Good morning, it's David. Today is Tuesday February 16th. Spring is 32 days away.
Today we will have a couple of showers in the morning, otherwise clouds giving way to some sun, and a high of 49. Tonight will be mainly clear and colder, with a low of 26.
Small businesses make communities feel like home. They do more than sell products, they foster a sense of community. It's no secret that many small businesses have been struggling.
Has a small business, shopkeeper, or employee been especially kind to you, or gone the extra mile when they really didn't have to? Tell us about it, and we'll share in an upcoming newsletter.
Images courtesy of Tommy Ballard
They're still ice skating at the Whitewater Center!
They are open 10a-9p daily.
The Pita Wheel Dallas opens this Thursday at 11a.m.-Yay!
It's supposed to be rainy and cold on Thursday, so we'll have to wait for warmer days to sit on the new patio!
Land for townhomes being cleared behind Tindol Ford
The Tupelo project, which includes 165 townhomes, is underway off of Glenwood Drive in Gastonia. NVR and Ryan homes plan to build multi-family units on the site.
Gaston commissioners back off restrictive protest ordinance
Gaston County commissioners were originally considering a resolution that would require 30 days notice and a $250 fee for groups of 25 or more to gather inside the county's jurisdiction. Protestors were unhappy with both the fees involved, and the waiting period that they considered excessive.
Instead, the new proposed ordinance does not require a cash payment, and requires only a 24 hour notice for protests, and 48 hour notice for events of 25 people or more held on County property. County Commissioners are expected to address the ordinance next month.
Michael McDowell Wins Daytona 500.
So Sunday was cold and rainy, and no football on the tube. So I thought I would watch the Daytona 500 in sunny Florida...wrong. Michael McDowell, who they call McDriver, finally won the rain delayed Daytona 500 around midnight in a wreck and fire filled last lap.
Asha Degree, Shelby's Sweetheart, missing for 21 years
Sadly, yesterday was the 21st anniversary of the disappearance of Shelby's Asha Degree. Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman recently visited an inmate who claimed to know where Asha is buried, but the information was 2nd or 3rd hand, and did not pan out.
Covid-19 Stops With You!
Covid-19 vaccinations continue at the Gastonia Farmers Market
Belmont raises starting police salaries to $45,000
The Belmont City Council has voted unanimously to raise starting salaries for new police officers from $39,749 to $45,000 per year.
“The increase in starting salaries keeps Belmont Police Department competitive with other agencies and is an incentive for Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) graduates making decisions on which agency to consider serving,” the police department said in a statement. “The Belmont Police Department is fortunate to have some of the most well-trained and educated officers in the state. The decision to raise the starting salary is a testament that our city leaders understand the urgency and support the police department.”
Comparatively, starting salaries in Mount Holly are $39,468, and $38,686 in Gastonia.
15 Gaston County people have died of Covid-19 since last Tuesday
Wear a mask!
We have had 22,841 positive Gaston County Covid tests to date, and 379 people have died due to the virus. Currently 44 people are hospitalized, and 2 people are on a ventilator. The largest group affected is ages 25-49. See interactive graphic here...
Best Gaston County Burgers Results
Last week we asked you to tell us about your favorite burgers- here are some of your responses!
"Sammy's in Belmont-Always delicious and however you like it!."...Patricia
"CowPig From the String Bean. You'll never have anything like it-the mixture is perfection." ...Melinda
"Bad Daddy's (burgers) are my favorite."...Nancy
"Five Guys- good meat and great taste! the fries are good too..." ...Becky
"The burger at Kyle Fletcher's. They are great, but be prepared to wait-it's worth it!"
(A local favorite, this picture doesn't do it justice)
"Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup and mustard from The Groovy Beast in Gastonia. They have great burgers and their fries are amazing. " ...Ryan
"I love the JR Cash burger at JR Cash's on the river in Mount Holly. Bacon, pickles, cheese, BBQ sauce and onion straws-it's the bomb!"...Michael
Gaston County Jobs
Real estate Asst. $25-$50 hr, First Mate, Deck hand, $75-$150 per day, RV sales $60-$100k, MiLB Pro Baseball Tracking Operations (seasonal), 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 Zeke-your new best friend!
Meet Zeke, he an 1 1/2 year old pointer mix. He weighs about 30 pounds. This sweet boy is looking for an active home with a fenced yard. Zeke is good with bigger dogs but has alpha issues with little dogs. He is housetrained and crate trained. Zeke is neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccines.
