Good morning Gaston Countians! David here...

Today is July 18th. It's summertime baby! I see kids out and about, and think- this is the best time of your life, out for the summer!

Today will be mostly sunny with a 

high of 93. Normal July weather...at least it's not 115!Tonight will be mainly clear, with a low of 70.

Groovy Beast is moving!

Groovy Bast is moving from East Hudson Blvd to the old Iconz location near Ultimate Fitness, between Wilkinson Animal Hospital and Gaston Christian School. We've never tried it, but folks call them "a hidden gem" and brag about their food- especially their salads. I think I also see some nanner' puddin' in their photos...

New Gaston County Cold Case debutsGaston County Communications Director Adam Gaub is hosting a new YouTube series on unsolved cold cases in Gaston County. The first episode debuted recently; the story of James Harold Smith, whose body was found near Mountain Island Lake in 1979.  The case remains unsolved, but Smith was recently identified 40 years after his death by DNA technology."Maybe somebody that's been holding on to something a long time, it'll just be the kind of spark that they need to come forward" said Gaub recently.See video here...

Simply American Dog Treat Truck

Simply American Dog Treat Company is the first and only mobile dog treat company in Gaston County. All of our treats are Sourced and Made in the U.S. We work with local partner farms when we can to produce treats right here in Belmont. Find us at Belmont, NC Farmers Market, follow us on social media @simplyamericandog and our website, www.SimplyAmericanDogTreatTruck.com, for our featured treats, farmers market and event schedules.Mention Gaston Alive for a free treat sampler bag, online or by visiting our truck

South Carolina's tax free weekend for back-to-schoolIt was 2013 the last time North Carolina had a tax fee weekend for back to school items, but South Carolina will be hosting a tax fee weekend August 4th through 6th. During that time many items will escape South Carolina's normal 6% tax. You can find the list of eligible items here...(Wedding dresses are a back to school item?)

1939 Movie Star Bungalow, $449,000

Movie star charm...It's not in Hollywood, but if it was, it would sell for millions.

Historic charm meets modern living... Totally renovated, down to studs. Spacious single family home OR live mortgage free & rent lower level (private entrance). Main floor features high ceilings, open floor plan, original hardwoods, lots of natural light. Spa like en suite primary bath w/dual vanity, water closet, floor to ceiling tiled shower, laundry closet & HUGE walk in closet. Large living room open to dining room & kitchen that make great entertaining space. Main kitchen features quartz counters, kitchen island w/storage, tile floors & backsplash that make a statement! 2 large bedrooms on main w/2nd full bath. Downstairs offers another entire home option w/living room, kitchenette w/induction cooktop, open shelving, butcher block counters, pantry, deep single stainless sink. 2nd laundry location too! Don't overlook the 2 addt'l bedrooms down, chic full bath & bonus room which would be great office/workout space! It is the least basementy-basement w/light, bright, & high ceilings!More...

Piedmont Lithium may not start production until 2027, if then...There is a growing demand for lithium by electric vehicle and battery makers. Piedmont Lithium hopes to provide some of that lithium by digging multiple pits 500 feet deep on the 1500 acres they own just east of Cherryville. But there are several hurdles in their way:1. The company is still awaiting a Federal Air Quality permit.2. Piedmont still needs a state mining permit. One of the concerns is how the company will treat wastewater.3. Once permits are received, the plan must still be approved by Gaston County Commissioners, some of whom have expressed skepticism. There has also been major push back from local residents.We'll keep following this story.

The big Murder Mystery event at the Esquire is this Saturday, July 22nd. 1920s costumes encouraged!! The Murder Mystery will take over the hotel- including the restaurant and rooftop bar!$100 per personEach ticket includes:A CHANCE TO SOLVE THE MURDER4 THEMED BUFFET STATIONS2 BEER OR WINE TICKETSLIVE MUSICSILENT AUCTIONTicketsProceeds benefit the Gaston County Museum

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.

Mount Holly woman wins $1 million Mega millions drawingYolunda Shannon bought a $2 Mega Millions ticket at the Food Lion on Highland Street in Mount Holly last Friday.. It turned out to be a ticket worth $1 million dollars.Shannon has already picked up her winnings, which were $712,501 after taxes.Congrats Yolunda!

Music at the Whitewater Center

Thursday July 20: Pressing StringsFriday July 21: The Wilson Springs HotelSaturday July 22: Darby Wilcox & The Peep Show

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

Help Desk Technician neededDue to Continued Growth, ICS is seeking to add another Help Desk Technician to our staff. We offer a dynamic work environment that also includes competitive salary, benefits, extensive training and multiple career paths.We are looking for someone with these skills: Excellent communication skills (Email, verbal, and follow-up) Demonstrates good work ethic. Good understanding of the following: Microsoft Office 365 & Admin Portal Outlook and Email Protocols TCP/IP Networks & Protocols DNS Records (MX-TXT-CNAME-A-WWW) Ability to troubleshoot: Device IP connectivity Multi-function printers Access points IP phones Workstations Servers & shared resources Switches / Routers Microsoft Windows 7/10/11 MacOS Android / iPhone Outlook connectivity problemsCall 704-867-4427, or email [email protected]

 Gaston County JobsCommercial Real estate Attorney $87k-$110k Full or P/T General Dentist $130k-$170k, Dog Walker Pet Sitter $16-$18 hr, Work from home w/Sonic Automotive $16 hr,  and more...

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