PittCo Happenings

Pittsylvania County's new Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Tucker has presented a list of priorities for the County as it embarks on a new year, to include funding for the schools, the Sheriff's Office and fire and rescue. Additional areas of priority include Community Development, a new comprehensive plan and the establishment of an environmental commission. 

PittCo Happenings talks with Tunstall District Supervisor and RIFA Chairman Vic Ingram on how the County and the City of Danville were able to attract a large high tech employer like Microporous to the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill. The Megasite has been controversial since it began being developed 16 years ago, but the arrival of Microporous begins a new chapter for the site as the company plans to bring in more than 2,000 jobs and a $1.35 billion investment. 

PittCo Happenings travels to Wayside Park to talk with parents and kids during the recent Youth Fishing Day hosted by Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation. The kids - and their parents - talk about their experience, techniques and why this event is a great way to bring families together to enjoy the outdoors and catch a bunch of rainbow trout. 

Deep fried turkeys, dry Christmas trees, space heaters, candles - 'tis the season for fires as well as holiday cheer. Pittsylvania County Fire Marshal Scott Hutcherson reminds listeners of all the ways your celebrations can go up in flames and how to prevent that from happening to you and your family.  

Resident requests that the Board of Supervisors explore bringing retail stores to rural areas of the County, such as the Banister District, raise additional questions about future development, density and infrastructure. Banister District Supervisor Robert Tucker and Economic Development Director Matt Rowe talk about the challenges of bringing retail stores to rural areas and how this need, in turn, sparks questions about the direction the County wants to go in the future. 

Pittsylvania County Extension Agent Becky Roberts and Cattle Producer and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Darrell Dalton talk about a growing program in the County designed to help cattle producers maximize their herds and selling power - Comingling Cattle. The program is increasing the quality of the herds as well as the reputation of beef produced right here in Pittsylvania County. 

Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation Director Justin Price and Program Coordinator Kelsie Myers talk with PittCo Happenings about a new pilot afterschool program being offered at Kentuck Elementary beginning in January and Youth Fishing Day in November as well as progress on the master plan update. 

Reimagine Chatham recently presented its draft Chatham Area Growth and Renewal Strategic Plan to the public. The plan provides suggestions, ideas and timelines on how to move Chatham toward further growth and prosperity. Dick Camp with Reimagine Chatham goes over the plan for Chatham, which as the County seat, is of vital interest to Pittsylvania County and its residents. 

The Pittsylvania County Beautification Committee talks with PittCo Happenings about its upcoming fall litter clean-up event on Saturday, October 5, as well as other ideas it plans to implement to keep Pittsylvania County clean. 

Pittsylvania County Registrar Shani Shorter talks with PittCo Happenings about who and what is on the ballot this fall, which also includes three town elections and a constitutional amendment. Shani provides information on when sample ballots will be available, how and when to register to vote, various voting option and the need for poll workers.

It's been almost two years since voters approved the 1% sales tax increase in Pittsylvania County – a measure designed to provide revenue for much needed school infrastructure projects. The County began receiving the revenues last year and to update listeners on the progress the schools have made on those projects is Dr. Mark Jones, superintendent of Pittsylvania County Schools. 

The Dan River Business Development Center is one of Pittsylvania County's best kept secrets. As one of the first joint ventures between Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville, the DRBDC offers a one-stop shop for new businesses in the region. Executive Director Ralph Hogg talks with PittCo Happenings about the Center and what it offers those looking to grow and thrive as business owners in Southside Virginia. 

Thinking about starting a farm in Pittsylvania County? Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Stephen Barts discusses what is needed to get one started and begins by answering the most basic question – what is the definition of a farm? Barts discusses capital costs, financing, marketing, produce and livestock-related laws and other areas that need to be considered before getting started. Barts also highlights how the Extension Office can assist those with plans to begin farm – whether the goal is self-sufficiency or to create an income. 

Pittsylvania County Library Director Rhonda Griffin meets with PittCo Happenings to talk about the many fun and varied programs offered this fall at the County's four branch libraries - Gretna, Chatham, Brosville and Mount Hermon. She also reveals the latest state appropriation that will be used for further upgrades at the Gretna Library and plans for a new bookmobile. 

