FOCUS Newspaper, Author at Focus Newspaper

Informational Meetings On CDBG Funds Scheduled For Jan. 27 & Feb. 3, In Hickory

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The City of Hickory is now accepting applications for non-profit Community...

Q&A: Leonardo DiCaprio & Adam McKay Dare You To Look Up

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | National News

(AP) – Leonardo DiCaprio has been an outspoken environmental advocate for as long as he’s...

Popular Actor Returns To HCT For The Musical The Color Purple

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – One of the central stories in THE COLOR PURPLE – THE MUSICAL, which is coming to...

‘Twas The Night Before… CHRISTmas?

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Have Chainsaw Will Travel

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house; not a creature was stirring… except...

City Of Hickory’s Holiday Office And Facility Closings

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – In observance of the Christmas holiday, City of Hickory offices will be closed...

Newton Seeks Public Input On City Manager Search

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Newton is beginning the search process for a new city manager and is seeking...

Bowl Season

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Sid On Sports

SID’s annual picks are in. Some of them are fun. Some are logical. Not sure I would use them for...

Foothills Kids Magazine Debuts First Issue For Students In WNC

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Foothills Kids Magazine, a new non-profit magazine that provides free educational...

A Philly Family Comes To Visit, In Name Only

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Focus Historian In Residence

One night in November of 1903, six men get together to start their own furniture company. They had...

Exposures Photography Competition And Community Threads Exhibition, Open Jan. 7

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Lenoir, NC – The Caldwell Arts Council announces two openings on January 7, 2022 of their...

Register For City Of Hickory’s Youth Volleyball & Lacrosse

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Registration is now under way for the City of Hickory’s Youth Volleyball and...

Police Won’t Rule Out DNA To Solve 1996 Jonbenet Killing

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | National News

Boulder, CO (AP) — Twenty-five years after JonBenet Ramsey was killed, police say DNA hasn’t been...

Dog That Was Missing For Two Weeks Rescued From Ledge

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Out of Focus

Colorado Springs, CO (AP) — A dog missing for two weeks in Colorado was rescued from a ledge about...

Five Ways To Cope With Loss During The Holidays

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The holiday season can bring a jumble of emotions — especially for those who have...

The Color Purple Community Read Event, Saturday, Jan. 8

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The Hickory Public Library is hosting a Community Read event on Saturday, January...

$2.6M Winning Bid For Superman #1 Comic Book In New York

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Out of Focus

New York (AP) — A rare copy of a Superman #1 comic book that sold on newsstands for a dime in 1939...

Hickory Author To Read Children’s Book On The Square In Downtown Hickory Today, Dec. 23

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Joe Garrick, the author of “Whose Hoof Is That?”, “Billy the Dentist” and “The...

LR To Offer An Exploration Of Race In America In Free 14-Week Online Class, Beginning Jan. 10

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Spurred by reaction to The New York Times’ 1619 Project, the academic approach of...

Theaters, Streaming & Disc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Blu-ray Releases, Film Reviews

Now in Theaters: Spiderman: No Way Home (2021) (Not Reviewed) Spiderman, seeking the help of...

Squirrels Force St. Paul Park To Scale Back Holiday Lights

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Out of Focus

St. Paul, MN (AP) — A troop of fat, hungry squirrels has put the kibosh on a downtown St. Paul...

Grinch Steels Loaded Van Of Christmas Toys Worth $6K

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Out of Focus

Farmington, NM (AP) — Time is of the essence for the Salvation Army in New Mexico now that the...

Crayon Drip Art For Teens At Beaver Library, December 30

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Have you seen drip art online and always wanted to give it a try? Now is your...

Nursing Home Alternatives: What are the Options?

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 23, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Many people worry that if they are unable to care for themselves or their loved...

Review Of A Down Home Christmas Concert Performed By Western Piedmont Symphony

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

December 4, 2021 By W. Gerald Cochran, M.D. Lenoir, NC – About 20 centuries ago, a bright...

