In the packed Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse and Gallery (TFB) in Hickory, the city’s newly-appointed Poet Laureate Scott Owens finished his morning responsibilities and settled into a small corner table.
Western Piedmont Symphony’s Masterworks: Italian Inspirations concert on Nov. 22 will bring the warmth and brilliance of Italy to Hickory, featuring trumpet soloist Ashley Hall-Tighe and a program blending Baroque sparkle with Mendelssohn’s radiant “Italian” symphony.
A recent survey by WalletHub ranked the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton region near the bottom among 150 metropolitan statistical areas in terms of education. Local leaders in Burke County challenge the ranking, emphasizing the area's focus on technical programs and certifications supporting the manufacturing industry. The study highlights the importance of higher education for better job prospects and health outcomes, while also addressing challenges such as declining graduation rates, limited job opportunities for graduates, and the complex application process for four-year institutions. Efforts are being made to improve educational credentials and partnerships with universities to uplift educational attainment in the region.
One of the largest nonprofit aviation museums witnessed a historical moment as a retiring U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II Plus flew into Hickory Aviation Museum. The pilot, Lt. Col. John “Traper” Cumbie, performed a memorable flight over the crowd before landing, where he handed over the jet in a ceremonious manner, emphasizing the honor and privilege it was to retire the aircraft at the museum. With plans for a new museum building and a state-of-the-art Workforce Innovation Center in the works, the aviation museum in Hickory is set to become a significant destination for aviation enthusiasts and visitors alike.
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