Good morning, Hickory.

Corning signed a deal with Meta to supply optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions ($6 billion deal) that will support creation of 1,000 North Carolina jobs.

Corning said it will expand its Hickory fiber-optic plant to support a $6 billion deal with Meta for AI data center cables.

The expansion is set to boost local employment from over 5,000 to nearly 6,000 (a 15 to 20% increase) as work begins soon.

Homeowners in western North Carolina who lost their homes during Hurricane Helene are urged to apply for recovery assistance from the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program before January 31 using online, phone, or in-person options at local centers (for eligible areas including Catawba County).

NCDOT's Integrated Mobility Division is offering free bicycle helmets to organizations (including local government agencies, schools, and nonprofits) to promote safe cycling.

Applications must be submitted online by Feb. 20 and helmets will be distributed in the spring before National Bike and Roll to School Day.

Hickory Crawdads will launch their season with Spring Fling on Saturday, Mar.

14, from 11am to 1pm at LP Frans Stadium. The free event, presented by Lonnie Shook CPA, will feature batting practice, bingo, arts and crafts, and a bounce house — season memberships and free popcorn available.

Head coach Adam Skonieczki and the Lenoir-Rhyne baseball team are ranked No. 3 in the ABCA NCAA Division II Preseason Coaches Poll after a record-breaking 2025 season — they will open Friday at 3:00 p.m. hosting Pitt-Johnstown at Durham Field.

Poison'Us & Kings of Noise

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets starting at $17.45 — Experience the ultimate Poison tribute and rock out with Kings of Noise playing the greatest hits.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Drendel Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the magic of tribute performances in a unique candlelight setting.

Love Music: An Evening of Romance and Strings

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Drendel Auditorium — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a romantic night of candlelit music with the WPS Maestro's Quartet.

Pigeon Forge Crew Concert

6-8 p.m. — The Premier — Ticket information available — Enjoy a night of music with the Pigeon Forge Crew at this local venue.