The Holidays At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Till Jan. 2

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Belmont, NC – This holiday season, experience magic and whimsy among festive blooms and...

City Walk Ribbon Cutting And Bridge Dedication, Today, 12/16

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – To celebrate the grand opening of the first completed segment of the Hickory...

Personal Enrichment Program Offers Pottery Classes At CVCC

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The Catawba Valley Community College’s Personal Enrichment Program is pleased to...

Curry Changed The Game

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Sid On Sports

The story began innocently enough back on October 12, 1979. Interestingly enough, that date was...

‘Tis The Season

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Have Chainsaw Will Travel

Hello everyone — seasonal greetings all round. Maybe you’ve turned here looking for a bit of...

Found Around Town

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | News

The gallery was not found!

Delaware Highway Exit Sign Misspells The State’s Name

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Out of Focus

Wilmington, DE (AP) — A highway sign that recently went up in Delaware was noticeably missing a...

Foothills Faith & Friendship Invites Public To Share Christmas Together This Year, Dec. 25th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Foothills Faith and Friendship, a Hickory-based young adult Christian group, invites all...

Enter 2022 Aviation Art Contest For Children Ages 6-17, By 1/10

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Raleigh, NC – Enter 2022 Aviation Art Contest For Children Ages 6-17. The N.C. Department of...

Hickory Native Serves Aboard USS Essex

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Millington, TN – A Hickory, North Carolina, native is serving aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy...

Catawba Valley Festival Of the Arts Calls For Artists By Jan. 30

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Dates for the 2022 Catawba Valley Festival of the Arts, an inclusive, “all...

Matinee Performance Added For HCT’s Bugsy Malone, 12/19

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The Hickory Community Theatre has added a matinee performance this Sunday,...

Furniture Comes To Hickory

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Focus Historian In Residence

Though there was much hoopla about Lenoir getting a furniture factory in 1889, the reality was...

Crazy Christmas At Mystery Hill In Blowing Rock, Through Dec. 30

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Blowing Rock, NC – We all know that Santa covers the whole world delivering presents to good...

Hickory Music Factory Offers Percussion 101 Class In January

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Hickory Music Factory is offering a new one week class for percussionists /...

Theaters, Streaming & Disc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Blu-ray Releases, Film Reviews

Now in Theaters: West Side Story (***) Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of the classic...

Valdese Annual Shop Hop, Now Through Sunday, Dec. 18th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Valdese, NC – December 13-18 -The Valdese Community Affairs Department and the Valdese Merchants...

Accidental Shooting Leads Police To Home With 70+ Cats

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Out of Focus

Kensington, NH (AP) — An accidental shooting led police in New Hampshire to a house that was...

Celebrate Christmas At Annual Light Up A Life Event, Dec. 21

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Carolina Caring invites the community to an evening of celebration during its...

Get Your Tickets Now For The Color Purple At HCT, Opens 1/21

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Ray Christian-Dickens, of Boone, has been cast in the lead role of Celie for the...

AP Names Its Breakthrough Entertainers Of 2021

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | National News

(AP) – If 2020 was a pandemic-induced pause, 2021 was when things started up again, albeit...

The Hickory Fire Department Does Not Solicit Funds

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Be cautious of companies calling to solicit funds on the behalf of the Hickory Fire...

Footprints Show Some Two Legged Dinosaurs Were Agile

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Out of Focus

New York (AP) — Not all two-legged dinosaurs were like the lumbering Tyrannosaurus rex. An...

BBB Warns To Beware Of Fake Deals On Gaming Consoles

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Local News

With many people shopping for gifts on a budget this holiday season, scammers are taking advantage...

Cannabis Company Bakes 850-Pound Pot Brownie

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 16, 2021 | Out of Focus

Norwood, MA (AP) — A Massachusetts cannabis company is celebrating National Brownie Day on...