Danville Community College offers businesses and employees an opportunity to grow with its registered apprenticeship program. PittCo Happenings meets with coordinator Barry Richmond to talk about how this flexible program benefits both employees and employers. The apprenticeship program also aims to address the need for more skilled workers as Danville and Pittsylvania County continue to attract new business and industry to the region.   

PittCo Happenings meets with Art Thatcher with BerryDunn, the consultant hired by the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors to update the 2010 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. After receiving input from the community – from adults to middle school students – BerryDunn will take that data and use it to create an updated master plan with actionable goals and objectives. Art talks about those findings with PittCo listeners and how they fit into overall trends in the recreational field.  

Mike Neal retired as chief from Ringgold Fire and Rescue at the end of June after serving in that capacity for 34 years and in the department for more than half a century – making his name nearly synonymous with Ringgold. Neal reflects on his years of service in the community as well as his thoughts on the future of volunteer fire and rescue in Pittsylvania County.  

Pittsylvania County Community Action is hosting a Back-2-School Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2-6 p.m. at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham. To talk about this well-resourced and free event is Christina Smith and Grace Willis with PCCA. The festival will include back-to-school supplies, food, activities, giveaways, local resources and more. 

Pittsylvania County residents have an opportunity to roll out the red carpet to visitors and neighbors alike by becoming a Tourism Ambassador with Visit SoSi, offered through the Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism that also served Pittsylvania County. PittCo Happenings meets with Lisa Meriwether, Tourism Manager with the Office, as she updates listeners on what has been accomplished since Visit SoSi was launched about a year ago, in May 2023, to include the Ambassador program, a comprehensive visitors guide and more. 

PittCo Happenings meets with Kathy Trout with the Southern Area Agency on Aging to discuss the Farm Market Fresh program. The program provides vouchers for seniors age 60 and up to purchase fresh produce from local farmers markets. Trout also provides an overview of the many services offered by the agency, which serves seniors in Pittsylvania County. 

Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Anne Moore-Sparks talks to PIttCo Happenings about three key programs being offered this fall by the Chamber: Leadership Southside, REV UP and Young Professionals. Supported by Pittsylvania County, the Chamber provides businesses and individuals an opportunity to network and learn new skills to succeed in the workplace and marketplace of today. 

Pittsylvania County Pet Center Director Brent Weinkauf gives listeners an update on the many happenings at the Center, as well as how folks can assist the animals and staff – from participating in the annual golf tournament to reading to the cats and dogs. The Center is also hosting another Bissell Pet Foundation “Empty the Shelter” event in July where adoptions will be $25.   

House fires are less common than they used to be, but they still occur and the devastation they can cause has not changed. Pittsylvania County Fire Marshals Scott Hutcherson and David Brooks discuss the most common reasons fires start in the home and how to prevent them from occurring. They also emphasize the importance of smoke alarms -particularly at night – and how the devices, and their installation, are available free through Pittsylvania County Public Safety and the Red Cross. 

This week, PittCo Happenings visits with Pittsylvania County Deputy Director of Public Safety Scott Hutcherson and Mt. Hermon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Tommy Barber about the work of EMTs and paramedics. Hutcherson and Barber talk about what it takes to be an EMT or paramedic and the special demands – and rewards – of the profession. Join us for this special episode in honor of National EMS Week, May 19-25. 

Pittsylvania County Director of Information Technology Scott Budd talks to PittCo Happenings about cybersecurity and how it can affect anyone – from large organizations, such as the County, to individuals at home. Budd provides tips and advice on how to best avoid being hacked and having your computer – and vital information – compromised. He also talks about where these threats can now come from to include new players such as AI and "Script Kiddies."

The Pittsylvania-Caswell County Youth Livestock and Sale offers local youth the opportunity to learn responsibility, perseverance and grit as they prepare their animals for this annual show at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex. The show also offers spectators the pleasure of watching the youth and their animals in the ring. This week, Extension Agent Mandi Dolan talks about the show and what it means to the kids who participate. 

