Hickory City Council met Tuesday night in a regular meeting. There was a special presentation, recognizing Hickory Public Services Director Chuck Hanse, a 31-year city employee, who will retire December 30th. Hansen started work with the city as a city engineer, later becoming Public Services Director. Over the years, Hansen has been responsible for Water, Sewer, Streets, Garbage, and Cemeteries. He also assisted with the Intelligent Traffic Control implementation system. As part of a cooperative effort with the State of North Carolina, Hansen was presented with the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine", at Tuesday's meeting, the state's most prestigious civilian honor bestowed by the Governor.

A Caldwell County fire department is assisting a family in Lenoir who lost their home in a fire. According to WSOC-TV, firefighters at Valmead Fire Department have taken in donations and clothing for the family of 7, which includes 5 children from 9 months to 6 years old.

Catawba County Social Services Assistant Director Karen Harrington was named Interim Director by the Catawba County Social Services Board Tuesday. Harrington will begin serving in this role January 10th following the departure of current director John Eller. As Interim Director, Harrington will provide organizational leadership for Social Services while the board conducts a search for a new director.

A Morganton girl has earned the Girl Scouts' Highest Honor. Girl Scout Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont announced Tuesday that Kara Towery of Troop 10948 has earned her Girl Scout Gold Award. Kara worked in partnership with the First Baptist Church of Valdese, to completely renovate and refurbish the facility, known as the Parlor. The Gold Award recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects.