Good morning, Hickory.

Catawba County United Way received a $120,000 grant from United Way of North Carolina and will sub-grant funds to three local nonprofits—Ashure Ministry in Newton, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, and The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory—to help families facing housing instability.

A 23-year-old motorcyclist from Granite Quarry died after his 2020 Kawasaki ran off the road and struck parked cars at Cloninger Ford of Hickory on Friday night—Hickory police said excessive speed was a factor and that the investigation is ongoing.

35-year-old Christian Jordan Allen from Hickory was arrested last Wednesday — August 27 — on charges of possessing a stolen vehicle, resisting an officer, injuring property, having drug paraphernalia and a fugitive warrant, and he is held on $21,700 bond with district court dates set for September 2, September 4 and November 3.

Hickory Public Library's Ridgeview Branch (706 First Street SW) has opened a Rootle Discovery Corner where families can access free, play-based resources including books, STEM activities and literacy games to boost early learning.

The Hickory Police Department is stepping up enforcement on Falling Creek Road Northeast this month to target distracted driving, speeding, and following too close—motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are urged to obey traffic rules for safety.

On Tuesday night at LP Frans Stadium, the Hickory Crawdads won 3-2 over Charleston RiverDogs when Kleimer Lemos stole home in the fifth inning for the game-winning run—Lemos, making his LP Frans debut, doubled twice as Josh Owens got his hit and Enrique Segura pitched five innings.

On Tuesday, 9/2, high school volleyball teams played in two conferences—Hickory scored 1 point in the Western Foothills matchups—and teams such as East Burke, Draughn, Hibriten, and Patton earned wins in the Western Piedmont games.

The posted scores show that the day’s matches were competitive and had varied outcomes.

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.

Sails Original Music Series

6-7:30 p.m. — Taft Broome Park — Free admission — Experience the electrifying sounds of Selwyn Birchwood as part of a vibrant music series in Hickory.

The Piedmont Boys Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — $— Enjoy an evening of live music from the acclaimed Piedmont Boys, who bring their Southern roots to Hickory.

Level X - Tribute to Women Who Rock

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — Ticket info TBA — Experience high-energy performances of iconic songs from legendary female artists.

Italian Wine Journey with the Tommasi Family

6-9 p.m. — FOURK — $118 per person — Experience a culinary adventure through Italy’s wine regions with expertly paired courses from the Tommasi Family.