Pittsylvania County has created a way for residents to gain a greater understanding about how local government works through its Citizens Academy. Offered again this year beginning in May, the Citizens Academy gives residents a chance to learn the how and why behind decisions made by the Board of Supervisors, as well as other boards and commissions in an informal and interactive format. During this episode, Banister District resident Kathy Ramsey and Director of Community Development Emily Ragsdale share their own experience with the Citizens Academy and why they feel this program is important.  

Pittsylvania County is celebrating Earth Day this year with a litter clean up event on April 27, as well as waiving the tipping fee for the landfill for a week to inspire residents to pitch in to clean up the roads and their properties in the County. The event will also highlight the revival of the County's Beautification Committee, spearheaded by Chatham Blairs Supervisor Ken Bowman. Bowman visits with PittCo Happenings to talk about this important initiative. 

Substance abuse is not a new problem, but with overdose calls up, it remains an ongoing concern in Pittsylvania County. PittCo Happenings spent some time talking about this issue with Dominick Grembi, the prevention program manager for Danville-Pittsylvania County Community Services. Grembi discusses how addiction begins and the science behind it, why today's opioids can be deadly and the various programs available with his agency to address this issue. 

Pittsylvania County Administrator Stuart Turille and Finance Director Kim VanDerHyde discuss how the Fiscal 2025 budget was formulated, the challenges the County faced, how the reassessment fits into this process and when property owners can voice their thoughts on the budget and the proposed real estate tax rate. 

A collaborative effort is underway in Chatham to create a vision for the future of the town. Joe Rogers, chairman of the Reimagine Chatham Steering Committee, met with PIttCo Happenings to discuss how this grant-funded project began and how folks can provide input on what they want to see Chatham- which is also the county seat for Pittsylvania - become going forward. 

Pittsylvania County is fortunate to have one of Virginia's only AARP Senior Planet trainers working at the Mt. Hermon Library. Branch Manager Tim Rogers is a certified Senior Planet trainer and is currently offering free courses on technology and computers to help seniors better navigate these devices as they continue to change and evolve.  PittCo Happenings met with Rogers, and Library Director Rhonda Griffin to further learn how this program works. 

Jude Swanson, executive director for the House of Hope homeless shelter talks with PittCo Happenings about a fundraising event on February 24, the Coldest Night of the Year Walk, which is designed to help those needing shelter in Pittsylvania County and Danville. Swanson also touches on the causes of homelessness and why those numbers are rising in this region. 

PittCo Happenings meets with Mike Meinel with RiverStreet Networks to talk about its partnership with Pittsylvania County to expand high speed internet in the County. Meinel provides information on the benefits of fiber internet, how to sign up for service with RiverStreet, how fiber will be connected to your home or business, how to contact the company to see if you are eligible for service and when the project is expected to be completed.  

Pittsylvania County Administrator Stuart Turille goes over the many accomplishments made by the County in 2023, to include dialing back the proliferation of solar farms, the completion of the Gretna Library renovations, advances in economic development and enhancing communication and collaboration with the volunteer fire and rescue community.  

Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Dalton and Vice Chairman Robert Tucker talk with PittCo Happenings about how and why they were elected by their fellow Supervisors to lead the Board in 2024. Dalton and Tucker also talk about their desire for increased professionalism and teamwork moving forward, as well as the challenges the Board faces in 2024, to include the reassessment, the budget and taxes. 

The Freedom of Choice Committee, with the support of the Pittsylvania County Library, School Board and the Danville Regional Foundation, celebrates the completion of a two-year long project documenting the experiences of black students who attended white high schools during the Freedom of Choice era in mid-1960s Virginia. The project culminates with plaque dedications at the County's four high school in February – coinciding with Black History Month and the 70th anniversary of Brown v Board of Education. 

Pittsylvania County has started the process of updating its 2010 Master Plan and is seeking input from residents about what they want in terms of facilities and programs in the future. To let residents know what to expect as the plan is updated, PittCo Happenings talks with Parks and Recreation Director Justin Price and Senior Consultant James Mickle with BerryDunn about the update and how they can contribute. 

