The Hickory Scoop- What’s Really Happening in the Unifour

12/14/2024

Hickory Police Officers are using cruise lights to increase their visibility in the community.

Cruise lights are blue in color non-flashing lights that will assist our citizens in recognizing officers in their neighborhoods and throughout the city.

The non-flashing blue lights will be used for increased visibility, and drivers are not required to move over or stop with these non-flashing blue lights activated.

In accordance with North Carolina General Stature 20-157, Drivers are required to stop and pull over for flashing blue lights and sirens.

We thank everyone for helping us to keep our streets safe by driving safely and being aware of their surroundings.

12/14/2024

The holidays are just around the corner! Please note the following holiday closings and schedule changes:

In observance of the Christmas holiday, City of Hickory offices will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 24-26. Offices will reopen Friday, Dec. 27, at 8:30 a.m.

City offices will also be closed for New Year’s Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Other City of Hickory department closings and/or schedule updates:

-- Public Services --
The Solid Waste Division and its services will be suspended on Wednesday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day. Due to this closing, all services (garbage, recycling, yard waste, and leaf collection) will be shifted one day for the remainder of the week. The Wednesday route will be collected on Thursday, the Thursday route will be collected on Friday, and the Friday route will be collected on Saturday.

-- Hickory Public Library --
Hickory Public Library, the Patrick Beaver Memorial main facility and the Ridgeview Branch, will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 24-26, as well as Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. For New Year’s Eve, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Branch Library will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

-- Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department --
The City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Administrative Offices will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 24-26, as well as Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

All Hickory recreation centers will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday, as well as Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, for New Year’s Day.

On Thursday, Dec. 26, Highland Recreation Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Ridgeview Recreation Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Brown Penn Recreation Center will be closed Dec. 26.

For New Year’s Eve, Highland Recreation Center will close early at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Ridgeview and Brown Penn recreation centers will be open with modified hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 31.

The Ceramics Studio at Winkler Park will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Westmont Senior Center will be closed Monday, Dec. 23, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Parks will be open daily through the holidays.

12/14/2024

Low Income energy assistance program begins accepting applications Dec. 2 to help with heating costs as temperatures begin to drop. Applicants can contact Ashure Ministry to apply by phone, in person, or print a paper application from epass.nc.gov to mail, fax or drop off at their county department of social services. Learn more about the program at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/11/25/low-income-energy-assistance-program-begins-accepting-applications-dec-2-help-heating-costs

10/19/2024

North Carolina early voting has begun! Here’s your link to voting early in person:

Learn about voting in person during the early voting period in North Carolina.

10/19/2024

The landscape of Avery County completely changed three weeks after Hurricane Helene hit, and many people in the area are still without power and utilities.

10/19/2024

10/19/2024

10/05/2024

08/31/2024

The 50/50 Raffle is now open, with last year's winner receiving $63,000! The drawing will take place on October 4th at halftime during the HHS vs. St. Stephens football game. Tickets are available below!!

2024 HHS Athletic Booster 50/50 Raffle

05/05/2024

04/18/2024

Hickory named U.S. #9 Best Main Street in by USA TODAY!
https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-main-street-2024/

Celebrate Americana with a visit to these 10 main streets, voted as the best across the United States by our readers.

03/26/2024

Bring your little ones to meet the Easter Bunny in person this Thursday from 4-7pm at Burger King on Springs Road. Don't miss out on the fun!

02/05/2024

Congratulations to Hickory Fire Department’s Battalion Chief Jeff Kanupp and Hickory Police Department’s Sergeant Garrett Clark for being named the Hickory Elks 2024 Exceptional Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year!

Read more: https://www.hickorync.gov/2024-exceptional-firefighter-and-police-officer-year

01/13/2024

01/10/2024

1%! Just be one percent better TODAY than you were yesterday, and you’re making .