Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Spencer Mountain Trail Update Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

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.

Simple Steps to Safety Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

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.

Murder Mystery Disco Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

It's a killer good time... The Gaston County Museum's annual murder mystery fundraiser is transporting us to the era of disco, and Alex Brooks has some tips on what to wear and why a disco ball banana is more important than you might think.

Yes, But Who's ACTUALLY Deciding? Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries episode, Jamie and Peyton are breaking down the decision making process for zoning cases, and the multiple people that can impact them before a final call gets made.

Our Own Declaration of Independence Prequel Aug 04, 2025

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Daughters of the American Revolution members Audrey Ramseur Edwards and Millicent Heavner talk to us for this special Gaston 250 edition of Savvy Citizen about the upcoming 250th signing of the Tryon Resolves, and how you can join in on the historic celebration later this month.

Trust the Process Jul 28, 2025

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Savvy Citizen co-host Janet Schafer spent years in Gaston County's budget office, but now is heading up a new effort within the county on process improvement. Learn how some private sector practices are helping county teams improve the way they serve residents.

A Passion for Animals Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Captain Kyle Yancey, who oversees the Animal Care and Enforcement Shelter for Gaston County PD, talks to Savvy Citizen about his passion for animals, his service to the community and why he was shocked to learn he was the Manager's Award winner for the county.

The Misconceptions of Zoning Permits Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Peyton and Jamie are back for this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries, where they break down the common misconceptions behind zoning permits, and the value they serve in keeping our county from descending into chaos.

The Big Budget Breakdown Jul 07, 2025

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We're celebrating the fiscal new year by taking you behind the scenes in the Gaston County budget process. Taylor Ricci, Scott Attaway and Elizabeth McGee explain why a strenuous budget year is producing good outcomes for residents.

Defeating Disinformation Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this edition of the Savvy Citizen podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with Bret Schafer and Krystyna Sikora of the Alliance for Securing Democracy--an organization devoted to exposing, analyzing, and developing strategies to counter foreign information manipulation and interference in democracies. They talk about the role several foreign governments played in spreading disinformation in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.