Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

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 al...

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 con...

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 Petit...

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....

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.