Good morning, Hickory.

A new Dollar Tree will open soon in Catawba County, adding to local businesses that aim to boost community ties, while bookstore owner David Fiorentino said having their own space makes connecting with customers a no-brainer.

Lenoir-Rhyne softball swept Catawba on Saturday with 6-5 and 9-1 wins on the road, as Autumn Joyce, Madison Wilson and Avery Kiger helped extend a 14-game win streak + the Bears will face UVA-Wise in a doubleheader on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

On March 15, Lenoir-Rhyne men's lacrosse lost 14 to 10 to Wingate in the Crown Classic held in Charlotte; the Bears will face a nonconference game in Hickory on March 25 after both teams lost games due to weather.

Havyn Spain earned All-American honors at the 2026 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championship on March 15 after his 200m run in 20.98 seconds for third place, while Mackenzie Pringle broke her indoor triple jump record with a 12.52 meter leap, and the Bears will begin their outdoor season next weekend.

The Lenoir-Rhyne men’s basketball team advanced to the NCAA Tournament second round after an 80-67 win over North Georgia on Saturday night.

The Bears — who committed a season-low nine turnovers — will face Young Harris next as they build on their strong early lead.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears made history by advancing to the Southeast Regional Championship after beating Coker 54-45; they will face #5 seeded Carson-Newman tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Harrogate (Tenn.).

Lenoir-Rhyne Baseball swept Anderson on March 15 when Drew Beard’s hit with bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh gave the Bears a 5 to 4 win in a doubleheader — Matt Procopio had six hits and the team will face Belmont Abbey on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

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.