Observer News Enterprise
Man to spend 5-7 years in prison on drug and firearm charges
A Hickory man will spend five to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to drug and firearm charges during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, March 20, 2026. Derek Scott Frenceschini, 42, was given the active term by the Honorable...
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Greater Hickory Ministerial Alliance, Hickory Area Ministers oppose school merger
Two ministerial associations are standing together to oppose the proposed merger of Hickory City Schools into the Catawba County school system. The Hickory Area Ministers is a coalition of many Christian Churches in Hickory across racial and...
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Catawba County Board of Commissioners to hold public hearing, vote on school merger
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing prior to its vote on a proposed school district merger plan during its regularly scheduled meeting April 20. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Board of...
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Man to serve 6-8 years in prison following trafficking conviction
A Hickory man will serve six to eight years in prison for a trafficking conviction from a plea entered in Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, March 9, 2026. Christopher David Buchanan, 45, was given the active sentence by the Honorable Nathaniel...
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Violent fugitive wanted in multiple states arrested in Catawba County following pursuit
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation on Highway 16 South. The driver failed to stop, resulting in a vehicle pursuit that ended after...
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Man to serve six to eight years in prison
Casey Everett Pruitt, 35, of Hickory, was sentenced to serve six to eight years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl by possession and transportation during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, March 9, 2026. The Honorable...
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American History Essay Contest winners announced
The John Hoyle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (“DAR”) recently announced Mirabel Tegart, Alden Tanzie, Gilley Scher, and Eliza Huegerich as the as the middle school winners of their American History Essay Contest. Tanzie was also...
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City of Conover secures over $1.29 Million in state grants in just 45 days
The City of Conover has secured more than $1.29 million in competitive state grant funding in the past 45 days, bringing major infrastructure improvements, economic development investment, and longterm taxpayer savings to the community. The funding...
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Evelyn Ellis turns 100 on Wednesday
Evelyn Coulter Ellis was born March 11th 1926 on a snowy day, to Alexander and Amelia Coulter. She is the second of four children (three girls and one boy). She grew up in a loving Christian home. Their grandmother Jane lived with them and took care...
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N-C High School senior publishes book to close the “Caring Gap,” earns the Girl Scout Gold Award
Abigail DeHart of Girl Scout Troop 10441 in Catawba County has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for a community leadership and service project that connects people who need help with those who want to give it. Aiming to strengthen relationships within...
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Newton Elks Lodge to host Spring charity golf tournament
Newton Elks Lodge #2042 will host their Annual Spring Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, April 20th at Catawba Country Club in Newton, North Carolina. The tournament format is Captain’s Choice with four players per team. Lunch and registration begins...
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City of Newton responds to concerns regarding a storage building on North Caldwell Avenue
The City of Newton is aware of concerns regarding a storage building on North Caldwell Avenue and the related code enforcement complaint. A code enforcement officer became aware of the situation after receiving a citizen complaint during a recent...
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Inez Harwell Gabriel turns 108 years old
On March 4th, 1918, Inez Harwell Gabriel became the newest citizen of Catawba County. Her parents, Lillie and Esten Harwell, lived on a 200-acre farm on Harwell Road, a good walking distance from the Lowrance Road leading to the little town of Catawba....
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Only one weekend left to see “The Thursday Night Bridge Circle”
Time is running out to catch “The Thursday Night Bridge Circle” at The Green Room Community Theatre. With only one weekend left, audiences have limited chances to experience this heartfelt dramedy filled with friendship, secrets, and unexpected...
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Town of Long View awarded $850,000 Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant Investment
The Town of Long View is proud to announce it has been awarded an $850,000 Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant through the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority, marking a transformative milestone in the creation and revitalization of...
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Family finds peace through advanced cardiac care
When you meet Harvey, a Gaston County local and current patient at Carolina Caring, you will be greeted by a happy, grateful, and kind spirit. But Harvey’s life has not been easy. He lives with a complex cardiac diagnosis, and for a long time, he was...
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Springs Road standoff is resolved safely
On Monday, 02/16/2026, a deputy with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driving recklessly on Springs Rd. The driver of that vehicle, Jose Guadalupe Orozco Lemus, brandished a firearm when the deputy approached...
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Carolina Caring elevates cardiac care for serious illness
February is American Heart Month, a national effort to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. As of 2025, 6.7 million Americans over the age of 20 are living with heart failure (Heart Failure Society of...
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Death by distribution suspect is arrested
On January 20, 2026, a Catawba County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Juan Sebastian Solarte, 26, with Death by Distribution and Sell Schedule II Controlled Substance in connection with the death of Jacob Lee Kirk. Kirk was found deceased...