Thoughts: Before The Tree

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Have Chainsaw Will Travel

There is a curse, intermingled with mixed blessings, when one is subjected to years of factorized...

One Time Performance Of Junie B. Jones In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells At HCT, Sat., Dec. 11

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Junie B. Jones, the hilariously troublesome first-grader from Room One, returns to Hickory Community Theatre this weekend for a one-time performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells. The performance...

Barny And The Major

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Focus Historian In Residence

An idea who’s time had come. W.W. Scott was sure he had a cure for all of Lenoir’s problems in the 1880s. Like many small southern towns in the wake of the Civil War, Lenoir could not overcome the losses brought on by what was...

Cheugy And Omicron Are Among 2021’S Most Mispronounced Words

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Out of Focus

(AP) – “Cheugy” is apparently a lot to chew on. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter...

15th Annual Christmas Concert Fundraiser At HCT, Sat., Dec. 20

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Jackie Finley and Alan Finley are producing their 15th Anniversary Christmas...

And In The End: A Fan’s Notes On Peter Jackson’s Beatles Doc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | National News

New York (AP) – Peter Jackson’s Beatles documentary “Get Back” runs for nearly eight hours...

Greed

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Sid On Sports

Between the NFL and the College Football Conference Championship weekend last week, you may have...

CVIC Human Rights Day Celebration, December 10th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Human Rights Day (December 10) was formally established by the United Nations (UN)...

Luminary Display At Blue Ridge Memorial Park, Dec. 10

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Lenoir, NC – On Friday, December 10, at 6:00pm, the City of Lenoir staff will fill and light...

Support Group For Caregivers, Meets Every Second Tuesday

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Caregivers need care for themselves too. Care for the Caregiver Support Group is...

Newton Offers Activities To Ring In The Holiday Season

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – The Newton Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce a series of...

Boger City UMC’s Christmas Cantata Is Sunday, Dec. 19th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Lincolnton, NC – Everyone is welcome to attend. Boger City United Methodist Church, located...

HCT Assembles Top Notch Team For The Color Purple

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Eric Seale, the Artistic Director of the Hickory Community Theatre, has gathered...

Bugsy Malone Returns To The Stage This Friday At HCT, 11/10

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The rescheduled opening night for BUGSY MALONE is this Friday, December 10, at...

Movie Report

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Blu-ray Releases, Film Reviews

New to Disc: Paramount: Beavis and Butthead Do America (1996) The animated duo’s big screen...

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center Announces Upcoming Showcase Of Stars Events, Dec. 16 – June 24

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Lenoir, NC – Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s J.E. Broyhill Civic Center...

Skiing Santa’s Back To Shredding Maine Slopes For Charity

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Out of Focus

Newry, ME (AP) – Santa is back to “sleighing” it on the ski slope. More than 230 skiing and...

Homeowner Tries To Smoke Out Snakes, Burns Down House

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Out of Focus

Poolesville, MD (AP) – A Maryland home was accidentally burned to the ground by an owner...

Downtown Hickory’s Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt, 12/11

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Join us in Downtown Hickory for a Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt! Pick up a Scavenger...

Chetola Resort Festival of Lights Provides Holiday Cheer In Blowing Rock Through Jan. 30

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Blowing Rock, NC – Chetola Resort once again welcomes folks to its drive-through tour known...

Chase The Winter Blues With The Winter Wine & Beer Passport

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Surry County, NC – Chase the blues this winter with an assortment of reds, whites and ambers. The...

City Of Lenoir And FPA Present Christmas On The Campus, December 10 – 19

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Lenoir, NC – Please join the City of Lenoir and Foothills Performing Arts as we present...

Wily Coyote Climbs Bridge, Eludes Animal Control Officers

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Out of Focus

Charleston, SC (AP) – Authorities say a coyote who climbed to the top of a Charleston bridge...

Richard Eller Presents Second In Series On The Origins Of Western NC Furniture, At Library, 12/14

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Join Catawba County Museum of History’s Historian in Residence Professor Richard...

