Howdy Gaston County, it's David.Today is August 19th, 2025.

I used to love listening to the radio when traveling...especially through small towns. Occasionally I would catch a "Swap & Shop" program on, usually at noon, sponsored by the local funeral home or hardware store. Folks had tomato plants, lawn mowers, and baked goods for sale. You don't hear that much anymore, but I did see this on Stanley Town Talk: " If someone is missing a pigeon with blue and black bands he / her is hanging out with our chickens off Ballard. He’s been around since Saturday."

Today's weather

Partial sunshine with a thunderstorm around in the afternoon, high of 85.

Tonight: Mainly clear, with a low of 69.

East Gaston's Kyndal Knight competes in Singapore

East Gaston alum Kyndal Knight recently competed in Singapore with partner Luke Hernandez at the World Aquatic Championships. They placed 7th of of 21 teams in the mixed synchronized 3 meter event.While in high school she competed for East Gaston with Coach Roger Hawkins, and also the Carolina Diving Academy in Huntersville. In college she swam for the University of Kentucky where she received both  a Bachelors and Masters degrees. She is training with an eye on competing in the 2028 Olympics.Way to go Kyndal!

Tiny doors in Atlanta; mice sculptures in Greenville; small trains in Belmont.

What public art would be fun to find around the Downtown Gastonia ( DTG)?Join the discussion here

Kaya Gastrolounge in Belmont has closedAccording to Instagram,the restaurant Kaya Gastroloungein Belmont has closed.  “This decision was not made lightly, and we explored every possible path to keep moving forward," the post reads.They had replaced the Bottle Tree in March, at  102 Davis Street in Belmont. 

We've almost there! Let's finish it for Ella!

The Ella May mural is so close to becoming a reality. Thanks to incredible community support, we've already raised $17,000 of our $20,000 goal, and we only need $3,000 more to bring this vision to life.

Thank you to the countless individual donors, business donors, and foundations that have helped us get to $17,000 for Ella May's memorial. Special thanks to the Gaston Community Foundation and the Hendricks Foundation for big contributions. The time has come for one final fundraising push for Ella's memorial. Her memorial is planned to be completed by the end of this 2025 year.

Ella's story is one of courage, song, and solidarity, and soon it will be shared in bold color for all to see.This is our moment to finish what we started. Donate if you can. Share if you believe in the mission. Let's finish it for Ella.

Local companies make the Inc 5000 list for dramatic growthSeveral Gaston County firms have it going on, and appeared on the most recent Inc 5000 list.  The Inc. 5000 list ranks companies based on revenue growth from 2021 to 2024, portrayed as a percentage.

At 1700 is Complete KiDZ Gastonia, with 257%  growth. Compleat KiDZ is the largest multi-disciplinary rehabilitation treatment facility in North Carolina. They provide pediatric services in North Carolina.At 2599 is Elijah's Xtreme, at 162%  Founded in 2014 by a dad-and-son duo in their home garage, Elijah’s Xtreme is a family-owned hot sauce business crafting bold, flavor-packed sauces from handcrafted recipes.At 3082 is NJR Construction at 131%.  Their services include but are not limited to Exterior/Interior Structural and non structural metal framing, Gypsum Wall Board Assemblies, Acoustical Ceiling Systems, and Interior Demolition.At 1359, Zapp's Whoesale, at 323% growth. Formerly headquartered in Belmont, and now in Shelby, Zapps's   specializes in buying merchandise directly from large retailers and then selling it to other businesses in bulk, often by the truckload or in containers for export

Our Clear the shelters adoption event is THIS SATURDAY!!!!! We could not be more excited! We still got a lot to wrap up until then so this is our LAST CALL!If you would like to be a vendor at our event please reach out to us at [email protected]! Remaining spots are limited! No new vendors can be added after 8/21 at 12 PM!If you are interested in adopting please submit your application at https://app.polimorphic.com/.../gcace-adoption.../apply

Stowe Conservancy opening Prairie Castle Playground

After months of eager anticipation, Stowe Conservancy is thrilled to announce that our Prairie Castle Playground grand opening will be Saturday, August 30! This new feature on the property is a massive three-story castle playground that offers accessible options for kids in wheelchairs, so it's truly a space for all to make magical new memories. In addition, we'll also be showcasing our new 0.4 mile kids' Adventure Trail featuring five outdoor "rooms" that encourage imagination and exploration. There is a Ramble Rocks Room, a Creekside Room, a Habitat Room, a Woodwind Room, and more.

Above are pics of art installations in Mount Holly that folks are enjoying. The first is to the right of Arts on the Greenway, and the second is at River Street Park. From Facebook " Shout out to whoever designed both of these. It just make my runs much more enjoyable".

Photos courtesy of Russell Daniel.

The NC BeachBlast Festival is celebrating its 26th year.Can you say celebrate? The 26th annual NC BeachBlast Festival blasts off Friday, August 22nd at 6 pm with Bantum Rooster presented by Albemarle. Saturday, August 23rd, enjoy a full day of music and family fun with DJs Johnny B and Eric Bowman and four of the hottest Carolina Beach Music bands in the Southeast – Band of Oz (Noon), Too Much Sylvia (2 pm), Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot (4 pm), and headliner Chairman of the Board (6 pm). Metcon proudly presents the full-day festival. Vendors will be on hand with great food and beverages. The list of vendors include: Anna Sweet Treats, Dayne Shingle Shak, Fat and Sassy Concessions, Hopper’s Soul Food, King Concessions Lunchbox, Pelicans, Pixie Frost Bites, Spirit of America, Tony Tzzzz Grill on Wheels There is fun for the whole family – with inflatables, games, the Kids’ Pavilion sponsored by Carolina Power Partners, Pirate Port, the Rotary Splash Pad, watermelon eating sponsored by Food Lion, swashbuckling pirates, the big Beach Ball Drop sponsored by Sun-Drop, and the third annual BeachBlast Golf Cart Parade.August 22nd, 6 PMPatriot's Park, 220 South Railroad Avenue, Kings MountainMore

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.

Yes, I know it's hot. So fly to Puerto Rico or West Palm Beach, FloridaIf you're going to be hot, you might as well stick your feet in the sand with a frosty drink in your hand. The good news is that Avelo airlines is offering one way fares as low as $57.The bad news is that the low cost carrier that flies out of Concord doesn't begin service until October. But still...

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!

Do you have the energy and patience for me?

Animal ID     58991214 Species     Dog Breed     Belgian Malinois/Mix Age     2 years 22 days Gender     Male Size     Large Color     Brown/Black Declawed     No Housetrained     Unknown Site     GCACE Location     Dog Holding 1 (ISO) Intake Date     7/27/2025 Stage     New ArrivalInfo

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