Holly jolly Gaston County! David here...
Are you in full blown Christmas panic? I haven't even gotten my Christmas cards from Shutterfly yet...Today is December 5th, 2023Today there will be plenty of sun, with a high of 61. Nice...right?Tonight will be cool with considerable cloudiness. The low will be 36.
US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen, Governor Cooper visit Bessemer City
US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen and Governor Roy Cooper visited Bessemer City last Thursday. They were in town to visit the Livent chemical manufacturing facility. The company produces lithium hydroxide, which is used in electric vehicle batteries, among other uses.
“I really believe that the long-run investment strategy that we both talked about today, with the improvements we are seeing with really good jobs being created, will make a real difference in people’s level of optimism about where the U.S. economy is going,” Yellen said.
While Livent does not mine lithium, Cooper and Yellen were asked if they are supportive of plans to resume lithium mining in the area. Both said they do support mining if it is done responsibly.
Mayor Walker Reid has passed
Gastonia's Mayor, Walker E. Reid III has died. He was 66.He was the Gastonia's first black mayor, and a long time political figure.“Mayor Reid was a pioneer and a compassionate leader who was truly passionate about our city, its residents, newcomers, and those who would experience new beginnings in the future,” the city said in a statement. “He was the city of Gastonia’s first elected African American mayor, whose career spanned nearly three decades in public service.”Reid went to Hunter Huss High School, and studied Fire Science & Technology at Gaston College. He later became an assistant fire marshal in Mecklenburg County, and a firemen in Gaston County.Reid had a long and varied public service career, serving on many boards and commissions, ranging from youth, civic, and faith based organizations.Reid's 2023 campaign website said that he resided in Gastonia because it was “the only place that I’ve lived and wanted to be.”He will be missed by many,
Love bookstores? You're in luck!Two new bookstores openI have loved books and bookstores ever since I was a child climbing the steps of a bookmobile in rural Greensboro. Now Mount Holly and Belmont both have new hometown bookstores!
Cleary's Bookstore has just opened at 105 North Main Street in Mount Holly. The store is owned by Allison and Matthew Cleary ( and their black lab Seamus). They had a super busy first weekend and already need to restock! You can also buy online here or check out their Facebook page here.
The Belmont BookshopBelmont has a new bookshop! They are located at 7 North Main Street in Belmont. They have books, bags, notebooks, funny little soaps, and much more. They also have gift cards and offer free delivery on special orders. Check out their Facebook page here, and their website here
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.
New Steakhouse coming to CherryvilleMmmmm...love a good steak!A new steakhouse called Five Spur Steakhouse is expected to come to 115 North Main Street in Cherryville.Owner Johnny Ray said the City of Cherryville approached him. “We’ve been very fortunate that a lot of towns have reached out to us, especially after COVID a lot of empty restaurants are around the nation,” Ray said. “A lot of towns with empty restaurants want to fill them.”Ray is the owner of Johnny Ray's Signature Sauces, Johnny Ray's Smokehouse in Fallston (just north of Shelby), and the Hoot Nanny in Forest City.Ray plans to have something for everyone food wise, and will serve standard USDA steaks to higher end cuts. He also said that word about the restaurant leaked out on Facebook, and it may be six months or more before the restaurant actually opens.
Christmas Carriage RidesThere are still a few spots left for horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown Mount Holly!
Witness the beauty of Mount Holly’s downtown historic district with a horse-drawn carriage ride on December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 from 6-9 PM.
Reserve yours before they’re gone!Reserve here...
Gastonia's NJR Construction makes Fast 50 List
Gastonia's NJR Construction made the Charlotte business Journal's Fast 50 list for 2023. The list features privately held companies in the Charlotte Metro area that had at least $1 million in revenue in 2022. They are ranked by average revenue growth for 2020-2022.Gastonia's NJR Construction reported a 50.1% revenue growth for the above period. NJR does metal framing, drywall and acoustical ceilings, interior demolition, blocking and sheathing.InfoNoticeable by their absence was Belmont's Zapp's Wholesale, featured on the Fast 50 list in 2021 and 2022.
Photo courtesy of Brian c. Greene
Mount Holly has some pretty cool new artwork on their traffic signal control boxes.This one is at the Mount Holly Middle School traffic signal.
"Tasty" restaurant opens
Tasty restaurant opened yesterday at 3826 South New Hope Road in Gastonia. maybe in the old Grille Works location? You can check out their menu here....Looks pretty good!
Heritage Village Christmas, Dallas ParkDecember 9th, 1 PM
See the Heritage Village decorated as it would have been in the 1800'sFree Admission!
Seminole fans are steaming...and rightfully soWe're not the biggest Florida State fans, but we are fans of all ACC teams, and college football in general. At issue is the College Football Playoff committee choosing 12-1 Alabama over Florida State at 13-0 to play for the National Championship.A tempest in a teacup you say? Au contraire!So,if the selection is not based on won loss record, it must be based one of two things:1. One slot is reserved for the SEC, regardless of record.2. College football is now being scored like figure skating, with style points.A win is a win is a win, no matter how it was accomplished. Part of the selection process by the committee is "availability of key players", and Florida State lost quarterback Jordan Travis to a leg injury. Which means, the Florida State team continued to win, without a star player. So evidently playing in the Championship has to do with cosmetics, and not hard nosed football results.The College Football Playoff committee absolutely fumbled this one...
Buccaneers 21 , Panthers 1813th verse? Same as the first...New coach but same results...the Panthers lost to the Bucs on Sunday 21-18. The Bucs are not a great team at a 5 and 7, but they are still better than the hapless Panthers.Pretty much the same problems...the defense can't cover the opposing wide receivers, offensive line spotty at best. Bryce Young was 15 of 31 for for 178 yards and an interception.Chuba Hubbard was a bright spot again, with 25 carries, 104 yards, and 2 touchdowns.The Panthers play the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans next Sunday at 1:00 PM
Happy Holidays from Shelli's She Shed in Stanley!
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 JobsMedical Asst $14-$24 hr, Controls Tech $24-$30 hr, Board Certified Behavior Analyst $80-$85 k per year, Seasonal UPS driver $23 hr, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner $105-$205 hr, and more...