Old Colony Players Present Elf, The Musical, Beginning Dec. 10

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Valdese, NC – Old Colony Players presents Elf, The Musical at the Old Rock School in Valdese...

FCA Calls for Artists For It’s Music To My Eyes Competition, By 1/6

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Artists in the area are invited to enter their art in a competition at Full Circle...

Christmas In Valdese Tree Lighting Celebration, Dec. 10

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 9, 2021 | Local News

Valdese, NC – The Town of Valdese invites the community to gather at the Old Rock School Friday,...

Home For Christmas Concert At HUB Station, 12/10 & 12/11

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hudson, NC – A little over a decade ago, Caldwell County theatre and music director, Keith...

Gaston Co. Presents Annual Historic Christmas Village, 12/11

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Dallas, NC – Gaston County Parks and Recreation will host the Annual Historic Christmas...

The Slapstick Youth Musical Bugsy Malone Opens This Friday, December 3, At HCT

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – BUGSY MALONE, the musical comedy featuring an all youth cast, begins its eight...

Now What?

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Sid On Sports

It was a pretty cool story while it lasted. Cam Newton’s storybook beginning to his second stint...

New To Medicare Seminar, Thursday, December 9, Hickory

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Are you, a friend, or a loved one turning 65? It is very important for everyone...

Bifold

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Have Chainsaw Will Travel

Ladies and gents, boys and girls, gather ‘round the fire place and we’ll toss on some more...

Hickory Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, December 10-12

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Generations of families make it a tradition to see a performance of The...

Pictures With Santa At Highland Recreation Ctr., Free On December 4

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Kids and adults of all abilities are welcome to join us at Highland Recreation...

Hickory Choral Society To Perform Three Christmas Concerts

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Join the Hickory Choral Society for their Christmas Concerts at Corinth Reformed...

A Small Town Christmas: Banner Elk Yuletide Fun Is Dec. 3-5

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Banner Elk, NC – For those who need a little Christmas this holiday season, the Blue Ridge...

WPS Presents A Down Home Christmas Concert, Dec. 4th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Lenoir, NC – The Western Piedmont Symphony presents “A Down Home Christmas” under the direction of...

Theaters, Streaming & Disc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Blu-ray Releases, Film Reviews

Now in Theaters: Encanto (2021) Disney’s latest animated feature is the tale of a Colombian family...

Lenoir Needs A Factory

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Focus Historian In Residence

Bang the drum. Shout loudly in the press that something needs to change. And it will. It always...

The Giving Tree Supply Drive For Safe Harbor At Patrick Beaver Memorial Library Till Dec. 17

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – From now until December 17, the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library will be collecting...

Last Of LRU’s First Friday Three Part Lecture Series Is Dec. 3

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The last of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s three-part First Friday series this semester...

Free Grief Workshop On Thurs., December 9th, In Newton

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – There is no doubt COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our community, with the...

Bethlehem Star Lighting/Remembrance Ceremony Planned For Saturday, December 4

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Bethlehem, NC – The Bethlehem Star has continued to shine during the challenges of the Covid...

Burglars Steal Lego Bricks

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Out of Focus

Berlin (AP) – German police are looking for witnesses after burglars broke through the wall...

Starry Night Christmas Parade In Downtown Lenoir, Friday, Dec. 3

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Lenoir, NC – Downtown Lenoir will present Starry Night Christmas Parade in Lenoir on Friday,...

Dozens Stuck In England’s Highest Pub After Snow Storm

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Out of Focus

London (AP) – Dozens of customers who stopped for a drink at Britain’s highest altitude pub...

Downtown Newton’s Light Up The Town, Friday, December 3

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC — Ring in the Christmas Season during Light Up the Town in Downtown Newton from 5 to 8...

Q&A: Mel Brooks, 95, Is Still Riffing

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | National News

New York (AP) — Leave it to Mel Brooks to blurb his own memoir. There, along with laudatory quotes...

