Good morning, Hickory.

Bruce Meisner Dog Park will open Friday, Oct.

30, and the city will hold a ribbon cutting and celebration on Nov. 5 at Hickory Optimist Park.

Adrienne Opdyke is marking 20 years as executive director of the Catawba County Children's Advocacy Center, which helps abused and neglected children and continues to offer therapy, forensic interviews, and family support from its Newton office.

Family Care Center of Catawba Valley is seeking sponsors for its annual Adopt-A-Family program to provide gifts & essentials to local families this holiday season; organizers say volunteers can sign up with the nonprofit.

Catawba County Board of Education member Clayton C.

Mullis resigned at the board’s regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 26, with his resignation effective upon adjournment; he cited an upcoming relocation and increased professional responsibilities.

North Carolina will ban landfill disposal of lithium-ion batteries starting Dec.

1, and Catawba County is urging residents to drop loose or embedded batteries at store take-back sites or call Utilities & Engineering for guidance (look for 'Li-ion' labels).

Graystone Eye has added Dr. Priyal Shah, a retina specialist trained in diagnosing and managing retinal and complex ocular conditions, to its Hickory practice to expand comprehensive eye care.