Good morning, Hickory.

Governor Stein joined education leaders Monday (Mar.

23) at the BEST NC Education Innovation Lab to outline plans that boost teacher recruitment and raise starting pay by 13 percent. He proposed a $1.4 billion Critical Needs Budget and announced a Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education to support teachers statewide.

Catawba County commissioners will vote next month on a plan to merge all three public school systems—Catawba County Schools, Hickory City Schools, and Newton-Conover City Schools—driven by shifting enrollments.

The April 20 meeting will invite public input before the proposal moves to state review.

Hickory Regional Airport will hold a full‑scale emergency training exercise tomorrow from 9-10:30 a.m. on its North ramp near the FBO building; local, state, and federal teams will simulate an aircraft incident (emergency vehicles will be visible) while normal operations continue.

Catawba County Health Director Jennifer McCracken was named state Health Director of the Year at an awards luncheon on March 11 in Cary (honoring her staff-centered leadership and innovative partnerships).

Head women’s basketball coach Emry Tsitouris was named a WBCA Thirty Under 30 honoree on March 24 after guiding the Bears to a record-setting season with a 26-6 record and the team’s first NCAA Regional Championship game appearance + earning SAC Coach of the Year honors.

Four Lenoir-Rhyne women’s basketball players were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team on March 24.

They earned the honor after helping the team finish 26-6 and advance to the NCAA Southeast Regional Final.

Lenoir-Rhyne men’s basketball honored Sam Martin, Junior Hodnett and Tyler Burraston with Academic All District selection on March 24.

The team finished 26-9 and advanced to the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship game.

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.