Hickory
Morning News
Monday, March 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Hickory. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 2nd of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Go Foothills
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WHKY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WHKY
- ➤ 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. WHKY
- ➤ 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. WHKY
- ➤ 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. WHKY
- ➤ 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. WHKY
- ➤ 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. WHKY
- ➤ 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. WHKY
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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.
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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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Hickory Morning News
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