Good morning, Hickory.

College football's return boosted NC sports wagering as bettors placed $463.8 million in bets last August — a jump that included $14.8 million in promotional revenue from eight licensed sportsbooks.

Analysts expect the industry to grow further if a higher tax rate goes into effect on Oct. 1.

Cory Earp, a middle school teacher from Newton-Conover City Schools and Taylorsville resident, won $100K on Wheel of Fortune on September 19 as part of a week celebrating educators.

He advanced to the bonus round by guessing letters that formed 'fancy blazer' & his quick thinking earned him the prize.

College football's kickoff spurred a 29.2% jump in sports wagering in August, with account holders betting $463.8 million and earning $14.8 million in promotional revenue—raising the monthly total to $478.7 million.

The rise added nearly $9.74 million in tax revenue and shows sports betting is growing in North Carolina.

Lenoir-Rhyne lost 24-7 to Carson-Newman on Saturday—a two-hour weather delay and a 266-yard limit slowed the Bears' play.

The Bears will host Newberry on Sept. 27 at Moretz Stadium for Family Weekend.

Lenoir-Rhyne women's soccer beat Emory & Henry 2-0 on September 21 after a long rain delay in Virginia, with Lucia Hidalgo scoring on a penalty kick and Katie Durham scoring off a corner kick.

The Bears extended their win streak to five—limiting the opponent's shot attempts—and will return home Wednesday to face Francis Marion.

On Friday, September 21, Lenoir-Rhyne volleyball swept previously unbeaten Carson-Newman at Holt Fieldhouse with set scores of 25-21, 25-18, and 25-22 - Emmaleigh Allen led the team with 10 kills while Averie Dale and Kayli Cleaver each added nine, marking their first win at Holt Fieldhouse since 2017.

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.