Good morning, Hickory.

A section of Norwood Street is closed this week for utilities maintenance as city crews work to complete the repairs.

Residents should plan alternate routes while the improvements continue.

North Carolina health officials reported three flu-related deaths over the past two weeks — bringing this season’s total to nine — and recommend getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene ahead of holiday travel.

Vaccines are available at local pharmacies and health centers for everyone aged six months and older.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Lenoir-Rhyne women’s basketball team lost 95-90 in overtime to UVA-Wise with Abigail Brown scoring 19 points and Madilyn Winterton recording her first double-double — the Bears are now 5-4 overall and will travel to Wingate on Wednesday.

Lenoir-Rhyne men’s basketball lost 76–67 to UVA Wise on Saturday — Junior Hodnett scored a season-high 18 points.

The Bears will play on Wednesday at Wingate after a close first half and a faltering second half.

App State edged High Point 86-78 in overtime at the second Hickory Hoops Classic held at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Shuford Memorial Arena — Kasen Jennings and Alonzo Dodd made clutch plays as the Mountaineers secured their sixth win in games decided in extra time.

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.