Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

City of Gastonia Housing and Community Engagement Director Danette Dye talks to Savvy Citizen about the City's 3-day housing forum in April, and how they are fighting for greater equality and opportunity in the local market. 

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 Regina.Knox@GastonGov.com.

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.