Charleston County Connects

In this episode, host Shawn Smetana welcomes Aly Petruch, Charleston County’s Sustainability Coordinator, for an inside look at some exciting community sustainability initiatives. Aly shares details about the upcoming Bees Ferry Compost Facility tour, offering listeners a chance to learn how Charleston County turns everyday organic waste into high‑quality compost that benefits local soil health and reduces landfill use.The conversation also highlights the County’s upcoming Energy Efficiency Workshop, where residents can explore practical ways to lower energy consumption, reduce utility bills, and make their homes more resilient and environmentally friendly. Aly breaks down what participants can expect and how small changes can add up to meaningful impact.Tune in to hear how Charleston County is advancing sustainability, empowering residents, and creating opportunities to get involved in building a greener Lowcountry.Compost tour signup: https://publicinput.com/p86763Resilience and Sustainability Department: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/ccrs/

In this episode Senior Project Manager Sheila S. Parker and project engineer John Martin join us to highlight Charleston County’s latest quarterly update on the Fort Johnson Road intersection improvements. They break down current construction progress, what’s underway at Secessionville Road, and how the new roundabout at Camp Road will enhance safety and traffic flow for James Island travelers.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Van Koughnett, Director of the Tri-County Biological Science Center, to discuss the new 21,480-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is set to expediate DNA processing by dramatically reducing turnaround times and streamlining local forensic analysis.This project marks the first regional collaboration on DNA testing in state history, bringing together law enforcement agencies and coroners’ offices across three counties. Tom shares insights into the center’s advanced laboratory spaces, its critical role in examining physical evidence, identifying bodily remains, and providing expert testimony to the judicial system.Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/news/2024/charleston-berkeley-and-dorchester-county-leaders-break-ground-on-tri-county-biological-science-center.pdf

As part of its new Transportation Sales Tax (TST) planning process, Charleston County has launched an online public input form to gather ideas and feedback from community members that will help shape the future of transportation throughout the region. Public Works Director Eric Adams explains why YOUR input is a critical step. We also discuss the survey available now to the public and how transparency will be a priority. Link to survey: https://charlestontransportation.com/survey/More information on thesuccess of the Transportation Sales Tax program: https://charlestontransportation.com/

Episode 24 The Charleston Center, in partnership with FAVOR Lowcountry, is proud to announce the launch of Bridge2Hope, a new mobile app designed to connect community members with vital resources for drug and alcohol treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. Charleston Center employees Kelley Grobmyer and Sarah Halse managed the new initiative and detail how the new app can help those in need and their families.  Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cutcom.apparmor.cc  Apple: https://apps.apple.com/az/app/bridge2hope/id6747781698?uo=2  Charleston Center (DAODAS) https://cc.charlestoncounty.gov/

Charleston County Government is wrapping up its annual Summer Youth Employment program and, in this episode, we hear from three of this year’s participants. They’ll discuss the work they performed in each department, lessons learned, and why this program can help shape a career. Program Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/syip/

Recent rainfall is good for your lawn, garden, and flowers but also means an increase in the mosquito population. Our staff in Mosquito Control breakdown how we Fight the Bite by ground and air. Plus, a few tips to make your outdoor time more enjoyable. Mosquito Control Request: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ecc5ff92daaa44509482a38cfff9e249?portalUrl=https://chascogis.maps.arcgis.com Department info: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/public-works/mosquito-about.php 

Community Representative LaMonica Smalls details our free Earth Day event for Charleston County residents on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Recycling Center located at 8099 Palmetto Commerce Parkway. The event will be held rain or shine and is for residents only, not commercial businesses.LaMonica is available to speak with school groups or local organizations about how to Recycle Right. Give her a call at 843-720-7111 or e-mail at [email protected]

Episode 23 – Are you thinking of adding on to your home, maybe removing a tree or adding a shed in the backyard? There’s a good chance you’ll need a permit before work can begin. In this episode, we chat with Spencer Antos with the Zoning and Planning department. He explains what issues they deal with daily and what it can cost you if you skip a step.Permitting and Code Enforcement Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/zoning-planning/files/avoid-getting-a-fine.pdf?244Charleston County Zoning and Planning: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/zoning-planning/index.phpIf anyone is uncertain if they need a permit to remove a tree or for any activity on their parcel, they can always call 843-202-7200 to speak with staff. We’re happy to help.

