Front & Center

Crime prevention starts with a simple idea: you can’t avoid a risk you don’t recognize. On this episode of Front and Center, we talk with Statesville Police Department Crime Prevention Officer, Corporal Chan Austin, about how modern crime prevention has expanded far beyond locking doors and hiding valuables. Today’s safety mindset mixes physical habits with technology, from doorbell cameras and exterior home security cameras to smart garage door openers controlled by phone apps. Those tools can deter crime, and they can also provide critical video evidence when police respond. The bigger point is awareness: staying alert in parking lots, while walking, and even at home, because risk is 24/7 and it applies to everyone, including law enforcement.

Social media safety is one of the biggest shifts in public safety. Buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms creates real-world exposure when strangers want to meet for a transaction. The safest move is choosing public locations, avoiding private meetups, and never inviting unknown buyers to your home. Statesville offers a practical option for many people forget: meeting at the police department, where cameras and officers nearby add accountability. Learn more or find SPD at police.statesvillenc.net.

Online behavior also affects personal security in quieter ways, especially for kids and teens. Oversharing locations, routines, or personal details can lead people straight to a home address. Parents and caregivers can reduce risk by talking early about privacy, contacts, and boundaries, not just after something goes wrong.

Cyberbullying and harmful online activity add a mental health layer that crime prevention conversations often miss. Threats, rumors, and humiliating posts can follow a student from home to school, triggering anxiety, depression, and in worst cases suicidal thoughts. With AI making it harder to tell what’s real, the emotional impact can be severe even when content is fake. Prevention here looks like parental controls, checking what apps are installed, and paying attention to sudden changes in behavior or social media use. It also means remembering that “trends” change fast, so families, schools, and school resource officers have to share what they are seeing in real time to keep up with new platforms and new tactics.

The episode also tackles fraud prevention, counterfeit products, and firearm safety. The most common scam reported is the imposter scam, where callers pretend to be a bank or government agency and pressure you into sharing personal information. A strong rule is simple: verify before you comply, and if you already shared financial details, stop communicating and contact your bank or payment app immediately to freeze accounts because time is everything. Counterfeit goods look real but can be junk, cost you money, and funnel profits to criminal organizations. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Finally, firearm safety at home depends on education and safe storage. For kids, the Eddie Eagle message is clear: stop, don’t touch, leave the area, and tell an adult. Statesville also provides free gun locks, and the department offers free neighborhood watch and safety presentations, helping residents build practical habits that prevent becoming a victim.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power daily life, but they also introduce a growing fire risk that many households do not recognize. Statesville’s Fire and Life Safety Educator/Community Risk Reduction, Heather Gessler, explains how incidents can start with something as small as a cell phone battery left on the floor. The key term is “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction where a damaged or overheated battery rapidly escalates, vents, and can ignite. These fires can look like fireworks because a lithium-ion pack contains multiple internal cells, so one failure can trigger the next. That is why battery safety education and community risk reduction are now central parts of modern fire prevention.

A major problem is how easily lithium-ion batteries end up in the trash stream. People assume a battery is harmless when it is “dead,” then toss it into a bin where a sanitation truck compactor can crush it and cause ignition. That puts sanitation workers, trucks, transfer stations, and landfills at risk. The safer approach is straightforward: recycle any battery that recharges. That includes cell phones, hearing aids, vapes, power tools, e-bikes, hoverboards, scooters, and even electric toothbrushes. By contrast, single-use household batteries for remotes and similar devices can typically go in the trash when they are not rechargeable. Clear labeling and habits at home reduce confusion and prevent the most common disposal mistakes.

Safe charging habits matter just as much as recycling. Many of us leave devices plugged in overnight or keep chargers running in garages, basements, and sheds, especially for power tool packs and personal mobility devices. Heat is a warning and a signal to pay attention, not to ignore. A practical tip shared for safer charging is using a simple timer to limit charge time, since most devices do not need constant charging. If a battery becomes extremely hot, starts swelling, or makes a hissing sound, treat it as urgent. Move it away from people and combustibles if you can do so safely, and call 911. One critical “do not” is adding water in a sink, which can worsen certain battery fire conditions and create additional hazards.

Fire prevention is also about making safety feel accessible for families, kids, and older adults. Heather uses hands-on school programs and a kid-friendly character, Fire Marshal Pete, to teach concepts like good fire versus bad fire and basics like stop, drop, and roll. For families, the biggest life-saving message is working smoke alarms and a practiced fire escape plan with a meeting place outside. “Closed before you doze” is a simple reminder that sleeping with bedroom doors closed can buy precious time during a fire. For residents who need assistance, the fire department can help with smoke alarm battery changes, especially for older adults who should not climb ladders. The department also introduces a rescue alert window cling placed low on the front or side door to help firefighters quickly identify pets, children, older adults, or people with disabilities inside.

Learn more about the Statesville Fire Department on their website at fire.statesvillenc.net.

Fall in Statesville is packed with ways to get outside, meet neighbors, and keep kids busy without overcomplicating your calendar.

