Hickory
Morning News
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Hickory. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Duke Energy has requested two rate hikes that will raise electricity bills by 16 to 18 percent in 2027 and 2028. The North Carolina Utilities Commission will hold public hearings later this month and decide on the proposal by year end. Go Foothills
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hickory City Schools appointed Greg Keys as the new Chief Technology Officer, confirmed by the Board on March 9, and he will begin his role on May 11—bringing his experience in education and tech to support school innovation. WHKY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Conover secured more than $1.29 million in state grant funding on March 12 to support new sidewalks along Conover Boulevard East, a pump station upgrade at its wastewater plant, and industrial building renovations to boost jobs and improve public infrastructure. WHKY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced updates to its BH SCAN registry on Thursday, Mar. 12 that now provide hourly data and integration with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to help providers quickly find available mental health beds in over 3,500 state facilities. WHKY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Lenoir-Rhyne women’s tennis team lost a 5-2 non-conference match against #33 Flagler on March 12, keeping the Bears at 7–1. The team will play Mars Hill on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. as they try to rebound. WHKY
- ➤ Seven CVCC women’s basketball players were honored by Region 10 for academic excellence after the 2025-26 season ended on March 12—tying a program record for All-Region selections. WHKY
- ➤ Aaliyah El (a Mars Hill transfer from Charlotte) earned All-Region First Team honors on March 12 as she led her team with an average of 17.5 points and 67 steals while helping secure the conference title. Her performance ranks the Bears second nationally with 86.6 points per game. WHKY
- ➤ The Lenoir-Rhyne men's tennis team lost 4–0 to third-ranked Flagler on March 12, dropping to a 5–1 record. They will face Mars Hill on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. 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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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only true failure is abandoning your principles.
~ Ryan Holiday
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