Episode 22 - Palmetto Commerce Interchange, a featured project from the 2016 Transportation Sales Tax, recently completed a key piece of the construction process. Project Engineer Mackenzie Kelley breaks down the latest, what’s next, and how this project provides relief to the traveling public. Plus, the all-important completion timeline.   Project website: https://www.palmettocommerceinterchange.com/ Charleston County Transportation Home: https://roads.charlestoncounty.org/index.php

Episode 21 – The Charleston County Coroner’s Office recently earned the 2024 Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award presented by the South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC). The award recognizes the importance of regional partnerships by honoring two or more local governments that collaborated on an innovative project to better serve their communities. Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal discusses the partnership between the Charleston and Beaufort County Coroners’ Offices, establishing a framework for sharing resources and investigative tools to improve data standardization and communication between the counties.   SCAC Award Announcement: https://www.sccounties.org/news/collaboration-between-coroners-beaufort-charleston-counties-earns-2024-barrett-lawrimore  

Episode 20 – Citizen engagement and communication is at the top of Charleston County’s priorities. New platforms are making it easier to have your opinion heard on a multitude of county issues. Niki Grimball, Project Officer with Zoning & Planning, details the new Public Input platform - Engage Charleston County. Citizens can now weigh in on a number of zoning topics anywhere, anytime. Engage Charleston County: https://publicinput.com/Portal/s3577

Episode 19 – Emergency supply kits, family plans, evacuation zones, shelters and so much more to consider as we move through the 2024 hurricane season. If you are new to the area or have been here for decades, now is the time to prepare. Interim Emergency Management Director Ben Webster breaks down what is new this year and a few simple tips to help reduce the stress during storm season. Charleston County Hurricane Guide: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/index.php

Applications are now open for Phase III of the Charleston Homes Program, which invites interested parties, including nonprofit organizations and private entities with experience in the production of affordable housing, to rehab units into livable and affordable homes.  Director LoElla Smalls provides a breakdown of how the program works and some of her favorite success stories during the first two phases.   Interested parties can register and apply here: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/charlestoncountysc/participant   Department website: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/community-development/index.php

Applications are now open for Charleston County Government’s Summer Youth Internship Program. The six-week program is designed to help teenagers and young adults develop workplace readiness skills and gain experience in Charleston County Government operations. The internship runs from June 14 to July 26 and interns earn $15.00 per hour, working typically 20 hours per week for a maximum of 120 total hours for the duration of the internship.  Applicants must meet the following criteria: •           Be between the ages of 16 and 21 at the time of application submission. •           Be currently enrolled in high school or college. •           Be a Charleston County resident. •           File a completed application and provide parental consent if applicable. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants without access to a computer can use the computers in the Charleston County Human Resources Department in North Charleston. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 843-958-4704. The application deadline is May 5, 2024. Applicants can apply at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/syip/application.php

Episode 16 – Black Expo Preview – County Square Everything Charleston County has to offer in one location; welcome to the 2024 Black Expo Charleston.  Margie Gamble, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, handles the county’s participation in this annual event. She details what you can expect to see at this year and the opportunity to join the workforce at Charleston County Government. Black Expo 2024 Tickets: https://eventpasshero.com/event/blackexpochs/

Episode 15 – Charleston County is set to host several public meetings to receive input on potential future transportation projects and green space. The County’s Greenbelt program has a track record of success in the areas of preservation and conservation. Director Eric Davis breaks down how the funds are spent to provide both public access locations and conservation easements. You can also click the link below to find Greenbelt projects across Charleston County. Greenbelt Map: https://chascogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5047aaa8a365417395daa173947cee50 Upcoming Public Meetings: All meetings are a drop-in style and will be held from 5-7 p.m. • Monday, January 22: St. Johns High School 1518 Main Road, Johns Island, SC 29455 • Monday, January 29: West Ashley High School, 4060 W Wildcat Blvd, Charleston, SC 29414 • Monday, February 5: James Island Charter School, 1000 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 • Monday, February 12: Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 • Monday, February 26: North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Ln, North Charleston, SC 29406