On Rev It Up, Kali and H sit down to talk with Emily Deal, Facility Supervisor at the Statesville Recreation Center (The Rec), about a full slate of fall programs and community events designed for families, homeschool groups, teens, and anyone looking for simple local fun. This lineup hits the sweet spot: low-cost registration, clear age ranges, and activities that feel like real community rather than one-off entertainment.

Homeschool families get two strong options:

The standard homeschool program is $5 per child for ages 5 to 12, with themed sessions that make learning feel hands-on and social. September brings a nature day at Mac Anderson Park, with the kind of messy, memorable projects kids love. October adds pickleball lessons, leaning into one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the country. November finishes with rock wall sessions at the rec center, and the hosts stress an important planning tip: popular sessions fill fast and a waitlist does not guarantee a spot. For older students, new homeschool field trips expand the reach, priced at $25 per child for ages 12 to 17, departing from the rec center with staff supervision.

Those teen-focused field trips are built around classic fall experiences and practical exposure. September visits Kerrigan Farms for apples, hay rides, and outdoor farm life. October heads to Serenity Alpacas, a unique local experience that feels both fun and oddly calming. November shifts from seasonal to forward-looking with college exposure trips to Lenoir-Rhyne University and CVCC, giving homeschool teens a low-pressure way to see nearby options and imagine next steps. Together, these trips support social connection for local homeschool co-ops while offering enrichment that is hard to replicate at home.

Learn more on our website at recreation.statesvillenc.net/homeschool.

Community programs round out the calendar with easy “just show up” energy. Family craft night in mid-September pairs The Rec with a local artist for a guided project, and family bingo offers prizes with a wide age range in mind. October’s family pumpkin carving is a standout because it removes the biggest barrier for many parents: cleanup. You register based on how many pumpkin and carving kits you want, carve on-site, watch a family-friendly spooky movie, and head home with the finished pumpkin while the rec center handles the mess. November brings glow-in-the-dark pickleball under black lights for ages 10 and up, plus a three-point basketball competition for those chasing prizes and bragging rights. Learn more at recreation.statesvillenc.net/community-programs.

Accessibility and inclusion stay central through the AIR Program, which stands for adaptive, inclusive recreation. The AIR Halloween dance is free and welcomes people of all abilities for costumes, music, snacks, and a low-stakes “first school dance” vibe. A December holiday spectacular continues the theme with cookie decorating, ornaments, and festive music. Learn more at recreation.statesvillenc.net/air-program.

The episode also highlights our Teacher Workday Programs for grades K through 5th, including Funpalooza at the rec center, a Howard Family Farm trip, and a Spooky Science day at Iredell Museums. Learn more at recreation.statesvillenc.net/teacher-workday.

Finally, Dog Day at the Pool returns as a beloved event with safety-first rules: proof of current rabies vaccination, limits on dogs per person, no aggressive dogs, no toys, no prong or choke collars, and no people in the water, plus staff cleaning protocols before and after. Learn more at recreation.statesvillenc.net/dog-day-at-the-pool.

Learn more about all Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality programming on our website at recreation.statesvillenc.net.

You know the red kettles, but do you know what the Salvation Army is doing on an ordinary Tuesday in Statesville? We sit down with Lieutenant April McCormick to pull back the curtain on the work that keeps showing up long after the holidays end, especially for families under financial strain and neighbors facing housing insecurity across Statesville and Iredell County.

We talk through the real mechanics of local support: a weekly food pantry, a clothing closet that becomes critical during back-to-school season, and lunch service connected to the cooling station. One of the most surprising details is how food boxes can reach people who cannot drive, using a DoorDash pickup and delivery option so shut-in residents are not left out. We also get honest about the “small” needs that can become crisis points fast, like gas money for appointments or help affording medicine.

Then the conversation shifts to extreme weather response and why warming stations and cooling stations are more than temporary programs. Lieutenant McCormick explains how teamwork, volunteers, and partner agencies help the community move quickly when temperatures drop and people have nowhere safe to go. We also look ahead to the busy fall and Christmas season, including bell ringing, the Angel Tree warehouse, and a new effort to provide gifts for seniors who might otherwise receive nothing.

If you care about community services, homelessness support, hunger relief, and how local partnerships actually function, this one is for you. 

Welcome to REV It Up, the official podcast of Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality. Each month, we'll take you behind the scenes of the programs, events, partnerships, and initiatives that help make Statesville a stronger, more connected community. Whether you're interested in recreation, community events, parks, or the people working to enhance quality of life in Statesville, REV It Up offers an inside look at what's happening across our department.

A New Name. A Broader Vision.

One of the first topics of conversation is the department's evolution from Statesville Recreation and Parks to Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality.

The name change reflects much more than a new brand. As the department expanded its responsibilities - including the addition of the Statesville Event Center and a close partnership with Downtown Statesville Development Corporation - it became clear the department's mission had grown beyond traditional parks and recreation.

Today, parks, greenways, athletic programs, event management, downtown partnerships, and community experiences all work together to strengthen quality of life while supporting tourism, conferences, local businesses, and economic growth throughout Statesville.

