Good morning, Hickory.

The City of Hickory warns residents and businesses that stealing water from fire hydrants is illegal and dangerous—three people were charged this month for water theft that can contaminate our supply and damage pipes, so anyone who sees suspicious activity should call the police.

Catawba County Schools hired a new chief financial officer who comes from public accounting—he specialized in auditing school systems—and his background is expected to strengthen district finances.

Catawba County will hold four public meetings to discuss school facility needs and a potential merger of school districts.

The meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 — Maiden, Oct. 22 — Hickory, Oct. 23 — Terrell, and Oct. 28 — Conover.

Lenoir-Rhyne University — based in Hickory — announced that it will offer free tuition for families making $100,000 or less in North Carolina and South Carolina.

On Monday, 9/29, high school boys soccer games were played in multiple conferences—Western Piedmont 3A/4A contests ended with Patton 4, Hibriten 2, West Caldwell 7 and R-S Central 1, Northwestern 6A/7A matchups finished with Alexander Central 3, McDowell 2 in overtime, St. Stephens 3, Freedom 0, Watauga 3 and South Caldwell 0, and nonconference games recorded Brevard 3, Patton 0, Maiden 3 and South Iredell 1.

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.