Hello Tuesday, it's David. Today is December 14th.

Weather wise, today will be mostly sunny, with a  high of  63. Tonight will be mainly clear, with a low of

30.

Red Raider controversy rolls on...Another community discussion regarding the continued use of the "Red Raider" by South Point High School will happen Thursday night at the Gaston College Kimbrell Campus at 7220 Wilkinson Boulevard in Belmont. The meeting is being hosted by South Point alumni Jason Rumfelt, who says he is presenting "the other side of this hotly contested debate."At issue is South Point's use of an American Native portrayed  with red skin.

 Local law enforcement helps out the Alliance for Children & Youth

Last Wednesday officers and staff from multiple departments throughout the county came together for the greater good of our community. Everyone gathered at The Teacher Box in Cramerton to assist Alliance for Children & Youth in relocating the donated toys and clothing to Gaston College. From there the items will be organized and distributed to families in need this holiday season. A huge thank you to the gracious donor and to everyone who assisted!

Mount Holly, Belmont growth outpaces rest of Gaston CountyIt's no secret that Belmont and Mount Holy are booming. Gaston County, according to census records, has grown 8.1% since 2010, and 27.2% since 2000. But Belmont has grown 48% since 2000, and Mount Holly 67.7% in the same time period.In contrast, Bessemer City has grown only 3.7% since 2010. Lack of easily available water, sewer, and/or easy access to I-85 keep some areas from developing.

Restaurant NewsRumor has it that the Double Barrel Saloon at 508 West Main Ave. in Gastonia will reopen with new owners.According to property owner Tim McPhaul, an Italian restaurant is going in the old Spindle City Cafe space at 207 West Main Ave. in Gastonia.Fox & Friends are broadcasting live this morning from 6-9AM at Grits n Greens Southern Cuisine at 125 North Main street in Lowell.

Heirloom Restaurant has already been open three weeks in Belmont- time flies!They are located at 33 Glenway Street in Belmont.Blossom Bakery & Cafe in Bessemer City is looking to expand with a new events venue and more. Located at 101 East Virginia Avenue (former home of Angel's ) they offer lunch,  a bakery, full coffee offerings, and now have Saturday brunch.

Mount Holly memorializes Tyler Herndon

The City of Mount Holly dedicated a memorial to Tyler Herndon  Saturday at the Mount Holly Police Memorial Plaza. Because of torrential rain the dedication was held indoors. Tyler Herndon's famiily is shown, seated.Herndon was killed while responding to a call in Mount Holly while on duty, just two days before his 26th birthday.

                                                Photo courtesy of Officer Bryan Kale

Area Christmas Parades

Stanley Christmas ParadeThe Stanley Christmas Parade will be held December 15 at 3 PM.  It will begin at Carothers Funeral Home and end at Stanley Middle School. More...McAdenville Yule Log ParadeThe McAdenville Yule Log Parade will be held December 16 at 5:30 PM. The parade, which began in 1949 will begin at  100 Main Street.. More...

CLARA'S TRIP: A CIRQUE AND DANCE NUTCRACKER STORY

Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & Dance Nutcracker Story returns on December 16 - 19.  Caroline Calouche & Co. Charlotte’s only contemporary dance and circus professional company, returns to the Booth Playhouse stage with their twist on a holiday classic.  Click the link below for 20% off tickets.

Fun Fact: Caroline Calouche grew up in Gastonia, attended Gaston Dance Theatre and graduated from Ashbrook!

Get Tickets here...

Keep Gastonia Beautiful fundraiser t-shirt  offered in collaboration with Keep Gastonia Beautiful $19.99 here...

Swoon over every scoop!

Handel's Home Made Ice Cream Coming Soon!

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has been around since 1945, using only the freshest ingredients and recipes exclusive to us-and we never skimp!. We look forward to serving Gaston county and surrounding areas.2272 E. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia NC 28054

704-837-2590Facebook - handels.gastoniaWebsite - https://www.handelsicecream.com

Lewis Feed Not ClosingMelisa Jones says Lewis Feed is being sold, and will keep the same name and merchandise. I know this makes horse owners happy!

Kings Mountain Casino in the moneyCatawba Two Kings Casino started with 500 machines, and  an additional 500 machines will be available this Wednesday, December 15th. They are electronic games similar to blackjack, roulette. craps and baccarat.

“The electronic table games are a great addition as we provide more gaming opportunities at a convenient location for people across the Charlotte region," said Mike Ulizio, president of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority.

Holiday Specials-On Track Yoga

Holiday Specials- Dec 15 thru Jan 1, 2022*Yoga Class Specials* Thai Yoga Therapy (feels to massage, but more stretching)*Ayurveda Health Counsling*Private Yoga ClassesFind out more!

Holidays at the Garden

Through January 2, 2022 from 5 to 9 p.m. Advance tickets available now, here...

Duke closes two more coal units at Allen Steam StationDuke Energy has shut down two coal units in Gaston county for scheduled maintenance and does not expect to operate them again. The two totaled 434  megawatts.The two remaining units are expected to be shut down at the end of 2023. Unit 3 was shut down in March of 2020, after developing maintenance issues.Coal fired plants have become increasingly unprofitable as natural gas plants have become much cheaper to operate.

Burning Ban Issued for Gaston County is Lifted

The ban on open burning issued by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the ban on open burning issued by the Gaston County Fire Marshal for fires within 100 feet of a residence have been lifted.

For further information contact Gaston County Fire Marshal Kevin Gordon at 704-866-3350.

 This weeks Christmas gift -for her!

From a local Etsy seller Susan Lambert Designs,  Mount Holly-buy online!Handmade forged silver and copper spinner ring, sized , $75 + $8.95 shipping here

This weeks Christmas gift -for him!From a local Etsy seller Stephanie McMahan from Belmont -buy online!Brown lava bead bracelet for him, $10 , here...

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

COVID  metrics trending away from goal

Police OfficerThe Town of Dallas is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer.  This position performs a full range of general law enforcement duties.  Work includes patrolling the Town during an assigned shift in a police car, on bicycle, or on foot; preventing, detecting, and investigating disturbances and crime; performing traffic control work; apprehending suspects; and executing related assignments.  Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness.                Applicant must have a working knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods, and equipment; skill in the use of firearms; knowledge of the use of information technology as it applies to law enforcement; communicate effectively in oral and written forms; and the ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective public relations with the citizens.                Graduation from high school and completion of basic law enforcement training; possession of a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.                Hiring range for this position is $41,811 to $44,152 DOQ, with a 5% increase following the probationary period.  Applications may be obtained at the Town of Dallas Administrative Offices located at 210 N. Holland St., Dallas, NC 28034 or at www.dallasnc.net.  Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected] or turned in at the Administrative Offices.  Open until filled.  EOE  

 Gaston County JobsLegal asst. $15-$17 hr, Aldi $17 hr, Lowes $20.30-$2516,  Floral At Harris Teeter $16-$18 hr, Child Watch Counselor YMCA $37.9k-$48.1k, and more.

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