Good morning, Hickory.

NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) warns that scammers send texts falsely claiming tax refund approval and urging recipients to click a link to avoid forfeiture.

The department said it never communicates tax refunds by text and advises deleting such messages immediately.

Governor Josh Stein urged residents to update emergency kits and review storm plans during Severe Weather Preparedness Week; a statewide tornado drill is scheduled for today at 9:30 a.m. with test alerts on radio and TV.

Lenoir-Rhyne Baseball swept their doubleheader against Bluefield State on Tuesday, winning 9-4 and 12-4.

The Bears rallied with a five-run seventh and home runs by Seth Christmas and Sylas Boris, extending their record to 25-2 with 20 home wins in Hickory.

Lenoir-Rhyne men's basketball earned three spots on All-SAC teams with Conrad Luczynski, Akili Evans who was named Newcomer of the Year, and Julian Dozier and will open postseason play today at 7:30 p.m. against Emory & Henry at Rock Hill Sports and Events Center.

Head coach Emry Tsitouris earned South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year and freshman Abigail Brown Freshman of the Year honors as the Bears finished a 24 win, 4 loss season and clinched a top seed in the SAC Tournament—opening against Anderson at noon today in Rock Hill Sports and Events Center.

High school softball games played Tuesday, March 3 saw teams like Fred T.

Foard post a high 17 runs while Hickory ended with 1 run (results from the Western Foothills Athletic Conference and non-conference matchups were recorded).

Tuesday, March 3, high school girls soccer teams played in both conference and non-conference games with scores ranging from 0 to 9, including Hickory scoring 6.

The results offer a snapshot of early season efforts + competitive matchups.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Track & Field program has four athletes heading to Indoor Nationals, with three men in long jump, hurdles & sprints and one woman in triple jump.

The championships will be held March 13-14 in Virginia Beach at the Sports Center.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s tennis players earned week four honors as Nellie Wahlberg (senior) went 3-0 in singles and secured key doubles wins while freshman Samuil Sivinov posted perfect records in both singles and doubles.

The South Atlantic Conference announced the awards on March 3.

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.