The lake in McAdenville. Photo courtesy of Bonita Lowe.Good morning friends, it's David.Today is December 24th, 2024.

Merry Christmas Gaston County!  Wishing you joy and love, and every good thing this holiday season. Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends!

Tuesday's weather:Today it will be sunny and milder, with a  high of 55..Tonight will be clear-good weather for Santa! The low will be 33.Weather for Christmas Day:During Christmas Day is will be partly sunny and 56.Christmas night it will be cloudy, with a low of 34.

First it was Big Lots, now Party City closing all stores

The Gastonia Party City will be closing.

The firm has announced that they will be closing all 850 stores, effective February 1.Party City has recently filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, trying to renegotiate $1.7 billion in debt amid supply chain problems, and slumping brick and mortar sales.

Piedmont Lithium facing rough seasA crash in lithium prices have affected local Belmont based company Piedmont Lithium. Piedmont Lithium laid off  approximately 48% of their workers in 2024, and is set to be acquired by Australia based Sayona Mining Ltd.The company says that the Gaston County project is being advanced on a "conservative timeline". The company was awarded a state mining permit earlier this year, but still need State air and water permits, as well as Gaston County approval.Piedmont's acquisition by Sayona Mining is expected to completed in the  first half of 2025.

Zawyer Sports & Entertainment making a splashInn February, Zawyer Sports & Entertainment bought the struggling baseball franchise in Gastonia, now known as the Ghost Peppers. In October Zawyer became the majority owner of the Charlotte Checkers.Zawyer CEO Andy Kaufman has stated that Zawyer will pay any outstanding debts of the previous Gastonia baseball team, which has created a lot of good will for the new team and owners.The Checkers season begins October 12, and runs through April. The Ghost  Peppers season begins April 25.

This from Melanie Harris at the Catawba River Lodge in Marion NC: Our area has had a great deal of loss and devastation so we had a huge Christmas wishWe have folks living in houses that have been condemned because they have nowhere else to go. We are in search of donations of 3 campers that are new or gently used/newly renovated for community members that lost or had their homes declared uninhabitable. We are hoping they will be titled to the recipient. If you or someone you can share this with could help it would be such a blessing. We are asking for a miracle to have them by Dec 25 or before Putting this prayer request out there into the universe. Please text, call, or leave a message at 828-460-2080.Editors note: They are also looking for people to donate used vehicles, because theirs were ruined or swept away. . People need them so that they can get to work. Can you help?

Get ready for a holiday adventure like no other!Join us for Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story, a unique twist on the beloved holiday classic, right here in Charlotte from December 27-29.Brought to you by Caroline Calouche & Co., this spectacular performance combines dance, acrobatics, and cirque magic, bringing Clara’s story to life in a way you've never seen before.Awe-inspiring choreography and acrobatic feats- a heartwarming story filled with holiday cheerFun for the whole family—perfect for a holiday outing!Event Details: 📍 Location: Booth Theatre📅 Dates: December 27-29

1928 Tudor style home in Gastonia, $439,000

Step into a storybook home with charm, character, and all the modern updates you desire! This beautiful Tudor-style residence sits on a spacious corner lot, featuring a classic brick exterior with elegant rock accents. Enjoy your mornings on the covered side porch or relax in the private rear yard with a cozy patio and convenient rear-entry garage. Inside, you'll find a seamless blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Gorgeous hardwood floors and neutral tones set the stage in the open, sunlit living spaces. The main level includes a spacious living room with a fireplace, a cozy den, a versatile front room perfect for a home office, and a charming kitchen and breakfast area. There’s also a full bathroom for added convenience. Head upstairs to discover three spacious bedrooms and a second full bath, ideal for family or guests. The double garage is accessible from the rear and opens into the basement area, providing abundant storage options.Info...

Kent HesterFireside History series begins January 9th at the Gaston County Museum

For more than 100 years, Gaston County has been known as a leader in the textile industry. But what was Gaston County like before it became synonymous with cotton yarn spinning?

Find out when the Gaston County Museum of Art & History presents the first of three discussions in the Fireside History Series, coming up Thursday, January 9, from 6:00-7:30pm at the Museum.

Local historian and Museum staff member, Kent Hester, will present “Before We Were Gaston County,” a fascinating look at the region before it became Gaston County in 1846 and the industrial and textile revolutions changed the landscape of the South.

Guests will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar with signature cocktails as Mr. Hester discusses the early days of the county’s history, from the Catawba Nation to the first European settlers and the growth of Gaston. Complimentary cocktails will be available for Museum members.

“We are excited to present this evening history series to our members and guests. There are so many aspects of Gaston County history to explore, and what better way than in an intimate fireside setting with some of our most distinguished local historians,” says Alexandrea Pizza, the Museum’s executive director.

“We invite adults and older teens to join us for this enlightening discussion about the area we call home,” she says.

Admission is free, but reservations are required. RSVP to Casey Landolf at [email protected]. Seating is limited.

The series continues Thursday, February 13 and Thursday, March 13 with talks on World War II and area lands conservancy.

Admission to the Museum is free. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. For more information about the Museum, visit www.gastoncountymuseum.org.

Been ice skating at the Whitewater Center yet?

The Whitewater Center’s ice rink consists of over 24,000 sq. ft. of unique skating space split into four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails and two free skate zones.

Centered in the converted pond is an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages when guests need a skate break.More

At Oak Ridge Dental Arts, we are dedicated to caring for 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.

Miami Fusion Cafe

by Richard Walker

Gaston College's basketball team closed out the first semester schedule of its 2024-25 season on a 12-game winning streak and the second best start in school history.

The Rhinos went on the road to rally past Virginia Peninsula Community College 79-75 on Wednesday night.

Gaston College (12-1) took its third victory of the season after falling behind by double figures and their 12-1 start is only surpassed by the 14-0 start in the 1966-67 season when current Florida State head basketball coach Leonard Hamilton was a standout freshman guard for the school.

"Guys stepped up because our whole front line was in foul trouble," first-year Rhinos head coach Benny Moss said. "We had to piece it together. It was another really good team win."

If you haven't checked out Shelli's She Shed in Stanley- what are you waiting for!

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-4pm980-318-3816106 W Dallas Rd., Stanley, NC 28164Check us out!

Hosting an event?Let us help you get the word out- purchase an event listing!

 Gaston County JobsDowntown Development Specialist w/City of Belmont $50-$80k, Office Mgr w/Charlotte Plumbing $60-$100k, Terminal Coordinator w/ITS Logistics $25 hr, and more...Info...