What up Gaston County! David here...
Today is August 15th, and schools starts tomorrow. I wasn't one of those freaks that actually looked forward to school starting. I was always incredibly sad that my summer vacation was over...I still say school shouldn't start until September. Being out for the summer is one of the best things about being a kid!Today's weather:There will be some sun with a heavy thunderstorms around in the afternoon; and those storms can bring flash flooding and damaging winds .The high will be 91.Tonight there will be an evening thunderstorm in parts of the area; otherwise, partly cloudy , with a low of 64.
Piedmont Lithium tries againPiedmont Lithium's first meeting with Gaston County two years ago was met with questions and resistance. They were up to bat again last Tuesday and got pretty much the same reception.They were hoping to smooth some ruffled feathers and present their project in a positive light.Residents filled the chamber in opposition to the project, and County Commissioners asked pointed questions.
Erin Sanders
Erin Sanders, Piedmont's Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations led the meeting off. She said that Piedmont Lithium is trying to correct errors in communication made in 2021, and “We’ve been working hard to correct those errors and to help prove it — we will be a good steward and a responsible steward of this project and within this community," Sanders said. "We hope to answer as many questions as possible tonight to mitigate your concerns and potentially, hopefully to open the door to more dialogue.”
There were several other members of the Piedmont Lithium Staff present, but President and CEO Keith Phillips was notably absent. County Commissioner Chad Brown said: “Look at all these people out here in this crowd, and your CEO refused to come tonight," "He knew about this meeting months in advance and we’re sitting here today and we still don’t see him.”Piedmont Lithium has around 3600 acres that it either owns, leases, or has under contract, for their lithium mining project.They have been seeking a state mining permit for two years. If they were to receive a state mining permit, they would still have to get county approval to rezone the property.
Belmont Drive-In may open as early as this weekendWe are hearing that the Belmont Drive-In may be opening as early as this weekend. The first movie will be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:Mutant Mayhem.Can't wait to get a Drive-In hamburger and hotdog!
Want to run down the runway?Sheriff's Department to host Runway 5kThe Gastonia Municipal Airport and the Gaston County Sheriff's Office are hosting the first annual Runway 5k.Proceeds from the race will benefit the Sheriff's Office Cadet Program, which is not funded by taxpayers. Monies will be used for uniforms, equipment, and travel expenses when cadets travel to compete.No, you won't be chased by an airplane!You can sign up at runsignup.com , search for Gastonia and then Runway 3 Miler.
Small plane frm Gastonia makes emergency landing on highwaySpeaking of planes and runways...a small plane that had taken off from the Gastonia Municipal Airport Sunday had to make an emergency landing in the area of Highway 22 between Highway 905 and Highway 90, in South Carolina, according to Horry County Fire Rescue .The FAA's preliminary findings show that the single engine Cessna 182 had engine problems. Officials said it happened about 5:30 p.m. and the Myrtle Beach-bound lanes of traffic were blocked.The FAA registry shows the plane is registered to Stanley Aero Club Inc. out of Belmont, North Carolina. No one was hurt.
What to do with Belmont's J. Paul Ford Center?
Belmont leaders are looking into future uses for the J. Paul Ford Center, now that it is no longer needed with the opening of the new rec center on Catawba Avenue in July.The building will undergo a proposed study by Helt Design to determine the viability of the ongoing use of the building.
Local veteran celebrates 100 years
Local veteran Ray Stewart celebrated his 100th birthday at VFW Post 9337 with cake and friends on Sunday.Drafted at 19, Ray was part of the famed 2nd Armored "Hell on wheels" Division. He landed on Omaha Beach in June 1944, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, among others.Stewart was also an advisor for the movie Fury in 2014, which tells the story of a tank crew in Germany near the end of the war.Happy birthday Mr. Stewart- and a heartfelt thank you for your service!
Belmont approves alcohol sales for fall concert series The Belmont City Council recently approved the sale of alcoholic beverages during the Thursday Night Pops in Stowe Park Concert Series. Four concerts are scheduled from Sept. 7 to Oct. 19, from 6-8 p.m. The policy covers from 5-9 p.m.
Robin's Ride a resounding success!
Photos courtesy of Leigh Brinkley and Ruth Neely
Robin's Ride in Mount Holly Saturday was a big success. Over 200 riders participated and approximately $10k was raised for Teal Butterfly: Ovarian Cancer Awareness.
Ovarian cancer has no screening test, no cure, and very little funding for research -- but if caught early enough chances of survival increase. Women need to listen to their bodies and know the symptoms. Knowledge is power! Recognizing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can allow a woman to be diagnosed at an earlier stage; being diagnosed at an earlier stage can almost double the chances of survival. We need to educate ourselves and our girls.Thank you to everyone who participated!Find out more...
Main Street Dance Works now enrolling!
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.
Jacque & Mike Sumner
The Sumner Group ranks in list of Metro Charlotte's largest digital and marketing agencies
Gastonia' Sumner Group, headed by Jacque Sumner, was listed as the 22nd largest digital and marketing agency in the area by the Charlotte Business Journal.Sumner reported $1.27 million in revenue for 2022, and employs 13 people.You can check them out here...
Shelli's She Shed Now Open!
The She Shed is a home decor boutique full of floral stems & arrangements and unique, vintage, antique, retro, farmhouse styles and the perfect gift items.Open on Thurs, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm980-318-3816106 W Dallas Rd., Stanley, NC 28164Info...
Hosting an event?Let us help you get the word out- purchase an event listing!
Gaston County JobsWorkers Comp Attorney $76-$96k, Program director Charlotte Ballet $70-$75k, Special Agent FBI Charlotte $78-$153k, Social Media Asst. $24-$37 hr , and more...