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Connections Clubhouse presents the 2026 Clubhouse Market on the Lawn Fundraiser
Join Connections Clubhouse on Saturday April 25, 2026, for our annual Market on the Lawn at Catawba Farms! Experience a day of shopping with local artists and craftspeople showcasing their work. Held in collaboration with Catawba Farms, this unique...
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30 Years of Sparkle: The story of Dana’s Fine Jewelry
A Legacy Born from Love It all started with a young girl following her mother into her grandparents’ store, Gregory Jewelers. Within those walls, Dana Beal didn’t just see gold and gemstones; she found her calling. Under the watchful eye of her...
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Officer-involved shooting under investigation in Newton
On February 2, 2026, at approximately 11:52 a.m., the Newton Police Department received a 911 call regarding a possible trespassing incident at the Sandalwood Apartments, located at 705 Sandalwood Court in Newton. The caller reportedly knows the...
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Newton man to serve 7 to 10 years in prison
Spencer Shawn Kain, 28, of Newton, was sentenced to serve seven to 10 years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl during Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The Honorable Sherri W. Elliott, Superior Court...
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Catawba County Youth Council accepting grant funding requests for 2026
The Catawba County Youth Council is accepting Requests for Funding Proposals (RFPs) targeted to address the impact areas of health and education as they relate to the needs and wellbeing of children and youth in our community. Applications will open...
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John Hoyle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a Semiquincentennial Celebration
The John Hoyle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (“DAR”) recently held a Semiquincentennial Celebration at Lake Hickory Country Club to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Over 50 attendees representing...
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Ice & Snow In Catawba County
Winter Storm Fern brought ice and snow to Catawba County over the weekend. See more photos on page 3.
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Suspected narcotics trafficker arrested following a joint investigation
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, assisted by local, state and federal agencies arrested a suspected narcotics trafficker following a joint investigation. This arrest occurred on 01/16/2026. During this arrest Sheriff’s...
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Barbara Eden to appear live at Newton Performing Arts Center
Television icon Barbara Eden, best known for her starring role in the classic sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, will appear live at the Newton Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as part of her national tour, On the Magic Carpet with Barbara...
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Deputies capture two B&E suspects in Mountain View
Early Saturday morning, 01/18/2026, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a suspicious persons call in the Mountain View area. During their response, deputies encountered two suspects who were subsequently taken into...
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The gift of adventure: Lenovo donates virtual reality equipment to Carolina Caring patients
Just over one year ago, Carolina Caring, the nonprofit serious illness care provider serving Western North Carolina and the Mecklenburg region, announced an exciting investment in virtual reality devices that delivered once-in-a-lifetime VR experiences...
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Catawba Valley Quilters Guild awards a Quilt of Valor®
The Catawba Valley Quilters Guild had the honor of awarding a Quilt of Valor® to Mark Riddle during their December 2025 joint meeting. Riddle served in the US Navy Seabees with nine years of active duty in the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion and...
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“Paws for A Cause” winner is announced
Carolina Caring Foundation announces the results of the 2026 “Paws for A Cause” Cutest Pet Competition, a special contest cultivating awareness and support of the Pet Peace of Mind Program. The winner of the 2026 “Paws for A Cause” is Lavender, a...
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Structure fire at Conover Walgreens Thursday night
On January 7, 2026, the Conover Fire Department responded to an incident at Walgreens, located at 456 Conover Boulevard West. At 9:55 PM, crews were dispatched for a fire alarm activation. While responding, the call was upgraded to a structure fire....
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Maiden man arrested for trafficking cocaine
On Friday, January 2nd, 2026, Maiden Police Department officers and investigators assisted by Hickory Police and Catawba County Sheriff’s investigators served a controlled substance search warrant on a residence on Clemons Ave. in Maiden. Items...
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CVCC celebrates first graduates of the NCDAC Furniture Tradesman program
Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC), celebrated a truly historic milestone today as five students successfully completed the full 60-week CVFA Furniture Tradesman...
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Empowering those impacted by cancer
The YMCA of Catawba Valley is proud to announce the return of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a nationally recognized, evidence-based program designed specifically for adults who are currently living with or beyond cancer treatment. Beginning this February, a...
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Catawba County Christmas Bureau serves 2,200 local youth
Generosity, collaboration and kindness are the hallmarks of the annual Catawba County Christmas Bureau, a collaborative effort among local nonprofits and public agencies to provide toys, clothing, coats and food to children and teenagers in need of...
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Redding joins Catawba County as Emergency Services Director
Catawba County has hired Brook Redding to serve as Emergency Services Director beginning January 12, 2026. Redding’s background brings a unique combination of North Carolina local government executive leadership and military service, positioning him...
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Man sentenced to serve 6-8 years in prison
Jonathan David Shamblin, 35, of Mount Holly, was sentenced to serve six to eight years in prison following his conviction for drug and property offenses during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The Honorable Clifton H....
