Good morning, Hickory.

Catawba County Public Health’s Farmers Market returns for its 14th season in Hickory, offering fresh produce and family activities every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September at 3070 11th Avenue Drive Southeast behind Catawba Valley Medical Center — the market supports local farmers with cash, debit, SNAP, EBT, WIC and senior benefits plus a Double Bucks program.

Amazon & Corning announced an expanded fiber-optic technician training program at Catawba Valley Community College expected to create 1,000 jobs, with sessions starting soon.

Today, WHKY Radio celebrates 86 years on the air, having started in 1940 from Hotel Hickory.

The long-running family-owned station now broadcasts on 1290 AM and 102.3 FM—continuing its legacy of local programming.

Catawba County Schools superintendent Dr. Matt Stover appointed four new principals for Mountain View Elementary, Webb A.

Murray Elementary, St. Stephens Elementary, and St. Stephens High on Monday, June 9, with all set to assume their roles on July 1. The Board of Education confirmed the appointments at its meeting last night.

Beginning Monday, June 15, 12th Avenue NW (Geitner Road) in Hickory will close between Sixth Street NW and Old Lenoir Road NW from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for sidewalk construction; a detour is set and the work is expected to last one week weather permitting.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Real Estate Commission Chair William Aceto warned locals today about rising online rental scams and urged checking public records before sending deposits.

Officials stressed that working with licensed professionals can help avoid fake listings (common tactic by scammers).

FryeCare Gastroenterology today welcomed Genevieve Morales, FNP-C, as she began seeing patients at the Tate Boulevard location in Hickory.

She brings over six years of experience in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal and liver conditions.

Lenoir-Rhyne softball finished its season ranked No. 16 in the NFCA Poll after compiling a 41-15 record (19-3 SAC) and winning its 13th South Atlantic Conference Regular Season title; the team also won two NCAA Southeast Regional games.

Madison Wilson was named SAC pitcher of the year.

Lenoir-Rhyne finished 22nd in the NCAA Division II NACDA Learfield Cup Standings on June 9 with 526.50 points, marking its third best finish ever.

Points were earned from strong plays in women’s soccer, volleyball, basketball, indoor track & field, men’s lacrosse, outdoor track & field, softball, and women’s tennis.

On Tuesday, the Crawdads held a solid lead until the RiverDogs staged a late comeback for a 5-4 win, with starter Alejandro Chiquillo dominant through six innings.

Hickory will be back at Charleston on Wednesday.

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.

4th of July Music Festival and Fireworks

5:30-11:30 p.m. — L. P. Frans Stadium — $25-$30 — Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a vibrant concert and a spectacular fireworks show.