Good morning Gaston County, it's David.Today is January 21st, 2025.The photo above is the Muddy River Distillery in Mount Holly. It's wonderful to see this old building so full of life. Thanks to Dana Rhames for the photo.

Tuesday's weather:Today  we are expecting snow, with little to no accumulation. It will be cold with some sun, then turning cloudy. There will be a high of 35, and a low of 17.

City of Gastonia Receives $2M Grant for Project CHANGE

The City of Gastonia announced Tuesday that it has been awarded $2 million in Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program funds. The money will be used to complete a feasibility and connectivity study for Project CHANGE, which stands for ‘Connecting Highland: Access, Neighborhood Growth, Equity.’

The purpose of this initiative is to address the significant barriers to mobility and economic development in one of the city’s transportation-disadvantaged communities to the north of the railroad ditch that divides Downtown Gastonia from those living in the Highland Community.

As part of the grant, the City of Gastonia will commit $500,000 (20%) towards this study, which will investigate the feasibility of capping the railroad ditch and creating a vital link between Highland and the Central Business District (CBD). The goal is to transform the ditch from a barrier into a community asset, enhancing access and promoting economic revitalization. Additionally, the project emphasizes the need for safety improvements along NC Highway 7, as well as connection improvements with US Hwy 74.

Plan.it Design moving home and office to historic home in BelmontJodi Page Kines and her husband John are moving their home and business-Plan.it Design- to 203 North Main in Belmont. Not only are they restoring and renovating the home, but also adding a 3 car garage, covered porch, and laundry room. They are also adding a side porch and entry off of Woodrow Avenue.The house will be the home for the Kines family, but also offices for their flourishing design business.

Waterbean Coffee coming to FUSE District

We told you awhile back that Waterbean Coffee was coming to the FUSE District. They originally were going to remodel the old Powers Seafood property, but then decided that wasn't feasible. This from their Facebook page:

Our most highly anticipated buildout yet and our largest to date—nearly 4,200 square feet! This will be the very first Waterbean Coffee Exquisite, located in the Fuse District of Gastonia. With permits finally secured, we’re officially underway on creating this one-of-a-kind coffee shop. Construction is expected to wrap up by May, with a grand opening planned for summer!

Sake Express in Belmont is still open until this Thursday, the 24th.  Come see us! We are actively looking for a new location-we'll be back!Sake Gastonia is open as usual.

Elena's Argentinian Cafe is now openElena's  Argentinian Cafe opened yesterday.  They have pastries, and  food and drink menus. They are located at 207 West Main Avenue in Gastonia.Check them out here.

24 7 Workout Anytime opening in Dallas

A new 24 hour access gym is opening in Dallas. Their website says they are accepting applications for membership. They offer 2 membership levels: $17.50 bi-weekly for 18 months, and also $12.50 bi-weekly for 18 months.They are located at 3126 Dallas Shoals Highway, across from Papas and Beer.More

Long Creek Fish Fry to open in CharlotteLong Creek Fish Fry says they are opening in the old Aggie's Ice Cream & Grill location in Charlotte at 7029 W. T. Harris Boulevard on February 20th.

The application window opened January 15th. The January open house is this Thursday, January 23rd, 5:30-7:00 PM.

Opioid Forum at Belmont Abbey College on Jan. 28sponsored by the Rotary clubs of Gaston CountyMore than 4,000 North Carolinians died last year from an overdose of opioids, and dozens of the victims were in Gaston County. Working to save lives, four Gaston Rotary clubs are sponsoring a free Opioid Forum on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, to inform students and adults about the danger of opioid use.The forum will take place at Belmont Abbey College in the Haid building at 7 p.m. with refreshments and presentations by local experts engaged in the fight against fentanyl and other opioids. The address is 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Road, Belmont, NC. The forum is open to the public and there is no admission charge.Sponsoring the forum are the Rotary clubs of Belmont, Gastonia, Mount Holly, Gastonia East and Gastonia Evening. 

Historic charm 1889 in Dallas, $625,000

Picturesque Victorian home with a sweeping wraparound porch. A meticulous renovation in 2017 has preserved the original charm while offering modern updates, including wood floors, 10 ft ceilings, crown molding, 8-inch baseboards, four fireplaces, beadboard ceilings, and chandeliers. The first floor offers a formal living and dining room, a Guest Bedroom/office with access to the porch, a Den, a laundry room, and a full bath—a chef's kitchen with an island, granite, SS appliances, a gas range, wall oven, a breakfast area, and a pantry. The second floor offers a primary bedroom with a private bath, a double tile walk-in shower, and a walk-in closet. 2 large additional bedrooms share a full bath. The enchanting yard features a circular driveway and patio leading to the detached two-car and two-story wired garage, within walking distance to downtown Dallas with shops and restaurants—Aquatic Center to come to the town of Dallas. Offering 1 Year Home Warranty.

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Miami Fusion Cafe

by  Richard Walker

A hot-shooting Cape Fear Community College ended Gaston College's 14-game winning streak on Saturday afternoon at Gastonia's Ashbrook High School.

The visiting Sea Devils hit 16 total 3-pointers to rally from a halftime deficit and take a 95-80 victory over the Rhinos in their Region 10 home opener.

The loss ends a streak that is tied for second-longest in school history.

Gaston College previously won 14 straight games in the 1966-67 and 1971-72 seasons and the school record is 17 straight wins during the 1969-70 season.

"It's a shame," said first-year Gaston College coach Benny Moss, whose team hadn't lost since its 2024-25 season opener at No. 1-ranked Davidson-Davie Community College. "We had a good streak. But we never talked about the streak. We talked about one game at a time. And, today, I think we just got complacent."

Moss felt the team's energy in recent practices wasn't what it had been and it manifested itself with slow starts to each half on Saturday afternoon.

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 JobsSurgical scheduler $20-$22hr, Special Agent FBI Medical Background $97k-$125K, Corporate Partnership Services Asst w/Carolina Panthers,  and more...Info...