Got The Wrong Goat: West Point Cadets Try To Nab Navy Mascot

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Out of Focus

West Point, NY (AP) – West Point cadets attempting to nab the U.S. Naval Academy’s mascot...

Rare Coin Minted In Colonial New England Sells For $350,000

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Out of Focus

Boston (AP) – One of the first coins minted in Colonial New England, which was recently...

Morganton Christmas Parade, December 7th, At 6:00pm

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Morganton, NC – Please join the Morganton Downtown Development Association as they present...

The Waldensian Trail Of Lights Is Open Till Christmas Eve

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Valdese, NC – It’s that special time of year…the time of year we celebrate Christmas! The...

Seniors Morning Out To Include Holiday Programs And Crafts

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Participants will enjoy a variety of activities in December including holiday programs...

Downtown Hickory 2nd Annual Cookie Crawl, December 11

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | December, 2, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Join us in Downtown Hickory for the Downtown Hickory 2nd Annual Cookie Crawl!...

Theaters, Streaming & Disc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Blu-ray Releases, Film Reviews

Now in theaters: Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) Jason Reitman, taking the reins from his father,...

Jim Armstrong Subaru’s 2021 Share The Love Event Benefits Catawba Co. Meals On Wheels

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Jim Armstrong Subaru generously selected Meals on Wheels of Catawba County as...

Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays: A Sleigh Full of Events

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hendersonville, NC – Hendersonville’s collection of holiday events, known as Home for the...

Full Circle Arts Holiday Market Show And Sale, Dec. 2 – 30

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Full Circle Arts invites the public to a special Holiday Market Night Thursday,...

Introducing Dandy Dan’s Gang From Bugsy Malone, Opens 12/3

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – BUGSY MALONE, coming to the Hickory Community Theatre beginning December 3, is a...

Millionaire Pooch Selling Miami Villa Once Owned By Madonna

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Out of Focus

Miami, FL – Gunther the German shepherd spent a recent morning playing with his tennis ball, rolling in the grass, slobbering a little and napping a lot. Later, he had a “meeting” with the real estate agents selling his...

BBB Reminds Consumers To Be Mindful Of Online Transactions On Cyber Monday, Nov. 29

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | National News

Charlotte, NC – The Monday following Black Friday, known as Cyber Monday, has become one of...

Page Burners Book Club At Novel Taproom, November 30

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Do you like to read, support local business, and check out new places? Then we...

Drivers Scramble As Cash Falls From Armored Truck On Freeway

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Out of Focus

Carlsbad, CA (AP) — Drivers scrambled to grab cash Friday morning after bags of money fell out of...

American Red Cross: Help Avoid Impact To Patients Over Holidays

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Charlotte, NC – With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many Americans are beginning to...

Wittenburg Access Area On Lake Hickory To Close For Upgrades Beginning November 29

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Alexander County – The Wittenburg Access Area on Lake Hickory in Bethlehem will temporarily close...

Register For Santa’s Call Or Letter From Santa By Nov. 30th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department is again offering an...

Gingerbread House Kits At ShopHMA, November 26 & 27

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The holidays are upon us. Get a jump on your holiday shopping and save $ at our...

Que: A Thankful Retrospective

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Have Chainsaw Will Travel

“The human race, it never fails to confound, confuse or disappoint.” – (Chainsaw). Through...

Hickory’s Thanksgiving Closings

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The City of Hickory will close its offices on Thursday, November 25, and Friday,...

Florida Family Faces Fine For Early Christmas Lights Display

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Out of Focus

Tampa, FL (AP) — A Florida family is in trouble with their homeowners association for putting up...

Valdese Prepares For Annual Christmas Parade On Dec. 4th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Valdese, NC – The Town of Valdese is delighted to announce that North Carolina Representative Hugh...

D.A. Smith, The Unsung Father Of Furniture

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Focus Historian In Residence

Like any area in the South after the Civil War, western North Carolina looked for a way to recover...

