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 always, you can provide feedback at Communications@GastonGov.com. 

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.