Good morning, Hickory.

Families in Hickory are invited to join the 39th Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the City's Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Department on Saturday, Mar.

28 at Henry Fork River Park (5655 Sweet Bay Lane). Four timed egg hunts for different age groups will begin at 6 p.m., and additional activities include Easter Bunny photos and themed crafts.

Duke Energy filed a request for a 10.95% return on equity that could raise North Carolina residential power bills by about 13% starting in 2027, as the N.C.

Utilities Commission reviews proposals with a ruling expected later this year.

The Catawba County school board approved a policy to hold a prayer before meetings, while some residents objected by saying it signals a Christian focus in board proceedings.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, high school baseball teams posted results with Hickory scoring 4 runs while Bunker Hill was shut out by Maddox McRee & Ronan Nieland’s no-hitter performance; other teams in the Western Foothills Athletic Conference and non-conference matchups registered varied scores.

Lenoir-Rhyne swept Barton with two shutout wins (9-0 and 4-0) on Feb.

26, 2026, as Madison Wilson and Faith Carrigan led the team. The Bears will host Southern Wesleyan in a doubleheader at McCrorie Family Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, high school softball games in the Western Foothills Athletic 4A/5A Conference (conference results) finished with Bunker Hill 20, Hickory 4, East Lincoln 14, Newton-Conover 1, Fred T.

Foard 15, West Iredell 2, North Lincoln 14, and Maiden 1.

Lenoir-Rhyne Baseball hit four home runs in an 11-8 win over USC-Aiken on Wednesday night, boosting their record to 10-1.

They will host a rematch with #5 Catawba at Durham Field Friday at 3:00 p.m.

On Feb. 26, the Lenoir-Rhyne women’s tennis team won 4-0 against Anderson in conference play, sweeping both doubles and singles matches.

The Bears will return home to face Carson-Newman on Saturday with first serve at 2:00 p.m.

Lenoir-Rhyne women's basketball clinched a share of the South Atlantic Conference championship with an 83-75 win over Anderson on Feb.

26, extending their record win streak to 18 games. They will head to Jefferson City, Tenn., to face Carson-Newman in the final regular season game at 2:00 p.m.

The Lenoir-Rhyne men’s tennis team opened conference play with a 4-2 win over Anderson on Thursday, Feb.

26 after winning key doubles and three singles matches. The Bears will host Carson-Newman at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at home.

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.

29th Annual Catawba Valley Pottery Festival

6-9 p.m. on Mar 27 & 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mar 28 — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — $50 for Friday Premiere, $10 for Saturday adults — Celebrate North Carolina’s rich pottery heritage with artists, demonstrations, and unique buying opportunities.