Good morning, Hickory.

Lenoir-Rhyne has reported over 820 new students confirming attendance for this fall, including more than 700 first-year students in the Class of 2030, setting a record for the institution as it prepares for the upcoming semester.

Challenger Early College held the graduation ceremony for its 2026 class where 89 students received medals and shared big smiles.

Photos captured the proud moments on campus during this memorable event.

Frye Regional earned the top honor at the 2026 Duke Health Quality and Safety Conference when its work was selected through a blinded review of roughly 100 entries from Duke Health & affiliates.

Twelve Lenoir-Rhyne track and field athletes were named to the USATFCCCA All-Southeast Region team on May 15.

Four qualifiers (Nwokocha, Spain, Priester, and Pringle) will compete next week at the NCAA National Championships in Emporia, Kansas.

Lenoir-Rhyne's softball team survived elimination by beating Carson-Newman when Madison Wilson's RBI single scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

The Bears will face Francis Marion today at 1 p.m. and must win twice to move on to the Super Regional.

On Thursday, May 14, high school girls soccer playoff results were in.

In 3A, Patton won 2-1 and advanced to face Pine Lake Prep on Tuesday; in 4A, Bandys won 4-0 to head to Wilkes Central; and Hickory’s Red Tornadoes won 6-1 — hosting Forestview on Tuesday.

Four Lenoir-Rhyne softball players received All-Southeast Region honors from the NFCA on May 15.

Faith Carrigan, Madison Primm, Lani Warren, and Madison Wilson earned top awards including Wilson as SAC Pitcher of the Year, with Warren and Primm receiving repeat accolades.

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.

Candlelight Concert Series in Hickory

7-8 p.m. — Hickory, NC — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy an intimate musical experience in a candle-lit setting.