match as Alexander Central lost its first game on the road.