Good morning, Hickory.

A Capuchin monkey from Zootastic Park is reportedly loose in Troutman, and Iredell County Animal Services is working with the zoo to recapture it (residents are advised not to approach the animal).

Governor Josh Stein announced that five western NC counties received over $86 million in federal funds for 14 drinking water and wastewater projects to boost flood resilience in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The funding includes zero interest loans and principal forgiveness and was approved on September 17 while future applications will be reviewed until 2026—helping local governments upgrade infrastructure.

Friday high school football games ended on September 19 with several conference matchups concluding—Chase scored 59 to West Caldwell’s 22 and Hickory netted 50 amid other results—marking a busy day in local sports.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s Cross Country team finished sixth in the USTFCCCA Southeast Regional Rankings after earning a third-place finish at the Converse Invitational and a sixth-place finish at the Queen City Invite—making them the top Division II team in that race.

The Bears will compete in the Firetower Project Run on October 3 and the Royals Cross Country Challenge on October 10.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s Zoila Sicilia was named the Women’s Runner of the Week after posting a personal best of 18:12 at the Queen City Invite—she finished 32nd among 228 runners and helped her team get sixth in a 20-team field.

The Piedmont Boys Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — $— Enjoy an evening of live music from the acclaimed Piedmont Boys, who bring their Southern roots to Hickory.

Level X - Tribute to Women Who Rock

7-11 p.m. — The Premier — Ticket info TBA — Experience high-energy performances of iconic songs from legendary female artists.

Italian Wine Journey with the Tommasi Family

6-9 p.m. — FOURK — $118 per person — Experience a culinary adventure through Italy’s wine regions with expertly paired courses from the Tommasi Family.

Hickory Oktoberfest

9-11 p.m. — Hickory North Carolina — Free entry — Experience the best of local beer and food at the main stage during Oktoberfest.

$3,000 to Win Race at Hickory Motor Speedway

4:30-10 p.m. — Hickory Motor Speedway — $3,000 to win — Experience thrilling stock car racing at one of NASCAR's most legendary venues.

JAZZ LEGACY Concert Series

2-4 p.m. — Sails On The Square — Free entry — Experience the Byron Bean All Star Big Band in a vibrant outdoor jazz concert.