Gaston County closed the swim beach at South Point Access Park after routine testing found elevated E. coli levels. Officials say the beach will remain closed pending lab confirmation.

NC wildlife officials rolled out early-season hunts and new carcass-disposal rules aimed at slowing chronic wasting disease in affected counties. Hunters are being asked to test and to change how they handle deer remains.

Gaston County bought roughly 562 acres at Catawba Cove to preserve wetlands and build a future park with trails and lake access.