Catawba County Offices To Close For Thanksgiving Holiday

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Catawba County government offices will be closed Thursday, November 25 and Friday,...

Under Pressure, Apple Allows Self-Repairs To iPhones And Macs

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | National News

By MATT O’BRIEN (AP) – Apple is letting some iPhone users fix their own phones, a sharp...

Walk Off The Turkey At Schiele Museum On Nov. 26th, For Free

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Gastonia, NC – Get moving and out of the house and share The Schiele with your family &...

Steroid Debate Will Resume

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Sid On Sports

Alex Rodriguez is eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time on the 2022 ballot....

Connections Clubhouse To Host Pottery Fundraiser, December 4

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Connections Clubhouse is once again hosting their pottery fundraiser. This year...

Shop Small In Downtown Hickory On Saturday, Nov. 27

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Hickory NC: Downtown Hickory’s small, independent businesses welcome you to SHOP...

LR Celebrates The Holiday With Christmas Concert, 12/2 – 12/4

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 24, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The joy of the holiday season comes alive during Lenoir-Rhyne’s annual concert, “A...

Foothills Faith and Friendship Welcomes Public For Thanksgiving Of Sharing On November 22

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Foothills Faith and Friendship, a Hickory-based young adult Christian group, welcomes...

Man Earns Ph.D., Fulfills Dream Of Being Physicist At 89

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | National News

East Providence, RI (AP) — An 89-year-old Rhode Island man has achieved a goal he spent two...

Last Chance To Catch The Thanksgiving Play At HCT, Nov. 18 – 21

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – It’s the final weekend for the Hickory Community Theatre’s production of THE...

Furniture ‘Rock Stars’

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Focus Historian In Residence

The most famous person to make furniture in North Carolina did not come from the manufacturing...

Injured Deer Runs Into Hospital And Climbs Up Escalator

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Out of Focus

Baton Rouge, LA (AP) — A deer ran through the front door of a Louisiana hospital and climbed up an...

Theaters, Streaming & Disc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Film Reviews, Previews

Now in theaters: Belfast (2021) Kenneth Branagh’s autobiographical look at his coming of age in...

Augmented Reality Project Brings Olympics Birthplace To Life

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | National News

Olympia, Greece (AP) — What would it be like to walk around the ancient religious sanctuary of Olympia when the Olympic Games were held? An unusual partnership between Microsoft and Greece’s Ministry of Culture and Sport is...

Jacinda Townsend To Judge Jacobs/Jones African-American Literary Prize, Submit By Jan. 2

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Winton-Salem, NC – The Jacobs/Jones African-American Literary Prize, which honors the best...

Author Speaks About Debut Novel At Library On Nov. 27

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Visit the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library on Saturday, November 27 at 2:30pm to...

NCSSM Information Session, Monday, November 29, 6:30 PM

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Join the library in welcoming Robert Andrews, from the North Carolina School of Science...

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas Runs Nov. 26 – Dec. 19

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Flat Rock, NC – A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas kicks off the holiday season with a Flat Rock...

Carolina Caring Offers Free ‘Mourning’ Coffee Break, 11/24

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Grief can be a lonely experience. Anyone in the community who has lost a loved one...

Roadrunner, Going Faster, Ends Up In Maine After Hitchhike

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Out of Focus

Freedom, ME (AP) — A wayward roadrunner is on the mend in Maine after traveling across the country...

Parents’ Night Out At Hickory Church of Christ, November 20th

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Hickory Church of Christ invites parents to register and bring kids (ages 0 to 16...

Blowing Rock’s Christmas In The Park & Lighting Of The Town, 11/27

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Blowing Rock, NC – Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town...

Cam’s Back

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Sid On Sports

Admit it. The thought of Cam Newton returning to the Carolina Panthers never crossed your mind. It...

Annual Light Up Lenoir Kicks Off With Winter Wonderland, Nov. 27

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Light Up Lenoir is the start of the City’s annual holiday light show in Downtown...

