Good morning, Hickory.

Microsoft has resumed work on its $1B data center project in Catawba County after a delay (permits were issued from November to December).

Governor Josh Stein announced nearly $8.5 million in infrastructure grants to support 13 small business recovery projects in western North Carolina on Friday.

The SmBIZ program will repair water and sewer lines, stormwater controls and downtown streetscapes damaged by Hurricane Helene via the NC Department of Commerce.

The Hickory Elks honored three public servants on March 14 at the Americanism Awards Ceremony, recognizing key members from the fire, police and public service departments.

At Hickory Motor Speedway, Mason Walters swept both Paramount Kia Limited Late Model races during the NASCAR Local Racing Series on Saturday, Mar.

21 + winners also included John Cook, Danny Trent, AJ Sanders, and Code DeMarmels in other classes. O’Reilly Auto Parts sponsored the event.

Lenoir-Rhyne beat Coker 6-5 on March 22 with a walk-off hit by Nathan Kidder (a 3-for-5 performance) in their game in Hickory; the Bears registered 16 hits and improved their overall record to 19-5-1.

Lenoir-Rhyne men’s lacrosse beat Lincoln Memorial 21-5 on Saturday in a senior day game as players like Joel Brusnahan and Jack Mulligan were honored; the Bears out-shot the opponent and improved to an 11-0 record against the Railsplitters while set to host #6 Wingate Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

High school baseball games played on Friday, Mar.

20 produced results in multiple conferences. Teams from Western Piedmont 3A/4A, Western Foothills 4A/5A, and Northwestern 6A/7A finished with notable scores like East Rutherford (12) and Bunker Hill (10).

Lenoir-Rhyne women’s lacrosse won 24-9 Saturday against Lincoln Memorial as Abbey Walker scored five goals and had five assists, nearly breaking a school record.

The undefeated Bears are 4-0 in conference play and will face #13 Wingate next Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s softball team swept Lincoln Memorial yesterday in a doubleheader, winning 9-6 and 11-0.

The Bears travel to King today at 1:00 p.m. from Bristol, Tennessee — they improved their SAC record to 21-5.

Lenoir-Rhyne men's tennis kept its winning streak with a 4-0 victory over Newberry on March 22, improving to 6-0 in conference play and 7-1 overall; the team will face Coker Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.

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.