. Photo of Mount Holly fireworks, courtesy Matt  NicholsHello friends... it's David. Today is July 2nd, 2024Thursday is the 4th of July- happy birthday America! Across the pond Wimbledon began yesterday. The Tour De France, which began on Saturday, rolls on today with the 4th stage. Friday is National Bikini Day, and Saturday is National Fried Chicken Day. The first calls for a 2 piece, and the second calls for a 3 or 4 piece. 

Today's weather:Today will be partly sunny, pleasant with low humidity.. The high will be 86..Tonight will be clear, with a low of 63.

Dr. Kim Eagle, Gaston County Manager, steps down

Gaston County has announced Dr. Kim Eagle, County Manager, will be stepping down from her position after five years of dedicated service. Effective August 5, 2024, Matthew Rhoten, the current Deputy County Manager, will succeed Dr. Eagle as the new County Manager. A planned transition period will ensure a smooth and effective handover of responsibilities.Dr. Eagle has served Gaston County since 2019, leading numerous initiatives that have significantly improved county operations and services. Her leadership has been instrumental in navigating the County through the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as increasing economic development throughout the county, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.  At its Tuesday, June 25th regular meeting, the Board appointed Mr. Matthew Rhoten to become its next County Manager. Rhoten has been with Gaston County for over 10 years serving in various capacities including budget director and most recently Deputy County Manager for the past five years. During this time, Rhoten has overseen many of the County’s departments and been instrumental in the success of the organization.Rhoten earned his undergraduate degree from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, along with a Master of Science in Community and Economic Development from the University of Central Arkansas.

Yay fireworks!Gaston County fireworks scheduleWednesday, July 3rd, Cherryville, food, fun, fireworks, Rudisill Stadium 6-10 PMThursday , July 4th, Belmont, Red, White & Belmont, Upper Field, Stowe Park, music by 80z Nation, Fireworks at 10PMThursday, July 4th, Stanley, Harper Park. gates open at 5, fireworks around 9:30, rides, food vendors.

Shuttle service 6:30-9:00 at Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church on Hwy 27 up from the park.

Thursday, July 4th, Gastonia, downtown, 5-9:30 PM, vendors, food trucks, live musicThursday, July 4th, Dallas, Cloninger Park downtown, bring lawn chairs, 7-10 PM

Mount Holly discontinues recycling programMount Holly has suspended it's recycling program. Costs to residents would have gone from $5 to around $9 per month. The larger issue, as it turns out, was that Waste Pro was taking the recyclables collected and dumping them in South Carolina.The problem is bigger than just Mount Holly. Most Gaston County municipalities have already stopped their recycling programs. Several years ago China stopped accepting our recycling, and other than aluminum, there is little market for recycled materials.We need some creative thinkers to come up with a way to make money out of recycled materials in the U.S.

Lowell City Manager resignsLowell City Manager Scott Attaway has resigned, to be effective July 26th.“Since assuming the role of city manager in October 2020, Attaway has been instrumental in advancing the City of Lowell’s vision for growth and community development,”said the city in a statement. “He has overseen key initiatives that have strengthened our fiscal responsibility, enhanced public services, improved city operations, and fostered economic opportunities for our residents.”

The Belmont Brewhouse has closedThe Belmont Brewhouse, which opened in March 2021 as Belmont Brewing Co., has closed.

“We have made some good beers and our seltzers are the best around. But making good beer is not a guarantee of success at the cash register. We have stayed open as long as we could,” they posted on Facebook.The brewery moved out of their River Drive space this weekend.

The Vintage whiskey and cigar lounge in Gastonia has closedThe Vintage whiskey and cigar bar in downtown Gastonia has closed. Charlotte based Menagerie Group bought the former Whiskgars in the spring of 2023."After a year and a half of business in Downtown Gastonia we've made the hard choice to close for daily business," they said in an Instagram post . "Our quality of guests and members has been unmatched, unfortunately the quantity has not been enough to sustain the business given the dynamics of our lease and costs to operate."

Gaston County industrial building project "Kings Mountain Exchange"has begunCharlotte based Tectonic  Real Estate has started a new industrial building project  at 600 Canterbury Road in Gaston County. The project is a 282,868 industrial building, expected to be competed  the second quarter of 2025.Earlier this month, Tectonic, through another entity, bought 33 acres on Canterbury Road for $1.3 million.

M/I Homes announces

300 home Boulder Ridge project in Gastonia

M/I homes has announced a new Boulder Ridge community to be built off of Stage Coach Road in Gastonia, Stage Coach Road is off of 321 South, south of West Hudson Blvd.The new homes will be 3 or 4 bedrooms, with 3 bathrooms and a 2 car garage. Prices are expected to be in the  upper $300's, although that could change.

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.

Why consider Camelot Meadows for your loved one's funeral?Funeral and memorial services are changing, becoming more personalized and eco-friendly. We can provide a unique setting and a return to nature in our beautiful bamboo forest. Services can include a favorite meal, beverage, and music of the loved one, in our venue. We encourage  the inclusion of the loved one's pet.Info...

Caromont Health among Charlotte area's largest employersGaston County's Caromont Health was included among the largest Charlotte area employers, in a list compiled by the Charlotte business Journal. Caromont was listed as the 14th largest, with 3,980 employees.

GoGastonia new ride share vans ready!

GoGastonia! So happy to finally see this new option for public transportation for the city of Gastonia. Book a ride when you need it and get to work, appointments, errands, and more. Just $2.00 each way (65+ and disabled riders is $1.00 each way). Available Monday to Friday 5:30am-6:30pm and Saturday 8am-6pm.

Cooling station now open in Gastonia

With extreme temperatures across the region, Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) and Gaston County Community Support Services (CSS) have partnered with The Salvation Army and opened a public cooling station to help those in need.

The cooling station is at The Salvation Army Center of Hope in Downtown Gastonia (107 S. Broad St.), and will be open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to offer some relief from the heat for the most vulnerable in the community.

CSS is also collecting much-needed supplies for those in need and has an Amazon Wish List. Donations may be sent directly to Community Support Services through Amazon.

For more information or if you have questions about the cooling center, email Community Support Services or call the CSS Hotline at 704-869-7387.

Miami Fusion Cafe

When Gaston College began preparation for the 2024 baseball season in the fall of 2023, a handful of returning players were back from a historic season that ended with the Rhinos advancing to the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series.

What could the program possibly do for an encore?

How about becoming the school's first-ever No. 1 nationally-ranked team while also setting school records for overall wins and winning streak.

That's exactly what coach Shohn Doty's team accomplished in a 2024 season that ended with a 51-8 overall record following its Region 10 tournament loss.

"We've set the bar really high here every year," Doty said. "That's not going to change."I think that we're going to continue to do what we've done and be a top program in the region. This year, I thought we grew and I thought we got better."

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 JobsVet tech $18-$33 hr, Pharmacy Tech $37-$51k yr, CNC Operator $18-$25 hr, IT Consultant III $75-$83k, Information systems Mgr $32-$42 hr, and more...Info...