PittCo Happenings talks with Murray Whittle, who was elected in November to serve the Westover District, where he has lived for more than three decades. Whittle is new to politics and said he is eager to learn all he can about Pittsylvania County and its government. Mr. Whittle is particularly interested in assisting fire and rescue with volunteer efforts and looks forward to working with the Board next year. 

Pittsylvania County voters approved a 1% sales tax increase in 2022 to pay for school infrastructure improvements. Now that the money is coming in, the School Board is looking to start its first project next summer – safety vestibules for the schools. Other projects are also in the works. In this episode of PittCo Happenings, Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Jones talks about these projects and how the sales tax revenue fits into those plans. 

Eddie Hite grew up discussing Pittsylvania County politics with his dad, which fostered a love for his community. In January, Hite will take his seat on the Board of Supervisors for the first time, representing the Dan River District where he has been a lifelong resident. During this episode of PittCo Happenings, Hite discusses his desire for the Board to work together as they begin the new year, as well as wanting more input from residents about the issues that impact their lives.

Ken Bowman will be one of three new members on the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors to be sworn into office in January. During this episode, Bowman discusses the experience and strengths he will bring to the Board and how economic development remains one of his top priorities. Bowman also talks about how he wants to make sure there is funding for the schools and the Sheriff's Office, as well as looking at how to move forward with fire and EMS in the future. 

Blairs Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief of Administration Stephen Barts takes listeners back to the early morning hours of November 12 when a fire at the NorthPointe Apartments threatened the lives of its residents. Barts describes how prior experience, forethought and planning, along with the purchase of a key piece of apparatus, kept numerous lives from being lost, as well as the strategic decisions made by Pittsylvania County dispatch and all the County's first responders that contributed to that outcome.  

Outgoing Chatham-Blairs Supervisor Bob Warren discusses his two terms on the Board of Supervisors and what the Board was able to accomplish during that time in the areas of school funding and debt reduction, economic development, public safety, the evolution of the service authority and how strong working relationships helped save the County money and increase efficiency. 

PIttCo Happenings talks with Pittsylvania County Administrator Stuart Turille. On the job since April, Mr. Turille discusses his impressions of Pittsylvania County; his desire for balancing the County's agricultural and rural heritage with economic development and job creation; the areas he has been focusing on over the past several months; and how the recent reassessment and the real estate tax rate will factor into the budget process next year. 

Fred Pearson with Pearson's Appraisal Service talks with listeners about how his company conducted the 2024 Reassessment in Pittsylvania County, the market forces that have shaped property values since the last reassessment in 2018, and how property owners can appeal their assessment if they disagree with the value.

PittCo Happenings talks with Blairs Fire and Rescue Chief Dean Fowler and Mt. Hermon Chief Tommy Barber about the work of fire and EMS volunteers. Fowler and Barber describe why the work is deeply satisfying and how it creates a sense of family among its members. At the same time, being a volunteer is demanding, requiring a high level of dedication by the volunteer and his or her family – but the rewards are priceless. 

During this episode, Pittsylvania County Director of Economic Development Matt Rowe talks about how the County and Danville fought back against economic “rock bottom” and worked to reinvent themselves, with one big component being the creation of a “landing site” for economic growth – the Southern Virginia mega site at Berry Hill. Listen to learn how the mega site fits into the County's future, as well as a possible site for emerging industries.  

Pittsylvania County Director of Economic Development Matt Rowe talks about the challenges business and industry face in a changing world and how this region has responded with its focus on training the next generation for satisfying careers in manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity and more.  

Join Pittsylvania County Director of Economic Development Matt Rowe in a multi-part series on the state of business and the workforce in this region. While economic development may be a challenge to describe, its efforts lead to concrete results such as brick and mortar facilities, jobs and future prosperity. 

PittCo Happenings host Diana McFarland tells listeners about several fun and exciting events coming up – the re-opening of the Gretna Library, a celebration of the improvements at Wayside Park and the launch of a new program – the Pittsylvania County Citizens Academy.