A gavel falls for the last time, and a long chapter of Statesville leadership closes with surprising warmth, hard-won clarity, and a handful of laugh-out-loud stories. We sit with Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh to trace a journey from reluctant candidate to the City’s longest-serving Mayor, and we unpack what truly keeps a community moving forward: quiet preparation, strong managers, respectful debate, and neighbors who keep showing up.

Costi shares how a mentor pushed him toward public office, how he learned to wait his turn, and why breaking tie votes is less a triumph than a sign to slow down and listen. We explore the shift from charity to governance - where decisions invite criticism - and the discipline it takes to read the packet, hold a tentative view, and let new facts change your mind. He explains why people matter more than projects, shining a light on staff ingenuity during COVID, a data-driven look at housing and development, and the City Manager’s role in keeping the machine honest and accountable.

The conversation turns heartfelt as we revisit the loss of eight-year-old Ah'Mayahh Howell and the way the city united across lines that usually divide. Costi doesn’t pretend grief remade us forever, but he believes it moved us meaningfully and sharpened our focus on prevention and empathy. He’s candid about what he’ll miss - meeting employers, selling Statesville’s strengths, and celebrating community milestones - and what he won’t: rancor and partisan theater that distract from sidewalks, parks, police, and housing. His parting advice to the next Mayor is refreshingly practical: be present, protect nonpartisan norms, manage time ruthlessly, and remember that attending matters even if you cannot stay to the end.

Learn more about the Statesville City Council here.

Learn more about Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh here.

Planning your perfect downtown holiday starts here. We sit down with Downtown Business & Development Manager, Matthew Pierce, to map the full arc of Statesville’s fall-to-winter calendar - what’s happening, why it’s scheduled that way, and how each decision supports families, small businesses, and the Main Street vibe we all love.

Pumpkin Fest anchors the season with more than seven thousand visitors, two stages, community performances, STEM experiences, pumpkin smashing, and a classic car cruise-in looping Court and South Meeting. Sponsors like Flow Automotive and Happy Teeth power the scale, while the team squeezes vendor rows into every workable nook without losing flow. Downtown Trick-or-Treat moves to Thursday by design, easing restaurant operations and setting up Saturday’s festival, and the Statesville Police Department’s “Fill the Trailer” toy drive brings curbside drop-offs and big smiles. If you want spine-tingles, Haunted Statesville Ghost Tours deliver a blend of lore and history with 45–60 minute walks hosted by The Sharp House Historic Players across two weekends.

The holidays arrive with a staged build-up: the tree goes up during Thanksgiving week, Santa lights it on Thursday, December 4, 2025, and Shop & Stroll transforms Friday into a hallmark-worthy night. Expect carolers, extended store hours, a free trolley from five to nine, a live nativity, the Little Blue Choo, and s’mores with the fire department - thoughtful touches that make it easy to browse, buy, and linger. We address the parking question head-on and celebrate the new deck rising downtown, then preview the Christmas Parade and the fast-selling carriage rides.

Join us to get dates, routes, and pro tips, plus the behind-the-scenes logic that keeps events fun and functional.

The familiar crunch of autumn leaves means the Statesville Leaf Collection crew is rolling into action! From October 20 through February 13, 2026, this essential city service transforms neighborhoods across Statesville, methodically clearing the seasonal debris that accompanies our beautiful fall foliage.

Sanitation Superintendent, Russell Brown, and Assistant Superintendent, Kandense Adams, join us to reveal the inner workings of this massive undertaking. They break down the city's five collection areas - from Beech Nut near Catawba to the neighborhoods beyond West Front Street - and explain why some sections (particularly Area Two with its mature trees) take longer than others. Understanding your collection area is crucial, especially since opposite sides of the same street might fall into different zones!

The collection fleet operates seven specialized vehicles daily, including five automated trucks with joystick-controlled vacuum arms that operators maneuver with video-game-like precision. These powerful machines make quick work of properly prepared leaf piles, but there's a catch - residents must follow specific guidelines for successful collection. The team emphasizes placing leaves on grassy areas (never in streets where they clog storm drains), keeping them away from obstacles like meters and fire hydrants, and most importantly, ensuring piles contain ONLY leaves - no sticks, rocks, or debris that damage equipment and cause costly delays.

