Independent local coverage for Catawba County, Hickory, Newton, and Conover.
Latest local news
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May 4 commissioners put $10.821 million toward five CCS middle-school expansions and $27.8 million toward QSCB debt
The 7 p.m. meeting also surplus-listed a CVMC Hickory property for a $240,000 Lutheran Home offer and recognized Civic Leadership Academy graduates.
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Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne set Summer Track Series Thursdays June 4–25
Age-group events run 6–9 p.m. at the LRU outdoor track; series entry is $30, or $10 a night, with a $5 walk-up increase.
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Stage 2 drought puts mandatory water limits on Hickory system customers, including unincorporated Catawba
After CW-DMAG declared Stage 2 of the Low Inflow Protocol on May 1, Hickory entered Stage 2 under its Water Shortage Response Plan, with odd/even irrigation days and listed penalties.
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Newton asks water customers to begin voluntary reductions May 4
Mayor Jerry T. Hodge cites expanding extreme drought and the Jacob Fork River supply as the city issues a voluntary advisory, not a mandate.
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Conover enters Stage 2 Low Inflow Protocol with mandatory water restrictions
CW-DMAG’s May 1 declaration shifts Conover from voluntary conservation to scheduled irrigation, pool limits, and utility-bill surcharges.
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County household hazardous waste drop-off is 9 a.m.–1 p.m. May 2 at the Newton fairgrounds
The free Catawba County residents-only event takes paint, batteries, electronics, and medications; no trailers, tires, or sharps.
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Chamber names 2026–27 Leadership Catawba Advisory Board
An April 28 Chamber announcement lists alumni who will help plan Leadership Catawba sessions for the coming year.
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Hickory CRC names Superintendent Jennifer Griffin the 2026 Human Relations Award recipient
The Community Relations Council presented the award at the April 25 Multicultural Festival downtown.
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Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne CORE Hackathon sends student plans toward a 2027 outdoor event
Lauren Arnold won the April 20 pitches at Lake Hickory Pub & Marina; LRU’s College of Business funded prizes.
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Long View names Melissa Lalonde interim town manager, first woman in the role
Aldermen voted April 13 to appoint the finance director effective July 1, after Town Manager James Cozart’s retirement.
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CVCC and Hickory cut ribbon on Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex
The April 22 ceremony in Hickory’s Innovation District was held with the CVCC Foundation, the city, and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
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Aviation 5K returns to Winkler Park May 23 as the second Hickory 5K Series race
Registration is $30 through May 10, then $35; the course uses the Hickory Bridge on Aviation Walk.
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Chair Randy Isenhower appointed to a fourth Golden LEAF Foundation board term
The Newton attorney has served on the foundation board since 2013, previously as chair; FY 2025 figures listed 1,665 jobs and more than $116 million in new payrolls.
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Recycle Right: plastic bags, batteries, and food waste can wreck a whole truckload
The city said one contaminated cart can send tons of otherwise recyclable material to the landfill.
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Commissioners vote 3-2 to approve plan merging three school systems, effective July 1, 2028
The April 21 county notice says the Board of Commissioners approved merging Catawba County Schools, Hickory City Schools, and Newton-Conover City Schools into a Catawba Valley School District, now headed to the State Board of Education.
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Third Hickory Multicultural Festival is 4–7 p.m. April 25 on Union Square
A Quilt of Valor and the 2026 Human Relations Awards open the night; rain location is Ridgeview Recreation Center.
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Hickory presents Business. Well Crafted. Legacy Award to Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company
Dave Leonetti presented the award April 15 for more than 100 years of family-owned distribution from Hickory.
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Conover City Manager Tom Hart declares Stage 1 Low Inflow Protocol, asks for voluntary cuts
After April 16 basin indicators met the threshold, Conover seeks a 3-5 percent reduction with odd/even watering days before any mandate.
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Sails Original Music Series returns Fridays at 7 p.m. in May, June, and September
Protection Products, Inc. is presenting sponsor; Sept. 26 moves to Taft Broome Park at 5 p.m. with Festival on the Field.
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Hickory takes five NC3C communications awards, including two firsts for Crafting Hickory
The small-population category also gave third-place honors to the James Pond stormwater video and Trash Talk Tuesday theme song.
