Regional News

As a 29-year-old single mom who works full-time but still struggles to make ends meet, Kristin Deighan figured home ownership was a long way off. The last thing she expected was for someone to give her one.

The Healing Force will present "The Rhythm of the Drum," a presentation of traditional storytelling, African dance and singing at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 in the auditorium at the Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia.

Belmont

Jim Hoffman is the guru of getaways, the quick day trips that take one tank of gas but deliver plenty of ways to relax and recharge.

Catawba County will take over operation of Taylorsville's single ABC store in a few weeks if a state commission gives its approval.

"We were rock stars." Those words from Chris Mader, the starting third baseman for the Crawdads during their inaugural campaign in Hickory in 1993, summed up the enthusiasm that greeted the new "boys of summer" nearly two decades ago.

The Catawba County Library System has scored a big one in honor of Black History Month. They've scheduled noted author and retired N.C. State English professor Dr. Lucinda MacKethan to speak Tuesday night at the Main Library in Newton.

Hopewell Presbyterian, Huntersville

A special, 20th anniversary logo, a freshly repainted stadium and new starting times for some home games will highlight the 2012 season for the Hickory Crawdads, team general manager Mark Seaman said at the Hot Stove Banquet last week.

Catawba County now accepts used cooking oil, fat and grease for recycling 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday at the Blackburn Solid Waste Convenience Center, 3864 Rocky Ford Road, Newton.