Good morning, Hickory.

The Hickory Police Department announced that it is accepting applications for the 2025 Cops for Tots Wish House program, which will run from December 10 to December 12 at the police training annex on 320 3rd Street SW—families must pre-register and show valid IDs and residency in eligible counties to participate. Monetary donations and new, unwrapped toys are also being collected to support children from birth to 13.

Catawba County will hold meetings next week about school facilities and a possible merger.

The meetings will be held in Maiden, Hickory, Terrell and Conover—scheduled for October 21, 22, 23 and 28.

Hospitals in Catawba, Iredell, Burke, McDowell & Caldwell counties have forgiven more than $233.72 million in unpaid medical debt for 50,000 patients, easing the burden for local residents.

The initiative, led by Catawba County hospitals, reflects a strong regional effort to support community health.

Hector Taboada scored a hat trick as Lenoir-Rhyne won 3-0 over Carson-Newman last Saturday, helping the Bears secure their fourth straight win; the team outscored opponents 9-0 and now sits second in the SAC.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears won their homecoming football game against UVA Wise 23-10 as they led in possession and rushing (with UVA Wise gaining only 47 yards) and improved their record to 4-4.

The team will face Mars Hill next week.

On October 19th, the Lenoir-Rhyne swim teams competed in a tri-meet against Mars Hill and King.

The men's team won two races while the women's team, after a loss to Mars Hill, earned a win against King with strong performances by Renato Herran, Christopher Forsey, Addison Bartemeyer and Olivia DeRosier.

The Lenoir-Rhyne women’s soccer team blanked Carson-Newman 2-0 on October 19th.

Nicole Auger and Kennedy Flowers each scored while Riley Miller recorded her seventh shutout — boosting the Bears' winning streak.

CWGMP Association Convention and Fan Awards 2025

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Brookford Community Building — Check website for ticket info — Experience vibrant vocal performances and instruction from talented artists.

November Cash Flow Cafe

Spinnaker Financial holds its monthly Cash Flow Café with breakfast snacks and Emerson’s Coffee Co. on Saturday, November 8th, from 9:00–10:30 AM at The Underground at The Hickory Hub. This month is "Coffee Talk", bring your money questions and get answers that make a difference.