For those seeking alternatives to curbside collection, the city offers free leaf collection bags from November 3 through December 5, 2025 (available at the Customer Service Department, Bentley Community Center and the Fitness & Activity Center). These enormous bags - jokingly described as "big enough to fit two bodies" - provide the fastest removal option, with pickup occurring on regular garbage days regardless of weather delays. After December 5, bags can be purchased through December 22, 2025. Environmentally minded residents might consider mulching leaves with a lawnmower, providing natural fertilizer for lawns.

The team's advice? Be proactive! Don't wait until collection crews reach your area - prepare your leaves in advance. Visit statesvillenc.net for daily schedule updates and use the interactive map to locate your collection area.

Learn more about Leaf Collection here.

The curtain pulls back on Statesville's most anticipated community event as Chief David Onley and Corporal Chan Austin join April and Nikayla on Front and Center to announce the return of Statesville's Night Out with the Statesville Police Department (SPD). After last year's cancellation due to Hurricane Helene, this signature police department event returns Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 5:30-7:30 PM on West Broad Street in Downtown Statesville.

What makes Statesville's celebration unique? Unlike the national observance held in August, our local event strategically moved to October to escape sweltering summer temperatures and align with National Crime Prevention Month. The downtown location creates an intimate, accessible gathering place where approximately 50 community partners will showcase resources while officers connect with residents in a relaxed setting. From bounce houses and free food (including the coveted funnel cakes) to crime prevention information, the event offers something for every age group.

Beyond the logistics, this conversation reveals the deeper purpose behind Night Out. Chief Onley explains how these interactions humanize officers, showing them as "everyday people" with families and personalities beyond the badge. What began as an annual gathering has evolved into a community engagement philosophy, with SPD now hosting smaller neighborhood events throughout the year across Statesville. Through playful "quick fire" questions about which officers are morning people, competitive spirits, coffee drinkers, and grill masters, listeners glimpse the camaraderie that defines the department's culture.

Whether you're bringing children for the activities, seeking safety information, or simply wanting to chat with your local officers outside of emergency situations, Statesville's Night Out promises meaningful connections in a festive atmosphere. Mark your calendar, bring your appetite (especially for Chan's grilled specialties), and join the celebration that strengthens the bonds between public safety personnel and the community they serve.

Statesville is transforming before our eyes with construction projects dotting the cityscape from downtown to the airport. What some might call a mess, we recognize as essential progress for our growing community.

In this revealing conversation, City Engineer Matt Hubert and Assistant City Manager Scott Harrell talk with City Manager Ron Smith take us behind the scenes of Statesville's major infrastructure initiatives. They discuss the newly completed phases of the Municipal Operations Center, where decades-old "Frankenstein" facilities have been replaced with modern, efficient workspaces allowing departments previously scattered across multiple buildings to collaborate effectively for the first time.

Downtown's transformation continues at the intersection of Front and Trad Streets, where crews are simultaneously addressing a sinkhole while constructing a six-level parking deck as part of the police department expansion. This project will eventually include 125 market-rate apartments through a public-private partnership - potentially catalyzing more residential development in our downtown core.

Perhaps most impressive is the "spline project," a $20 million state-funded initiative replacing six miles of 1940s-era water main running from our treatment plant through downtown. This massive undertaking requires careful coordination with hospitals, courts, and emergency services to minimize disruption while dramatically improving water reliability and fire protection.

We don't stop there - the conversation explores Statesville Regional Airport terminal construction, parks revitalization, underground electrical upgrades, stormwater improvements, and sidewalk projects. Each initiative represents years of planning finally coming to fruition, though not without challenges from inflation, labor shortages, and the complexities of modernizing aging infrastructure.

