. Photo courtesy of the Positive Change for Downtown Gastonia Facebook pageHello friends... it's David. Today is June 25th, 2024Today's trivia question: What do  Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and George Armstrong Custer have in common? (Hint- not their birthday) Answer at the end of the newsletter. 

Today's weather:Today will be sunny to partly cloudy. The high will be 93.Tonight will be clear, with a low of 69.

Durty Bull expecting to open mid JulyIt has been a long time coming, but co-owner Matt Pennisi of Durty Bull Brewing Company says he expects their new taproom and restaurant to open mid July. The Durham based brewery's new location will be in the old Coca-Cola building in Gastonia's FUSE District.

Yay fireworks!Gaston County fireworks scheduleThursday June 27, Mount Holly, featuring Coming Up Brass, food trucks, fireworks at darkSaturday, June 29th, Cramerton, 5-10 at the Centennial Center, fireworks at 9 PMWednesday, 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

Parts supplier to BMW breaks ground on new plant in Gaston CountyGerman manufacturer Heyco-Werk USA has broken ground on a $12.8 million manufacturing plant in Gaston County.The German company makes plastic molded parts for BMW's SUV models around the world. Jobs at the facility, which is being built in the Apple Creek business park, will pay an average of $63,382. That is noticeably higher than the Gaston County average of $46,351.The facility is expected to be completed by July 2025.

Kings Mountain Casino now offering table gamesAs of last week the Catawba Two Kings Casino is offering table games. The casino now has 12 live table games on an expanded casino floor.The games include:CrapsRouletteMini BaccaratBlackjackMississippi Stud PokerThree Card PokerEarlier in June, the casino expanded the cashier's cage, and added 64 new slot machines.

Salvation Army of Gaston/Lincoln moving to homeless prevention, closing shelterThe local Salvation Army is moving from an emergency shelter program to a homelessness prevention program. The new program seeks to end homelessness through Rapid Rehousing and comprehensive case management.The last day for new shelter residents will be July 15, and the last day they will provide emergency shelter will be August 31.“We know that homelessness is extremely challenging for families and individuals alike,” said Major David Phelps of The Salvation Army of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. “When we launch the new homelessness prevention program, we will be able to intervene to help families maintain stability and reduce the emotional impact of losing their homes. We are committed to collaborating with our community to end homelessness in Gaston and Lincoln counties. "The new program aims to address the base causes of homelessness, and provide ongoing solutions for people on the brink of homelessness.

Suncrest seeks to build new development, 450 homesSuncrest is seeking to build a 450 home development on a 251 acre site at 201 Barn View Road in Gastonia.  The site is South Southeast of Crowders Mountain State Park.Suncrest works with home builders on it's developments.  Suncrest already has a development called Derry, a 360 acre community in Gastonia that has been approved for up to 877 single family residences. That project is off of Forbes Road.

GASTON COUNTY WARNING RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES OF NEW TAX SCAM

 The Gaston County Tax Office is warning residents and business owners of a new tax scam.

The Tax Office has received calls from businesses about fraudulent letters requesting thousands of dollars in unpaid tax debt. The letters titled “Distraint Warrant” state that if the debt is not paid or settled, the Federal Tax Authorities may revoke benefits, suspend licenses, or even result in penalties and fees.

“With the real tax bills going out in July, we really wanted to make sure we informed our citizens about this scam,” said Chelsea Tarbush, tax director. “They need to know that these letters are not from us. Do not send any payments to them.”

The Tax Office is tracking these letters and residents and businesses are asked to email Chelsea Tarbush directly or call her at 704-810-5811 if they receive a letter or have questions.

City of Gastonia's 2024 Municipal Citizen's Academy graduatesThe above individuals recently graduated from the Gastonia Municipal Citizen's Academy. These outstanding individuals have gained valuable insights into the workings of our local government and have shown a strong commitment to our community. Pictured are Chéz Adams Jessica Gonzales, James M. Bennett, Jr.,  Sierra M. Hall, Macie L. Glenn Clary,  Kayleigh Grace Hand,Sarine Crawford,  Mary Hilliard, Carla Davis,  Anissa McCloud, Jason Eaker, Donna England, John M. England, Chip Ferguson, Dr. Sharlene Mullings, Carol Shved,  and Michael Tucker

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...

UPS looking for lost package of local businessGreg Black, owner of Greg Black mouthpieces in Mount Holly, is missing a UPS package. No big deal...but the package is worth $11,000.  Black's company makes custom mouthpieces for professional musicians. The mouthpieces fit brass instruments like trumpets, french horns, trombones, and more.“Shipped by UPS, and now they can’t find the package,”  said, Black “so it’s $11,000 valued worth of mouthpieces that has gone missing.”  “No matter what small business it is, no small business can take a hit on losing a product,”UPS has escalated Black's inquiry, and say they will have an answer by tomorrow.

1925 charm, 2024 finishes, $449,000Historic York  Chester

Love the charm and character of historic homes but want the upgrades and conveniences of a new home? Then this Cape Cod in the highly desirable Forest Hills section of York Chester Historic District is for you! This home has undergone a full renovation including a new kitchen with 42" shaker cabinets, stainless appliances, quartz countertops and tile floor. The first level primary suite has a walk-in closet and an attached home office with custom built-ins. The primary bath has 72" double sink and a walk-in shower with double shower heads. You are going to live in the den which has the 2nd fireplace. While in here, don't miss your opportunity to take a peek down "Bourbon St." Upstairs has 2 bedrooms, a full bath, and lots of closet space and storage. Original refinished hardwood floors. New: Lighting, Plumbing, Electrical, both HVAC units and ductwork are new. The basement, utility room is fully encapsulated. You won't get these finishes at this price anywhere else in York Chester!More...

Miami Fusion Cafe

The Rhinos went 5-3 in Region 10 for a second-place regular season finish and took third-place in the Region 10 tournament they hosted at the school's on-campus facility to advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association championships at Huntsville, Ala.

"When you compare it to last year, we were just so much more competitive with all of the four-year schools we played," Gaston College coach Rachel Noreika said. "So that's really encouraging. Moving forward, you have to make a decision to travel more and play junior college teams or do you stay local and maybe not have as good of a record?"I thought our season went really well. Yes it can be tough in our situation and our location and having to play so many four-year schools."

That's why the 10-24 overall record is far better than it seems.

It's because Gaston College went 8-9 against junior colleges, including 2-4 in the NJCAA nationals, and 2-15 against four-year schools.

After its first official team advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series in 2023, Gaston College's softball team entered the 2024 season with high expectations.

After going 49-9 overall and drawing the school's first mention in the NJCAA poll, coach Mike Steuerwald's program clearly enjoyed more success even as it finished the year with a disappointing loss to Florence Darlington Tech in the Region 10 championship game.

"I told the team that in postgame talk after that last game," Steuerwald said. "I just wanted to thank them because they fulfilled what we talk about as a program.""And that's leaving things better than you find them. Whether it's a dugout after a game or the field and things like that. I told the group that they left this program better than when they came here.""They were 92-19 over two years with two regular season titles and a World Series berth. That's an incredible run. The challenge for the freshman next year is that they've got a really, really high bar of expectation."

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 JobsPT cashier/stocker @ Aldi $17 hr, Internal Medicine Physician $220-$250k, Automated Assembly @ Stabilus, $21-$26 hr, Utility Billing Specialist @ City  of Belmont, and more...Info...