Good morning, Hickory.

Hickory local Frye released a new book that tells upbeat stories of growing up in a Southern mill town—his work also details a year studying in France, touring Europe, and a long career in education.

Lenoir-Rhyne University announced the public phase of its $90M Charge Forward campaign today—alumni, friends, faculty, staff and community partners have committed over $72M so far.

The university will expand its fundraising efforts as part of the campaign.

The City of Conover received the 2025 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor for strong veteran hiring practices—veterans make up over 20% of its workforce.

The award was announced on November 7 and places Conover among 887 national recipients recognized for exceptional veteran employment.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce released its annual county distress rankings that use data such as unemployment rates, median household income, population growth and property taxes.

It assigned 40 counties to Tier 1, 40 to Tier 2 and 20 to Tier 3—this ranking guides state programs to boost activity in less prosperous areas.

Point of View Teen Writing Club

5-6 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Unleash creativity through writing challenges and storytelling games with fellow teen writers.

SAFe® 5.1 (LPM) Training Workshop

9 AM-1 AM — Hickory, NC — Early bird pricing starts at $1,346.06 — This two-day workshop equips attendees with essential Lean Portfolio Management tools and techniques.