Regional News

The Arc of Gaston County and Special Olympics Gaston County will have a gift-wrapping booth Dec. 12-24 at Westfield Eastridge Mall. Proceeds will benefit citizens with developmental disabilities throughout Gaston County.

Gaston County

Alexander County

Calvary Church

Mental Health Partners recently received a $1 million grant through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program to help prevent homelessness in Burke and Catawba counties. The organization will receive the money during the next three years.

The Newcomers Club of Catawba Valley held a special event for fun and fundraising this month. A casino night raised money for three area charities selected by the membership.

Caldwell County

Salvation Army bells are ringing again.

In 2008, the East Lincoln boys' cross country team posted a respectable 10th-place finish in the N.C. 2A state championships.

Financial good news comes several times a year for Hickory police: The department has won another state or federal grant, a total of almost $640,000 this year.