Good morning, Hickory.

Microsoft has restarted its $1B data center project in Catawba County with crews working at campuses in Conover, Hickory, Maiden and Newton after a 10-month pause; local officials are finalizing permits + incentives to address community concerns.

On March 1, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced a new workplace safety strategy to reduce struck-by injuries in general industry & construction.

The initial effort will develop compliance guidance and expand education and training to help employers identify and mitigate risks.

On March 1, the Lenoir-Rhyne women's tennis team won against Carson-Newman, improving to 4-0 after Claudia Orsini saved match-point in a key singles win; the Bears will face UVA Wise on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

The Lenoir-Rhyne men’s tennis team defeated Carson-Newman 4-0 on Saturday, Mar.

1 after strong doubles and singles wins kept the Bears’ perfect season intact. They will play UVA Wise Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in a South Atlantic Conference match.

Lenoir-Rhyne women's basketball clinched the South Atlantic Conference regular season title with a 93-74 win over Carson-Newman on March 1 (their first title since 2013-14) and extended its winning streak to 19.

The Bears will face Anderson at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday in Rock Hill.

Saturday's third-round high school basketball playoffs delivered wins for Maiden, Blue Devils, Alexander Central, Salisbury & Hickory, ending seasons for teams including Cavs, Trojans, Tigers & Panthers; the Blue Devils, Panthers, Cougars & Red Tornadoes will host their next rounds Monday.

On March 1, Lenoir-Rhyne athletes delivered a strong start at the SAC Indoor Track & Field Championships, with Tobechukwu Nwokocha setting a long jump record at 7.54m and several team members achieving personal bests.

The team will compete again on Sunday in the championship finals.

LR Softball swept Southern Wesleyan on Saturday by winning an 8-1 opener and a 5-4 night cap that featured Kaylan Brown’s 10th inning walk-off RBI single, extending the Bears’ streak to eight games.

LR will host California (PA) Friday at 2:00 p.m.

On March 1, Lenoir-Rhyne men’s basketball won 87-81 in overtime against Carson-Newman and locked the second seed in the SAC Tournament — they will face Emory and Henry Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Rock Hill.

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.