Good morning Gaston County, it's David.Today is June 24th, 2025.Good morning Dear Reader. Lately our open rate has been through the roof (meaning the percentage of people that open our email). I'd like to think it's our witty headlines (?), or our  positive coverage coverage of all things Gaston County. Regardless, I just want to say thank you for supporting local journalism, and if you would be so kind, recommend GA to someone else.

Today's weather:

100

degrees for the high.  Partly sunny and hot with the temperature tying the record from 1951; caution advised if outside for extended periods of timeTonight  Partly cloudy and humid, with a low of 74.

Nursing students participate in Mercy Ships internship programThree Belmont Abbey nursing students will participate in the first ever Mercy Ships summer internship program. Students Eric Dike, Caroline Guiterrez, and Emma Harris will spend two 2 weeks in Madagascar, and are currently  raising  money to defer program and travel costs at GoFundMe.

Mercy Ships is a Christian nonprofit that deploys hospital ships all over the world to provide state-of-the-art medical care, including life-changing surgeries.Find out more about Mercy Ships

Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic now offering full serviceveterinary careThe Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic just completed a $1 million dollar expansion, and is now a full service veterinary hospital.  The expansion adds exam rooms, a dental procedure room, an operating theater, a pharmacy, and an X-ray room, allowing for more comprehensive pet care.Check them out

Online rumorIf it's on the interwebs, it must be true, right? Wrong. There was a rumor that Pappas & Beer in Dallas had closed. They are definitely open!They did recently start closing a little later, now hours are 11am-9:30pm.Papas & Beer is located at 3150 Dallas High Shoals Hwy, in Dallas

Catawba Two Kings Casino & Hotel construction underway

After years of legal fits and starts, the Kings Mountain Catawba Two Kings Casino and hotel resort construction is underway. Officials are saying an "introductory: casino will be open in March of 2026 and the main casino is expected open in the spring of 2027.Once completed, the Casino complex will have 11 bars, 100 table games, 4300 slot machines, and 11 restaurants.

Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen close, but no cigarCasa Azu Mexican Kitchenl had hoped to open by mid June, but as usual, inspections are holding them up. They are hoping to be open soon, according to owner Angel Zaragoza.Casa Azul is located in the old Hooters location on East Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia.

Sake Belmont is ready for prime time!The Fire Marshall  gave the final thumbs up, and Sake opened last week.They are located in the old Estia's Kouzina location in Belmont, at 609 North Main Street in Belmont.

Local fireworks & Celebrations

Thursday June 26, Mount Holly Nights & Fireworks. Music by Coming Up Brass, food trucks, beer tent, Kid Zone

Saturday, June 28, Cramerton, Vendors, Face Painting, 80's tribute band, 6-9:30Thursday, Tuesday, July 3rd, Cherryville, 6-10PM, Food, Fun, Fireworks!July 4th, Red, White & Belmont, 6-10:30 PM, Upper field of Stowe Park, 27 Hill St. BelmontJuly 4th, Rotary Pavillon Gastonia,Food trucks, Vendors, Entertainment, Fireworks at 9:30July 4th, Kings Mountain, Deal Park Waking Track, Loch Norman Pipe Band,  Speciao reenactment of the Battle of Kings Mountain by the cast of Liberty Mountain, large fireworks displayJuly 4th, Great American Splash at the Cramerton Pool- games, swimming, popsicles

Ernest Sumner to retire from the Gaston Community FoundationAfter fifteen years of visionary leadership and service, Ernest Sumner will retire on June 30, 2025, as President of the Gaston Community Foundation. His departure marks the end of a chapter defined bytransformational growth, quiet humility, and a steadfast commitment to community.

Taking the reins at the Foundation is Richard Rankin, whose namemay already be familiar to many in GastonCounty. A seasoned leader, educator, author, andfundraiser, Richard brings with him a wealth ofexperience and a deep-rooted passion forcommunity advancement

As part of this new era, the Foundation is also proud to announce the promotion of Elizabeth Patton, a dynamic and dedicated member of the GCF team as Executive Vice President. Elizabeth has been instrumental in developing donor relationships and elevating the Foundation’s role in the region’s philanthropic ecosystem.

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.

Bep-Pa moving to new location

The owner of Bep-Pa Asian Restaurant says they will be moving to a new location. Chrstopher Ballard has purchased the former Super Buffet location at 902 Union Road in Gastonia.Ballard says the building will be extensively remodeled, potentially being completed in 2026. The menu will be expanded, and they will be able to serve alcohol. The current location at 3033 Union Road will close at that time.Scott Hobbs with Capstone Commercial Group was the broker for the real estate transaction.

Gaston County live music for JuneJune 26, Coming Up Brass, (Fireworks) with opener DJ Mr. Musicman, Mount HollyJune 27, 4th of July Celebration with fireworks, Chris Taylor 7 the Rumor, Bessemer CityJune 28, Kids in America, Totally 80s Tribute Band, Cramerton

Gaston County in the running for Project SelfThe Gaston County Commissioners are scheduled to consider incentives for Project Self at tonight's meeting.The plan includes a $152 million investment in an industrial distribution facility.The proposed project would create 345 jobs at or above the Gaston County average. Project Self would spend $72 million customizing an existing Gaston County  building, according to county documents. Another $80 million would be spent on equipment and machinery.Gaston County is considering a Level-four incentive grant for the project- the highest the county has to offer, in hopes of landing the project.

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!

PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN AS WE ARE STILL EXTREMELY OVER CAPACITY!!  

Our at risk list represents dogs that are in need of immediate placement. These dogs do not have a set due out date but will be considered first throughout the week if resources to continue their care run out. Please reach out and fill out an application if you are interested in any of these pets.

Reach out if you have questions or are ready to adopt!Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement1491 Business Park Ct. Gastonia, NC 28052Contact: Email: [email protected] or call (704) 922-8677We are a first come first serve facility and cannot place holds or guarantee adoption on any animal.View our available animalshttps://egov.gastongov.com/adoptablepets/andBe sure to fill out our Adoption Application!https://www.cognitoforms.com/Gaston.../AdoptionQuestionnaire

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