Good morning, Hickory.

The N.C. Forest Service lifted the statewide burn ban for 81 counties on Sunday, May 3 after recent rainfall reduced wildfire risk.

Residents in counties (e.g., Iredell) must still follow restrictions and obtain burn permits before starting any open fires.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced today an $11 million settlement with Mylan over claims the company used anti-competitive tactics to raise EpiPen prices (state Health Plan and Medicaid will each receive about $4.2 million) while Mylan denies wrongdoing and plans to raise its generic coupon.

On Saturday, May 3, the Lenoir-Rhyne softball team advanced to the championship round of the SAC Tournament with a 2-1 win over Emory & Henry; Lani Warren and Faith Carrigan drove the victory as Carrigan secured a complete game win, and the Bears will host the championship series starting next Thursday.

Dexter Canipe, III won both Paramount Auto Group Limited Late Model races at Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday.

The Knights of Destruction will perform on May 9 and a NASCAR Local Racing Series race is set for May 16 (75-lap race featuring multiple car classes).

CVCC baseball closed its regular season yesterday with a 12-3 win over Guilford Tech at Henkel-Alley Field at the American Legion Fairgrounds.

The win sets a strong tone as the team prepares for the Region 10 Tournament starting May 7 in Kinston.

On May 3, Lenoir-Rhyne won the SAC Tournament opening round with a 1-0 shutout after Alexandria Gray’s RBI single in the bottom of the sixth and Avery Kiger’s three-hit game secured the win (coach Shena Hollar earned her 1,101st career win).

Myrtle Beach Pelicans vs. Hickory Crawdads

7:59-10:59 p.m. — L. P. Frans Stadium — Tickets available — Enjoy a live baseball matchup between the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Hickory Crawdads.

Green Day Tribute Concert with Confetti Cannon

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets starting at $17.45 — Enjoy explosive punk covers that will tickle your nostalgia glands.

Paul Gilbert Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets from $29.25 — Experience the guitar virtuosity of Paul Gilbert with exciting new music from his album WROC.

Networking Night at Hickory Crawdads Stadium

6:30-9:30 p.m. — L. P. Frans Stadium — $5 admission — Network with Emerging Leaders while enjoying a baseball game and family-friendly atmosphere.

Charleston RiverDogs vs. Hickory Crawdads

6:30-9:30 p.m. — L. P. Frans Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game featuring the Charleston RiverDogs and Hickory Crawdads.

PMP Certification Training in Hickory, NC

9 AM – 5 PM — Hickory North Carolina — $1599 — Enhance your project management skills with comprehensive PMP certification training over four days.

Hank Williams Jr Tribute Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Tickets starting at $20.78 — Experience high-energy performances of Hank Williams Jr.'s classic hits by a top tribute band.

Furniture Manufacturing Expo 2026

Trade Show — June 3-4 — Hickory Metro Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Explore the latest innovations in furniture manufacturing with over 300 exhibitors.