Good morning Gaston County, David here…
Today is June 9th, 2026
There is a lot of positive momentum in downtown Gastonia (DTG) right now. Work is underway on the passthrough which is part of the Citizen’s National Bank project, (article below) as well as the new Piedmont Deli and a new restaurant in the former Freeman’s Pub space. DTG is gradually becoming a cool, trendy city.
BTW- did you know that Gastonia is home to the famous $1 bank robbery? Not the Loomis Fargo robbery, the $1 bank robbery. See below…
Today's weather: Mostly cloudy and not as warm but humid, a thunderstorm this afternoon. The high will be 81.
Tonight: Clouds breaking and a low of 68.
Mount Holly places longest suspension bridge over water in Gaston County
The new Dutchman's Creek Bridge was placed recently in Mount Holly. It is a vital piece needed to complete the final work on the Dutchman’s Creek Bridge and Greenway Extension, as well as the new Kayak Launch. When completed, this bridge will extend over Dutchman's Creek and extend the Dutchman’s Creek Greenway to the River Park Neighborhood.
Please note River Street Park is still closed during this construction! Updates will be shared on social media about re-opening dates.
What are the next steps?
Work will start to connect the boardwalk to the bridge, as well as running electrical wiring and lighting on the bridge.
Crews will begin grading the park trails, laying stone for the new asphalt perimeter trail, and completing work on the Dogwood Drive trail.
Paving will occur on the new trails and sidewalks.
The final piece of this project is completing the new Kayak Launch in the park.
Photos courtesy of Positive Growth
for Downtown Gastonia Facebook page
Downtown Gastonia is being reborn!
Jim Morasso and partner’s project in downtown Gastonia is moving along with the construction of the passthrough that will be pedestrian and car accessible. The passthrough will connect west side public parking with Main Street, and will be located between Viva Tequis and Citizens National Bank.
The downstairs of the former Citizens National Bank building is expected to house a wellness center, and other sections will be a business club, and a high end restaurant called The Fed.
Morasso says there are three stages to the entire $18 million project. He is hopeful that all three stages will be completed in 2 ½ years.
Biggerstaff Furniture closing after 78 years
Bggerstaff Furniture in Gastonia is closing after 78 years. Biggerstaff Furniture was founded in 1948 by Raymond Biggerstaff, grandfather of current owner, Ray. The store originally opened on Franklin Boulevard just 300 yards from its current location. Over the years, ownership passed from Raymond to his son, Bob, and later to grandson Robert. In 2008, Robert's son, Bobby, joined the business, representing the fourth generation of the Biggerstaff family. Twelve years later, the company relocated to its current 15,000-square-foot showroom, which was once a church building.
Sale is going on now- you can check them out here.
They are located at 1701 Blvd. in Gastonia. Phone: (704)865-4310
Olive & Oak Coffee opens in Stanley
Olive & Oak Coffee has opened in Stanley at 301 Hwy 27 South. They have a kids area, indoor seating, and an outdoor patio. Looks like they are open every day except Sunday, Mon-Fri 6:30AM-1PM, Saturday 8AM-2:30 PM.
I hear the pastries are yummy, and the three best selling coffees are: Oliv Branch, Golden Grove Latte, and the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. They also have cold drinks and energy drinks.
The old Bi Lo building is for sale in Stanley
Pretty sure that $287k average income is actually the average home value in that area, and not the average income. Otherwise there are a lot of wealthy people hiding in Stanley.
So, the suggestions for this building on Facebook are: a gym, fish camp, BBQ joint, Aldi, Rural King, mini WalMart, community charter school…and more.
Miami Fusion Café fans can't get enough of the Cuban Philly 😍 Packed with vaca frita, red & green peppers, grilled onions, and Swiss cheese on Cuban bread toasted on press, with mojo-mayo sauce on the side, it's easy to see why this one is so popular. Check us out at 125 North Main in Lowell.
At Oak Ridge Dental Arts, we are dedicated to helping 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.
A great value and little known concert series right here in Gaston County! All four concerts, only $75! Free parking and no drive into Charlotte. 2026-2027 Season -Sept 18, Oct 23, March 12, 2027 and April 23, 2027 - The Gaston Concert Association.
Upcoming lineup:
Here come the Judds
The Brass Roots Trio
The Stardusters Big Band
Catawba College Wind Ensemble
More info and schedule here.
Gastonia is the home of the famous $1 bank robbery
In June 2011, 59-year-old James Verone became a viral sensation after staging a highly unusual bank robbery in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Verone was a deliveryman for Coca-Cola for 17 years before losing his job. He struggled to find steady work, burned through his life savings, and was suffering from major physical ailments: two ruptured discs in his back, a severe foot injury, arthritis, and a suspicious protruding growth on his chest. Unemployed and completely lacking health insurance, he hit a wall.
On June 9, 2011, he took a shower, ironed his clothes, took a taxi to an RBC Bank, and handed the teller a note that read: "This is a bank robbery, please only give me one dollar." After taking the single dollar, he told the teller, "I'll be sitting right over there in the chair waiting for the police." He then sat down and calmly waited to be arrested.
Verone openly admitted he wanted to be sent to prison for three years. He figured a multi-year sentence would grant him free medical care, and upon release, he would be 62—making him eligible to collect Social Security benefits and move to a condo at the beach.
Because he didn't use a weapon, didn't threaten anyone, and only demanded $1, prosecutors did not charge him with federal bank robbery. Instead, he was charged with larceny from a person, a much less severe state felony.
Because the charge was reduced, his bond was set relatively low ($2,000), and he was facing significantly less jail time than he had hoped for. While in jail, he did get a baseline level of medical attention (seeing nurses and getting a doctor's appointment scheduled), but he did not receive the major surgeries or long-term care he was hoping to get from a multi-year federal prison sentence.
Verone ultimately pled guilty to the lesser larceny charge. Given the nature of the crime, the minor amount stolen, and his lack of a prior criminal record, he was released with a heavily reduced sentence (effectively receiving credit for the time he had already served awaiting trial).
Have you been to Shelli’s She Shed yet?
Pewter 19th century tea caddie made in Hong Kong
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
We will be closed from 6/22 through 7/13, reopening 7/17-7/18
Check us out!
Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County
I ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog….
Animal ID 61131182
Species Dog
Breed Hound/Mix
Age
Gender Male
Size Large
Color Tan/Brown
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog Sick
Intake Date 6/5/2026
Stage Bite Quarantine
