Good morning, Hickory.

Goodwill is set to open a new retail store in Sherrills Ford on Feb.

25 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the store will offer thousands of donated items (clothing, furniture, shoes, toys, home decor).

Dave Leonetti will be promoted on March 1 to lead the Office of Business Development in Hickory after nearly 18 years of service with the City; his long tenure since 2007 & expertise in fostering economic growth position him for future initiatives.

Lenoir-Rhyne earned a 13-10 win over Carson-Newman on Feb.

21 by scoring eight runs early and featuring Seth Christmas’ standout performance with two home runs (one a first-inning grand slam).

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association released playoff brackets for girls and boys basketball with first round matchups set to begin Tuesday.

Hickory Metro teams will host or travel for games + some teams receive a bye while a girls game airs on WHKY Radio.

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.

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.

Tommy's Rock Trip

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — $17.50 admission — Experience the ultimate rock tribute featuring world-renowned drummer Tommy Clufetos.

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.