In today’s issue there is a brief article about Santa’s Land and the Land of Oz. Neither are in Gaston County, but they are both summer or weekend vacation destinations. They both have been around a long time… I love old school venues like these! Along with Tweetsie and Ghost Town, they all were and are part of some great memories for kids of all ages in Gaston County and beyond.

Today's weather: Pleasant with plenty of sun. The high will be 75.

Tonight: Clear, with a low of 50.

By Samuel Todd Walker

Many know Frederick Law Olmsted designed Central Park in NY, and 1000s of other parks-estates until he retired; his last commission was laying out Biltmore Estate, Village etc in 1895. Here is a little known fact: he designed Love Park for Gastonia, I had forgotten this, and I’m not sure if the city took his advice or not? Does anyone know? Of course Frederick Law Olmsted died in 1905 and his work was carried on by his sons who would have planned this in 1943. I bet WW2 caused this plan to be abandoned.

What if you started a business, and people stood in line to give you money? Welcome to Tony’s Ice Cream…..

The Gaston County Commissioners have a plan to address the inequity in Gaston County’s teacher supplements. Currently, Gaston County supplements teacher pay by $3,680. In comparison, the state average is $5,984. Mecklenburg County’s supplement is $9,500.

In April, the board approved a quarter cent sales tax that would basically double the teacher, supplement, putting Gaston County in the middle of the supplement range in this area.

“It is a totally different revenue source, and we get it for 70 cents on the dollar because 30% of sales tax is paid by people who do not live in Gaston County, who travel through here and buy goods and services,” said Commissioner Bob Hovis.

The plan has been sent to the state legislature for approval. If approved, it will then be on the mid-term ballot.

Harold Hearne was recycling newspapers at Akers Center in Gastonia in 1993 when he was shot and killed. His murder is still unsolved.

Hearne was a pharmacist and owned the Lowell Pharmacy. He was married and had three children; he was a good husband and a long-time boy scout. His wife thinks Hearne may have witnessed something randomly, and he was killed for it. His body was found near the recycling bin; he was not robbed, and no gun was found. A suspect was arrested a couple of weeks later, but was released due to lack of evidence.

If you have information, please call the Gastonia Police Department’s front desk at 704-866-6702 and ask for Detective Arndt.

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Info here.

Okay, potato skins are not gourmet food..but I love them. My favorite place to get them is JR Cash in Mount Holly. And it’s that time of year to sit out on their deck and look at the water while you have potato skins and a cold drink!

At Oak Ridge Dental Arts, we are dedicated to helping your family as we care for our own families. With years of experience and state-of-the-art dental technology, we help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. We ensure the best possible dental experience with friendly, personalized care in a comfortable environment. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the past six months, or you are interested in enhancing your smile, give us a call. With one visit you’ll see why so many families in your neighborhood trust Oak Ridge Dental Arts with all their dental needs.

Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo in Cherokee opens May 16th for their 60th year. One ticket covers everything except the arcade and food. They have a zoo, rides, and games…all included. It’s very laid back and low key. Surprisingly, they are not open during the holiday season, due to the snowfall and bad weather they get in that area. More

You probably know that the word “fan” comes from fanatic, and some of you are definitely Oz fanatics! Unfortunately, Oz was closed in 2025 because of damage from Hurricane Helene. Their “Tea with Dorothy” event is sold out, but you can get on the mailing list for updates and fall tickets here.

Land of Oz opened in 1970 near Beech Mountain, and had five good years, but a fire and the death of the original owner caused the park to decline. Eventually in the mid 90’s they began having a reunion for former park employees, and that proved to be so popular that it has become an annual event. They are planning a fall event, but particulars have not been released.

Shelli's She Shed is a home decor boutique full of floral stems & arrangements and unique, vintage, antique, retro, farmhouse styles and the perfect gift items.

New Hours: Fri & Sat 10am-3pm
980-318-3816

106 W Dallas Rd., Stanley, NC 28164

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All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County

Physical Therapist w/ Interim Healthcare

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist w/ Headway, Remote in NC

Registered Dietician w/ Nourish , Remote in NC

Animal ID 60958710
Species Dog
Breed Terrier/Mix
Age 2 months 13 days
Gender Male
Size Small
Color Black/Brown
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog Stray
Intake Date 5/9/2026
Stage New Arrival

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