Whether you're curious about specific projects affecting your neighborhood or want to understand the strategic vision behind Statesville's development, this episode offers a transparent look at the temporary inconveniences creating lasting improvements for our community's future. Join us to discover what lies beneath the construction barriers and how these projects will reshape Statesville for decades to come.

Learn more about all major projects happening in Statesville here.

Statesville's Recreation and Parks Department has launched an innovative program that's changing the landscape of community recreation. The Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) Program represents a significant step forward in ensuring that recreation opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or mental abilities.

The concept behind AIR evolved from the department's previous Pet Club, which served individuals with different abilities, including Special Olympics athletes. Emily Diehl, the Facility Supervisor at the Statesville Fitness and Activity Center, explains that the new program aims to provide more frequent and accessible programming for community members who may face barriers to participation in traditional recreational activities. This initiative acknowledges that not everyone has equal access to recreational opportunities, and seeks to bridge that gap.

What makes AIR truly special is its thoughtful approach to adaptability. For example, the program includes an adaptive egg hunt that considers the needs of participants with various abilities. For visually impaired individuals, they're looking to incorporate beeping eggs to enable participation. For those using wheelchairs, organizers are carefully considering placement of eggs at accessible heights. These seemingly small considerations make a tremendous difference in creating truly inclusive experiences that allow everyone to participate with dignity and enjoyment.

The program isn't limited to individuals with disabilities - it's open to everyone. This inclusive approach helps build community bridges between people of different abilities and backgrounds. Activities range from pool parties (utilizing the zero-entry leisure pool that allows wheelchair access) to puzzle competitions, movie nights, and themed dances. Each event is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all participants can engage fully and comfortably.

The initiative creates valuable networking opportunities for participants and caregivers. Parents of children with special needs can connect with others facing similar challenges, sharing experiences and support. For individuals in group homes, the program offers chances to form friendships and build community connections that extend beyond the events themselves. Since all AIR programs are offered free of charge, they're truly accessible to everyone regardless of financial constraints.

Planning for AIR has been a collaborative effort involving the Special Olympics Iredell County coordinator Bobby Williams, former Pet Club organizer and Fitness Coordinator at the Statesville Fitness & Activity Center, Mark Wilkinson, and EC (Exceptional Children) teachers from local schools. This partnership approach ensures that the program addresses real needs and incorporates expertise from various perspectives. As the program develops, organizers plan to continuously evaluate and refine their approach based on participant feedback.

For those interested in participating, volunteering, or learning more about the AIR Program, information is available at recreation.statesville.net, where a dedicated webpage provides details about upcoming events.

Power outages happen - whether from cars hitting poles, squirrels causing mischief, or trees falling during storms. But what if you could know exactly when your electricity will be restored without making a single phone call?

Statesville Public Power is revolutionizing how customers experience outages here in Statesville with a new management system launching this fall. In our conversation with Assistant Director Jared Wiles, we explore how North Carolina's oldest municipal electric utility (dating back to 1889) is bringing cutting-edge technology to its customers.

The days of manually responding to outage calls and posting social media updates every 45 minutes are coming to an end. The new system will automatically detect when your power goes out, send you text notifications with estimated restoration times, and keep you updated as repairs progress. A customer-facing portal will show affected areas on a map, helping you avoid dangerous locations during major outages. Behind the scenes, predictive technology will help crews identify problem locations faster, getting your lights back on more quickly and safely.

This transformation depends on having your current contact information, especially your mobile number. Take a moment to update your details at www.statesvillenc.net (click "Update My Info" under Quick Links), call 704-878-3564 (option 7), or stop by in person. Join Statesville Public Power as they honor their legacy as "First in Light" while bringing smarter service to every customer.

Have you ever wondered what makes a space truly "civic"? The Statesville Civic Center stands as a perfect example – a versatile community hub that brings people together while driving economic development in Downtown Statesville.

Nestled in the heart of Statesville's walkable downtown district, this 25-year-old facility serves dual purposes that might seem at odds but actually complement each other beautifully. It provides affordable, accessible space for local residents hosting weddings, retirement parties, and community gatherings. Simultaneously, it attracts regional conferences and multi-day events that bring visitors to explore our charming downtown shops, restaurants, and amenities.

