Today’s weather: Chilly and cloudy, watch for icy spots this morning. , The high will be a toasty 47.

Tonight will be overcast with occasional rain late. The low will be 37.

The above pic was taken by John Boyd in Cramerton. Nice shot John!

Okay, I couldn’t resist. One more snow pic…sort of. This pic was taken by the Gastonia Police Department. A semi-truck was hit by a train at Poplar and Airline in Gastonia. Luckily there were no injuries; the driver was able to get out.

Gastonia’s Trace Casanova did great last night on American Idol! Check him out singing and dancing with Carrie Underwood here.

In late December the developer Suncrest purchased 230 acres near Crowder’s Mountain State Park. The project is called Arcadia.

Here are some key details about the Arcadia Project:

Scale: The development covers approximately 230 acres and is planned for 427 single-family homes.

Location: It is situated off Chapel Grove Road (near Camp Rotary Road) in Gastonia, bordering the eastern side of Crowders Mountain State Park.

Pricing: Homes are expected to start in the high $400,000s, reflecting the high demand for the area's natural amenities.

The "Old Red Barn": To address local concerns about preserving the area's rural character, the developer has set aside a 40-acre natural area centered around an iconic old red barn on the property. While the barn is currently dilapidated, there have been discussions about trying to preserve it as a community focal point.

Timeline: Groundbreaking is slated for Spring 2026, with the first lots expected to be delivered to home-builders by mid-2027.

We have mentioned this building recently, when the City of Gastonia put out a request for proposal for ideas/possible uses for this building. I have been there in the past to listen to my friend who played with the StarDusters ( big band music).

From the Positive Growth for Downtown Gastonia Facebook page:

Hi Architecture and History Appreciators of Gastonia! We recently received a request for help from a group who has a lot of admiration for the National Guard Armory on West Franklin Boulevard. The building was built in 1935(??), and was renovated in 1980 for use until recently, as an Adult Recreation Center. The city of Gastonia opened the building up for Requests for Proposals on redeveloping the property, but received no bids (bidding closed November 2025). Though the city currently has no plans for demolition, it's future is still in question.

I would love to crowd source some extra history, and cultural relevance of this building in our city! If you've got a story, or know any more (please include relevant resource information, when possible!) please add to it below.

I'd love to get some community input on whether YOU think this building is worth saving?

Check it out here.

Are you a performer? Mount Holly is seeking applications for the new upcoming Piedmont Arts and Cultural Experience. Do you sing, or play an instrument?! Maybe you're a juggler, or street performer ... whatever kind of performer you are - they are seeking busker style performers for their Piedmont Arts and Cultural Experience

Apply here by February 18th.

Did you know? A 73 Mega Watt solar facility called Hornet Solar is being built in northern Gaston and southern Lincoln counties. In Gaston County the site is on Old Plank and June Dellinger Roads.

The project was begun in August 2024, and is expected to be completed the 3rd quarter of this year. The project is owned by Capital Power. Capital Power will operate Hornet Solar under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Duke Energy Carolinas.

The project is described as a 73 Megawatt facility. 1 megawatt is enough to power 6-800 homes for a year.

What: Candidate forum, live, open to the public, will be live streamed.

When: Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 5:30 PM 7:30 PM.

Where: Gaston Christian School 1625 Lowell Bethesda Road Gastonia, NC, 28056 United States.

Who: Candidates 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-3pm
980-318-3816

106 W Dallas Rd., Stanley, NC 28164

Check us out!

Service Now Program Mgr. w/ Corning: $118k-$162k

Manufacturing Production Supervisor II: Daimler Truck North America: $95k-$121k

Materials Mgr. w/ Eaton Kings Mountain: $130k-$190k