Episode 14 – The holidays are no time to rest for Treasurer Mary Tinkler and her staff as property tax bills are due in mid-January. But several improvements during the last few years is easing the burden on citizens. In this episode, she explains how the Advance Installment Plan works and free ways to pay on-line with eChecks. Mary Tinkler also looks ahead to 2024 and we find out who Athena is. Charleston County Treasurer’s Office: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/treasurer/index.php Advance Property Tax Installment Plan https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/treasurer/installment-plan.php

Episode 13 - The Glenn McConnell Parkway Widening is moving closer to completion. In this episode, Project Manager Herb Nimz details when construction will be completed and what citizens can expect during the next few months. He will also explain some of the other project benefits from drainage to a new multi-use path. The goal of this project is to relieve traffic congestion on Glenn McConnell Parkway by widening the road from four-to-six lanes between Bees Ferry Road and Magwood Drive. This project also intends to improve bike and pedestrian facilities through the addition of a multi-use path allowing safe pedestrian access across the CSX Railway. Project website: https://roads.charlestoncounty.org/projects/glenn-mcconnell/

Episode 12 – October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month and we are talking safe sleeping for newborns. In this episode, we sit down with Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal and Mary Beth Vassy, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator with MUSC. Our guests offer some critical tips on how to create a safe sleeping environment for your child. According to a SC DHEC report released in April 2023, deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome more than doubled from 2020 to 2021, ranking fourth in leading causes of death.   MUSC Safe Sleep Tips: https://advance.muschealth.org/library/2021/september/safe-sleep

Episode 11 – Charleston County Government is hiring and always looking for candidates ready to serve the public. In this episode, we chat with Talent Acquisition Specialist Brian Williams. He explains his role with Human Resources and how we are changing the way we recruit new employees. We explain some of the many benefits to working with Charleston County including 3% longevity increases EVERY YEAR for the first five years on the job. Plus, a competitive retirement package and plenty of opportunities to advance your career. Check out the open positions: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/employment.php

Episode 10 – Board of Elections Finds a New Home Elections are a year-round effort in a growing Charleston County. To accommodate additional needs, the Board of Voter Registration & Elections recently moved to a new location.  Executive Director Isaac Cramer joins us to explain why the move was necessary and how it will help staff better serve the public. We also chat about the need for poll managers, how to register to vote, and a few details about upcoming elections. Check out the YouTube version to see some very questionable attire choices.   ***** New address: 4340 Corporate Rd. North Charleston, SC 29405 *****   Charleston County Board of Voter Registration & Elections https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/bevr/index.php Register to Vote: https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/OVR/Start Poll worker application: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/bevr/poll-managers.php

Episode 9 - The opioid epidemic is a nationwide crisis and public safety professionals are on the front-lines. Charleston County Government supports a treatment center and coordinates community training opportunities year-round. But, what about the families looking to help a loved one suffering from addiction? EMS is the first call in an overdose emergency and now staff will be working with those families on-scene. Chief Safety Officer with Charleston County EMS, Nathaniel Bialek, explains in this episode of Charleston County Connects.   Charleston Center for substance abuse, intervention, education and treatment: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/charleston-center/index.php   Work for EMS: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/ems/employment-info.php   

Episode 8 – It’s called Titanium Dioxide and it can make roads cooler and last longer. It’s a process Charleston County launched in 2021 under its Pavement Management system. Program Manager Mackenzie Kelley joins us to explain how this product helps with pollution and reduces heat. It’s a lot of engineer talk but we do our best to break it all down. Pilot program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmTrf8yiu7U Pavement Management: https://roads.charlestoncounty.org/index.php?page=pavement-management

