Good morning Gaston County, it's David.Today is September 9th, 2025.
It's not fall yet, but it sure feels like it is. Football, long sleeves and falling leaves..You'll read below about a mural that was removed from a Gaston County building. Was the mural offensive in some way, or maybe someone just doesn't like art? Looking at the mural it's hard to find anything that looks controversial...
Today's weather: Sunny, with a high of 77.
Tonight: Partly cloudy and cool, low of 53.
Several major projects on tap for Gaston County
An unnamed company is considering a $116 million dollar expansion in Gaston County. Last week the Gaston County Commissioners approved incentives for Project East Coast. Donny Hicks with the Gaston County Economic Development Commission said the municipality where the facility is located is also considering incentives.An incentives grant for Project DeLorean was also approved by the commissioners. The project would include and initial investment of $67.2 million, and create approximately 513 jobs over 5 years. The Gaston County municipality affected is expected to also consider incentives.In June Healsee Capsules bought a Bessemer City building for a new project. They were approved for incentives for the $56 million investment that would create 175 jobs in a new facility.Also in June, commissioners approved incentives for Project Dove, which is in the pharmaceutical industry. If it comes to fruition, the project would create 386 jobs, and an $80 million investment in Belmont.
Wealthy Gaston County Zip Codes
Gaston County has several of the wealthiest zip codes in the Charlotte metro area- are you surprised? In a list put together by the Charlotte Business Journal, several Gaston County zip codes scored very well, based on factors like income, housing prices, poverty levels, estimated savings, and more.At #14 is McAdenville, with a per capita income of $51,257, and a typical home value of $479,581.At #21 is 28101, Cramerton, with a per capita income of $54,987, and a typical home value of $294,036At #33 is 28054, Gastonia, with a per capita income of $18,351, and a typical home value of $275,080At # 36 is 28012, Belmont, with a per capita income of $49,381, and a typical home value of $412,901.At #45 is 28098, Lowell, with a per capita income of $34,978, and a typical home value of $269,700.At #50 is 28120, Mount Holly, with a per capita income of $41,857, and a typical home value of $367,690.
Why was this mural removed?
This beautiful mural by Bree Stallings was sandblasted off of a Gaston County building supposedly by order of Matt Rhoten, Gaston County Manager.Rhoten began as County Manager on August 5th, 2024, and Supposedly had the mural removed on September 11, 2024, just a month or so into his tenure.We're not sure what was offensive about the mural. The artist says she" worked very hard and with the community to collect icons, colors and motifs that best represented the history of our beautiful home (I’m a Gastonia native and also painted the mural on the side of the United Way), so hopefully it’s not offensive to anyone but rather a true celebration of our town." The artist was not contacted about the removal and was unaware until recently that it had been removed.A call to Mr. Rhoten was not returned by press time.
Tavern 1899 going into former Freeman's Pub space
Evidently a new business is coming to 173 West Main Avenue in Gastonia, former location of Freeman's Pub. The new location will be called Tavern 1899 and will be operated by the owner of the Pita Wheel. They will serve pizza, pasta, and pints.Freeman's closed in April of 2024. According to the interwebs the owner wanted a more "family friendly: atmosphere, and the business to serve lunch and dinner, and to close by 10:00 PM instead of 2:00 AM.
Photo courtesy of Good News for Downtown Gastonia.
Big things are on the horizon for Dallas Park!
Imagine a park that not only serves as your go-to spot for family fun, ball games, and community events, but also attracts visitors from near and far to experience the beauty of Gaston County.
That’s the vision behind the Dallas Park Master Plan update, and your voice is key in shaping the next 10 years of recreation right here at home.
Community Drop-In Meetings
Wednesday, September 10 | 5–7 PM | Gaston County Senior Center (1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy)
Wednesday, September 17 | 5–7 PM | Dallas Courthouse (131 N. Gaston St.)
These meetings are designed for community members to share their input, but remember, the choices made now don’t just impact your daily walks or kids’ ballgames, they help build a park that will welcome future generations and showcase Gaston County as a destination for outdoor fun.
Questions? Contact Michael Applegate, CDME, Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism ([email protected])
Petty Rewind live in downtown GastoniaThursday September 18th, 6 PMRotary Centennial Pavillion
Buffet & Beyond with opening act David ChildersLive music-downtown Mount HollyFriday September 12th, 6PM
Gastonia Police open multi-million dollar real time crime center
Last Thursday the Gastonia Police Department opened a real time crime center. The Center includes 21 license plate readers, 22 live cameras, and 144 downtown surveillance cameras, al operating in real time. They plan to add drone capability.
"We will immediately be able to look at where the location is, exactly where the cameras are in the location, and who's present at the crime," said Tonya Taylor with the Gastonia Police Department.Police say the system is to be used for emergency response, rather than constant surveillance of citizens.
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!
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
Special agent FBI/Education, Teaching Expertise, $99k-$128k Multi Family Property Management, $130k Sales Consultant w/ La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, $82k-$130k
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!
What a good boy!
Animal ID 58944584 Species Dog Breed German Shepherd/Mix Age 5 years 1 month Gender Male Size Large Color Brown/Black Spayed/Neutered Declawed No Housetrained Unknown Site GCACE Location Dog Holding 4 (Rescue) Intake Date 7/20/2025
Stage Rescue onlyInfo
