Good morning, Hickory.

Corning is expanding its facility in Hickory to become the largest fiber optic manufacturing plant in the world.

Senior vice president and general manager Mike O'Day said the project will boost local industry and create new jobs.

Catawba County Schools named two new assistant superintendents — Dr. Chad Maynor will lead Curriculum and Instruction and Stephen Westmoreland will manage Operations, the district announced.

Residents and school board members at a Newton-Conover forum requested a study on merging schools (a 235-page report) because Amy Sigmon Walker said the community deserves full access to its recommendations.

The 2026 Spring Litter Sweep will take place from April 11 to 25 as volunteers + NCDOT crews work together to pick up litter from roadways with cleanup supplies provided at local county yards.

Hickory Regional Airport held a plane crash training session to prepare for critical emergency responses.

Officials said the realistic drill used simulation techniques (designed to reflect conditions that could occur at the airport) to boost readiness and safety.

On Tuesday, March 31 the Lenoir-Rhyne softball team swept Emory & Henry with scores of 1-0 and 6-1 to move to 10-0 in conference play.

Madison Wilson pitched a one-hit shutout while Lani Warren and Faith Carrigan powered the wins.

On Mar. 31 the Lenoir-Rhyne women's golf team climbed from eighth to third at the CSU Lady Cougar Classic and finished as runners-up when West Florida and Carson-Newman tied for first.

They will compete at the South Atlantic Conference Championships April 12-14 at The Preserve at Verdae in Greenville.

The Lenoir-Rhyne men's golf team clinched their first win of the year on March 31 at The Trojan hosted by Mount Olive, beating Barton by five strokes.

The Bears will travel to Greenville for the South Atlantic Conference Championships from April 19 to 21.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Sharonda Priester earned the South Atlantic Conference Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week on Mar.

31 after setting a new 400m hurdles school record of 59.23 seconds at the Raleigh Relays plus she finished 33rd in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.51 seconds.

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.