Good morning, Hickory.

The Caldwell Chamber Board of Directors voted Aug.

20 to oppose Charlotte Water's request to remove 63 million gallons/day from the Catawba River, stating that it would hurt local water supply & increase drought risks for families, agriculture, and businesses. The board supports the Protect Our Water coalition.

Today, Hickory City Schools reported academic progress for the 2025-2026 school year as six schools met growth expectations and improved performance scores (Oakwood Elementary earned a B), supporting the district's 2024-2030 plan to boost student success.

Catawba County Schools improved academic performance in the 2025-26 year as 25 of 27 schools raised test scores and posted a 61% proficiency rate while the graduation rate reached 91.8% — Superintendent Dr. Matt Stover said the district will build on these gains.

New tests reveal deeper bedrock in the five-mile work zone of I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, raising Hurricane Helene's reconstruction cost to $2.8 billion; state officials expect to restore four lanes by late 2029 while exploring ways to speed up construction (NCDOT reports).

Catawba County and Claremont approved a $50 million incentive agreement with Prysmian.

Claremont Mayor Shawn Brown said the deal is transformational (a move expected to spur local growth).

The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears earned the 21st spot in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll after a 45-3 win over Virginia Union on Friday (Sept.

2) in Waco, TX. They will face West Alabama on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Helen and Leonard Moretz Stadium.

The eighth-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne women’s soccer team rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to win 3-2 over Francis Marion at Hartzler Field on Wednesday, Sept.

2. Kennedy Flowers scored the game-winning goal with 2:03 remaining — sealing a dramatic comeback.

Lenoir-Rhyne men's soccer earned its first result with a 1-1 draw against Lee University on Sept.

2 at the Soccer Field at Moretz Sports Athletic Campus + substitute Raul Canas scored the equalizer in the 33rd minute as the Bears remained in a series of narrow matches.

Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Basketball announced its 2026-27 roster today — coach Brent Owen retooled the team after losing key scorers and kept returners like Sam Martin and Chris Crudup while adding newcomers such as Mike Jones Jr. to start the season on campus.