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PODCAST

Front & Center

Welcome to "Front & Center," the podcast that pulls back the curtain on government operations, offering you an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of one of North Carolina"s bustling cities. This show is hosted by April Nesbit, Public Information Officer, with co-host Nakayla Griffin, Community Resource Officer.We invite you to join us as we navigate the corridors of government in Statesville, revealing the processes, policies, and people that drive the city forward. Expect exclusive

government

All Episodes

40:35

36 Years Of Service: Lessons From The Longest-Serving...

Front & Center ·

2025/11/17

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 offic...

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25:56

From Pumpkins To Trolleys, Here’s How Downtown Comes...

Front & Center ·

2025/10/22

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 ca...

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16:50

Navigating Statesville's Annual Leaf Collection: Tips...

Front & Center ·

2025/09/29

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 coll...

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17:42

Statesville’s Night Out Returns: Building Community...

Front & Center ·

2025/09/23

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? U...

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32:44

Pardon Our Mess: How Statesville's Projects Signal...

Front & Center ·

2025/09/01

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...

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19:45

Breaking Barriers: Statesville's Adaptive and...

Front & Center ·

2025/08/18

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 athlete...

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16:34

Statesville Public Power: A Smarter Way to Monitor...

Front & Center ·

2025/07/28

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 (...

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24:49

25 Years at the Heart of Downtown: How Statesville’s...

Front & Center ·

2025/07/14

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, ret...

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25:20

Jets, Jobs & Runway: Inside the Business of...

Front & Center ·

2025/06/30

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 ...

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12:51

Behind the Ballot: Statesville's Election Changes

Front & Center ·

2025/06/17

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. Thi...

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16:46

Community Policing: Building Trust Through Summer Events

Front & Center ·

2025/06/02

"A Blue Hot Summer" is heating up in Statesville as the Statesville Police Department rolls out a full season of community events aimed at building trust and strengthening relationships. From youth camps to cookouts, these gatherings offer more than just fun—they're reshaping how residents see law enforcement. Led by leaders like Captain Anthony Hamby, Statesville PD is making connection a top priority this summer. The summer calendar kicks off with their signature Youth Summer Camp (June 23-...

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23:38

Soak Up Summer with Statesville Recreation & Parks:...

Front & Center ·

2025/05/19

Get ready to soak up the sunshine with Statesville Recreation and Parks! In this energizing episode of Front and Center, hosts April and Nikayla welcome Chase Bell and H Patton to unveil the city's exciting summer lineup of activities, events, and recreational opportunities. Summer movies take center stage with two distinct series to enjoy. The Dive-In Movies at Statesville Leisure Pool offer a unique experience where families can splash and play while watching films like "The Little Mermaid"...

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26:19

Beneath the Asphalt: Who Really Fixes Your Streets?

Front & Center ·

2025/04/28

In the latest episode of Front & Center, hosts April and Nikayla welcome Steve Bridges, Public Works Director, and Randall Meadows, Street Maintenance Superintendent, pull back the curtain on street maintenance operations in Statesville, sharing insights into their team's wide-ranging responsibilities beyond just pothole repair. Far from just filling potholes, the Street Department's 16-person team maintains 150 miles of roads while juggling sidewalk repairs, curb and gutter work, p...

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19:17

Affordable Transit for All: ICATS Public...

Front & Center ·

2025/04/14

Affordable, accessible transportation is within reach thanks to the Iredell County Area Transportation System (ICATS). Serving all of Iredell County, ICATS offers low-cost, reliable transit for everything from work commutes to medical appointments and everyday errands. One of their most popular services is the $3 express route to Charlotte—an economical alternative to gas and tolls—while in-county trips cost just $1, with options including fixed routes like the Statesville Bloom and Mooresvil...

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24:28

You're Never Too Old to Compete: Inside the Thriving...

Front & Center ·

2025/03/31

Forget everything you thought you knew about aging. The Iredell Senior Games are shattering stereotypes and creating a vibrant community for adults 50 and better. Daniel Lewis, Aquatics and Athletic Manager for Statesville Parks and Recreation, pulls back the curtain on what makes these games so special. For just $10, participants can compete in everything from pickleball (the fastest-growing senior sport nationwide) to cornhole, bocce, competitive bowling, and more! The registration includes...

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30:15

Breaking Down the City of Statesville Budget: Where...

Front & Center ·

2025/03/18

Ever wondered where your tax dollars actually go once they leave your wallet? In this illuminating conversation, Statesville City Manager Ron Smith pulls back the curtain on municipal finance, revealing the nuts and bolts of how a $178 million City budget comes together. From property taxes to utility fees, Smith explains the revenue sources that keep City services running while detailing the challenging decisions behind every dollar spent. With personnel costs topping the list of expenditur...

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24:27

Bridging the Gap: Understanding Public Safety Through...

Front & Center ·

2025/03/03

Step behind the curtain into the dynamic world of first responders through our latest podcast episode. Join us as we explore the mixed elements of training and camaraderie within the Statesville Public Safety Academy, designed to bridge the gap between police, fire, and community engagement. This program invites residents to gain direct insights into what it takes to be a first responder, equipping them with knowledge that empowers informed community relationships. In this episode, we dive in...

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17:37

Building Trust Beyond the Badge: Officer Christian...

Front & Center ·

2025/02/17

Officer Christian Aguilar, affectionately known as Mr. Hollywood, joins us for a lively conversation about his inspiring journey from the National Guard to the Statesville Police Department. At just 24, he has already made a significant impact through his commitment to community policing, emphasizing the importance of building trust and relationships during non-crisis times. Throughout our chat, Officer Aguilar shares how his military background has influenced his approach to law enforcement,...

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29:19

The Brave Path: Inside the Life and Lessons of a...

Front & Center ·

2025/01/27

Captain Brandon Wiggins, Statesville Fire Department, takes us on an eye-opening journey through the ever-changing world of firefighting in Statesville. Inspired by a poignant family moment, Brandon’s path to the fire service is a compelling narrative of dedication and heart. He shares firsthand accounts of the unpredictable life of a firefighter, offering a glimpse into the tightly-knit family atmosphere created over shared meals and mutual support. From intense emergency calls to the emotio...

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16:11

Empowering Statesville Residents: Stormwater...

Front & Center ·

2025/01/14

Unlock the secrets of effective urban stormwater management with Randall Moore, Statesville's dedicated stormwater program manager, as we uncover the challenges and solutions to safeguarding our city's waterways. Discover how urban development's impervious surfaces contribute to increased runoff and pollution and learn about the primary culprits like fertilizers and motor oil that threaten our environment. With Randall's expertise, we navigate the complexities of maintaining an aging infrastr...

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34 results

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