Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

Gaston College's softball team returns to the National Junior College Athletic Association's World Series for the third time in four years. Head coach Mike Steuerwald, outfielder Mary Hinson and pitcher Aidan Ledbetter talk with Savvy Citizen about the program's success, and this week's push for a national title. 

Conversations about AI are everywhere, but how is it impacting the way government works for you? On this month's Savvier Citizen, we talk with local government AI advocate Micah Gaudet from the City of Maricopa (AZ), and Centralina Regional Council Executive Director Geraldine Gardner about the pros, the cons, the guardrails and why the future is now. 

Ranlo Experience Committee Chair Drew Horine talks to Savvy Citizen about how this growing Gaston County town is trying to better connect its residents and all of Gaston County to the great events it has on tap. 

In this episode, ncIMPACT director Anita Brown-Graham joins host Adam Gaub to discuss the Our State, Our Future program and how it relates to Gaston County.

This episode of A Planned Party is our virtual version of a Coffee With a Planner, as we introduce our whole team and provide insights on what it means to serve our community in this role. Have questions of your own for us? Be on the lookout for an upcoming in person Coffee With a Planner where you can meet your team, get your queries answered and help support Alex's latte habit. 

WSOC Channel 9 Chief Meteorologist John Ahrens and Two Rivers Utilities Division Manager Ed Cross talk to us about how bad the current drought is, how long we might be in it, and what could be ahead in terms of water restrictions. 

This month's Savvier Citizen takes a deep dive into how Gaston County is battling the opioid crisis. Hear from GEMS Capt. Brandon Miller, Lt. Justin Greer, First Baptist Church of Cramerton's David Julen, and others on some of the initiatives that have helped reverse a significant rise in overdoses. 

Cristy Cummings with the Town of Cramerton and Savannah Bryant with the Catawba Riverkeeper talk about this year's Goat Island Games and Riverfest events happening on Saturday, May 2, and why there's something for everyone to enjoy that day in McAdenville and Cramerton.   More info on Riverfest can be found at: https://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/riverfest More info on this year's Goat Island Games is available at: https://www.cramerton.org/departments/parks___recreation/gig.php  

Drew Horine with Gastonia East Rotary swings by the studio to talk about this year's Gastonia Concert Series, which has events at both the Rotary Centennial Pavilion and CaroMont Health Park. The series continues to raise funds that go right back into the community through grants provided through Gastonia East Rotary. Find the full lineup at https://gastoniaeastrotary.org/concerts/. 

In this episode, Janet Schafer sits down with Gavin Stewart and Adam Gaub of the Gaston County Communications Department to discuss 2nd annual Get to Know Gaston Event, happening at Tuckaseege Park in Mount Holly on April 15 from 4 to 7 pm. The event blends entertainment with local government, giving residents the opportunity to get to know the organizations serving them in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. Expect lawn games, live music, "touch-a-truck," giveaways, food trucks, activities for children, and more!   Attendees can learn about upcoming projects and initiatives that impact them at various booths and tents and receive stamps. If they receive 10 stamps, they will get a voucher for complimentary meals at on-site food trucks.

Audrey Leazer, Madison Darnell and Abby Helms from Gaston Community Foundation's Teens Changing Gaston County group talk with Savvy Citizen about their microgrant program and the nonprofits they're supporting in our community. 

In this month's Savvier Citizen, we look at how social media is affecting our children. Journalist and author Fortesa Latifi, Rep. Donnie Loftis, and Hope United Survivor Network's Rose Planer and Mollie Weakland share insights for this episode covering everything from the concerns around cyberbullying and children that have grown up with their lives online, to political actions meant to provide stronger protections.

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. 

We're rolling out a new miniseries in 2026: Savvier Citizen. These monthly episodes in our Savvy Citizen feed will be deeper dives into some topics that just wouldn't fit in our normal 25-30 minute episodes. We start with a look at human trafficking in Gaston County, with help from the experts at Hope United Survivor Network, as well as from a guest that survived being trafficked as a child. As always, you can provide feedback at [email protected]. 

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. 

