Good morning, Hickory.

Hickory school superintendent Griffin said a vote on merging Catawba County school districts may occur soon, noting that consolidation may not best serve students (he believes the merger could affect local education).

Today, a private contractor is closing 17th Avenue NE from Fourth Street Drive NE to Fifth Street NE from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for sewer and water tap installation (detour route provided), and work will finish by Thursday if weather permits.

On March 9, Long View Town Council approved an order to vacate 28 Hilltop Apartments units due to code issues, including six currently occupied units that must be empty by March 23.

A Hilltop resource session for affected residents will be held today.

Carolina QuickCare is building a new urgent care clinic in Hickory + the facility will soon offer walk-in care for patients of all ages once construction is complete.

Lenoir Rhyne women's golf finished 13th at the Jerry Surratt Memorial Intercollegiate on March 10.

Eve Neild tied for 15th individually and will lead the Bears at the Patsy Rendleman Invitational on March 23 to 24 at the Country Club of Salisbury.

Sean Finan of Lenoir-Rhyne was named the South Atlantic Conference men’s golfer of the week after winning the Spring Bulldog Clash in Pawley’s Island, SC on Mar.

10. He finished under par with a score of 209 — his performance marked his first weekly honor.

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.

Rockie Lynne All Star Jam

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Cost not specified — Experience soulful blues and rock as Rockie Lynne takes the stage with special guests for a night of memorable music.