Good morning, Hickory.

On Friday, May 8, the Hickory Police Department will run in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, beginning at 9 a.m. from HPD’s headquarters; officers will run east on 2nd Avenue SW through Downtown Hickory and return, with City Hall (76 North Center Street) as one stop.

Hickory Career & Arts Magnet will launch a teaching pathway program to help high school students pursue careers in education.

The academy aims to fill the gap in formal teacher training.

Newton-Conover superintendent said no decision has been made regarding Conover School’s future as state officials review the matter and he remains in ongoing communication with them (to keep students, parents and staff informed).

Starting Wednesday, May 13, Falling Creek Road NE in Hickory will be resurfaced from 29th Ave NE to North Center Street (N.C.

127). Drivers should slow down and expect delays with lane closures, and the project is expected to finish by May 27.

Officials urge residents during Hurricane Preparedness Week to get ready for Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1.

Josh Stein and state leaders recommend a written emergency plan (with evacuation routes, contacts, and a meeting spot), an emergency kit for three to seven days, and checking on neighbors.

CVCC softball made history on May 5 when three Red Hawks—Gionna Mehrtens, Samantha Gregory, and Reagan Garrett—earned All-Region 10 First Team honors.

It marked the first time the program had three players recognized in the same season after standout performances.

Junior Eve Neild of Lenoir-Rhyne finished tied for 17th at the NCAA DII South Regional on May 5, posting rounds of 75 +3, 78 +6, and 74 +2 for a total of 227 +11; her finish marks the third best for a Bear at the Regionals.

Delta College Pioneers and the Caldwell Cobras will begin the NJCAA Division-Three Softball Championship Series at Hudson Optimist Park — games start Sat, May 9 at 2:00 p.m. and continue Sun, May 10, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the World Series in Dewitt.

Lenoir-Rhyne women’s tennis earned the #5 seed in the NCAA Southeast Regional and will face North Georgia at 1 pm in Salisbury.

The winner will face Catawba or Erskine on Saturday while the Bears make their first NCAA appearance after a historic season (15-3 record).

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.