Good morning, Hickory.

The City of Hickory’s Community Appearance Commission invites residents to nominate properties with enhanced landscaping for the Hickory in Bloom Recognition Program, celebrating the city’s beauty from April through September.

Selected properties will be featured on the city website & Facebook page.

Hickory Public Library will host the second annual Hickory Literary Festival on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 at the SALT Block—featuring author talks, writing workshops, poetry sessions, outdoor performances, and free admission for families at Catawba Science Center to celebrate reading and creativity.

Newton-Conover schools superintendent Emily Shaw said the district will operate within recurring revenues (aiming to maintain a balanced budget) to keep academic progress and services stable.

Former Hickory Public Schools chairwoman Sarah Talbert will address the Catawba County Board of Commissioners at a November meeting to discuss merging school districts — a decision that could reshape local education.

The N.C. Forest Service warns Hickory residents that spring wildfire season can bring rapidly changing conditions.

Community members should follow recommended safety steps* before burning outdoors to keep everyone safe.

The Lenoir-Rhyne women’s golf team finished second at the Patsy Rendleman Invitational on March 25 with rounds of 308, 318 and 315, trailing host Catawba’s 923.

Eve Neild and Jaya Wilkinson’s top finishes boost the team ahead of next week’s Lady Cougar Classic in Columbus — a promising start.

Local high school baseball games on Tuesday, Mar.

24 produced competitive results from the Western Piedmont 3A/4A and Western Foothills Athletic 4A/5A conferences — scores ranged from 1 to 15, highlighting solid plays from teams like East Rutherford and Newton-Conover.

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.

Live Again Tribute Fest

5-9 p.m. — The Premier — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of powerful tribute performances from iconic rock bands.