PittCo Happenings

Latest Episodes:

RiverStreet Networks Oct 11, 2021

Show notes

Pittsylvania County and Pittsylvania County Schools recently announced a partnership with RiverStreet Networks to expand internet access across the county. RiverStreet President & CEO Eric Cramer joins the show to discuss the company's unique business model and success leveraging outside funds to expand in rural areas like Pittsylvania County. He also highlights some of the history of electrification, the government-aided expansion of phone lines, and how that history reflects internet expansion today.
Let RiverStreet Networks know you are interested in their service at join.buildpittsylvania.com

Internet Is Coming Oct 04, 2021

Show notes

Assistant County Administrator Dave Arnold talks about the recent announcement that Pittsylvania County, Pittsylvania County Schools, and RiverStreet Networks are partnering together to bring reliable internet to county residents. To start, this will feature a $75 million fiber-to-the-home network to reach 12,000 unserved locations. Dave talks about why so many county residents don't already have reliable internet access, the status of fiber-optic cable as the most reliable internet service, why Pittsylvania County is willing to invest so much in this project, the details of our partnership, and why RiverStreet Networks was selected. You can learn more at pittsylvaniacountyva.gov/broadband

1% Sales Tax Sep 20, 2021

Show notes

Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Jones talks about the 1% sales tax increase that is on the ballot for all Pittsylvania County voters in this election. If approved, the proceeds from that 1% sales tax increase, which would generate approximately $3.3 annually, would be used exclusively to fund school capital projects and renovations. In this episode, Dr. Jones speaks more about the background of the sales tax and some of the specific projects that would be funded.

Callands Volunteer Fire and Rescue Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

Chief of Callands Volunteer Fire and Rescue Damian Maurakis talks about the difficulties facing the agency, particularly when responding to EMS calls. After responding to just 30% of EMS calls in FY 2020, they were able to increase that number to 50% in FY 21, and 67% so far in FY 22. The key has been paying part-time staff to man the station during the busiest hours of the day, and his goal is to bring that response rate up to 100% by whatever means necessary. Damian also talks about increased training requirements, difficulties recruiting, and other challenges facing volunteer fire and rescue agencies in Pittsylvania County.

Pet Center Fundraisers and Updates Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

Pittsylvania Pet Center Brent Weinkauf joins PittCo Happenings again to discuss several upcoming fundraisers in September and October and highlight how the Pet Center is adopting out and transferring many animals to reduce the animal population. Brent also talks about the importance of fundraising to bolster the emergency medical fund and explains the need for more people to foster and adopt animals and volunteer.

Music Festivals Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

Jonathan Slye, CEO of Purpose Driven Events, joins PittCo Happenings to discuss three upcoming music festivals in Pittsylvania County at the Blue Ridge Ampitheater. Worship at the Mountain will take place September 3-5, the Blue Ridge Rock Festival will happen September 9-12, and the Blue Ridge Country Festival will happen October 1-3. Jonathan talks about Purpose Driven Events as a company, explains why Pittsylvania County was chosen as a new venue and what work is being done to prepare the ampitheater, gives some more details about each of the festivals, and highlights the impact that positive impact that music festivals can have on a community.

Tourism and Agrotourism Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

John Harris, Executive Director of the Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation, talks about tourism and agrotourism in Pittsylvania County. John discusses what agrotourism is and how it's evolving in Pittsylvania County. He talks about the role of the Agricultural Complex in furthering tourism in the county, and he highlights how the County is becoming more of a tourist destination.

Cascade Volunteer Fire and Rescue Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

Eric Clark, Chief of Cascade Volunteer Fire and Rescue, joins PittCo Happenings today to discuss the department's history and dramatic turnaround in the past few years. Cascade Volunteer Fire Department had reached a point a few years ago where volunteers weren't responding to calls, and it seemed as if the department would shut down. New leadership and focus as well as focused recruitment and training allowed a swift turnaround. Not only did Cascade begin answering calls for fire service again, but beginning in July of 2020 it became a transport EMS agency - and responded to 99% of its calls in fiscal year 2021!

Open Positions and Recruitment Aug 01, 2021

Show notes

Pittsylvania County Human Resources Manager Holly Stanfield discusses some of the open positions in Pittsylvania County government, as well as the creative means that are being taken to fill them. The Board of Supervisors recently created a $1,000 sign on bonus and a $1,000 referral bonus in an effort to attract qualified employees. Additionally, Pittsylvania County is looking to find talented, passionate people that are interested in working for us and connecting them with positions.
To find specific positions, visit pittsylvaniacountyva.gov/jobs
To tell us you are interested in working for us, visit pittsylvaniacountyva.gov.jointheteam

Chairman Bob Warren Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

Hear from Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bob Warren about a whole variety of different topics, including:

The rationale behind increasing the meals tax from 4% to 6% and enacting a new transient occupancy tax: to reduce the burden on property owners
Some of the biggest accomplishments this Board of Supervisors has made in the past few years: economic development success, increasing education and fire and rescue funding, and reducing debt.
Some of the biggest challenges facing Pittsylvania County in the coming years: large capital costs for schools, infrastructure like a jail and courthouse, and the continued challenge of providing fire and ems with the volunteer system.

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