PittCo Happenings

PittCo Happenings host Diana McFarland tells listeners about several fun and exciting events coming up – the re-opening of the Gretna Library, a celebration of the improvements at Wayside Park and the launch of a new program – the Pittsylvania County Citizens Academy. 

The Virginia Department of Transportation is working on two projects in the County that need public input – a survey for a portion of Franklin Turnpike and a new intersection design at Tightsqueeze. VDOT spokesperson Len Stevens talks about those two projects, as well as the Route 57 Bridge and how a temporary bridge structure works. 

It’s a record setting election this year in Pittsylvania County and General Registrar Shani Shorter talks about who is on the ballot and how it is set up, voting options for residents, how the voting machines and election are certified and why it’s important to use a cheap black pen when filling in those ovals. 

In this episode of PittCo Happenings, Pittsylvania County Circuit Court Clerk Mark Scarce talks about the many different items that can be found in the court’s Records Room, to include a land grant from King George and another that documents the state’s former use of capital punishment. 

Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation Director Justin Price previews upcoming events this fall for residents of all ages, from youth fishing to providing input to the 2010 master plan revision. 

Director Rhonda Griffin talks about the Library’s successful summer reading program and gives a preview of upcoming fall activities. She also reveals when the Gretna Library will re-open as its renovation nears completion. 

Tyson Foods plans to open its new processing plant in the Cane Creek Centre in mid-September, adding nearly 400 jobs to the region. Plant Manager Nancy Frank talks about company and what it will bring to Pittsylvania County and the surrounding area. 

This is the third year that Pittsylvania County, in conjunction with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, has hosted the summer internship program. Drawn from County schools, the interns worked in a wide variety of areas, as well as the school division, private employers, and nonprofits. During this episode, we hear from Ciara Keen, Destiny Brown and Taniya Thacker, who talk about the...

Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor talks about being part of the Crime Analyst in Residence program, administered through the Bureau of Justice Assistance.  The program provides the Sheriff's Office with new and expanded tools to further aid in the prevention of crime. 

Tourism Manager Lisa Meriwether with the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism and Jennifer Eddy with Eddy Alexander talk about the new tourism branding campaign, Visit SoSi!, and what it means for the future of Pittsylvania County and Danville. 

Newly appointed interim Dan River District Supervisor Nancy Eanes talks about her life and work, as well as her goals while serving on the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. 

Darrell Dalton, the newly-appointed Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, joins the show to discuss his background working with the County, his response to his unanimous selection as chairman, and some challenges and opportunities facing the Board this year. Host Caleb Ayers also shares his parting thoughts as he has accepted another position and will no longer be working with...

Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent Mark Jones joins the show to talk about the recent passage of the 1% sales tax increase referendum that was approved by voters earlier this month. He talks about next steps, specific projects that will be funded with this new revenue stream, timeline, and more. 

Anne Moore-Sparks and Christy Harper from the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce join the show to highlight the Rev Up and Dream Launch Bootcamp programs, two programs for small and growing businesses in Danville and Pittsylvania County. The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors recently committed $25,000 to the Rev Up Program, funds that will be used to help small County businesses. Chr...

Telly Tucker, President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, joins the show to talk about the recent grand opening of the Center for Manufacturing Advancement and the related partnerships with the United States Navy and the Department of Defense. Tucker talks about the role that the Institute plays in economic development and education in Pittsylvania County, the City of Danville,...

Danville Tourism Manager Lisa Meriwether joins the show to talk about promoting Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville as a tourism destination. Meriweather talks about her office's role in promoting our region, shares the result of a recent tourism survey, and explains the timeline for a new regional tourism program and brand. 

After a brief overview of two exciting new Public Relations campaigns (Pittsylvaniacountyva.gov/questions and pittsylvaniacountyva.gov/famous), Pittsylvania County Public Library Director Lisa Tuite joins the show to provide an update on the Gretna Library renovation and expansion project and talk about her upcoming retirement. A new director is set to start on October 3. 

Pittsylvania Pet Center Director Brent Weinkauf joins the show to tell the story of the 68 dogs that were brought to the Pet Center in horrible condition on April 12 as part of a hoarding case. Brent details what the following days, weeks, and months were like for him and his staff, talks about the demeanor and physical conditions of the dogs that were brought in, and shares the happy ending: all...

Danville Community College President Dr. Jerry Wallace, who joined the College in July of 2022, joins the show to talk about his impressions of our region so far, his goals for Danville Community College, and some of the offerings that the College has.  "I want us to be the premier community college in the State of Virginia. And I think it starts with expanding and being more visible in K-12....

Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent  Mark Jones joins the show to talk about the 1% sales tax increase on the ballot this November. If approved, this 1% increase would fund about $50 million worth of renovation and construction projects across Pittsylvania County Schools. Jones talks about the projects this referendum would fund, school safety, and other funding options the school division...

Pittsylvania County Community Development Director Emily Ragsdale joins the show to talk about efforts to completely rewrite the County's Zoning Ordinance. Emily breaks down the ins and outs of zoning, talks about the significance of the revision process and some potential change areas, and walks through the project timeline. The updated ordinance is expected to be adopted in the spring of 20...

At this point you have probably seen one of the five pictures taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. But you may not have known that the man behind the success is a Danville native who graduated Dan River High School. Robinson joins the show to talk about his local ties, explain the operations and significance of the James Webb Telescope, and share some advice for his Pittsylvania County and...

In partnership with Pittsylvania County Schools and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Pittsylvania County is running its second annual summer internship program. Approximately 30 interns are placed across County government, Pittsylvania County schools, and several local businesses. In this episode, we interview three of those working with Pittsylvania County: Shyanne McCluster (Pet...

Pittsylvania County Public Works Director Chris Adcock joins the show to talk about developments with three new convenience centers, recycling options in Pittsylvania County, water quality reports and surveys, a newly approved policy for when and how water and sewer service can be expanded to new locations, and more! 

Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor joins the show to talk about a grant that will allow first responders, law enforcement, fire and ems personnel, and school officials to access digital floorplans and school maps on their phones and computers in the event of an emergency. Sheriff Taylor also talks about other school safety measures that are currently in place or in the works.