Good morning, Hickory.

The America 250 Committee in Taylorsville will host retired Brigadier General J.R.

Gorham on Saturday, June 13 at 3 p.m. in Davis Hall at First Baptist Church for his 'Sharecropper’s Wisdom' talk (he was the first Black NC National Guard Brigadier General), followed by a Juneteenth celebration at 5 p.m.

Photos from Draughn High School’s graduation show students celebrating their success at a ceremony held earlier this year.

The images capture their hard work and proud moment.

Police and emergency agents conducted a critical incident drill at H.M.

Arndt Middle School on Tuesday, June 2 to practice responding to a simulated active shooter situation — the exercise brought together multiple Catawba County agencies to test teamwork and preparedness.

Farmers affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for USDA Block Grant Disaster Assistance until June 12 (producers should review eligibility and gather documentation soon).

The NC Cooperative Extension Service in McDowell County will help answer questions about the program.

Runa Muderrisoglu became Lenoir-Rhyne’s first Academic All-American Tuesday as she earned All-SAC singles honors and posted a 4.00 GPA, leading her team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance (a milestone in academic and athletic success).

The Lenoir-Rhyne baseball team named five players – Drew Beard, Sylas Boris, Preston Drebes, Trent Murchison and Matt Procopio – to the CSC Academic All-District team on June 2.

Procopio will be a contender for Academic All-America when awards are announced Tuesday, June 23.

Candlelight Concert Series in Hickory

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

Concerts by Candlelight

7-8 p.m. — Hickory North Carolina — Ticketed event — Experience an intimate musical performance illuminated by candlelight in a historic venue.

PMP Certification Classroom Training

32 hours — Hickory North Carolina — $1599 — Engage in comprehensive training for the prestigious PMP certification with experienced instructors and practical projects.