Thomasville Insights

We sit down with Jennifer Vanderbeek and Mimi Greitzer to share how a free bicentennial activity book helps kids explore 200 years of Thomasville history through hands-on learning. We dig into how the content gets chosen, how the illustrations are drawn, and how community support turns a big idea into something every student can hold.  • overview of the Thomasville 200 Bicentennial Activity Book a...

We walk through how the City of Thomasville plans and pays for major park upgrades while keeping everyday maintenance moving. We get concrete updates on Cassidy, Balfour, and Paradise Park, plus the behind-the-scenes steps that make these projects take time.  • parks as a practical quality of life investment  • how the 2023 Parks Master Plan guides priorities  • Cassidy Park reopening plans with d...

A lot of people think gun violence is a problem you only deal with after it happens. We see it differently. We’re joined by Thomasville City Council Member Terry Scott and Thomasville Police Department Chief Wade Glover for a blunt, practical conversation about what gun violence looks like locally, why it’s increasingly tied to youth access to firearms, and what it takes to slow it down before a t...

We team up with Thomasville City Schools to launch the City of Thomasville Youth Council and explain how mentorship with City Council turns civics into real-life experience. Superintendent Dr. Scott Sweeting and Executive Director of STEM, CTAE, and Career Development Ashley Palmer share how the program builds career exposure, a stronger student voice, and a reason for students to stay connected t...

We walk through why Thomasville’s historic municipal auditorium has to close now, and what it takes to launch a renovation that protects a downtown landmark while updating safety and access issues. Mary Patchunka-Smith shares what’s already happened behind the scenes, what residents will see first, and how we keep public meetings moving while construction ramps up.  • doors closing timeline and wh...

We hand the mic to our interns for an honest look at what it’s like to work inside the City of Thomasville. From customer service and IT support to finance leadership and a historic building move, we hear what surprised them, what challenged them, and what they’d tell anyone thinking about applying.  • why the intern takeover matters and how the program builds a pipeline for city jobs  • how custo...

We sit down with City Manager Chris White for a midyear look at what’s moving in Thomasville and why the pace of work feels like a whirlwind. We break down the biggest budget in city history, the projects behind the road cones, and the practical ways you can get involved. • record-setting operating and capital budgets and what progress looks like • infill development district that unlocks hundreds...

We sit down with Electric Distribution Superintendent Brent Alderman and URC Manager Drew Wharton to explain how Thomasville plans for hurricanes, responds to pop up storms, and brings the grid back safely. We break down what happens behind the scenes, from materials and mutual aid to the tough calls on priorities, communication, and crew fatigue.  • long range hurricane preparation through materi...

On this episode, we interview History Center Curator Ephraim Rotter, who fills us in on some important local history and more. Some of the topics include • History Center Lunch and Learn updates plus what’s next  • How Thomas County and Thomasville get their names  • Why Lot 39 matters to the city’s beginning  • Henry O. Flipper’s legacy through the wider Flipper family’s achievements  • Why polit...

We walk through the full Thomasville Rose Show and Festival weekend with Brandy Avery, including the new additions that make this year stand out. We also share important city reminders for April and a quick Thomasville history note tied to the bicentennial. • Rose Show and Festival dates, start times, and what to expect across both days  • Orchids on Parade ribbon cutting and where to go  • Friday...

On this episode, we talk with Mark Harmon Executive Director of Inspections and Engineering. He shares updates from Remington and Old Albany Road construction. After the interview, we have history facts in honor of the Bicentennial. We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for tuning in!

On this episode, we talk with Captain Kimberly Dyke and Sergeant Chris Baggett about Criminal Investigations Division (CID) for the Thomasville Police Department. They talk about the crime investigation process and an unusual crime case that was solved recently. Thanks for tuning in!

On this episode, we talk with Felicia Brannen. As the City Clerk, Felicia tells us about her role and essential local government knowledge we all should have to be well informed citizens. Plus, we get Ricky's thoughts on being the Chamber Man of the Year and how he acknowledged most everyone in the community in his speech with one major exception! Was it intentional? Find out on Thomasville I...

On this episode, Assistant City Manager Sheryl Sealy talks with us about the Municipal Building & Auditorium Renovation Project. She shares some exciting possibilities as the City looks to reopen the venue in 2027. We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for tuning in!

Two centuries of stories, one city ready to celebrate. We’re kicking off Thomasville’s bicentennial with guest April Norton, exploring how a birthday becomes a living, year-long collaboration that blends history, community action, and a whole lot of local pride. From a free, family-friendly opening celebration with live music and partner booths to a citywide “200 Initiative,” we share some ideas a...

On this episode, we talk with City Manager Chris White about the 2026 budget. He shares the priorities reflected from the City Council for the upcoming year. The wide ranging conversation gets to a little bit of everything including some favorite Christmas memories. We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for tuning in!

For this episode, we talk with Katie Ketchum about Main Street Christmas in Thomasville. After that,  Cassidee Smith, Special Events Coordinator, joins us to chat about Victorian Christmas. Thanks for tuning in!

For this special episode, Eve Geyer, Engineering Project Manger and Derrius Dawson, IT Project Manager join us to talk about their time of service in the military. Thanks for tuning in and to all the veterans in our community!

Guests: John Tucker – TPD Sgt.- Use of Force Summit  Jonathan Conner, Deputy Chief-Fire Marshal - Fall Back & Smoke Alarms

This episode we talk with City Planner Kenny Thompson about a brand new ordinance establishing TNID. This new ordinance can help many neighborhoods in Thomasville grow and flourish in an old fashioned way. Thanks for tuning in!

On this episode, we talk to Mike Owens, Director of Parks & Recreation, about some renovations going on in our city parks. Balfour, Cassidy, and Paradise are the focus during this stage of park renovations. Thanks for tuning in!

On this episode, we talk to Eric Gossett, Assistant Utilities Superintendent about the new storm water utility. Ricky introduces a new segment, and Austin has a new "Sounds of the City" for our listeners. Thanks for tuning in! 

On this episode of Thomasville Insights, we talk with April Norton Managing Director of Marketing and Communications for the City of Thomasville. She has economic data on Downtown Thomasville and an update on Tourism. Thanks for tuning in!

On this episode of Thomasville Insights, we talk with Anthony Pellegrino who is a citizen serving on the City of Thomasville's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). He discusses why he wanted to beecome involved in community engagement. We are grateful to all who serve and participate our community.

On this episode of Thomasville Insights, we talk with some of the interns about their experience with the City of Thomasville this summer.  We wish all our interns success in their future endeavors and thank them for their hard work. 2025 Interns JaBrian Coleman - Marketing Carter Crocker - Finance  Jack Edge - Civil Engineering Olivia D'Ambrosio - Human Resources Jaxson French - Customer Ser...