Good morning, Hickory.

61-year-old Horace Junior Clontz was arrested in Catawba County on September 3 for possession of meth, heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia—he is also charged with traffic violations—and he was jailed without bond with a District Court date set today.

Today, the Hickory Police Department launches its September traffic enforcement PACT — Pay Attention in City Traffic — on Falling Creek Road NE to target distracted driving, speeding, following too close and other violations while urging pedestrians and cyclists to use crosswalks and obey signals for safety.

Catawba County Schools students made academic gains in the 2024-25 results from NCDPI—nearly 80% of the 27 schools met or exceeded growth expectations, with 94% of the elementary schools reaching their targets.

The district's four-year graduation rate rose to 90.9%, surpassing the statewide average.

The Old Farmers Almanac has forecasted a near-normal winter for most areas but colder temperatures and increased snowfall for parts of the Appalachians, Southeast, and Ohio Valley.

The report also noted drier conditions overall with above-average rain in areas like Florida and the eastern Desert Southwest—forcing locals to prepare for winter weather in 2025-2026.

Frye Regional Medical Center added two new employees yesterday—Caroline Robbins, PA-C joined the cardiovascular care team and Paul Boone, MD joined neurosurgery—and both bring strong skill in heart and brain care.

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.