PittCo Happenings

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.