Observer News Enterprise
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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Carolina Caring Foundation announces VolunTeen Scholarship recipient
Carolina Caring Foundation is honored to announce James Ollis as the recipient of the 2025 VolunTeen Scholarship. The Carolina Caring VolunTeen program is designed for young adults ages 14-18 who have a desire to serve their community. The VolunTeen...
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Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry to Host “Summer Sunset Celebration” fundraiser
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) is excited to announce its upcoming fundraising event, the Summer Sunset Celebration, taking place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Paramount Classic Cars and...
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2025 Balls Creek Campmeeting comes to an end
Balls Creek Campmeeting came to an end for 2025 on Sunday. Held at the Balls Creek Campground, the two week long event started this year August 10 and concluded on the 24th. Like every year, it was filled with the sounds of happy children and the...
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Annual Soldiers Reunion Memorial Service held
The annual Soldiers Reunion Memorial Service was held outside the old Catawba County Courthouse Thursday. The event marked the 136th time that Confederate, veterans from then on, and active duty were recognized for their service. The Newton Conover...
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Tickets for “Junk” go on sale Aug. 22
The Green Room Community Theatre announces that tickets for “Junk” will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 22. With a book by Molly Bass, music and lyrics by Molly Bass and Jeff Hartman, and arrangements by Jeff Hartman, this musical...
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Caring For Every Breath: Carolina Caring advanced lung care program launched
A specialized lung care program providing care for complex respiratory conditions will bring needed comfort and support to many individuals. Launched on August 1st, 2025, Carolina Caring’s Advanced Lung Care Program helps patients receive the...
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Bennett Funeral Service continues tradition of commemorative hand fans for Balls Creek Campmeeting & Soldiers Reunion
Bennett Funeral Service is once again honoring two of the Catawba Valley’s most cherished traditions by giving away more than 5,000 commemorative hand fans during the 172nd Balls Creek Campmeeting and the 136th Soldiers Reunion. Since 2013, Bennett...
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Coordinated law enforcement effort stops meth trafficking suspect
In June 2025, investigators with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) identified Kenneth Otto Jones, 60, of Morganton, NC, as the subject of a suspected methamphetamine trafficking operation. BCSO investigators initiated an investigation,...
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United Way Small Businesses Love Big grant cycle opens on August 15th
The Catawba County United Way’s Small Businesses Love Big (SBLB) grant cycle opens on Aug. 15. This United Way allocation process is focused on supporting local, small and start-up nonprofits and their programs. The SBLB initiative is an opportunity...
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Applications now open for the 2025 Carolina Makers Market in Downtown Newton
Downtown Newton invites independent artists, craftspeople, and makers of all kinds to apply for a spot at the 2025 Carolina Makers Market, which will bring the historic 1924 Courthouse Square to life with creativity and community on Saturday, September...
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Newton Family Physicians
Congratulations to Newton Family Physicians on the completion of their 3,500-square-foot expansion. For more than 40 years, they’ve shown what it means to put “Our Family Caring for Your Family” into action. This new addition means even greater access...
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Woman to serve six to eight years in prison for trafficking, concealing/failing to report a death
Carissa Lynn Lochbaum, 33, of Hickory, will serve six to eight years in prison following her plea to trafficking fentanyl and concealing/ failing to report a death during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The Honorable Peter...
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Message from Conover Community Partners:
Two weeks ago, an incredible group of volunteers came out with positivity, grit, and a willingness to get their hands dirty at the Lyle Creek Cleanup Project—and the results were nothing short of inspiring! Together, we removed 10–12 large trees,...
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What’s happening this week at your library
Join us at your library this coming week for art programs for kids, teens, & adults, book clubs, and salsa dancing! Ready to Learn Storytime: Preschool Preschool story time with reading readiness. Join us for songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories...
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Dianne Moose Retires From Sheriff’s Dept.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Department announces the retirement of Dianne Moose. Dianne is concluding a proud career in law enforcement and county government that spans fifty years of service. Dianne began her career with Catawba County in 1975 when...
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Donald Hicks Basketball Day Camp held recently in Newton
This past week marked another year for Donald Hicks Basketball Day Camp. The camp, considered “An exercise in thinking,” is so much more than just playing basketball. It’s a week packed with making friends, art, STEM, and life lessons. Elementary...
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Peoples Bank announces leadership promotions
Peoples Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of 6 outstanding professionals. These advancements reflect their dedication, excellence, and alignment with the Bank’s core values of integrity, customer focus, and community service. Lisa Bryant...
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The Green Room Community Theatre announces 2025 scholarship recipients
The Green Room Community Theatre is proud to announce the recipients of its annual Mary Catherine Shivers Scholarship and Bob & Michele McCreary Scholarship for 2025. The Mary Catherine Shivers Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating high school...
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Challenger Early College and CVCC Students win big at 2025 SkillsUSA National Conference
Challenger Early College High School, in partnership with Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), once again demonstrated national excellence at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 23–27 in Atlanta, Georgia. Amidst...
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Breaking and entering investigation leads to drug seizure in Sherrills Ford
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division executed a search warrant at a residence on Bach Drive in Sherrills Ford. This search resulted from an investigation into a residential break-in in the...
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DAR State Regent visits Catawba County
North Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Regent Cricket Crigler from Flat Rock, North Carolina, was in Catawba County on Thursday, June 19th, to attend Hickory Tavern Chapter’s Little Free Library dedication, tour the DAR America...
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PACE@Home announces official name change to Senior TLC
PACE@Home, a leading provider of comprehensive healthcare services for seniors in Catawba, Burke, Alexander, Caldwell, and Lincoln Counties, is excited to announce its official name change to Senior TLC. This new name reflects our continued commitment...
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Garden of Hope grows on: inmates continue to feed the community in 2025
Inmates at the Catawba Correctional Center are once again rolling up their sleeves and putting their hands to the soil — all in service of their community. The Garden of Hope, now a cherished tradition, is thriving in 2025. Inmates chosen for the...
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Charges filed against seven suspects in mass shooting
Garon Nathaniel Killian One count conspiracy to commit 1st Degree Murder Sixty-three counts Attempted 1st Degree Murder Ke’Andre O’neal Mack One count conspiracy to commit 1st Degree Murder Sixty-three counts Attempted 1st Degree Murder Toland...
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Honors bestowed on community leader
The Rotary Club of Newton Conover recognizes individuals who place service before self in our community. Brock Long was recognized with the Community Service award at the June Rotary meeting. The Newton-Conover Rotary Community Service Award was...
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Summer Solstice Fire ceremony planned for June 21 at Catawba Farms in Newton
In honor of the longest day of the year, AnandaRasa Catawba warmly invites the community to gather for a Summer Solstice Fire Ceremony on Saturday, June 21 at 7:00 PM at the historic Catawba Farms in Newton. This sacred community gathering will be led...
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