Good morning, Hickory.

Each weekend, drivers on Houston Mill Road in Conover see a 'free library for kids' sign as 54-year-old Michael Simmons — a Hickory resident — sets up tables with children’s books, puzzles, and STEM projects from a closed convenience store.

He spends about $180 a month on the initiative and gets annual support from a local financial planning group and contributions from his church to help children choose two free items.

A brush fire was reported in Conover on March 28th at about 4:00 p.m. and was fully contained by 10 p.m.—emergency services continue to monitor the area as heavy smoke may cause delays along Interstate 40 and nearby roads.

A grass fire broke out near I-40 off Fairgrove Church Road in Conover on March 28th—an accident in the westbound lanes near mile-marker 126 between Fairgrove Church Road and McDonald Parkway caused significant delays.

Jason Hoyle of Hickory City Schools received an educational technology award that recognized his leadership in using technology to improve learning for teachers and students—his vision has led to more effective classrooms.

A new plant at the Catawba County landfill will convert landfill gas to renewable natural gas.

County officials say the project is a win for local citizens—underscoring a move toward cleaner energy in the region.

Mark Richards from Hickory won a $320,722 jackpot (ticket bought at Total Convenience Market on U.S. 70 S.W.) in the North Carolina Education Lottery when his $1 Quick Pick ticket matched all five numbers drawn on March 21.

He claimed his prize on March 26 and will use his winnings to pay for his son's college tuition (after tax withholdings he took home $230,119).

A Morganton attorney was appointed as judge for Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties (Gov. Josh Stein said he is the right person for the job) and he is expected to begin his service soon (his local legal background brings valuable experience to the bench).

A Morganton attorney was appointed as judge for Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.

Gov. Josh Stein said the native litigator is experienced and the right person for the job.

Hickory Train Show

12-7 p.m. & 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — $8 for adults, free for kids under 12 — Explore the exciting world of model railroading and expand your collection.

Editing Masterclass by Redhawk Publications

8:30 a.m. — Catawba Valley Community College — $150 fee — Boost your editing and self-editing skills with insights from seasoned professionals Tom Rash and Rebecca Caldwell.

Hard to Handle Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets from $17.45 — Experience a night of live music with Hard to Handle and Hammer Down.

SAFe® 5.1 Product Owner/Product Manager Classroom Training

9 AM-1 PM — Hickory North Carolina — Early Bird Price: $1199 | Gain your SAFe® PO/PM certification with interactive sessions and hands-on learning.

Trial by Fire - Journey Tribute

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets from $17.45 — Experience the music of Journey as TRIAL BY FIRE transports you back to their iconic 1996 era.