The Caldwell County Fire Marshal's office has determined that a warehouse fire at Cajah's Machine and Flexible Products, LLC, Thursday morning was accidental. Kevin Brown, Caldwell County Fire Marshal, says the fire started in a grinding machine in which static electricity created a flash fire which ignited materials nearby. The business on Carlton MHP Drive in Lenoir sustained estimated damages at about $150,000 to the building and machinery. No one was injured.

The Hickory Fire Department has received the Governor's Award for Volunteer Service. The nomination for this award was submitted by Cheryl Abee, Director of Volunteer Center with Catawba County United Way. Abee stated, "the Hickory Fire Department was chosen to receive the Governor's Award in the Group category for their continued efforts to make sure children served by the Catawba County Christmas Bureau have a chance to win a brand new bike for the holidays. This has become a year-round project for these folks." The Governor's Volunteer Service Award honor the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service.