Charleston County Connects

Inside Charleston County Sustainability: Composting and Energy Efficiency

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/p86763 [https://publicinput.com/p86763] Resilience and Sustainability Department: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/ccrs/ [https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/ccrs/]

Project Update: Fort Johnson Road Intersection Improvements

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.

Addressing the DNA Backlog in the Tri-County

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 [https://www.charlestoncounty.org/news/2024/charleston-berkeley-and-dorchester-county-leaders-break-ground-on-tri-county-biological-science-center.pdf]

Planning for the Future of Transportation in Charleston County

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/ [https://charlestontransportation.com/survey/] More information on thesuccess of the Transportation Sales Tax program: https://charlestontransportation.com/ [https://charlestontransportation.com/]

New App Targets the Opioid Epidemic

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 [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cutcom.apparmor.cc]   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/az/app/bridge2hope/id6747781698?uo=2 [https://apps.apple.com/az/app/bridge2hope/id6747781698?uo=2]   Charleston Center (DAODAS) https://cc.charlestoncounty.gov/ [https://cc.charlestoncounty.gov/]