Good morning, Hickory.

Ashley Lynn Jordan, 39, from Newton was arrested yesterday by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers for methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia possession; she is held on a bond of less than $1,000 and will appear in Iredell County District Court on May 19.

29-year-old Cordesha Ranisha Cansler-Blackburn from Spencer Road NE in Hickory was arrested on April 16 by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers and charged with first-degree arson; she remains in jail (bond under $100,000) and will appear in District Court today.

North Carolina postponed the 2024 State Building Code from its planned January 1 start due to delays from Hurricane Helene recovery.

The new effective date will be set 12 months after the Fire Marshal certifies two key steps—publication of the code and formation of the Residential Code Council—with printed copies expected by July 31 while the 2018 Code remains in effect.

On Monday, April 14, state officials—led by Attorney General Jeff Jackson and law enforcement partners—launched the Safe to Rebuild initiative to deter theft from homes and businesses being repaired after Hurricane Helene.

The measure also called on the Department of Justice to review complaints of property theft and repair fraud from affected residents and small business owners.

Iredell Memorial Hospital was once again ranked among the top 25 best hospitals in our state by Business North Carolina today.

The ranking is based on over 25 healthcare metrics including infection rates, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

On April 16, Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s Lacrosse defeated Belmont Abbey 16-9 at Moretz Stadium.

The team snapped a three game losing streak and Chloe Christensen scored four goals — including her 100th career goal — as they prepare to host Catawba next week for their final regular season game.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Alexa Allison—a Newton-Conover grad—earned the SAC Women’s Tennis Wealth Enhancement Group Elite 23 Award on April 16 for having the top grade point average among student-athletes with at least 48 credit hours while posting a 7-2 doubles record.

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.

Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville

7:30-10 p.m. — The Green Room Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a tropical musical journey filled with favorite Jimmy Buffett hits and island vibes.

Derby Day Celebration

Afternoon — Salt Block Foundation — Ticket includes two drink vouchers — Dress in festive Derby attire and enjoy live music, Southern cuisine, and best-dressed contests.

Charlotte Grappling & BJJ Championship

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hickory Metro Convention Center — Registration fees apply — Experience the excitement of one of the largest mixed grappling tournaments in the world.

The Chain - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hum — Tickets available — Experience the exceptional sounds of Fleetwood Mac brought to life by The Chain featuring Dani Kerr from America's Got Talent.