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Rotary Club of Newton Conover supports local organizations
The Rotary Club of Newton Conover has shared Christmas gifts with five local organizations that assist those in need in Catawba County. The Club chose to gift $7,250 to these five organizations through an application process: Catawba County Partnership...
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Newton man will spend 8 to 11 years in prison
A Newton man will spend eight to 11 years in prison following his conviction for multiple criminal offenses and admission of his status as a habitual felon during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The Honorable Peter...
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Conover man sentenced to serve 8-10 years in prison
Zachary Michael Bradley, 28, of Conover, was sentenced to serve eight to 10 years in prison following his conviction for a number of violent crimes during Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The Honorable Peter Knight,...
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Grab Your Cards: Auditions Dealt for The Thursday Night Bridge Circle
The Green Room Community Theatre will hold auditions for “The Thursday Night Bridge Circle” on Monday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. at the GROW Building. Directed by Shawna Wilson, this heartfelt and comedic production brings audiences into...
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DAR chapter marks local patriot’s grave
The John Hoyle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (“DAR”) officially recognized an area Revolutionary War soldier for his service to the nation. The grave of John Rockett was enhanced with a bronze plaque honoring his service in support of...
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Conover man sentenced to 6 to 8 years in prison
Jordan Ashlee Abernathy was sentenced to an active prison term of six to eight years after he was found guilty as charged on all drug offenses by a jury to conclude a two-day trial in Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The...
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Interfaith Human Rights Day commemoration in Newton Tuesday, December 9th
The Catawba Valley Interfaith Council (CVIC) welcomes the public to attend their annual Human Rights Day commemoration at 7 PM on Tuesday, December 9 at First United Methodist Church in Newton (300 N Main Ave). The guest speaker for this year’s event...
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Father-daughter duo uncork local history
Redhawk Publications proudly announces the release of Whiskey Fueled: Hickory Tavern, Prohibition & Racing, a dynamic new historical work co-authored by the fatherdaughter team of Richard Eller and Suzanne Mayo. The authors will appear for a special...
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Dunkin’ to unveil new next generation restaurant
Dunkin’ has announced plans to open a new Dunkin’ Next Generation restaurant in Newton this December. With the Dunkin’ Next Generation store design, people who live and work in Newton will run on Dunkin’ faster and more conveniently than ever...
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Newton Elks Lodge #2042 Operation Christmas Child
Newton Elks Lodge #2042 is partnering with New Jerusalem Lutheran Church for Operation Christmas Child. This year marks the third consecutive year that the Newton Elks Lodge has supported Operation Christmas Child with a $500 monetary donation....
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Man to serve six to eight years in prison
Phillip James Preston, 42, of Sherrills Ford, was sentenced to serve six to eight years in prison following his conviction for trafficking methamphetamine by possession during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The Honorable...
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Sherrills Ford disturbance leads to multiple felony charges
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office responded to Highway Tire in Sherrills Ford regarding a report of a disturbance involving multiple individuals, one reportedly armed with a firearm. Deputies initiated...
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LOOK INSIDE FOR LOCAL MERCHANTS WHO CAN HELP YOU HAVE A HAPPY HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS! Multi agency investigation leads to seizure of narcotics
In February of 2025 the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division initiated an investigation into several suspected drug traffickers operating in the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina. As this investigation progressed a CCSO investigator...
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Catawba Council on Aging holds Thanksgiving food drive
The Catawba Council on Aging will hold a Thanksgiving Food Drive to support the West Hickory Senior Center Food Pantry during the month of November. In-date, non-perishable food will be accepted, along with donations of Boost, Ensure, and incontinence...
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Deputies arrest homicide suspect
On Wednesday, 10/30/2025 at approximately 9:15 p.m. deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of someone engaging in disorderly conduct at a residence on Lucky Ln in Newton. When deputies arrived, they discovered the...
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Friends Fore Hospice Golf Tournament raises over $100,000 for Hospice and Palliative Care
Carolina Caring Foundation’s 23rd annual Friends Fore Hospice Golf Tournament surpassed fundraising records this year, bringing in over $100,000 to support nonprofit serious illness provider, Carolina Caring. The event was held on October 6th, 2025 at...
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Newton man succumbs to injuries in accident over the weekend
On Saturday, October 25, at approximately 9:10 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Catawba County on Settlemyre Bridge Road near White Oak Drive. A 2019 Nissan Altima traveling east on Settlemyre Bridge...
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Lake Hickory Haunts is offering new scares
Lake Hickory Haunts is offering new scares and experiences this season, and owner Ryan Settlemyre invites everyone to come visit the haunted attraction considered the best in North Carolina. Along with all exciting 13 haunts, he’s continually improved...
