Observer News Enterprise
Attempted robbery/ shooting at Love’s Travel Plaza on Monday
At approximately 1:14 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, the Newton Police Department received a call in reference to a possible kidnapping and shooting that occurred at the Love’s Travel Stop, 1760 Southfork Drive, Newton, NC 28658. When officers arrived on...
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CCS teacher selected as NC DNCR Teacher Ambassador
Melia Stover, math teacher at Fred T. Foard High School, has been selected as one of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) 2026 cohort of Teacher Ambassadors, 20 exceptional K-12 educators from across the state. These ambassadors...
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City of Newton appoints Alex Fulbright as Interim Planning Director
The City of Newton announces that Alex Fulbright, longtime Assistant Planning Director, will step into the role of Interim Planning Director on May 9, following the retirement of Planning Director Randy Williams. A dedicated public servant with deep...
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Man sentenced to 20 to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder
Jakeis Zameir Harris, 21, of Hickory, was sentenced to serve 20 to 25 years in prison following his conviction for second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury during...
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City of Newton Planning Director Williams to retire after decade of transformational leadership
The City of Newton will bid farewell to Planning Director Randy Williams, who will retire from public service on May 8, concluding more than a decade of leadership in Newton and a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in planning and...
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River Bend Middle School educator named North Carolina Teacher of the Year
Teachers of Tomorrow, the nation’s top alternative teacher certification, is proud to announce Ian Elkins as the North Carolina Teachers of Tomorrow Teacher of the Year, recognizing his exceptional commitment to his students, classroom, and school...
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Catawba County Schools announces six leadership appointments
Catawba County Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Stover announced six leadership appointments, including one principal and five directors. The Board of Education approved the appointments at its regular meeting on Monday evening, April 27, 2026. “We are...
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Carolina Caring celebrates, honors volunteers for decades of service
arolina Caring proudly recognized every volunteer and honored Years of Service Milestones during an annual volunteer appreciation event on Saturday, April 18th at Catawba Country Club in Newton. The event included brunch and reflection on the many...
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Isenhower appointed to fourth term on Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors
Catawba County Commissioner and Board Chair Randy Isenhower has been appointed to a fourth term of service on the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors. Isenhower has served on the Foundation Board since 2013 and previously served as its Board...
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DAR chapter honors local radio host Hal Row
The longtime host of WHKY’s “First Talk with Hal Row” was honored recently by John Hoyle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Row, host of the radio station’s signature morning program, has hosted weekday chats with area residents since...
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Newton celebrates opening of Libreria Bookstore with ribbon-cutting ceremony
The City of Newton recently celebrated the opening of Libreria Bookstore, a new independent bookstore and community gathering space in Downtown Newton, during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. City leaders and community members gathered to welcome...
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Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol Division helps young boy
Earlier this week, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol Division had the privilege of meeting a very special family while patrolling Lake Norman. The family was visiting from Ohio for a birthday celebration, and during a...
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Hickory man to serve 12-16 years in prison on attempted trafficking of fentanyl
A Hickory man will serve an active prison term of 12 to 16 years following his conviction for attempted trafficking of fentanyl by possession and manufacturing in Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The Honorable Clifton H. Smith,...
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Catawba man sentenced to serve 15 to 19 years in prison for kidnapping
Bronson Lee Midkiff, 51, of Catawba, was sentenced to serve 15 to 19 years in prison following his conviction for first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fleeing to elude arrest and larceny of a motor vehicle during Catawba County Superior Court on...
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White Lion to bring rock hits to Newton
Legendary glam metal band White Lion will perform live at the Newton Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m., delivering a night of iconic rock anthems for fans across the region. Presented by the NewtonPAC, the concert will feature...
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Manufacturing Solutions Center renews ISO/IES 17025 accreditation
The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC), a division of Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), is proud to announce the successful renewal of its ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. This renewal was granted by the ANSI National Accreditation Board...
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Update to proposed school merger plan; public hearing and vote remain on schedule
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners has updated the proposed school district merger plan that will be the subject of a public hearing and Board vote April 20. The updated plan removed the requirement that current members of the local school...
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Big changes coming to Catawba County Schools
The Catawba County Schools Board of Education has approved moving forward with a major middle school expansion project aimed at reshaping how students transition through the district. The project is estimated to cost between $120 million and $140...
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All In Lawn Equipment celebrates first anniversary in Newton
The City of Newton welcomed All In Lawn Equipment to the city during a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the business’s first anniversary and its investment in the community. Located at 1507 Northwest Blvd., All In Lawn Equipment serves as a local...
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Man to serve 7-9 years in prison following conviction for robbery
Jarrell Tyshon Powell, 33, of Hickory, will serve seven to nine years in prison following his conviction for robbery with a dangerous weapon during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, March 9, 2026. The Honorable Nathaniel J. Poovey, Superior...
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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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