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."