Hello Tuesday, it's David. Today is August 10th. Summer is winding down- kids start back to school August 23rd. BTW- today is National S'mores Day!
Today it will be mostly cloudy with a high of 91 . Tonight it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 73.
Moonlight on Main
More to come later, but check out this super cool art exhibit and series of events coming to Belmont, here!
Cherokees legalize medical marijuana on their land
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians legalized the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana on their land. Tribal members and non-members will be able to purchase medical marijuana from a planned dispensary.
How can the Cherokees legally do this? It's because they are a sovereign nation, meaning they have their own laws, elections, government, institutions, and the like.
Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article253328608.html#storylink=cpy
Gaston County Commissioners put brakes on lithium mine
Piedmont Lithium caused quite a stir two week ago, when they presented plans for a Gaston County mining and processing operation to the county commissioners. And not in a good way. The commissioners and the public were surprised and irritated that the company has spent $58 million in developing the project, without the commissioner's or public's knowledge.
The commissioners decided on a 60 day pause, to allow them to put regulations in place before considering the rezoning requested for the project. Lithium is used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.
We screwed up...
We quoted Scott Blackwood, owner of Firehawk Brewpub, last week, only we posted the wrong name of his new project coming to Mount Holly.Firehawk Brewpub will be located in the old fire station at 309 north Main Street, and will offer creek-side dining and southern fare. Can't wait!
Sheriff Alan Cloninger to retire
Sheriff Alan Cloninger has announced his retirement. He has been sheriff for sixteen years and will serve out the rest of his term. He cited changes in the Democratic Party and family obligations as contributing factors. See more...
Mt. Holly police chief announces for Sheriff
Don Roper, Mount Holly's police chief has announced he is running for sheriff after the retirement of Alan Cloninger in December 2022. More...
Can your employer mandate the vaccine for employees? DOJ says yes...
An opinion by the DOJ's office of legal counsel says that federal law doesn't prevent public or private entities from requiring the vaccine. How this will play out in an environment of staff shortages remains to be seen.
The Immersive Van Gogh exhibit in Charlotte has been extended through October 31st. Info and tix...
It's time to Unlock Potential as children prepare to head back to school! The YMCA is thrilled to offer afterschool throughout Gaston County at our 4 locations. Learn more and register today!
Who's ready for some football?
The Carolina Panthers open their season against the Colts this Sunday at Indianapolis.
The Shrimp Boat is closed for a week to give their workers a break.
XCITE's Sweet Connections is temporarily closed. The owner's at risk child and husband both have Covid. We wish them a speedy recovery!
Garth still coming in September? Maybe...
Looks like Garth Brooks September 25 concert may be rescheduled yet again because of Covid concerns. In a statement the singer said " It breaks my heart to see city after city go on sale and then have to ask those sweet people and the venues to reschedule. We have a three-week window coming up where we, as a group, will assess the remainder of the stadium tour this year. It’s humbling to see people put this much faith in you as an artist, and it kills me to think I am letting them down."
Gaston College nursing student saves Olive Garden employee from choking
Madelin Hare was at Olive Garden recently with her nursing instructor and 6 other students, when a restaurant employee began choking. Her instructor tried the Heimlich Maneuver without success, and asked Madelin to step in as she is taller than the instructor. Hare was able to dislodge the food on the fifth thrust. “During the procedure, the adrenaline took over and I don’t even remember thinking—I was just doing,” Hare said. “After the procedure, I thought, ‘Did that just happen? My family will never believe this!’ And then my hands were shaking and I was so overwhelmed by what had just happened. I could not believe it was real.”
Hare has since graduated and accepted a position at Caromont. (That's Madelin, above left).
Live music Mt. Holly Friday Night
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
Lots of cool music coming up at the Whitewater Center. $6 to park, music and entrance is free. Performances begin at 7 pm.
In an effort to boost vaccination rates, Gaston County is offering $100 gift cards to those being vaccinated at the Health Department.The cards are State funded. Drivers who take someone to be vaccinated will receive a $25 state funded gift card. Info here...
Covid Metrics
Covid
“What we’re now seeing is a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” Gaston County Public Health Director Steve Eaton told WBTV news. The Delta variant is spreading, leading to a positive rate for the virus exceeding 5%. “Not only those who are contracting the virus are unvaccinated, but those who are getting sick and going to the hospital are unvaccinated,’ he said. “Those who are vaccinated we’re seeing that the vaccines are working and they’re working really well.” said Eaton.
Gaston County still has about a 38% vaccination rate. Mecklenburg County is at 52%
At least 1,037,373 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus,and 448 Gaston County residents have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article252663888.html?#storylink=cpy
FYI: The Gaston County School Board voted unanimously July 27th to make masks optional in Gaston County Schools.
Per Federal Order, children riding school buses are required to wear a face covering.
Gaston County Jobs
Chemical Operator $35k- $50k, Production Operator $16.70 hr, Oil Change Manager $45k-$75k yr, Back of House @ Bad Daddy's, $17 hr , and more.
Looking for employees? Did you know that our "Who's Hiring in Gaston County?" is consistently one of our most clicked links? Contact us to find out more...
Interested in becoming a featured partner and reaching people all across Gaston County? Our advertising team can help. Contact us today to talk about how we can help your business thrive.
Meet your new best friend!
How could you not love…Gidget (A48214947) the 1 year old Retriever mix. This girl is one smart cookie! She will sit on command and even give you paw! Gidget is looking for a place to call home . Gidget is a carefree pup that desires a family that will love her, and give her the life she deserves! Would that be you?
Gidget’s adoption fee is $90 and includes the following:
