Good Tuesday morning Gaston County! David here.
Today is October 20th, 2026.
Sydney J. Harris was a long time writer for the Chicago Daily News. He used to write columns about "things I found while looking for other things". In these columns, he shared a collection of interesting, offbeat, and miscellaneous facts he stumbled upon while researching other topics.
In a similar vein, while surfing the Positive Growth for Downtown Gastonia DTG Facebook page, I ran across a post by Morgan Inez Smith. In her post she mentions an article in the Triad Business Journal about a potter and business owner from Asheville that is now interested in High Point as a new arts district similar to Asheville’s River Arts District.
How absolutely cool would a similar concept be for Gastonia and Gaston County? See below….
Have a great week!
Today's weather: Sunny and beautiful, with a high of 77..
Tonight: Clear and chilly, with a low of 42.
Interesting idea-would this work in downtown Gastonia?
About 14 years ago Gastonia tried to partner with Artspace. Artspace is a national nonprofit organization that specializes in converting historic or unused old buildings (and developing new properties) into affordable live-work studio housing for low-income artists.
It didn’t work out. Not sure the exact reason, but something about the State and financing. BUT, have you heard or been to the River Arts District in Asheville? The district is home to hundreds of working artists and makers spread across a series of large, interconnected historical buildings and repurposed warehouses (such as Riverview Station, Curve Studios, and Cotton Mill Studios). Visitors can walk through open studios to watch painters, potters, glassblowers, woodworkers, jewelers, and sculptors at work, as well as purchase original art directly from them.
The photo above and related video talk about an artist and business owner in Asheville that is interested in duplicating the River Arts District in High Point. (Video here)
Could this work in downtown Gastonia? Would you be a patron of artists, woodworkers, potters, and others? Someone mentioned the old Sleepy Poet space…
Gaston County has submitted $430 million in grant applications
Gaston County, in partnership with local municipalities like the City of Gastonia, applied for $430 in grant funds from the Federal Government in September. Federal grant review processes of this scale typically take several months to a year before formal awards or notifications are announced.
Funding Request Breakdown:
~$238 Million requested through federal public safety and infrastructure initiatives.
~$300 Million (via total combined grant categories, including Department of Justice opportunities) targeted toward major public safety upgrades.
Intended Use: The proposed funds are earmarked for long-term infrastructure and public safety initiatives, including:
Developing a unified Public Safety Campus to centralize Police, Emergency Management, 911 Communications, and EMS services.
Buildouts and expansions at the Gaston County Courthouse (5th floor completion).
Local jail improvements and enhanced crime analysis infrastructure.
Establishing a dedicated Justice Reentry and System Coordinator position to assist with societal reintegration.
Gastonia searching for new manager for CaroMont Health Park
For the second time in 5 years, Gastonia is looking for a new manager for CaroMont Health Park. Zawyer Sports & Entertainment pulled out September 30th, leaving the City and the stadium without management and a team.
The City has issued a request for proposal for interested companies. You can read about that here.,
New Belmont Sake coming
Sake announced on Facebook that their new location off of Wilkinson Blvd. in Belmont is moving ahead…slower than expected, but still coming.
Meanwhile, you can visit them at 609 North Main Street in Belmont (the old Estia’s loccation) , or their Gastonia location at 1327 East Franklin Blvd.
The public has questions for Elevra Lithium
Elevra Lithium (formerly Piedmont Lithium in this area) is seeking an air quality permit for their proposed lithium mine and processing facility near Bessemer City. The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) held a public hearing on Oct. 13 to receive public comments at the Myers Center at Gaston College.
Although no one spoke in favor of the permits, plenty of folks had questions about the Title IV Air Quality Permit. Their concerns centered around needing additional time to review the proposal, lack of communication and accountability of Elevra, effects on local farmland, and public health and air pollution.
A Federal Air Quality Permit is required for facilities whose operations have the potential to emit air pollutants above certain threshold.
Mount Holly’s Lantern Parade coming this Saturday, October 24th
The Mount Holly Lantern Parade is coming Saturday, October 24th at 7 PM. If you haven’t been-it’s a Gaston County treat, and kids of all ages love it!
CaroMont partnering with Duke to open two Charlotte hospitals
If approved, CaroMont Health and Duke Health plan to partner and open two new hospitals in Charlotte. They must first file for Certificate-of-need applications with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
One will be a 120 bed facility near the University City area, and the other will be an 80 bed facility in The River District in west Charlotte. The River District is just across the Catawba River from Gaston County.
The hospitals expect to hear a decision on their applications by March.
Do you live, work, or visit in Belmont?
Participate in the Downtown Belmont Public Survey
The City of Belmont is updating the Center City Small Area Plan and wants to hear from residents, business owners, property owners, and visitors. We're gathering community input on topics such as downtown character, parking, walkability, public spaces, and future growth. Your feedback will help inform the Belmont Center City Small Area Plan.
Annual Halloween display wows again!
Isaac Vargas has an over the top Halloween (and Christmas) display every year in Mount Holly. It really is spectacular. You can check out the display on Vargas’s Facebook page here.
Want to go see the display in person? It’s on Scaleybark Court in Mount Holly, from 7:30 until 11:30
Budget Blinds is locally owned and operated!
Great news!
Jon Walker Stables has openings for Beginner & experienced Riding Students!
First lesson free!*
Ages 5 & up - Available Thursday and Saturday afternoons only-call now to reserve a spot! 803-818-0312
*with purchase of lesson package
Photo courtesy of Positive Growth for Downtown Gastonia Facebook Page
Attention walkers, hikers, bikers
Did you know that that Gastonia now has over 14 miles of greenway trails within the city limits? Recently the City of Gastonia celebrated the newest extension of the Avon Creek Greenway off 2nd Ave and Poplar St.
You can check out Gastonia’s greenways here.
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
Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County
There’s a dog under there somewhere!
Animal ID 61860423
Species Dog
Breed Poodle, Miniature/Mix
Age 2 years 13 days
Gender Male
Size Small
Color Red/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Foster
Intake Date 10/6/2026
Stage New Arrival
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