Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

Your favorite Gaston County planners, Jamie and Peyton, are back with a new episode! They're talking with their colleagues from the City of Gastonia about why city and county zoning rules are often different, and some of the differences between the two that you may not know about. 

Keep Gastonia Beautiful's Juliann Lehman, Wild 'N Whimsy's Lauren Smith and Gastonia Farmer's Market Manager and Belmont Farmer's Market SNAP Manager Emily Thomasson are talking about farmer's market season, and the ways our farmer's markets can help our lower income families. 

With growth comes worry that our agricultural roots may get lost. Natural Resources Director Will Wier talks about a program that would help local farmers protect their farmland for the next generation. 

Gaston County Cooperative Extension Director Jonette Mungo and Agriculture Agent Payton Flowers talk about how the use of AI is spreading incorrect and sometimes hazardous information in their field, and how they're working to provide a solution. 

U.S. News and World Report Home Services Editor Katie Core and Assistant County Manager Brian Sciba talk about Gaston County's recent inclusion in the news outlet's Top 10 of Most Desirable Counties to Move To for 2025. We look at what's driving that ranking and why it shows Gaston County on the rise nationally. 

In honor of Government Communicators Day, we talk with three local government communications directors in North Carolina: Union County's Liz Cooper, Indian Trail's Abbey Ball and Hendersonville's Allison Justus on why effective storytelling can be so important for building trust in our communities. 

Gaston 250 Committee Chair Jane Kaylor and Committee Member Alicyn Wiedrich highlight the upcoming programs and initiatives in Gaston County celebrating America's history, including the 4th of July Parade happening in Dallas this year to celebrate America's 250th Birthday!

Our Planned Party miniseries returns for Season 2! Peyton is in the host chair, talking with guest co-host Alex about setbacks -- what they are, why they matter and how they determine where you can put things on your land. 

With an ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina, and a growing number of cases here in North Carolina, Khristie Jackson and Lesley Sellers from Gaston County Public Health talk with our Executive Producer Joshua Braswell about what you need to know to be prepared. 

As the old saying goes, there's only two things for certain in life: Death and taxes. But right now in North Carolina, who makes decisions on property taxes is under the microscope. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Executive Director Kevin Leonard and current President Wallace Nelson talk about the committee discussions at the General Assembly and their push to maintain local control over these decisions. 

HealthNet Gaston and Unity Baptist Church are taking the lead on a Cold Weather Station this winter, in sponsorship by the City of Gastonia and Gaston County. Hear how these groups are working together to provide a warm place to stay during the winter's coldest nights, and how you can get involved. 

The Gaston Community Foundation transitioned to a new president and executive vice president this year -- though not ones new to the organization. Richard Rankin and Elizabeth Patton talk to us about GCF's continued mission and the work they've done to strengthen Gaston County over the years. 

Dr. Sequina DuBose and Dr. Laura Hope-London are taking the Loray Mill strike of the 1920s and its most famous participant, Ella May Wiggins, and breathing new life into that history through a musical called Threads. They speak with our Elizabeth McGee and Janet Schafer about the work that has gone into this production and a special panel discussion happening on Dec. 11 at UNC Charlotte. 

After a break for the Thanksgiving holiday, we're back to talk about... well, the holidays. Specifically, those fancy Christmas light displays. Leigh Kish from our Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services has tips on how to keep you and your family safe while spreading that festive cheer. 

With the help of the Planning & Zoning Department's Shelby Barkley and the Tax Office's Katie Self, Jamie and Peyton take us inside the world of historical preservation in Gaston County: What qualifies and what steps are involved to save an important piece of local history. 

Gaston County's NC Works Career Center has a new home inside Loray Mill. We take you inside their offices for an up-close look at the services they provide to Gaston County jobseekers and employers. 

Writers of every form will be on hand at the first annual Gaston Writers Expo on Saturday, November 8, at the Gaston County Public Library. Event organizer Bree Thurman and featured guests Dwayne Burks and Beth Gatlin talk about the inspiration they hope this event provides for others.