Community Corner

🌱 Why Hickory leaders just gave WHKY a major legacy award

Coming up: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings on the Hickory Patch calendar

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Morning Hickory! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Hickory leaders just gave WHKY a major legacy award
  • How a new grant will change storytime for Hickory’s youngest readers
  • How new Helene recovery grants will reshape Hickory’s surrounding counties

Also on today's calendar: Window Walks: Exploring the Art of Retail — Hickory Museum of Art and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Hickoryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Hickoryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Cooler with occasional rain, with a high of 49 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Friday: Windy and not as cool, temps: high: 57, low: 27.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 54 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City Of Hickory Honors WHKY (whky.com) — Hickory City Council has honored WHKY with the Business. Well Crafted. Legacy Award for 85 years of service to the greater Hickory metro. The veteran-owned, family-run station is recognized for its local news, civic conversations, disaster response, and ongoing efforts to promote small businesses, veterans, and community initiatives across the region.
   

2. City Of Hickory Receives Grant To Enhance Early Literacy Education (focusnewspaper.com) — Hickory Public Library has received a state Library Services and Technology Act grant to boost early literacy programs for children ages 0–5. Patrick Beaver Memorial and Ridgeview Branch libraries will upgrade early literacy computer stations, expand Kindergarten Readiness Backpacks, add sensory kits and educational toys, and refresh the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program to better support local families.
   

3. Grants Awarded To Repair Storm Damaged Infrastructure In Hickory Metro Counties (whky.com) — Nearly $50 million in state grants are headed to western North Carolina, including Hickory metro counties, to repair Hurricane Helene storm damage. Burke and Caldwell counties will see funding for streambank restoration, water line extensions, visitor center repairs, and sewer work—investments that support infrastructure and recovery in the broader Hickory area.
   

4. Drug And Theft Crimes Land Gaston County Man In Prison After Conviction In Catawba County (whky.com) — Hickory police and Catawba County deputies helped secure a six- to eight-year prison sentence for a man tied to a local hotel truck theft and drug trafficking. Investigators linked him to stolen items using surveillance video and later found fentanyl during his arrest. Prosecutors also obtained $100,000 in mandatory fines tied to the trafficking charges.
   

5. Police stop U-Haul carrying Neo-Nazi group in Arkansas; 4 linked to North Carolina (cbs17.com) — A Hickory resident was among four North Carolinians identified in a U-Haul stopped by Arkansas police after a neo-Nazi group protest at the state Capitol. Officers cited the driver for a traffic violation, removed 22 people from the truck, and later released them. Authorities say no ongoing public safety threat was found.
   

📸 Around Hickory

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This is Paul escorting students to Oakwood Elementary School in Hickory, NC.
    He has been missing since Saturday, Nov 22. His family misses him. Please help find him. He is without his collar and is a friend to all. If you… (Nextdoor Hillcrest)
  • This is a clear picture of Paul.
    He lives on 5th Street NW. He needs to come home. Please repost. His email is sweetpaulthecat@gmail.com. Thanks! (Nextdoor Hillcrest)
  • Bojangles' Restaurants, Inc. posted a job opening for Bojangles Shift Manager - Hickory, NC - 408 in Hickory. Apply here.
  • Food Lion posted a job opening for PT Sales Associate Cashier in Hickory. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hickory here.

Ok Hickory! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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