Good morning, Hickory.

On March 14, Hickory Elks Lodge honored three outstanding public servants at its Americanism Awards Ceremony.

Fire Captain Stephen Romano, Master Police Officer Austin Steele, and Street Division Crew Leader McKinley Sherrill were recognized for their dedication to community service.

Western Piedmont Community College has joined NC Reconnect in a new Better Skills, Better Jobs campaign that will offer outreach events and digital presentations to help adults connect with tuition-free education programs+boost their job skills in Morganton.

App State will invest $500K in a new clinical lab and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at its Hickory campus (designed to offer advanced clinical training and boost regional workforce skills).

Belmont Abbey scored eight runs in the final innings to defeat Lenoir-Rhyne 14-9 at Durham Field in Hickory on March 18 — the game was rescheduled from Belmont due to weather and field conditions, and Conor Linkfield led with a three-for-four performance.

Lenoir-Rhyne women’s lacrosse improved to 3-0 in the South Atlantic Conference with a 10-3 win at Catawba on Wednesday night (Mar.

18). The Bears will host Lincoln Memorial at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday as they aim to remain unbeaten.

The #46-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne men’s golf team finished seventh at the Ralph Hargett Memorial Intercollegiate on Mar.

18 — the Bears will travel to Lenoir City next Monday and Tuesday for the Tennessee River Rumble at WindRiver Golf Club.

Appalachian State Wrestling sent three SoCon champions to the NCAA Championships at Rocket Arena.

The double-elimination event starts today at noon with Aldo Hernandez wrestling a pigtail round match while Tomas Brooker and Stephan Monchery compete in later rounds.

Lenoir-Rhyne lost 86-62 to Lander in the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship on March 18, ending a season at 26-9 & marking their second straight championship appearance.

Akili Evans, named South Atlantic Conference Newcomer of the Year, scored 13 points in the game.

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.