Hello Gaston County, David here…
Today is Tuesday, July 28th, 2026
Much to the delight of many parents, Gaston County Schools start in 16 days-August 12th. When I rule the world, school will end the last day of May, and start back the first of September. Much to my chagrin, I participated minimally in education as a kid, but participated fully in summer activities-riding my bike, swimming, reading comic books, and playing in the woods. To be fair, students last day was May 20th, so they are getting almost three full months of vacation. I worry that today’s kids, spending so much time on screens and neglecting comic books…how will they ever learn about Archie and Bettie, Charles Atlas courses, or X-Ray glasses? Now that was an education…
Today's weather: Warm and humid with sun and some clouds, a heavy thunderstorm late in the afternoon, thunderstorms can bring flooding downpours, hail and damaging wind gusts. The high will be 93, the Real Feel will be 103.
Tonight:Partly cloudy with thunderstorms in some areas, thunderstorms can be strong, perhaps severe. The low will be 71.
New park at Spencer Mountain-and you can help name it!
There is a new park at Spencer Mountain expected to open next spring- and you can help name it! The trail has been a long time coming; the land is owned by WBTV’s parent company, Gray Media. When completed, there will be an simple loop trail around the base, and a more aggressive switch back trail to the summit. There will also be a pocket park at the summit, where you should be able to see the Charlotte skyline on clear days.
There are 4 choices of names to choose from, one of which was suggested by the Catawba Nation. You can vote here.
Gaston Aquatics instructors at the new Gaston Aquatics facility in Dallas, under construction.
Gaston Aquatics congratulates instructors
As Gaston Aquatics continues to grow, they recently recognized recognize two young women who have been instrumental in helping build their SwimAmerica National Office pediatric swim program.
Ila Turner, a rising high school senior at South Point High School, and Lillian Robinson, who is heading to Chapel Hill next month for her freshman year, have become an integral part of what makes their swim lesson program so special.
Both Ila and Lillian have been active competitive swimmers with the Gaston Gators Swim Team Gaston Gators for years, and they have grown from young athletes into leaders and mentors within our swimming community. Their experience in the pool, combined with their patience, dedication, energy, and ability to connect with our youngest swimmers, has made a tremendous impact. They have helped the pediatric program grow and have played an important role in creating a positive, encouraging environment where children can learn to swim and build confidence in the water.
Instructors in front of the new Gaston Aquatics Center in Dallas
Mount Holly’s Tuckaseege Park has 2 beautiful new murals
Mount Holly has two new murals at Tuckaseege Park. The mural above “Tuckaseege Park Mural, was done by Jake Summerour Art. The design features a full map of Mount Holly waterways, with highlighted parks and trail routes. The map overlay is positioned at the right of the piece to serve as the initial interaction point when viewing the design. From there, the bridge at River Street Park serves as a connection pointing to bring the view into the more naturalistic elements of the piece. The rest of the wall features a vibrant heron, spotted bass, and hummingbird, with a kayak and fishing line provided as ways to interact with nature in the parks. Jake Summerour also did the murals at Pinewood Elementary.
The above mural “Tuckaseege Windscreen” was done by Leigh Brinkley. Tuckaseege is derived from the Cherokee word "Daksiyi" which translates to "turtle place" or "place of the turtle".
Mic’s Kitchen is closing
Sad to see-Mic’s Kitchen in downtown Gastonia is closing. Their last day is this Saturday, August 1st. The owner says the reason is simple- to spend more time with family. They will still operate a food truck and Mic’s Mini Market at 1528 West May Ave. in Gastonia.
We wish them all the best!
Way to go Kahla!
Gastonia’s Kahla Jeffries won a $100,000 prize after purchasing a scratch-off lottery ticket her very first time. Jeffries purchased the $100,000 Cash Payday ticket at Will's Food Store on Hickory Grove Road.
"I didn’t think I was looking at it right,” said Jeffries. She plans to buy a car and save the rest for her education. She took home $72,018 after state and federal taxes.
Stop complaining and get involved!
Live in Belmont? There are vacancies on all of the above boards-make your voice count! Info here…
At Miami Fusion in Lowell we have the best Cuban food- and we cater! Publishers note: They have the best Tres Leches ever! Your mouth will be having a party! Below is their shrimp & grits-yum!
Shrimp and grits at Miami Fusion
Hoyle Historic Homestead Open House
Join us September 12th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. as we celebrate our Annual Open House. Enjoy strolling the grounds, watching demonstrations by local craftsmen, listening to live music on the porch and soaking in the Homestead’s unique history and heritage. Crystal Fountains will be playing throughout the day and Milltown Meats BBQ will be on site with their amazing food truck, so please join us for lunch! Board Members and volunteers will be available to answer your questions and the house will be open for guests to explore.
Have you been to Shelli’s She Shed yet?
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
Please note: We will be closed 7/31, reopening 8/7
Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County
“Such an incredible show!” “It was a great show-everyone needs to see this show!”
Say hello to Marley…
Animal ID 61397140
Species Dog
Breed Hound/Mix
Age 6 years 8 days
Gender Female
Size Large
Color Black/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog Adoption
Intake Date 7/19/2026
Stage Available
