Good morning Gaston County, it's David.Today is September 16th, 2025.
It's not Halloween yet, but evidently we have a ghost in our machine. If some of you got a GA newsletter from 2019, you aren't actually a time traveler....are you? Actually it was accidentally sent by an associate, who is now in the dungeon hanging by thumb screws.
Today's weather: Breezy with low clouds, with a high of 74-perfect!.
Tonight: Cloudy and cool, low of 59.
Waterbean Coffee in Gastonia getting close!
The new Waterbean Coffee in Gastonia is getting close to opening. This will be the first "Waterbean Exquisite" location, offering a more exclusive experience with rare coffee tastings in a private tasting room. In addition to coffee, it will include a bakery with fresh, on-site baked pastries and a full alcohol bar.They are located in the FUSE District, near the new baseball stadium and just before the stadium on Franklin Boulevard if heading west.
New Floor & Decor scheduled for October opening
It looks like the new Floor & Decor will be opening in October. I rode by yesterday and the building looks complete.They are located at 4210 East Franklin Blvd. next to the old Kate's Skating Rink.
Mystery solved...sort of..
We told you last week about the mural (above) that was removed from a county building last September. The mural was removed without public input and without informing the artist.The County had this to say " "By allowing outside artwork on the building, the county could have been seen as having created what is legally considered a 'public forum.' That means we could have been required to allow all art submissions, without the ability to make decisions about message, design, or appearance,"Julie Kiser, Administrator of the Good New Gastonia Facebook page was not pleased. "I think it's horrible. I think it's a disgrace. It was not done in a good manner. I think he, the county manager (Matt Rhoten), I think he could have at least informed the public when he did it," she said.
Gaston County's Donny Hicks part of The Power 100: Key Players Shaping Charlotte Since 2000.
Congrats to Gaston County's own Donny Hicks. He was named one of the Power 100 by the Charlotte Business Journal, as one of of key players in Charlotte since 2000.
On September 1st of last year, Hicks, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission, celebrated his 40 year milestone as a Gaston County employee. Under Donny's leadership, Gaston County has recruited millions of dollars in foreign direct investment, created thousands of new jobs, assisted in the development of multiple business parks and more.
Ticket are $10 at the door. The first band starts at 11:30 AM101 West Warren Street, Shelby, NC
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery on track for 2026 openingTimes are tough for micro breweries- seems like one closes every day. But Olde Mecklenburg Brewery says they are on track for a summer 2026 opening in Mount Holly -on the river... cool beans!
Petty Rewind live in downtown GastoniaThursday September 18th, 6 PMRotary Centennial Pavillion
Silver Line light rail to Belmont?
The Silver Line light rail was originally planned to span the 26 miles from Belmont to Indian Trail through uptown Charlotte. Don't hold your breath.The $23.5 billion plan calls for increased bus service and facilities in Mecklenburg County, extending the existing streetcar line, and building the proposed 10.3 mile Silver Line light rail. That section would go from the airport to Bojangles Coliseum through uptown.At this point is doesn't appear there is money or enough interest to complete the Silver Line from the airport into Gaston County.
Gaston County high school graduation rate up...still work to do
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Gaston County graduation rates are up 2.1% to 88.8%. Highland School of Technology, Gaston Early College, and the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences all had a 100% graduation rate. Five Gaston County High Schools had graduation rates above 90%. Those include East Gaston, Cherryville, South Point, Hunter Huss, and Stuart Cramer.However, there is still work to do. After testing 48.4% were considered grade level proficient, while 51.6% were considered not proficient.
Downtown Stanley Concert SeriesSaturday September 20, DJ starts at 6:00 PMToo Much Sylvia 7:00 PM-10:00 PMFood vendors, car showFinal concert of the 2025 series!
Charlotte honors deadly plane crash 52 years later
September 11 tragedies are not limited to the World Trade Center. On September 11, 1974, Eastern Airlines Flight 212 crashed in a cornfield five miles short of the runway the Charlotte Douglas airport in Charlotte. 72 people died.The site of the crash is private property and is now owned by a church. But recently a granite monument and a plaque were placed at Airport Overlook Park commemorating those that were lost. It gives families and loved ones a place to grieve.Notably, the flight had originated in Charleston and was carrying the father and two older brothers of future late night comedian Stephen Colbert. He was 10 years old when the crash occurred.You can watch a documentary on the crash 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.
We serve breakfast!
Gastonia mans wins wins $200k scratch-off jackpot
Edilson Rios Martinez of Gastonia bought a five dollar $200,000 Triple Play scratch off ticket, and claimed his prize last Thursday.He went home with $131,500 after state and federal taxes.
Life in Christ Lutheran partners with Gaston County for safe sleep initiative
This summer, Life in Christ Lutheran Church raised enough money to provide 50 new pack n plays for local parents in need of a safe place for their infants to sleep. Underserved families without cribs may allow their babies to sleep in bed with them, potentially smothering or otherwise harming them.
Our church was honored to partner with Gaston County Health and Human Services and delivered the pack n plays earlier this month so they can be distributed as needed. Life in Christ will continue to work with the county to help replenish their supply in an effort to ensure that every family has a secure place for their children to sleep.
If you’re looking for a church home that proclaims the Gospel of Jesus and shares the love of Christ within the community, come visit us. We’d love to meet you. Life in Christ is a new church in Gastonia that meets every other Sunday for a service and Bible study from 4–6 p.m. at Lutheran Chapel, 702 N. New Hope Road. See our service schedule and details at https://lifeinchristgastonia.org/.
Paid Insertion
Ransom Hunter Park Grand Opening!Saturday September 20, 2025, 9 AM325 W. Glendale Ave., Mount Holly NC 28120
Calling all artists! It’s time for Plein Air!! Check out the eventbrite to sign up and learn all the details!Cash prizes!Here's the link!
Gaston County jobs
Scrum Mgr with Corning, Mtn Island Area, $116k-$160kSales Consultant with West Shore Homes, Belmont, from $125kLicensed Clinical Social Worker, Remote, $95-$122 hr
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!
Can I go home with you?
Animal ID 59357340 Species Dog Breed Mixed Breed, Small (under 24 lbs fully grown)/Mix Age Gender Unknown Size Small Color Grey Declawed No Housetrained Unknown Site GCACE Location TEMP HOLDING - 1 Intake Date 9/14/2025 Stage New ArrivalInfo
