Good morning, Hickory.

Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts opens its spring season with The Lightning Thief, a Percy Jackson musical theatre production.

The show debuts today at 7:00 p.m. at The Old Rock School (400 Main Street West in Valdese) with additional performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Catawba County Schools has selected construction and design firms for $120 million middle school additions — the changes will shift sixth graders to middle schools by August 2028 to ease capacity pressures in elementary schools.

Construction will begin Monday, Mar.

30 as crews work downtown to upgrade Government Avenue SW and First Ave NW—project features wider sidewalks, improved crosswalks, upgraded lighting, and outdoor spaces funded partly by an $850,000 state grant. Traffic delays and lane closures are expected until the project is completed by August.

Firefighters in Hickory will inspect over 2,000 hydrants between March 30 and May 30 to verify water pressure and flush for better quality — motorists should slow down when driving near work zones.

Yesterday, NC School of Science and Mathematics in Morganton earned 442.5 points to lead 1A in the Wells Fargo State Cup, where schools earn points based on state championship finishes and margins remain under 25 points in several classes.

Aaliyah El was named a Honorable Mention All-American by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association on March 26.

The Charlotte junior led the Bears with 17.6 points per game and 71 steals as her team won the SAC Regular Season Championship and reached the NCAA Division II Regional Championship game.

Lenoir-Rhyne women's lacrosse fell to the #13 Wingate Bulldogs 14-8 on March 26 at Wingate, N.C.

Anneleise Meyer scored four goals while Sally Friesen reached 400 career saves (a significant season milestone) as Wingate outshot and controlled play.

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.