Good morning- David here. Today is Tuesday December 8th.Is it time to get serious about Christmas shopping? It's not the last minute yet...
Today we will have sunshine and a few clouds, with a high of 52-zero per cent chance of rain.. Tonight will be clear and cold, with a low of 29.
Officials have confirmed a Covid-19 exposure at the Gaston County Courthouse.
“As for who was exposed or infected, medical information about employees is protected and not a matter of public record,” a spokesperson with N.C. Judicial Branch said.
The Wells Fargo in Mount Holly was closing yesterday because an employee was showing symptoms of Covid-19. No word on when the bank might reopen.
Restaurants brace for meager holiday season
Local restaurant owners say December sales are driven by parties, and they are just not happening as often this year.Some owners say their businesses are off 50-90% of a normal December. A busy holiday season can often erase any debt and pave the way for January, February and March, which are normally slower months. Some restaurants have ordered and installed outdoor heaters if they have an outdoor dining space. Some are enclosed, but still allow for circulation. Currently North Carolina's Covid-19 restrictions limit groups to 10 people.
65 Years for Christmas lights in McAdenvilleThe tradition continues in McAdenville, although somewhat smaller due to Covid. See story here...
The lights are on daily from 5:30-10:00 through December 26- and it's free!
The Mount Holly Christmas Parade was canceled this year, so the folks in Deerfield subdivision had their own! See video here...
Gaston County not first in line to receive vaccinesThe North Carolina Department of Heath and Human Services said Monday that 11 facilities would receive the first shipments of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines when available. None were scheduled initially for Gaston County. Atrium Health in Charlotte is the closest recipient.A small local survey found that 67% plan to take the vaccine, 11% do not, and 20% weren't sure.
Job recovery limps along in N.C.Over 40% of the jobs lost to Covid have not been recovered. In October, only 55.2 % of North Carolinians were working, far below the levels throughout most of the 1990's and 2000's.
Job losses have fallen the hardest on North Carolinians with the least financial cushion. Data through the end of September indicate the recession was effectively already over for North Carolinians who are paid over $60,000, while nearly 1 in 5 jobs which pay under $27,000 are still missing.
Belmont Christmas tree LightingMayor Charlie Martin threw the switch that lit the Belmont Christmas tree outside city hall last Tuesday. Approximately 100-150 people attended, some wearing masks and social distancing, while others did not.
County Commissioners in tiff with GazetteGaston county commissioners are expected to vote today on whether or not to proceed with a lawsuit against the Gazette. At issue is how the commissioners handled workman's compensation claims filed by former employees.
The Gazette article came out November 11th, online, and the next day in print. “Commissioners authorized the settlements of these claims without a record of a vote being taken while meeting in closed session,” the article says.
Also at issue is whether the board has the right to sue without making the decision in a public meeting. Brooks Fuller, with the North Carolina Open Government Coalition said this about the board: “If they are going to discuss or deliberate anything that involves public business,” he said, “they have to do so in an official meeting.”
The board has not voted to take legal action, although the lawsuit was filed weeks ago.
McCaffrey back to face the BroncosChristian McCaffrey will be back on the field for the first time since week 9 Sunday, after suffering ankle and shoulder injuries. McCaffrey is the second-oldest son of longtime Denver wideout Ed McCaffrrey. The Panther can sure use him as they are 4 and 8, and last in the NFC South.
DIY Holiday Note CardsHere's a virtual class to help you decorate your own cards which can be used a holiday or note cards. Cost:$35, Time: 10-11:30 a.m. today. More...
Smith's Soul Food Bistro in Gastonia should be open in a week or so...watch their Facebook page for an opening announcement....
10 people dead in Gaston County
Wear a mask!
10 Gaston County People Have died of Covid-19 since last TuesdayWe have had 11.286 positive tests to date, and 199 people have died in Gaston County from the virus. 92 people are hospitalized with Covid, and 9 people are on ventilators. The largest group affected is ages 25-49. See interactive graphic here...
