Good morning, Hickory.

Regional artists in Hickory may apply for the Artist Support Grant to earn funds for creating new work, improving business operations, and expanding their audiences (available to all career stages).

The Catawba Valley Leadership Foundation announced plans to expand its student leadership program — a move that unites schools, businesses, and volunteers to boost local opportunities for students.

Catawba County is spotlighting its Soil & Water Conservation District which works to improve soil and water quality on farmland and provide conservation education.

The office at 1175 South Brady Avenue in Newton will hold a board meeting Friday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. in the Agricultural Resources Building.

The Hickory Police Department conducted its September traffic enforcement P.A.C.T. on Hwy 127 from 1st Avenue SE to Cloninger Mill Road NE yesterday as officers enforced rules against distracted driving, speeding, and red-light violations.

The Hickory Fire Department honored Fire Apparatus Operator Thomas Oxentine as he retired after nearly 20 years of service on Sept.

1, recognizing his leadership & lasting impact on the team.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, Fourth Street SW from Fourth Avenue SW to Sixth Avenue SW in Hickory will be closed for water & sewer tap installation.

Crews expect to finish the work by Friday, Sept. 4, so drivers should exercise caution.

Catawba County today highlights Cooperative Extension programs in Newton, offering courses in agriculture, horticulture, health and nutrition, local foods and 4-H youth development (partnered with NC State University) for practical use at home and on farms.

Lenoir-Rhyne women's soccer is ranked eighth in the official United Soccer Coaches Poll after a 1-1 record with a 5-0 win and a 2-1 loss — the team faces Francis Marion today at 5:30 p.m. in Florence.

Yesterday, the Hickory Crawdads overcame an early deficit with a four-run fourth inning to beat the Fayetteville Woodpeckers 6-2 at L.P.

Frans Stadium. The team (now on an 11-game win streak) will meet the Woodpeckers again today at 7 p.m.

Fred T. Foard rebounded from Monday's loss with a straight-set conference win over Bunker Hill on Tuesday, Sept.

1, while Hibriten was swept in their road match by Chase. The high school volleyball games were part of Western Piedmont conference action in Hickory.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Cross Country & Track Field director Bob Braman added coaches Rachel Starr and Ethan Stamey as part of distance training for upcoming seasons.

Starr, who coached state champions at Bayside, and Stamey, a decorated athlete from Franklin, will boost the program’s competitive edge.

North Lincoln high school boys soccer team defeated Bunker Hill 9-0 on Tuesday, Sept.

1, snapping Bunker Hill's winning streak (record now 3-2).