Catawba County Animal Services to open public adoption process for more than 100 dogs confiscated on September 30. 

Dogs may be adopted beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Animal Shelter behind the Justice Center, off Highway 321 Business in Newton.  Full story

Two new early voting precincts will open October 20.

The precincts will offer voters in the southeast and southwest sections of the county the option of voting early in a more convenient location.  Early voting sites open for several years in Newton and Hickory will remain in operation.  Full story

The City of Hickory modifies mandatory water restrictions.

City of Hickory restrictions, modified September 25, apply to customers in Hickory, Conover, Claremont, Town of Catawba, Brookford, Long View, Maiden, and Mountain View and Sherrills Ford areas of Catawba County.  Full story 

Duke Energy has also updated its drought information.  

Catawba County Public Health to offer flu shots at two locations beginning in early October.

Shots will be available at the Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall beginning October 3 and at Catawba County Public Health starting October 6.  Full story

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners next meeting is set for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008 at the 1924 Courthouse, 30 North College Avenue in Newton, NC.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the County’s 2006 Community Development Block Grant Scattered Site Housing Grant to add one new beneficiary and remove two who have withdrawn from the program; consider a budget transfer to complete the St. Stephens Park renovation project; and hear a presentation on a review of the justice system in the county, from an efficiency and working process standpoint, when the Board meets at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008, at the 1924 Courthouse at 30 N. College Avenue in Newton.

The Board will also consider a water and sewer extension policy for projects not required by the County Code; increasing home health fees due to Medicaid rate increases; allocating insurance money received for two wrecked patrol vehicles to purchase two new vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office; accepting and allocating grant money for operating a one-stop voting site at the Southwest Branch Library; the waiving of solid waste disposal fees for the Lake Hickory Association’s participation in the fall Litter Sweep in October; and an amendment to the County Code regarding the transfer of employees’ annual leave in excess of 240 hours to sick leave at retirement. The Board will also present Distinguished Public Service Awards to Deputy Sheriff Tammy Johnson, who was recently named National School Resource Officer of the Year and Deputy Sheriff Dennis Smith, recipient of the 2008 American Police Canine Association President’s Award.  See agenda

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2008 at LP Frans Stadium in Hickory.

Retired County Commissioner, U.S. Congressman Cass Ballenger receives Catawba County Spirit Award.

Ballenger was recognized for being "a champion for school children, a long-time public servant and a respected business owner." Full story

Catawba County Tax Administrator announces retirement plans.

Randy Moose, who has served as County Tax Administrator since April 2001, has announced plans to retire effective January 1, 2009.  Moose has worked for Catawba County for almost 34 years.  Full story

Kids In Need Fund Fall Fest will help less fortunate children through fun activities! 

Children will go trick-or-treating and raise money to pay for medical care, dental services and medications for children without insurance who also don't qualify for Medicaid or North Carolina Health Choice, on Friday, October 17, 2008 at Catawba County Public Health.  Full story

To learn more about Catawba County Government, go to www.catawbacountync.gov