Interns Take Center Stage

In this episode, host Shawn Smetana welcomes Aly Petruch, Charleston County’s Sustainability Coordinator, for an inside look at some exciting community sustainability initiatives. Aly shares details about the upcoming Bees Ferry Compost Facility tour, offering listeners a chance to learn how Charleston County turns everyday organic waste into high‑quality compost that benefits local soil health and reduces landfill use.The conversation also highlights the County’s upcoming Energy Efficiency Workshop, where residents can explore practical ways to lower energy consumption, reduce utility bills, and make their homes more resilient and environmentally friendly. Aly breaks down what participants can expect and how small changes can add up to meaningful impact.Tune in to hear how Charleston County is advancing sustainability, empowering residents, and creating opportunities to get involved in building a greener Lowcountry.Compost tour signup: https://publicinput.com/p86763Resilience and Sustainability Department: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/ccrs/

In this episode Senior Project Manager Sheila S. Parker and project engineer John Martin join us to highlight Charleston County’s latest quarterly update on the Fort Johnson Road intersection improvements. They break down current construction progress, what’s underway at Secessionville Road, and how the new roundabout at Camp Road will enhance safety and traffic flow for James Island travelers.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Van Koughnett, Director of the Tri-County Biological Science Center, to discuss the new 21,480-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is set to expediate DNA processing by dramatically reducing turnaround times and streamlining local forensic analysis.This project marks the first regional collaboration on DNA testing in state history, bringing together law enforcement agencies and coroners’ offices across three counties. Tom shares insights into the center’s advanced laboratory spaces, its critical role in examining physical evidence, identifying bodily remains, and providing expert testimony to the judicial system.Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/news/2024/charleston-berkeley-and-dorchester-county-leaders-break-ground-on-tri-county-biological-science-center.pdf

As part of its new Transportation Sales Tax (TST) planning process, Charleston County has launched an online public input form to gather ideas and feedback from community members that will help shape the future of transportation throughout the region. Public Works Director Eric Adams explains why YOUR input is a critical step. We also discuss the survey available now to the public and how transparency will be a priority. Link to survey: https://charlestontransportation.com/survey/More information on thesuccess of the Transportation Sales Tax program: https://charlestontransportation.com/

Episode 24 The Charleston Center, in partnership with FAVOR Lowcountry, is proud to announce the launch of Bridge2Hope, a new mobile app designed to connect community members with vital resources for drug and alcohol treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. Charleston Center employees Kelley Grobmyer and Sarah Halse managed the new initiative and detail how the new app can help those in need and their families.  Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cutcom.apparmor.cc  Apple: https://apps.apple.com/az/app/bridge2hope/id6747781698?uo=2  Charleston Center (DAODAS) https://cc.charlestoncounty.gov/

Charleston County Government is wrapping up its annual Summer Youth Employment program and, in this episode, we hear from three of this year’s participants. They’ll discuss the work they performed in each department, lessons learned, and why this program can help shape a career. Program Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/syip/

Recent rainfall is good for your lawn, garden, and flowers but also means an increase in the mosquito population. Our staff in Mosquito Control breakdown how we Fight the Bite by ground and air. Plus, a few tips to make your outdoor time more enjoyable. Mosquito Control Request: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ecc5ff92daaa44509482a38cfff9e249?portalUrl=https://chascogis.maps.arcgis.com Department info: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/public-works/mosquito-about.php 

Community Representative LaMonica Smalls details our free Earth Day event for Charleston County residents on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Recycling Center located at 8099 Palmetto Commerce Parkway. The event will be held rain or shine and is for residents only, not commercial businesses.LaMonica is available to speak with school groups or local organizations about how to Recycle Right. Give her a call at 843-720-7111 or e-mail at [email protected]

Episode 23 – Are you thinking of adding on to your home, maybe removing a tree or adding a shed in the backyard? There’s a good chance you’ll need a permit before work can begin. In this episode, we chat with Spencer Antos with the Zoning and Planning department. He explains what issues they deal with daily and what it can cost you if you skip a step.Permitting and Code Enforcement Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/zoning-planning/files/avoid-getting-a-fine.pdf?244Charleston County Zoning and Planning: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/zoning-planning/index.phpIf anyone is uncertain if they need a permit to remove a tree or for any activity on their parcel, they can always call 843-202-7200 to speak with staff. We’re happy to help.

Episode 22 - Palmetto Commerce Interchange, a featured project from the 2016 Transportation Sales Tax, recently completed a key piece of the construction process. Project Engineer Mackenzie Kelley breaks down the latest, what’s next, and how this project provides relief to the traveling public. Plus, the all-important completion timeline.   Project website: https://www.palmettocommerceinterchange.com/ Charleston County Transportation Home: https://roads.charlestoncounty.org/index.php