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“The Tree in Me” performs this weekend at The Green Room
Don’t miss “The Tree in Me,” a colorful and heartwarming story about creativity, community, and the power of imagination! Presented by The Green Room Community Theatre, the show takes the stage this Thursday, October 23, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, October...
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“Carolina Spook Tales” brings Carolina legends to life
Get ready for a chilling adventure into North Carolina’s most legendary ghost stories. The Green Bean Players are bringing “Carolina Spook Tales” to life in a special public performance at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at The Green Room Community...
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Catawba County Board of Education passes resolution to preserve district boundaries
During a Special Called Meeting held on Thursday, October 16, the Catawba County Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution affirming its commitment to protect and maintain Catawba County Schools’ current legal and geographical...
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Suspect apprehended in connection to shooting
Lashawn Malcom Davis has been apprehended by the United States Marshals Service at a residence in Hickory, N.C. Davis is presently in custody at the Catawba County Detention Facility where he is being held under no bond. Davis will have a first...
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St Stephens Homecoming
Congratulations to the St Stephens 2025 Homecoming King, Diego R. and Queen Mariah R.
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Operation Catawba Net makes 10 arrests
Through Operation Catawba Net, investigators at the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside state, local, and federal partners to locate and arrest those attempting to prey on children. This three-day operation led to 10 arrests and dozens of...
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“The Tree in Me” brings color and creativity to the stage
The Green Room Community Theatre is excited to present “The Tree in Me” with two special public performances only on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. Me” is a cheerful, silly storybook come to life. In a dull, gray town...
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National Night Out 2025 in Newton
National Night Out 2025 held in Downtown Newton over the weekend was a night with games, giveaways, and family fun. The City of Newton thanks the City of Newton, NC Police Department, the Newton Fire Department, and all of the first responders across...
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Dana’s Fine Jewelry celebrates passion, legacy, and diamonds
NC, the world of gemstones and fine jewelry has always felt like home. Her earliest memories are of following her grandparents around their store, Gregory Jewelers, which they ran in Newton for 25 years. “I cherished those moments spent alongside my...
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Murray’s Mill 41st annual Harvest Folk Festival held recently
Murray’s Mill held their 41st annual Harvest Folk Festival this past weekend September 27-28. Despite the rain, several hundred people attended the traditional event. Along with multiple vendors and food options, there were a variety of...
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66-year-old Hickory man will spend seven to 10 years in prison for property crimes
A 66-year-old Hickory man will spend seven to 10 years in prison for property crimes and his admission of habitual felon status. Harold Dean Kanupp was given the active prison term by the Honorable Jacqueline Grant, Superior Court Judge from Buncombe...
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YMCA of Catawba Valley honors NC Rep. Heather Rhyne with Youth Champion Award
The YMCA of Catawba Valley enriches the lives of children across three counties with before and after-school care. Partnering with local school systems, the Y serves families at 12 Lincoln County school sites, 9 Burke County school sites, and 5 Hickory...
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Arts Culture Catawba recently held annual meeting
Arts Culture Catawba, (formerly the United Arts Council of Catawba County), held its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025. The opening music was provided by Daniel Leich, who received an Artist Support Grant Award with funding from the North...
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Cardinal Kids Cares: Palliative Care empowers families to navigate the serious illness journey
When Kaitlin Bensch describes her daughter, Grace, she doesn’t begin with a diagnosis. She talks about the music Grace loves, the way her big brother Wells sings to her, and the importance of gathering around the dinner table each night. Their version...
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Newton Elks Lodge to host Annual Fallen Brothers Charity Golf Tournament
Newton Elks Lodge #2042 will host their Annual Fallen Brothers Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, October 10th at The Silos at Granada Farms in Granite Falls, North Carolina. The tournament format is Captain’s Choice with four players per team. Lunch...
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Newton writer, Becky McRee at Newton Art Gallery in Downtown Newton
McRee will hold a program and sale of her books at the Newton Art Gallery on Friday, September 12 from 5:30 - 7:30. Becky said, “I wanted to feature some of my prior publications that are of interest to people from Newton and Catawba County. To that...
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The Green Room announces the cast for “Pride and Prejudice”
The Green Room Community Theatre is proud to announce the cast for its upcoming production of “Pride and Prejudice,” a fresh and fast-paced adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel by Kate Hamill. Known for her witty and playful reimaginings of the...
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The Green Room’s “Junk” opens this Friday
Get ready for laughter, music and a little chaos as “Junk” takes the stage at The Green Room Community Theatre this Friday, Sept. 5. With a book by Molly Bass, music and lyrics by Molly Bass and Jeff Hartman, and arrangements by Jeff Hartman, the...
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Racing For Rotary planned for September 13
The Rotary Club of Newton Conover in partnership with Little Mountain Kart Club will present Racing For Rotary on Saturday, September 13, at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds. Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet is the title sponsor for the event that...
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