That same philosophy also led to updated facility names. The Statesville Event Center (previously the Statesville Civic Center) better reflects the venue's role in hosting weddings, conferences, meetings, and community events, while the Statesville Recreation Center (previously the Statesville Fitness & Activity Center) aligns with the name residents have long used for the facility. These updates provide greater clarity while reinforcing each facility's purpose within the community.

Statesville Heritage Festival

The conversation also highlights the inaugural Statesville Heritage Festival, taking place Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Statesville Event Center.

Originally inspired by America's 250th anniversary, the event evolved into a celebration of the many cultures, traditions, and stories that make Statesville unique. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, educational presentations, community conversations, interactive activities, and a collaborative community mural that will become a lasting piece of public art.

The festival was intentionally designed to bring people together through learning, conversation, and shared experiences while showcasing the partnerships that continue to strengthen our community. Organizers hope it becomes an annual tradition that continues to grow for years to come.

Learn more about the Statesville Heritage Festival here.

Statesville Bookbag Giveaway

Families attending the Heritage Festival will also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Statesville Bookbag Giveaway, presented in partnership with Village Intervention Partnership.

The goal is to distribute approximately 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students, helping them start the school year prepared and confident. The event will also feature free hot dogs provided by the Statesville Police Department, inflatables, and additional family-friendly activities, making it a fun day for the entire community.

Learn more about the Statesville Bookbag Giveaway here.

Stay Connected

New episodes of REV It Up are released monthly, bringing you closer to the people, projects, and partnerships shaping recreation and economic vitality in Statesville.

What if quality healthcare came to your neighborhood instead of requiring you to find time, transportation, or childcare to get to it?

In this episode of Front & Center, hosts April Nesbit, Public Information Officer, and Nakayla Griffin, Community Resource Officer, sit down with Shaun Smith from the Iredell County Health Department to discuss one of the county's most valuable public health resources - the Mobile Health Unit.

Although many residents have seen the 42-foot clinic traveling throughout Iredell County, few realize just how many services it provides. The Mobile Health Unit was created to bring preventive healthcare and health education directly into neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, schools, and community events, making it easier than ever for residents to access important medical services.

Listeners will learn how the Mobile Health Unit functions as a fully equipped clinic, complete with two private exam rooms and compassionate healthcare professionals who are committed to meeting people where they are - both physically and personally. Whether someone is looking for a free blood pressure screening, immunizations, WIC services, STD and STI testing, affordable laboratory work, or emergency preparedness resources, the Mobile Health Unit helps remove many of the barriers that prevent people from seeking care.

The conversation also explores why preventive healthcare matters. Something as simple as a blood pressure check can identify health concerns before they become emergencies, helping residents connect with primary care providers and other community resources when needed.

Throughout the episode, the team shares stories that demonstrate the impact the Mobile Health Unit has had across Iredell County. One memorable example highlights how a routine visit connected an uninsured resident with affordable healthcare resources and ongoing support, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the entire family.

The Mobile Health Unit currently serves communities throughout Iredell County on Mondays and Thursdays, with plans to expand service to additional days. Organizations interested in hosting the unit - including churches, employers, neighborhood associations, schools, and community events - can submit a request through the Iredell County website here.

Whether you've seen the Mobile Health Unit parked at a local event or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers an inside look at how healthcare is becoming more accessible for residents across our community. 

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Front &Center to discover how the Mobile Health Unit is improving lives by bringing healthcare directly to the people of Iredell County.

Learn more about the Iredell County Mobile Health Unit here or call the Iredell County Health Department at (704) 878-5300 and ask for Shaun Smith.

For 150 years, the Statesville Fire Department (SFD) has stood as a cornerstone of safety, service, and community pride. In this episode of Front & Center, hosts April Nesbit, Public Information Officer, and Nakayla Griffin, Community Resource Officer, sit down with Fire Chief Glenn Kurfees to reflect on this remarkable milestone and look ahead to an exciting community celebration.

Chief Kurfees shares the rich history of the department, from its early days to the modern, highly trained team that serves Statesville today. Over the years, SFD has evolved with advancements in equipment, training, and emergency response - but one thing has remained constant: a deep commitment to protecting the community.

The conversation highlights not only the department’s legacy, but also the people behind the badge. Chief Kurfees emphasizes the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork that define the Statesville Fire Department. From responding to emergencies to investing thousands of hours in training each year, SFD firefighters are always preparing to answer the call.

Listeners will also get a preview of the upcoming 150th Anniversary Celebration - a special opportunity for the community to come together, honor the department’s history, and recognize the men and women who have served across generations. The event will showcase the department’s past, present, and future, offering something for residents of all ages to enjoy.

This episode is a reminder that the fire department is more than emergency response—it’s a vital part of the fabric of Statesville. Whether through life-saving work, public education, or community engagement, SFD continues to make a lasting impact every day.

🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation and learn more about the legacy and future of the Statesville Fire Department.

Learn more about the Statesville Fire Department on their website at fire.statesvillenc.net. Interested in learning more about the history of the Statesville Fire Department, visit their website at fire.statesvillenc.net/history.

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.