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🌤️ Today’s Weather: Sunny. High 64. Low 50. Rain expected this weekend 👎

👋 Hello Wednesday!

Welcome back to another edition of the 321 Brief. Today, we’re looking at a restaurant being revived, upcoming Easter Events, Microsoft Development News, and 3 job postings.

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1. The Catawba County Chamber has adopted its 2026 Legislative Agenda, which includes priorities like transportation improvements and airport enhancements at Hickory Regional Airport, funding for a State Park in Catawba County, and workforce-aligned education policies. Details

2. In Lincoln County, the Historic Courthouse renovation in downtown Lincolnton is still unfolding. A committee has been formed to determine next steps for the project, including potentially hiring a specialized consultant to bridge the gap between current renovation work and the long-term operation of the facility. The committee includes City Council members, County Commissioners, and city and county managers. The renovation has already added new dinner lighting on the north lawn, a new Benjamin Lincoln monument, and an East Main Street Concourse planned to serve as the city's Christmas tree location and event stage. More

3. In Denver, a rezoning application for a future apartment complex drew a crowd of more than 200 residents to a public hearing, with many holding signs in opposition. Details 

4. Gaston County got a notable national nod — the county was named among America's Top 10 Most Desirable Counties to Move To in February 2026. Details

5. On the economic development side, construction company Fit Precast is bringing a $102 million investment to Gastonia, expected to create 125 jobs paying an average wage of around $102,000 — nearly double the current county average. The company plans to hire by 2028 and complete its investment by the end of 2026. The state, county, and city all offered incentive packages tied to those targets. Business NC

Upcoming public hearings:

1. Catawba County Planning Board Meeting - March 30th at 7 pm,  Second Floor Meeting Room of the Government Center located at 25 Government Drive, Newton, NC 28658

2. Catawba County Subdivision Review Board Meeting - March 31 at 3 pm, Second Floor Meeting Room of the Government Center located at 25 Government Drive, Newton, NC 28658

Do you have a restaurant recommendation, know of a new opening, or would you like your restaurant featured? Reply to this email, I want to hear from you!

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Enjoy the rest of your week. I’ll be co-coaching my daughter’s first soccer game of the season this Saturday. Let me know if you go to any of these events this week. See ya next week! 👋