Nichole and Jim Schmidt, the mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito, join us on the pod ahead of their keynote address at the 2025 Threads of Hope fundraiser. Joined by Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page, we discuss the work of the Gabby Petitio Foundation, new legislation to prevent domestic violence, and the positive outcomes from the Schmidts' advocacy and training efforts.  Gabby Petito was tragically killed while on a road trip in 2021. Her story is the center of the Netflix documentary series, "American Murder: Gabby Petito," which premiered earlier this year.  Threads of Hope is an annual fundraiser supporting Hope United Survivor Network, which supports survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, elder abuse, and child abuse.  Free domestic violence bystander training (virtual) featuring Nichole & Jim Schmidt on Nov. 13, 2025: https://www.purpleone.org/trainings Learn more about the Gabby Petitio Foundation: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/ Get involved with Hope United Survivor Network: https://hopeunitedgaston.com/  

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.

Gaston Cares -- one of five teams part of the One Gaston 2040 Initiative -- has been tackling issues of food insecurity over the last two years. But with a possible delay in SNAP benefits for more than 36,000 residents less than 24 hours away, this group is helping rally the community to support our neighbors in need. Want to learn more? Email Regina Knox at Gaston County Public Health at [email protected].

Comedian and former police officer Kevin Eudy talks about why his fight against domestic violence is so personal, and shares how he's using his platform to help the Hope United Survivor Network raise funds to support abuse survivors. 

Jamie and Peyton are back for this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries episode, with a primer on not only who can vote on zoning cases, but the types of actions they can (and can't) take. 

Gaston County Police Detective Jessica Waldrop talks about the clothing drive she started that earned her an innovation award from the county, and how her time as a patrol officer helped her better see the needs of the community around her. 

Volunteer extraordinaire Andrew Taylor talks to Savvy Citizen about the various ways he lends a hand across Gaston County and on being the only teenager selected this past year as a Governor's Volunteer Service Award Winner in Gaston County. 

Jamie and Peyton are back for this month's 'A Planned Party' episode, talking about what can go right and what can go wrong when breaking land into smaller chunks for houses or apartments. 

Least of These Carolinas Executive Director and Founder Susanna Kavanaugh talks with Savvy Citizen about the work the nonprofit does with foster care children in our state, and how you can help them win a major grant from Chick-Fil-A this month. 

Gavin Stewart heads into the field and takes you behind the scenes of Mount Holly's newest park -- Ransom Hunter Park -- with details on its historical significance. 

Daniel Stowe Conservancy is just a week away from hosting "Trails and Tunes," and we've got the inside scoop on some major announcements, as well as the famous local musical guest you can look forward to. 

In this episode, hosts Janet Schafer and Elizabeth McGee speak with Dr. Wanda Jones about the Gaston County Recovery Walk 2025--an event intended to celebrate recovery in all of its forms.

In this episode, Ashton Lamb of the Catawba Lands Conservancy & Carolina Thread Trail and Erin Hines of Gaston County Natural Resources sit down with host Adam Gaub to discuss a grant they've received for the new Spencer Mountain trail. They'll also let you know how you can provide feedback about the trail's signage.

Leigh Kish from our Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services is back to talk with us about some easy ways you can make your home a whole lot safer. 

It's a killer good time... The Gaston County Museum's annual murder mystery fundraiser is transporting us to the era of disco, and Alex Brooks has some tips on what to wear and why a disco ball banana is more important than you might think.

In this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries episode, Jamie and Peyton are breaking down the decision making process for zoning cases, and the multiple people that can impact them before a final call gets made.

Daughters of the American Revolution members Audrey Ramseur Edwards and Millicent Heavner talk to us for this special Gaston 250 edition of Savvy Citizen about the upcoming 250th signing of the Tryon Resolves, and how you can join in on the historic celebration later this month. 

Savvy Citizen co-host Janet Schafer spent years in Gaston County's budget office, but now is heading up a new effort within the county on process improvement. Learn how some private sector practices are helping county teams improve the way they serve residents. 

Captain Kyle Yancey, who oversees the Animal Care and Enforcement Shelter for Gaston County PD, talks to Savvy Citizen about his passion for animals, his service to the community and why he was shocked to learn he was the Manager's Award winner for the county. 

Peyton and Jamie are back for this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries, where they break down the common misconceptions behind zoning permits, and the value they serve in keeping our county from descending into chaos. 

We're celebrating the fiscal new year by taking you behind the scenes in the Gaston County budget process. Taylor Ricci, Scott Attaway and Elizabeth McGee explain why a strenuous budget year is producing good outcomes for residents.