Today’s weather: Seriously? Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 70..

Tonight will be partly cloudy, and a low of 55.

U.S. News & World Report recognized Gaston County, NC, as the 10th most desirable county to move to in the U.S., highlighting its growth, proximity to Charlotte, and lower cost of living. The county is experiencing rapid population growth, surpassing 240,000 residents, with Gastonia as the county seat and third-largest city in the Charlotte metro area. 

I got all excited reading reports about a proposed horse racing track being built by the Catawba Indian Nation beside the casino in Kings Mountain. Alas, it’s not true.

Catawba Indian Nation plans to build a $120 million thoroughbred horse racing track near their Kings Mountain, N.C. casino are inaccurate. Tamron Little, Director of Communications for the Catawba Nation, confirmed in early February 2026 that the tribe has no plans for such a project, dismissing rumors that circulated on social media.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is looking at a plan that would connect Western North Carolina with passenger rail service. The proposed plan would use existing rail lines for the plan, which would connect Salisbury, Statesville, Hickory, and Asheville. The closest it would come to Gaston County is Hickory. It would still be a cool day or overnight trip from Hickory to Asheville.

This snowman was spotted near the Gastonia main library. It was created by a female artist known by the nickname IndigoQuince2512 on Facebook. We don’t know who she is-but the sculpture is pretty awesome!

This historic home is not in Gaston County, but in our neighbor to the west, Shelby. Webbley was the home of O. Max Gardner. Gardner was the 57th governor of North Carolina, from 1929-1933.( If you don’t know O. Max Gardner, he was quite a mover and shaker in his day.)

The City of Shelby purchased the home in 2024 for $434,000, and beginning this month are investing $1 million to stablilize the 1852 mansion’s exterior. They are also seeking a developer, with proposals due by March 27th. The 6,395 mansion envisioned as office, retail, and hospitality space.

An iconic 11-acre, 10.96-acre property in the heart of the Belmont Historic District, is being sold via online trust/estate auction. This sale represents the first time in nearly a century that this "legacy" site has been available to the public. The land was previously home to Ruth and R.L. Stowe Jr. for over 70 years.

Tranzon Key is managing the sale, with bidding open from February 20th to February 25th featuring R.L. Stowe Jr.’s former home and land with significant development potential.

Good morning!

We have just a few seats left for tonight's Fireside talk with Jason Luker, "The Life of James Rhyne." If you know Jason, you know this will be a fascinating and well-researched look at the life of a formerly enslaved African American who became an influential leader in post-Civil War politics in Gaston County. We're looking forward to welcoming Jason back to the Museum! The program starts at 6:00.

Reserve tickets here.

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!

Director of Equipment w/ CK Contractors & Development, Kings Mtn.: $100-$150k

Marketing Manager, Bisque Imports, Belmont: $100-$150k

HR Manager w: Sika, Gastonia