Listen now as Ron Smith (Statesville City Manager), Richard Griggs (Director at the Statesville Recreation & Parks Department), and Kali Bailey (Facilities & Events Manager at the Statesville Recreation & Parks Department) talk about how the facility's flexibility shines through in how it serves different audiences throughout the week. Weekends often feature wedding receptions and celebrations, while weekdays host business training sessions and organizational meetings. Major events like the North Carolina Main Street Conference, which brought over 700 attendees, showcase the center's ability to handle large-scale gatherings that benefit the entire downtown ecosystem.

Recent changes reflect a strategic balance between financial sustainability and community access. Different rate structures for weekday versus weekend events, adjusted rental timeframes, and partnerships with the Convention and Visitors Bureau all aim to optimize the facility's impact. Meanwhile, impressive upgrades including state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment in the newly renovated media room, interior refreshes, and planned outdoor improvements position the Civic Center to meet modern needs.

Now operating under the Recreation and Parks Department umbrella, the Statesville Civic Center team is exploring exciting new possibilities including more internal programming, concerts, and expanded community partnerships. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a regional conference, we invite you to discover how this downtown gem can transform your next event.

Contact us today to tour the facility and learn why the Statesville Civic Center has remained at the heart of our community for a quarter century. Learn more about the Civic Center here or give them a call at 704-878-3493.

Step into the cockpit of Statesville's economic engine as Airport Manager John Ferguson takes us behind the scenes of one of North Carolina's busiest general aviation facilities. Far from being just a landing strip, the Statesville Regional Airport operates as a thriving enterprise that generates substantial revenue through fuel sales, hangar leases, and property taxes - all without costing taxpayers a dime.

You'll be surprised to discover the airport's remarkable celebrity guest list, which includes country stars George Strait and Kane Brown, alongside rapper DaBaby. Even more impressive is the facility's crucial role in NASCAR operations, dispatching 13 fifty-passenger jets each race weekend to transport 600-700 team members across the country. This specialized aviation hub has positioned itself at the intersection of transportation and economic development, with the recent Westar (formerly JetEast) maintenance facility bringing 120+ skilled jobs to the region.

The conversation explores exciting developments including the new three-story terminal building scheduled to open in December, potentially featuring a restaurant with observation deck dining—what pilots affectionately call a "$100 hamburger" destination. Looking toward the future, Ferguson outlines ambitious plans for runway extension, control tower development, and enhanced emergency response capabilities that will continue elevating Statesville's aviation profile. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about economic development, this eye-opening discussion reveals how strategic infrastructure investment creates ripples of prosperity throughout the community. Next time you hear jets overhead, remember you're witnessing Statesville's gateway to global business in action.

Ever wondered why your vote matters in local elections? The answer might surprise you. In this revealing conversation, City Clerk Emily Kurfees joins hosts April Nesbit and Nakayla Griffin to unveil significant changes to Statesville's election process that will impact every resident.

Gone are the confusing October elections with November runoffs. Statesville is streamlining to a single November election where candidates can win by securing the most votes – even if it's by just one vote. This shift aligns with neighboring municipalities and ensures every citizen can participate in each election cycle through cleverly staggered at-large council seats. But perhaps most eye-opening is the revelation that running for City Council costs merely $5 – "cheaper than a Happy Meal," as our hosts humorously note.

The upcoming election on November 4th marks a pivotal moment as Mayor Kosti, Statesville's longest-serving mayor, prepares to retire. With six positions on the ballot including mayor, both at-large members, and representatives for wards two, three, and five, the leadership landscape is poised for transformation. As Emily astutely points out, these local officials wield tremendous influence over what businesses come to town and how your community develops. "If you want a Target or a Trader Joe's," she emphasizes, "then you need to vote."

Curious about which ward you live in or where to vote? Visit the Statesville website here for an interactive map that shows your ward and representative. Have questions about the election process? Reach out to Emily here or contact city hall – they're committed to helping every resident understand these important changes and participate in shaping Statesville's future.