Well-Known Grizzly And 4 Cubs Spotted In Wyoming Downtown

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Out of Focus

Jackson, WY (AP) — A grizzly bear and her four cubs who are already well-known to wildlife...

Do You Have Your Golden Ticket? Willy Wonka Opens This Friday, November 19, At Green Room

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – The Green Room Community Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. It is the...

Introducing Fat Sam’s Gang From Bugsy Malone, Coming Soon To HCT, December 3rd

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The pint sized, pinstriped classic, BUGSY MALONE is coming up for a three-weekend...

Hartzell Church To Host Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner On Saturday, Nov. 20

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – On Saturday November 20th, the Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church will host...

Sit And Knit At The Alexander County Library On Thursdays

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Taylorsville, NC – The Alexander County Library is pleased to restart its “Sit & Knit”...

Why Is…”It’s Beginning”

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Have Chainsaw Will Travel

“…to look a lot like Christmas…everywhere you go! Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening...

Lincolnton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, Sun., Nov. 28

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Lincolnton, NC – The 2021 Annual Lincolnton Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting, Santa House,...

Interfaith Council Program On Darkness And Light, Nov. 21

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 18, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – As we once again approach the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year,...

Problem + Solution = More Problems

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Have Chainsaw Will Travel

QUICK RECAP: Last week we discussed an article, which was submitted by a reader, and this writer’s...

Celebrate The History & Heritage Of Our Nation’s First Inhabitants, November 19 & 20

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Raleigh, NC – Governor Roy Cooper has declared November as American Indian Heritage Month, an...

Exodus Ribbon Cutting For New Fellowship Hall & Entry Into The United Church Of Christ, 11/14

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Exodus Homes, a faith based United Way agency providing supportive housing for...

Senior-Adult Thanksgiving Luncheon At Highland Rec., 11/23

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Hickory Parks & Recreation invites Hickory senior citizens to our Senior-Adult...

Theaters, Streaming & Disc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Blu-ray Releases, Film Reviews

Now in theaters: Spencer (**) Kristen Stewart is the real reason to see Pablo Loraine’s take on a...

Honor Your Loved Ones In Downtown Morganton, Nov. 20

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Morganton, NC – Each year on the Historic Courthouse Lawn in downtown Morganton, a beautiful...

Oktoberfest Castle Of Cans Virtual Fundraiser Reaches Record-Breaking 105,000 Pounds Of Food

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – In its 23rd year, the 2021 Susan L. Coleman Castle of Cans has set a new record of...

Tickets On Sale Now For Annual Fundraiser, Jingle Bell BASH, 12/6

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The Jingle Bell BASH (Benefitting Arts, Science and History) is our annual...

Planetarium Show Solar System Odyssey!, Now Showing At CSC

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Solar System Odyssey is a character-driven adventure set in the future, in a time...

Scholarship Fund Raises $3K For Free Music Lessons To Foster Kids

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The Hickory Music Factory’s “Betty Cline Scholarship Fund” raised over $3000...

The Thanksgiving Play Continues This Weekend At HCT

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – There are six more performances remaining in the run of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, a...

Hickory Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, November 19

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The City of Hickory will host its annual holiday season kick-off event, the Lowes...

‘Nimblewill Nomad,’ 83, Is Oldest To Hike Appalachian Trail

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | National News

Portland, ME (AP) — An 83-year-old from Alabama started walking when he retired more than a...

5th Annual Downtown Newton Christmas Crawl, Nov. 12 & 13

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Kick off the holiday season by shopping, dining, and enjoying local during the...

Newton Main Library To Host How Do I Eat This? On Nov. 15

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Have you ever seen an item in the produce aisle and thought “What is that and...

With A Wink, Judge Fights ‘Tyranny’ Of Elf On The Shelf

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Out of Focus

Marietta, GA (AP) — Santa may have fewer eyes in homes this Christmas season after a Georgia...

