Gaston County starts the year with local events including WIC services at the library, film screenings, storytime for kids, art sessions, sewing meet-ups, and an author meetup.

The Salisbury NC Fire Department urges citizens to develop a home fire safety plan and offers assistance in preparation, emphasizing early planning for fire prevention and safety.

Mecklenburg County is hosting the 2026 Senior Games and SilverArts from March to May, offering athletic and artistic competitions for seniors aged 50 and up. Registration is open with discounted early bird fees.

Hickory Public Library revamps its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, encouraging early reading through rewards and tracking progress via an app or paper logs, with kick-off events at local branches.

Charlotte announces a week-long series of events from Jan. 12-19 to honor Martin Luther King Jr., inviting community participation in commemorating his legacy.

Monroe Police returned a runaway rabbit to its owner, sharing the story on Facebook to highlight community policing and remind pet owners about pet safety.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Civilian Crash Investigations unit handles non-injury accident calls, freeing up officers for priority incidents.

Nicki the Cat, formerly at Animal Care & Control, gained TikTok fame for her chattiness. Her success highlights pet adoption, with accounts like @nicki_purrs gaining followers.

Charlotte urges residents to minimize salt use in winter to protect waterways, advising calibrated spreading and brine solutions for ice-prevention to lessen environmental impact.

The Huntersville Fire Department used social media to wish the community a Happy New Year and remind them to be safe, including not drinking and driving and being careful with fireworks and firearms.

Salisbury Police Department warns against celebratory gunfire, emphasizing the danger and illegality of the practice, and promotes firearm safety on social media.

Gastonia's Finance Department shared holiday cheer with Belmont Health and Rehabilitation, reflecting community spirit and commitment beyond fiscal obligations.

Gastonia offers a "Homebuyer Education Workshop" to aid potential homeowners in understanding the home-buying process, set for January 10 at City Hall.