Caldwell County has joined the growing list of governments suing opiod distributors and manufacturers. The County cited some 42 deaths from opiod overdoses in 2015 through 2016. Burke County announced their intentions to join the suit in January. Several other counties and municipalities are also looking at the possibility of joining the law suit.

The City of Hickory's Historic Preservation Commission has been awarded a state grant to expand the Oakwood National Register Historic District. The grant comes after the Historic Preservation Commission completed a citywide architectural survey of historic properties and additional portions of the Oakwood neighborhood were identified as being eligible for designation on the National Register of Historic Places. Oakwood residents will receive a letter from the City of Hickory with additional information. A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 22nd at 5:30pm in City Council Chambers.