Winder Works

What does a day in the life of a police officer really look like—and what does it take to lead a modern police department? In this episode, Winder Police Chief Jim Fullington shares his path from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to leading a 44-officer department serving a growing community. He breaks down the realities of policing, from responding to everyday calls to addressing common issues like theft and domestic violence, and offers practical tips residents can use to stay safe.

What does it really take to keep a city running in a digital world—and protect it from threats most residents never see? In this episode, City Administrator Jonathan Lynn sits down with John Rorke, the City of Winder’s Chief Information Officer, to pull back the curtain on the technology quietly powering everyday city services. John shares his journey from the private sector and education into local government, and explains how modern city operations—from water treatment and utilities to public safety and finance—depend on secure, reliable technology. He discusses the growing reality of cybersecurity threats, why cities are targeted daily by global attacks, and how phishing, social engineering, and AI-driven scams have become some of the most serious risks facing governments today.

Ever wonder how Spooktacular comes together, how many pieces of candy it takes to keep thousands of trick-or-treaters happy, or why Winder’s events seem to get bigger every year? In this episode, Winder’s Director of Special Events, Talore Ruedt, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to plan the city’s most popular community experiences.

What’s it really like to run the hub where thousands of Winder residents go to pay bills, ask questions, and solve problems? In this episode, Michele Melville, Director of the City of Winder’s Customer Service Center, takes us behind the counter. From water bills and property taxes to leak adjustments and garbage service, Michele’s team serves more than 22,000 customers with accuracy, kindness, and a steady hand—even when emotions run high. She shares her journey from cashier to director, explains how smart meter technology helps residents track their usage, and highlights the importance of empathy and active listening in every interaction.

Ever wonder who decides which streets get paved—or why that traffic light never seems to be in sync? In this episode, Winder City Engineer Gerard Brewer pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep a city running. From potholes to pavement condition scores, from drainage to development, Gerard explains how the engineering team is tackling Winder’s aging roads, explosive growth, and limited resources—all while staying laser-focused on getting the most value for your tax dollars.

Beth Reynolds, Director of Development Services for the City of Winder, discusses why planning and development matters for a city. She shares her journey into city planning and zoning, and even a few fun facts—like her love for kayaking and mapping historic cemeteries.

Executive Director of the Winder Housing Authority Michelle Yawn shares the incredible turnaround for the organization, and the City's partnership efforts in a $1 million grant. Yawn's decade of service, leadership, and vision has come to fruition through the Wimberly Center, a community hub delivering education, food security, child enrichment, job training, and other community development services to an estimated 8,000 people annually and up to 150 children daily.

Winder native Emmaline Farmer sits down with us to chat about her pageant journey to becoming 2024's Miss Georgia USA, and why she is an advocate for healthy living after facing a health scare with her father.