Good morning, Hickory.

Catawba County Board of Education Vice Chair Clayton Mullis explained his nomination of Greg Whitener to serve on the school board.

A recent advisory from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council said 92 counties are in drought, with Wilson and Edgecombe facing severe conditions—water users must follow water shortage plans.

Rainfall has been 2 to 4 inches below normal in the west and over 10 inches below normal in the central coastal plain—low humidity and high winds are increasing fire danger during the fall wildfire season.

State officials are launching the 'Click It or Ticket' campaign to boost seat belt use as millions are expected to travel this Thanksgiving season—law enforcement agencies will increase patrols through November 30 to help reduce injuries and deaths caused by unbuckled drivers.

Governor Josh Stein and state agencies announced an additional investment to help families affected by Hurricane Helene—raising total support to $3.75 million in the 22 hardest-hit counties.

A $2 million allocation will enable Trillium Health Resources to offer respite events at Henry’s House at Victory Junction in Randleman—with details coming by spring.

Hickory Mayor Hank Guess said on November 24 that federal immigration officials had been present in the city since last week—he stressed that the city did not participate in the actions and urged residents to feel safe.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services submitted its Rural Health Transformation Plan to CMS earlier this month—showing how $200 million a year in federal funding will improve care in 85 counties.

CMS will decide by December 31 and the program will start in early 2026 to provide every North Carolinian with affordable, quality care.

Lenoir-Rhyne University will host their Winter Bears Huddle (presented by Osborne Real Estate Group) at City Walk Brewing on Monday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m. Head coaches for men’s basketball, women’s basketball and swimming will share plans and meet local fans.

Point of View Teen Writing Club

5-6 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Unleash creativity through writing challenges and storytelling games with fellow teen writers.

SAFe® 5.1 (LPM) Training Workshop

9 AM-1 AM — Hickory, NC — Early bird pricing starts at $1,346.06 — This two-day workshop equips attendees with essential Lean Portfolio Management tools and techniques.