Episode 7 – Mosquito season in Charleston County is almost a year-round event. The County’s Taxonomist. Ed Harne, discusses how staff combats mosquitos by land and air. It’s a tough gig and one that grows more difficult following periods of heavy rain. He’ll explain how you can keep the blood-sucking bug population at bay and how mosquitos can spread disease. Enjoy the chat and let us know what you think. Mosquito Control: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/public-works/mosquito-about.php Service Request: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/public-works/work-order-request.php Phone: (843) 202-7880

Episode 6 - Zoning and Planning Deputy Director Andrea Melocik talks about County’s Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Review. She explains how the process has evolved over time and why YOUR input is critical. Some of the topics covered include infrastructure, traffic, and the urban growth boundary. Details on the six public workshops: • Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Johns Island Community Room 1135 Main Road, Johns Island • Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, Community Room A 1858 S. Grimball Road, James Island • Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wando Mount Pleasant Library, Community Room A 1400 Carolina Park Boulevard, Mount Pleasant • Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bee’s Ferry West Ashley Library, Community Room A 3035 Sanders Road, Charleston • Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Building, Second Floor Board Room 4922 O’Hear Avenue, North Charleston • Monday, August 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Jane Edwards Elementary, Cafeteria 1960 Jane Edwards Road, Edisto Island Residents can view the plan and submit comments at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/zoning-planning/comp-plan.php beginning Monday, June 5, 2023. The deadline to submit them is August 30, 2023

Episode 5 – Ready to train for a career in Emergency Medical Services? We’ve got an opportunity here at Charleston County Government with the new EMS Training Academy. The academy offers a paid training opportunity that will qualify each employee to test for their National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Certification and continue employment as an Emergency Medical Technician with Charleston County EMS. Make some coin and learn on the job. Nathaniel Bialek, Deputy Chief and Chief Safety Officer with Charleston County EMS, explains how it all works on this episode of Charleston County Connects. Work for EMS: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/ems/employment-info.php Questions about the EMS Training Academy? Call 843-202-6700 ask for Recruitment and Retention

Consolidated 911 Center Director Jim Lake joins us to talk how Charleston County handles 911 calls. He explains the process and what NOT to do when you call in an emergency. We touch on how Mr. Lake and his staff are leveraging new technology to improve efficiency at the 911 center. He’ll also detail one of the strangest calls ever received and how you can join our team! Apply here: http://workfor911.com/ Facebook

The Charleston County Probate Court handles estate planning, commitments for drugs, alcohol and mental health issues, and marriage licenses for every wedding in Charleston County. In recent years, Probate Judge Irv Condon and his staff have worked to provide more virtual options to help citizens utilize services. Judge Condon joins us to talk about planning for your family’s future through the virtual estate workshops and favorite golf courses around Charleston County. “Your honor… Your honor” Estate Division Phone: (843)958-5030 Register for Free Estate Workshops: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/probate/freeworkshopform.php Marriage License Division Phone: (843)958-5183 LOVE – Live Online Virtual E-Application https://ez-filing.net/sc-applications/Application/Marriage_SC_Mobile?CountyID=1 Commitment & Guardianship Division Phone: (843)958-5180

Earth Day is coming up on Saturday, April 22nd and Recycling Program Manager Christina Moskos joins us to chat about this year’s event. Join us on Saturday, April 22 from 10am - noon to celebrate Earth Day! ♻️ Recycling Center open house--drop in to ask all your recycling questions and check out our education space! ♻️ FREE on-site document shredding. Charleston County residents only please, no businesses. ♻️ Bring plastic bags to be recycled and get a FREE reusable tote! The event will be rain or shine and festivities will be held at 8099 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston.

A podcast designed to connect citizens with Charleston County information and services. In this episode, we chat with County Auditor Peter Tecklenburg about his experience with Charleston County Government, ways to save on annual taxes, and communicating with citizens. All episodes available on Youtube: @CharlestonCountyGov E-Bill Signup: https://imgweb.charlestoncounty.org/AppNet/UnityForm.aspx?key=UFKey Auditor’s Office contact information: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/auditor/index.php Phone: (843) 958-4200 Fax: (843) 958-4222 (Main) Fax: (843) 958-4234 (Real & Personal Property) Emails: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]