Hickory
Morning News
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Hickory. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced it has received $75.8 million from federal funds to help child care recovery for over 330 facilities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. Child care operators can submit damage reports (via the DCDEE portal) for recovery efforts that run through Sept. 30. WHKY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said today that the SCRIPT Act is in effect, with the DOJ and Insurance Department enforcing rules that require pharmacy benefit managers to let any pharmacy join, share savings with patients, and fairly reimburse independent pharmacies. WHKY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lenoir-Rhyne softball swept Erskine on Wednesday with 9-1 and 8-0 wins, highlighted by Madison Primm’s three home runs across both games. The Bears will face Young Harris on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. WHKY
- ➤ Lenoir-Rhyne women's basketball defeated #12 Coker 89-67 on February 19 to extend their winning streak to 16 games, breaking a 50-year record. The Bears will host Tusculum on Saturday (Play4Kay regular season home finale) with tip-off at 2:00 p.m. WHKY
- ➤ Lenoir-Rhyne men’s basketball outscored Coker 107-72 on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in a high-scoring showdown that boosted the Bears to 21-6 overall and 15-4 in the conference. They will honor seniors on Saturday against Tusculum at home + continue their strong season. WHKY
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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.
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2026 Academy Awards Viewing Party
6:30-11:30 p.m. — Main Cellar City Club — Free for members, $10 for guests — Celebrate cinema at a lively viewing party with refreshments and an Oscar contest.
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NJCAA Basketball Tournament
March 16-21 — Catawba Valley Community College — Day Passes $20, All Tournament Pass $100, Recruiter Pass $225 — Catch the excitement of the NJCAA Basketball Tournament in Hickory, NC.
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Tommy's Rock Trip
7-11 p.m. — The Premier — $17.50 admission — Experience the ultimate rock tribute featuring world-renowned drummer Tommy Clufetos.
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Carolina Classic Cheerleading Competition
7 AM - 6 PM — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — Adult $25, Children $15 — A day packed with cheerleading performances and competitions.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
~ Naval Ravikant
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