Good morning, Hickory.

On April 19 at about 5:00 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to a fatal collision on I-40 West near Old Mountain Road (Exit 144) in Iredell County where a 28-year-old Claremont man lost control of his 2005 Volvo S60 due to excessive speed and struck a tree; the highway was closed for about two hours.

Microsoft has slowed its data center construction in Catawba County — the project remains on track to finish by 2032 to meet tax incentive and job creation commitments.

37-year-old Tony Allen Dewey from Old Meadow Drive in Hudson was arrested on April 20th on felony assault charges against a female and is held without bond at the Caldwell County Detention Center.

North Carolina’s March report said the unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, the same as in February and 0.2 point higher than last year, while 574 fewer people were employed, making the total 5,098,097.

Total nonfarm jobs increased by 8,300, with big gains in Professional and Business Services and Government — the next update is set for April 29.

Former Catawba County teacher Carol Moore, founder of STEM West, hosted a STEM Trek festival at the Hickory Metro Convention Center on April 16 and 17 to show local students and adults that great STEM careers are available nearby.

The event, part of the N.C. Science Festival, featured interactive activities and a career fair with support from companies — including Google and Corning — that highlighted many local job opportunities.

The Catawba County Fraternal Order of Police has planned a memorial service to honor fallen law enforcement officers and invites the public to attend at 1 p.m. on May 9th at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Catawba Memorial Park, 3060 Highway 70 S.E. in Hickory—Chief Robert A.

Houston will speak as the event features a wreath laying ceremony, bagpipes and taps, and a 21-gun salute.

The Lenoir-Rhyne women’s and men’s track and field teams competed at the App State Open and NC A&T Aggie Invitational this past weekend, with Alexis Brown finishing the 100m dash in 11.08 seconds and Josh Wise winning the javelin with a throw of 52.51m.

The Bears will compete in the LR open in Hickory this Saturday — the final meet before the SAC Championships on April 30.

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.