Ye Olde Cabinet Shop

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Focus Historian In Residence

How did the manufacture of furniture become a signature industry for western North Carolina? Was...

Annual Celebration Of Seagrove Potters Studio Tour, Nov. 19-21

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Seagrove, NC – Seagrove announces its 14th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Studio...

No Toilet For Returning SpaceX Crew, Stuck Using Diapers

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Out of Focus

Cape Canaveral, FL (AP) — The astronauts who will depart the International Space Station on Sunday...

Hickory Police Department’s 2021 Cops For Tots, Dec. 14 & 15

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – The Hickory Police Department has started collecting monetary donations and new...

Moonlit Movies At Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, Nov. 18

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – On Thursday, November 18 at 6pm, in collaboration with the Hickory Community...

Coach K Victory Tour Begins

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Sid On Sports

In case you missed it, Duke head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has announced that this will be...

Trash Can Travels: Myrtle Beach Bin Makes Its Way To Ireland

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 11, 2021 | Out of Focus

Myrtle Beach, SC (AP) — Instead of a message in a bottle, it was the decals on a barnacle-covered...

Community Breakfast For Veterans This Saturday, Nov. 6

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Hickory Area veterans are invited to attend a breakfast in their honor this...

Theaters, Streaming & Disc

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Blu-ray Releases, Film Reviews

Now in theaters: Last Night in Soho (***) The latest from filmmaker Edgar Wright (Shaun of the...

Valdese Christmas In November Craft & Gift Show, Nov. 12 & 13

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Valdese, NC – Enjoy an indoor event with over 60 handmade craft vendors offering unique...

Asian Spider Takes Hold In Georgia, Sends Humans Scurrying

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | National News

Atlanta (AP) — A large spider native to East Asia has spun its thick, golden web on power lines,...

HCT Announces The Cast For Musical Comedy Bugsy Malone

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Bugsy Malone is a pint-sized, pinstriped classic is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to...

BBB Scam Alert: Beware Of Medicare And ACA Cons During Special Enrollment Period

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Charlotte, NC – The coronavirus pandemic left many Americans unemployed, and uninsured. To...

Return To Sender? Stolen Elvis Bust Is Back In Illinois Bar

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Out of Focus

West Peoria, IL (AP) — The King of Rock n’ Roll is back in the building. An Elvis Presley bust...

Giant ‘Corpse Plant’ Draws Crowds In Southern California

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Out of Focus

Encinitas, CA (AP) — The bloom of a giant and stinky Sumatran flower nicknamed the “corpse plant”...

Braves Win, Braves Win

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Sid On Sports

It is hard to fathom that it had been over a quarter century since the Atlanta Braves won a World...

Newton Writer Publishes Going Plaid Collection, Partial Proceeds To Benefit The Corner Table

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Tammy Wilson of Newton has partnered with Redhawk Publishing to compile a...

Register For Carolina Caring’s Free Online Support Group

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Conover, NC – The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to an unprecedented level of loss....

Full Circle Arts Annual Auction, Open Now Till November 13

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Full Circle Arts’ annual auction is now open online. All of the items are also on...

Exodus Homes 2021 “A New Way” William Mangum Honor Cards, Available Now!

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Exodus Homes’ 2021 William Mangum Honor Cards are now available for the holidays....

Cast Iron Cooking Over An Open Fire Class, November 13

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Hickory – Join us at The Thankful Goat Farm for a special library event. Dawn Mathews, owner...

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Set For Nov. 6

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Newton, NC – Catawba County’s annual spring residential household hazardous waste collection event...

Run For The Dogs Trail Race Set For Nov. 6 At Rocky Face Park

Posted by FOCUS Newspaper | November, 4, 2021 | Local News

Hiddenite, NC – The 5th Annual “Run for the Dogs” Trail Race is set for Saturday, November 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Rocky Face Park multipurpose building/visitors center. Choose your distance of 4, 8, or 12 miles for only $10...