Inside the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Hello Tuesday, it's David. Today is August 16th. We don't usually cover or comment on "hard news", preferring to highlight the best things about Gaston County. But we felt that Mark Carver's exoneration and the Tony's Ice Cream arsonist were difficult to ignore.Gaston County WeatherToday there will be times of clouds and sun, with widely separated thunderstorms. It will be unusually cool for mid-August, with a high  of  77.Tonight there will be increasing clouds, with a low of 64..

Charges dropped against Mark CarverMark Carver spent 10 years in prison, and 3 wearing an ankle bracelet, before murder charges against him were dropped Friday. Carver was convicted in the 2008 murder of UNCC student Ira Yarmolenko.Carver's attorney said the DNA evidence used to convict Carver was discredited when new federal standards for DNA testing were put into place.

Reward increases for info on arson at Tony's Ice CreamAn arsonist tried to set fire to Tony's Ice Cream at 5:45 AM on August 4th. Now an anonymous donor has added $10,000 to the original reward, bringing the total reward to $11,000.Tony's Ice Cream has been a Gaston County staple for over 100 years.

IDI Logistics seeks to build 30,000 + sq ft building in GastoniaIDI logistics out of Atlanta is trying to build a 300,000 plus square foot building in Gastonia. They are asking for their site on Friday Park Road, just off Hwy 321 between Gastonia and Dallas, to be annexed and rezoned.The Gastonia City Council will hold a public hearing tonight to consider the request.

Will Gastonia voters approve $75 million in bonds for roads?In a few months Gastonia residents will have the opportunity to vote on $75 million dollars in bonds that will be used to repair and upgrade streets and sidewalks.“Every five years, we have a company that evaluates our streets just to see you know how they’re doing. In 2018 that company basically told us that we need to spend $45 million to get our streets up to a decent standard. And so certainly to look at 2022, we figure that $45 million number is probably much much higher. So, therefore, that justifies the need for resurfacing will be critical. And it’ll be brought up as well throughout all parts of the city,” said Quentin Mzphatter, Assistant City Manager.

Will's Doggin' it Breakfast & Grill opens today in former Arline's spaceThe grand opening of Will's Doggin' it Breakfast & Grill is today.  They are located at 3039 South Union Road in the former Arline's Grill space. They will be open Tuesday through Saturday 7:00-3:00.Will's Doggin' It at 1301 Spencer Mountain Road is open as well.Congrats Will & Deni!

First rendering of the new Firehawk Brewpub in Mount HollyAbove is a rendering by Matthew Justin Rupp of the new FirehawkBrewpub in Mount Holly.

Coming soon: small-batch brews, homegrown food and great vibes

Gambling in North Carolina

North Carolina sports betting is legal but in a strictly limited sense. The state has a history of opposition to betting, but the North Carolina gambling laws were changed in 2019; and in 2021, after a delay enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic, sports betting went live at two casinos in the state.The Catwaba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain hopes to have it's new sports book open by the last week of August or the first week of September. The NFL regular season begins September 8th.

Currently the only places where you can bet on sports in person - Harrah's Cherokee Casino resort and the Harrah's Cherokee Valley River - are located in the west of the state, hundreds of miles from its capital Raleigh. If and when the state legislature moves to legalize mobile sports betting, there should be at least ten - but not more than 12 - licenses issued to online North Carolina sportsbooks. 

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.

Historic 1923 Home in York Chester, $390,000

Come take a look at this lovely 3 story home in the York Chester Historic District. This beauty is UNIQUELY designed to say the least!!! Entering through the sunroom, you are greeted by an open floor plan leading to the living room with 1 of 2 fireplaces. Master bedroom with an en suite and private entry on the main level making this a perfect addition for an Airbnb. All new  stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors on all 3 levels. Second level showcases 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, one bedroom having a fireplace and balcony access. Endless possibilities with the spacious third level bonus room. Outdoor sitting/dining area fully fenced in with beautiful stone walkways. So much additional storage including a basement and detached garage. 

Panthers start Mayfield against WashingtonBaker Mayfield seems to have the edge over Sam Darnold in the quarterback competition for the Panthers. Mayfield started Saturday for the Panthers against the Washington Commanders. He went 4-of-7 for 45 yards and led a 13-play field goal drive to open the game.Sam Darnold took over after Mayfield's lone series, and led Carolina to a touchdown on the first of his two series. PJ Walker and Matt Corral played the bulk of the game.Matt Corral's debut at QB wasn't spectacular; he went 1-9 for 11 yards through the air, and one rushing carry for 6 yards.

Got Monkeypox?We hope not, but as of Monday, August 8th, Gaston County had 2 reported cases. At this time, Gaston County has not received the vaccine used to prevent Monkeypox from the State. Once we receive it, it will be distributed to individuals who meet vaccine eligibility criteria.  Vaccine eligibility information can be found on the NC Monkeypox website

COVID booster availabilityCOVID boosters are available daily at the Gaston County Health Department at 991 West Hudson Blvd. Call 704-853-5000 for walk-in times.You can also go to myspot.nc.gov for other locations.

River Jam music at the Whitewater Center

Music begins at 7 PM, no charge, parking $6.Thursday August 18th: Empire Strikes BrassFriday August 19th: TandSaturday August 20th: Jonathon Scales FourchestraInfo here

 The Gastonia Honey Hunters host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs  beginning today through Thursday the 18th at  home.6:15 PMCaromont Health ParkTickets

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

 Gaston County Jobs  Digital graphic designer, Sales & marketing Mgr for drift on Lake Wylie from $45k, Krispy Kreme GM $58-$63k, Bubba's 33 Mgr $48.3-$61.1k , and more.

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